Family-Friendly Itinerary for 7 Days in Varanasi in June 2023

1. Day 1: Sarnath
   9 minutes (5.4 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

   Spend the morning exploring the ancient Buddhist ruins and visit the Sarnath Museum. Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine and return to Varanasi for an evening aarti ceremony by the Ganges River.

2. Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat
   15 minutes (5.7 km) from Sarnath

   Start the day with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Then, take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the Manikarnika Ghat, the largest cremation ground in Varanasi. End the day with a stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city and try local street food.

3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort and Museum
   30 minutes (11.6 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   Head to the Ramnagar Fort and Museum to explore the impressive architecture and collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, and antique weapons. Then, take a dip in the holy waters of the Asi Ghat and enjoy the sunset view from the terrace of a rooftop restaurant.

4. Day 4: Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan
   20 minutes (8.6 km) from Ramnagar Fort and Museum

   Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore the beautiful campus and its museums. Then, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to see a vast collection of Indian art, archeology, and textiles. End the day with a walk along the Ganges River and a dinner at one of the ghats.

5. Day 5: Chunar Fort and Waterfall
   1 hour 15 minutes (32.8 km) from Banaras Hindu University

   Take a day trip to the Chunar Fort and Waterfall and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Explore the ancient fort and its surroundings, and take a dip in the refreshing waterfall. Return to Varanasi for a boat ride and watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

6. Day 6: Assi Ghat and Durga Temple
   20 minutes (6.9 km) from Dashashwamedh Ghat

   Start the day with a visit to the Assi Ghat and its lively morning rituals, followed by a breakfast of traditional dishes. Then, visit the Durga Temple, an impressive temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and trying local delicacies at the markets.

7. Day 7: Varanasi Zoo and Botanical Gardens
   30 minutes (10.2 km) from Durga Temple

   End the trip with a visit to the Varanasi Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, or to experience a yoga or meditation session at one of the ashrams. For a side trip, consider visiting the nearby town of Chunar or the ancient city of Allahabad. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sarnath (3 hours, free)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat (5 hours, free)
• Ramnagar Fort and Museum (4 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan (5 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Chunar Fort and Waterfall (8 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Assi Ghat and Durga Temple (4 hours, free)
• Varanasi Zoo and Botanical Gardens (3 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 800 per person