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A 7-Day Full Time Trip to Varanasi on a Budget

  1. Day 1: Dashashwamedh Ghat
    25 minutes (6.4 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Start your day by witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the Ganges at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Take a boat ride along the river to see the various ghats and temples. In the afternoon, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and learn about the history and culture of Hinduism. End your day with the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    30 minutes (10.2 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins, temples and museums that depict the life and teachings of the Buddha. In the afternoon, head to the Ramnagar Fort and Museum that houses the rare collection of vintage cars, royal artifacts and weapons.

  3. Day 3: Banaras Hindu University and BHU Museum
    20 minutes (5.7 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Discover the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Walk around the scenic campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum that showcases the art and culture of India. In the evening, attend the classical music performances at the university's amphitheater.

  4. Day 4: Manikarnika Ghat and Kedar Ghat
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Experience the traditional rituals of death and rebirth by visiting the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and sacred ghats in Varanasi. Take a boat ride along the river to see the various ghats and learn about the spiritual practices of Hinduism. In the evening, visit the Kedar Ghat and enjoy the street food and shopping in the local markets.

  5. Day 5: Assi Ghat and Durga Temple
    25 minutes (7.9 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Explore the Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. Take a dip in the holy waters and witness the evening Aarti ceremony. Visit the nearby Durga Temple, a unique temple dedicated to the goddess Durga and built in the Nagara style of architecture. End your day with a visit to the famous Blue Lassi shop for some delicious lassi.

  6. Day 6: Chunar Fort and Palace
    2 hours (43.2 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Take a day trip to the Chunar Fort and Palace, a medieval fort that was once ruled by various dynasties of India. Explore the ruins and the palace, take a boat ride along the nearby river and enjoy the scenic views. On your way back, stop at the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the rich biodiversity of the region.

  7. Day 7: Gyanvapi Mosque and Tulsi Manas Temple
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

    Visit the Gyanvapi Mosque, a mosque built on the site of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of the region. In the afternoon, head to the Tulsi Manas Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and built in the white marble style of architecture. Buy souvenirs at the nearby local markets and end your day with the street food at the famous Kachori Gali.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on taking a heritage walk through the old city of Varanasi and exploring the hidden lanes and alleys. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad and visit the Sangam, the confluence of three major rivers. To maximize your fun, try taking a yoga class or Ayurvedic spa treatment to rejuvenate your mind and body. Lastly, don't forget to try the famous Banarasi paan and golgappas.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (3 hours, free)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Ganga Aarti ceremony (1.5 hours, free)
  • Sarnath (4 hours, INR 300)
  • Ramnagar Fort and Museum (3 hours, INR 200)
  • BHU Museum (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Manikarnika Ghat (3 hours, free)
  • Kedar Ghat (2 hours, free)
  • Assi Ghat (2 hours, free)
  • Durga Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Blue Lassi shop (30 minutes, INR 50)
  • Chunar Fort and Palace (6 hours, INR 500)
  • Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 100)
  • Gyanvapi Mosque (1.5 hours, free)
  • Tulsi Manas Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Kachori Gali (30 minutes, INR 50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1200
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