Exploring Varanasi: A 7-Day Itinerary

Saturday, December 2: Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! Begin your trip by checking into your hotel and freshening up. In the morning, head to the Ganga ghats for a boat ride on the holy River Ganges. Witness the captivating Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening, where priests perform rituals dedicated to the river, accompanied by chanting and music.

• Ganga Boat Ride: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 2 hours
• Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Sunday, December 3: Varanasi Heritage Walk and Sarnath Excursion

Embark on a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi in the morning, exploring ancient temples and discovering the city's rich history and culture. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

• Heritage Walk: Cost estimate - INR 500 (guided tour), Time spent - 3 hours
• Sarnath Visit: Cost estimate - INR 500 (transportation), Time spent - 3-4 hours

Monday, December 4: Varanasi Silk Shopping and Evening Ganga Aarti

Indulge in some retail therapy in Varanasi's bustling silk market, renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk sarees and fabrics. Witness another mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, this time at either Assi Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat.

• Silk Shopping: Cost estimate - Variable based on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Evening Ganga Aarti: Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, December 5: Visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Dhamek Stupa

Start your day with a visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Afterward, head to Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, one of the oldest and most prominent Buddhist stupas in India.

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dhamek Stupa: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 6: Sunrise Boat Ride and Explore Old Varanasi

Wake up early to enjoy a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the city come to life with morning rituals and activities. Spend the rest of the day exploring the narrow lanes of Old Varanasi, where you'll find hidden temples, local markets, and authentic street food.

• Sunrise Boat Ride: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 2 hours
• Explore Old Varanasi: Cost estimate - Variable based on purchases, Time spent - 4-5 hours

Thursday, December 7: Visit Varanasi's Ghats and Ramnagar Fort

Discover the distinct character of Varanasi's ghats, including Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and more. In the afternoon, visit Ramnagar Fort, a magnificent fort-palace with a museum showcasing the royal heritage of the region.

• Varanasi Ghats Visit: Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Ramnagar Fort: Cost estimate - INR 200, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, December 8: Visit Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India's premier educational institutions. Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, the university's museum, housing an extensive collection of art, archaeology, and historical artifacts.

• Banaras Hindu University: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bharat Kala Bhavan: Cost estimate - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Take a stroll through the serene Tulsi Manas Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and beautifully adorned with verses from the Ramcharitmanas. Visit the unique Monkey Temple (Durga Temple), where monkeys roam freely, creating a lively and distinctive atmosphere. Finally, experience the soul-soothing meditation and yoga sessions offered by various ashrams in Varanasi.

For hotel and flight prices in Varanasi, you can check out Kayak.