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4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Varanasi in August 2024

  1. Day 1: Ganges River
    20 minutes (6.5 km) from Varanasi Airport

    Morning: Take a boat ride along the Ganges River during sunrise to witness the stunning views of the city bathed in the golden light of dawn. Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Tulsi Manas Temple, a beautiful marble temple with exquisite carvings of Hindu mythology. Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges River.

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    30 minutes (10.3 km) from Ganges River

    Morning: Explore the ruins of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. The site is home to several ancient stupas, monasteries and temples. Afternoon: Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, a beautiful Buddhist stupa built in the 5th century AD. Evening: Watch the Sound and Light show that chronicles the life of Lord Buddha at the Sarnath museum.

  3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort and Museum
    25 minutes (7.8 km) from Sarnath

    Morning: Visit Ramnagar Fort, a magnificent fort built in the 18th century that serves as the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort houses a museum that displays a collection of vintage cars, medieval weapons and antique artifacts. Afternoon: Explore the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Evening: Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat and catch a glimpse of the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

  4. Day 4: Manikarnika Ghat
    20 minutes (6.6 km) from Ramnagar Fort and Museum

    Morning: Take a boat ride to the Manikarnika Ghat, the holiest and the busiest ghat in Varanasi, to witness the ancient Hindu tradition of cremation. Afternoon: Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a vast collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts from ancient India. Evening: Shop for souvenirs at the local markets or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the local street food scene and take a food tour to try some of the local delicacies. You can also take a day trip to Chunar Fort, located 40 km from Varanasi, or to the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, located 70 km from Varanasi.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Tulsi Manas Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Ganga Aarti ceremony (1 hour, Free)
  • Sarnath (3 hours, Free)
  • Chaukhandi Stupa (1 hour, Free)
  • Sound and Light show at Sarnath museum (1 hour, INR 75)
  • Ramnagar Fort and Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Banaras Hindu University (2 hours, Free)
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (1 hour, Free)
  • Manikarnika Ghat (2 hours, Free)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (2 hours, INR 10)
  • Food tour (3 hours, INR 1500)
  • Chunar Fort day trip (6 hours, INR 2000)
  • Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary day trip (10 hours, INR 5000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 7685
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