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7-Day Budget Itinerary for Varanasi in November 2023

  1. Day 1: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Assi Ghat

    Start the day early with a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most prominent temples in Varanasi. Enjoy the morning Aarti ceremony and witness the spiritual culture of the city.

  2. Day 2: Explore Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort
    1 hour 30 minutes (12 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, followed by a tour of Ramnagar Fort's museum. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the Ganges River and witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.

  3. Day 3: Discover Varanasi's Ghats
    20 minutes (2 km) from Ramnagar Fort

    Stroll along the ghats of Varanasi, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Raj Ghat. Hire a boat to see the ghats from the river, then enjoy local street food and a cup of masala chai.

  4. Day 4: Visit the Durga Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir
    25 minutes (4.5 km) from Assi Ghat

    Explore the Durga Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Durga, and Bharat Mata Mandir, which features a giant relief map of India. In the evening, attend a classical music concert at the Assi Ghat.

  5. Day 5: Indulge in Varanasi's Street Food
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Bharat Mata Mandir

    Sample delicious street food such as chaat, lassi, kachori, and paan in the popular food streets of Varanasi, such as Kachori Gali and Thatheri Bazaar. In the evening, watch a performance of Hindi cinema at the UP Films Development Federation.

  6. Day 6: Experience Varanasi's Cultural Heritage
    15 minutes (3 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Banaras Hindu University, which features a museum and art gallery. Then, attend a performance of the classical dance form of Uttar Pradesh, Kathak, at the Nataraj Mandir.

  7. Day 7: Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple
    20 minutes (4.5 km) from Banaras Hindu University

    End your trip with a visit to the Tulsi Manas Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Sankat Mochan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In the evening, attend a performance of the classical music form of Uttar Pradesh, Thumri, at the Bharat Kala Bhavan.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, which offers breathtaking views of the city. You can also take a day trip to nearby Chunar Fort or the holy city of Allahabad. For maximizing fun, try participating in a yoga class or a cooking class, or taking a rickshaw ride through the city's narrow lanes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Sarnath (2-3 hours, free)
  • Ramnagar Fort (1-2 hours, INR 15)
  • Ganges River Cruise (2 hours, INR 150-250)
  • Durga Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Bharat Mata Mandir (1-2 hours, free)
  • Indulge in Varanasi's Street Food (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
  • Banaras Hindu University (2-3 hours, free)
  • Tulsi Manas Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sankat Mochan Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • UP Films Development Federation (2 hours, INR 50-100)
  • Nataraj Mandir (2 hours, INR 100-200)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 500-900
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