Shoestring Budget 3-Day Itinerary for Varanasi in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Assi Ghat
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Start your trip by visiting Assi Ghat, one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi. Take a boat ride to witness the beautiful sunrise and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. After that, wander around the narrow alleys and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti, a Hindu ritual of worshiping the river Ganges with lighted lamps and flowers.

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    30 minutes (10 km) from Assi Ghat

    On the second day, head to Sarnath, a historical Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, which is 43 meters high and 28 meters in diameter, and the Archaeological Museum, which has a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts. Then, explore the Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Japanese Temple. In the evening, return to Varanasi and stroll around the local market to buy souvenirs.

  3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Assi Ghat

    On the final day, visit Ramnagar Fort, a magnificent 17th-century fort on the eastern bank of the Ganges river. The fort has a museum that displays vintage cars, medieval costumes, and antique guns. After that, go to the nearby Durga Temple, which is famous for its intricate stone carvings. Then, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has an impressive collection of Indian paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Assi Ghat Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, Free)
  • Ganga Aarti (1 hour, Free)
  • Dhamekh Stupa (1.5 hours, INR 15)
  • Archaeological Museum (1 hour, INR 5)
  • Chaukhandi Stupa (30 minutes, Free)
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Japanese Temple (30 minutes, Free)
  • Ramnagar Fort (2 hours, INR 25)
  • Durga Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation): INR 285
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