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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Banaras in August 2023

  1. Day 1: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Dasaswamedh Ghat

    Start your day early with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afternoon, explore the local markets around the temple. Evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat.

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    10 km (6.2 miles) from Banaras Hindu University

    Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Morning, explore the Sarnath Museum. Afternoon, visit the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Dhamek Stupa. Evening, attend the Light and Sound show at the Sarnath archaeological site.

  3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort and Museum
    6.5 km (4 miles) from Assi Ghat

    Visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, which is situated on the opposite bank of the river Ganga. Morning, explore the fort and museum. Afternoon, take a boat ride on the river Ganga. Evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat.

  4. Day 4: Manikarnika Ghat and Banaras Hindu University
    4 km (2.5 miles) from Ramnagar Fort and Museum

    Start your day early with a visit to Manikarnika Ghat, the largest cremation ground in Banaras. Morning, explore the Banaras Hindu University campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Afternoon, visit the New Vishwanath Temple and the Tulsi Manas Temple. Evening, take a walk along the ghats.

  5. Day 5: Alamgir Mosque and Durga Temple
    1.5 km (0.9 miles) from New Vishwanath Temple

    Visit the Alamgir Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Banaras, located on the Panchganga Ghat. Morning, visit the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. Afternoon, explore the local markets around the temple. Evening, take a boat ride on the river Ganga.

  6. Day 6: Bharat Mata Mandir and Banaras Silk Weaving Centre
    4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Tulsi Manas Temple

    Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Morning, visit the Banaras Silk Weaving Centre, where you can see the process of weaving Banarasi silk sarees. Afternoon, take a rickshaw ride to explore the narrow lanes and markets of Banaras. Evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Harishchandra Ghat.

  7. Day 7: Triveni Sangam and Akshaya Vat
    19 km (11.8 miles) from Harishchandra Ghat

    Visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Morning, visit the Akshaya Vat, a sacred banyan tree believed to be immortal. Afternoon, take a dip in the holy waters of the Sangam and offer prayers. Evening, return to Banaras and explore the local markets one last time.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the following places: Kedar Ghat, Asi Ghat, Nepali Temple, and Annapurna Temple. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad, which is known for the Kumbh Mela festival. To maximize your fun, try the local street food, especially chaat and lassi. Ensure to carry a water bottle, sunscreen lotion, and an umbrella as it can be quite hot and humid in August.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sarnath (3-4 hours, ₹250)
  • Ramnagar Fort and Museum (2-3 hours, ₹100)
  • Banaras Hindu University (2-3 hours, free)
  • Alamgir Mosque (1 hour, free)
  • Durga Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Bharat Mata Mandir (1-2 hours, free)
  • Banaras Silk Weaving Centre (1-2 hours, free)
  • Triveni Sangam and Akshaya Vat (3-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹350
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