Itinerary for 3 day trip to Banaras

Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be one of the holiest places for Hindus. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Banaras that is family-friendly:

Day 1:

Start your day early with a boat ride on the . This is a great way to experience the city and see the various ghats (steps leading down to the river) that line the riverbank.
After the boat ride, head to the , which is one of the most famous temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of the city.
Next, visit the , which is another popular temple in Banaras. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is known for its peaceful atmosphere.
In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at . This is a beautiful ritual where priests perform prayers and offer lamps to the river.

Day 2:

Start your day by visiting the , which is located inside the Banaras Hindu University campus. The museum has a vast collection of art, artifacts, and manuscripts from different parts of India.
Next, visit the , which is located on the opposite bank of the . The fort was built in the 18th century and is home to a museum that showcases the history and culture of Banaras.
In the evening, take a stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city and explore the local markets. You can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Banarasi sarees.

Day 3:

Start your day by visiting the , which is located about 10 km from Banaras. Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment and the Dhamek Stupa is a symbol of this event.
Next, visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, which is another important Buddhist site in Sarnath. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Buddha met his first disciples.
In the evening, attend the . This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik and is a beautiful sight to behold. The ghats are decorated with thousands of lamps and the atmosphere is festive.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Banaras!