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7-Day Budget Itinerary for Banaras

7-Day Budget Itinerary for Banaras

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Morning: Explore the Ghats

Start your day by witnessing the spiritual and cultural significance of Banaras at the ghats. Take a boat ride along the Ganges River and visit the Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat. Observe the rituals and rituals performed by the locals, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.

  • Boat Ride: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Afternoon: Visit Sarnath

In the afternoon, head to Sarnath, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site located just 10 kilometers from Banaras. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and gain insights into the life of Lord Buddha. Witness the preserved archaeological artifacts at the Sarnath Museum.

  • Transportation to Sarnath: Cost estimate - INR 100 per person (round trip), Time spent - 4 hours
  • Sarnath Museum: Cost estimate - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti

End your day by attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Witness the priests performing ritualistic offerings to the river, accompanied by chants and music. The enchanting atmosphere and the flickering of thousands of oil lamps create a truly magical experience.

  • Ganga Aarti: Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Monday, November 20, 2023

Morning: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Start your day by visiting the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the exquisite architecture and seek blessings at this sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Afternoon: Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

In the afternoon, explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to view its impressive collection of Indian art, archaeological exhibits, and miniature paintings.

  • BHU: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Cost estimate - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Evening: Take a Walk in the Old City

End your day by taking a leisurely walk through the narrow lanes of the old city. Experience the vibrant street life, indulge in local street food, and explore the bustling markets to buy traditional Banarasi silk sarees and other handicrafts.

  • Exploring the Old City: Cost estimate - INR 200 (approx.) for food and shopping, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Morning: Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Start your day by visiting the historic Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. Explore the museum within the fort to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Banaras.

  • Ramnagar Fort: Cost estimate - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Afternoon: Discover the Weaver's Village

In the afternoon, take a trip to the weaver's village, located on the outskirts of Banaras. Witness the traditional art of weaving Banarasi silk sarees and interact with the skilled craftsmen to gain insights into their craftsmanship.

  • Weaver's Village: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Evening: Enjoy a Music and Dance Performance

End your day by enjoying a mesmerizing music and dance performance at one of the cultural centers in Banaras. Immerse yourself in the classical music and dance forms of India, and appreciate the talent of local artists.

  • Cultural Performance: Cost estimate - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Morning: Explore Tibetan Monasteries

Start your day by exploring the Tibetan monasteries in Banaras. Visit the Tibetan Temple and experience the serene ambiance, colorful prayer flags, and Buddhist chants.

  • Tibetan Monasteries: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Afternoon: Enjoy a Boat Ride to Chunar Fort

In the afternoon, take a boat ride from Banaras to the historic Chunar Fort. Marvel at the stunning views of the river and explore the fort, known for its strategic location and architectural grandeur.

  • Boat Ride to Chunar Fort: Cost estimate - INR 500 per person (round trip), Time spent - 5 hours
  • Chunar Fort: Cost estimate - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Evening: Explore Godowlia Market

End your day by exploring the bustling Godowlia Market, a shopper's paradise. Indulge in street food, buy traditional clothes, accessories, and souvenirs made by local artisans.

  • Godowlia Market: Cost estimate - INR 300 (approx.) for food and shopping, Time spent - 2 hours

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Morning: Visit the Bharat Mata Temple

Start your day by visiting the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India. This temple does not worship any deity but showcases a map of undivided India and celebrates the country's unity and diversity.

  • Bharat Mata Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Afternoon: Explore the Alamgir Mosque

In the afternoon, visit the historic Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera. Marvel at the unique combination of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles reflected in this mosque.

  • Alamgir Mosque: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Evening: Enjoy a Sunset Boat Ride

End your day by taking a serene boat ride during the sunset and witness the spectacular view of the illuminated ghats and the enchanting beauty of Banaras.

  • Sunset Boat Ride: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Friday, November 24, 2023

Morning: Visit the New Vishwanath Temple

Start your day by visiting the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as Birla Temple. Admire the beautiful architecture and seek blessings at this modern Hindu temple.

  • New Vishwanath Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Afternoon: Explore the Bharat Mata Mandir

In the afternoon, explore the unique Bharat Mata Mandir, dedicated to the spirit of nationalism. The temple houses a marble relief map of India, as well as figures and events from various religious traditions, historical legends, and patriotic leaders.

  • Bharat Mata Mandir: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Evening: Take a Darshan at Tulsi Manas Temple

End your day by visiting the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. Admire the beautiful murals depicting the Ramayana and experience the peaceful ambiance of this temple.

  • Tulsi Manas Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Morning: Explore the Durga Temple

Start your day by visiting the iconic Durga Temple, also called the Monkey Temple. Enjoy the stunning architecture, observe the playful monkeys, and seek blessings from the Goddess Durga.

  • Durga Temple: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Afternoon: Visit the Banaras Ghats Museum

In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Ghats Museum to learn more about the history and significance of the ghats in Banaras. Gain insights into the rituals, festivals, and stories associated with the Ganges River.

  • Banaras Ghats Museum: Cost estimate - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Evening: Enjoy a Cultural Evening at the Rabindra Bhawan

End your day by attending a cultural evening at the Rabindra Bhawan. Experience live music, dance performances, and theater plays showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Banaras.

  • Cultural Evening: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Banaras is filled with hidden gems and local favorites. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known attractions like the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, the weaver's village, and the Rabindra Bhawan. These places offer unique experiences and a chance to interact with the local culture and traditions.

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