Exploring the Spiritual City of Varanasi in 3 Days

• Day 1: Explore the Ghats
  20 minutes (2.8 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

  Start your day with a boat ride along the Ganges river to admire the numerous ghats, which are the steps leading down to the river. Witness the morning rituals of the locals, take a dip in the holy waters, and visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the grand evening aarti.

• Day 2: Discover Varanasi's Heritage
  10 minutes (1.6 km) from Assi Ghat

  Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and Banaras Hindu University to explore Varanasi's rich history and culture. Discover the beautiful temples of Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Hanuman. Stroll through the vibrant and bustling streets of the old city and grab some delicious chaat and sweets from Kachori Gali, one of the oldest food streets in Varanasi.

• Day 3: Experience the Local Life
  15 minutes (4.6 km) from Bhu-Varanasi Airport

  Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, where Hindus believe that cremation at this ghat ensures moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Walk through the narrow alleys of the city and explore the local markets like the Thatheri Bazaar, famous for brassware, and the Katra/ Vishwanath Lane, famous for perfumes and sarees. End your day with a boat ride to see the beautiful Assi Ghat at sunset.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (1 hour, INR 20)
• Banaras Hindu University (2 hours, Free entry)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (1 hour, Free entry)
• Manikarnika Ghat (1 hour, Free entry)
• Thatheri Bazaar (1 hour, varies based on purchase)
• Katra/ Vishwanath Lane (2 hours, varies based on purchase)
• Boat ride (2 hours, INR 200 - INR 500 depending on the boat)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 220 - INR 520

Transportation

Varanasi is a compact city, and most places of interest are located close to each other. Hiring an auto-rickshaw can be a comfortable option to move around. Taxis are also available, but they may be expensive. On day 1, a boat ride along the river is recommended to avoid traffic on the roads. The airport is located approximately 30 minutes away from the city center and can be easily reached by taxi or Uber.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the nearby town of Sarnath, which is famous for the Buddha's first sermon. The town is located 10 km away from Varanasi and is easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw. If you have less time, you can adjust the itinerary by combining day 2 and day 3.

Airports

The city of Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), which is located 26 km northwest of the city center. The airport connects Varanasi to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Prepaid taxis are available at the airport, and the ride to the city center takes approximately 30 minutes.