Start your cultural immersion at Assi Ghat, one of the oldest and busiest ghats in Varanasi. Witness the early morning rituals of Hindus, take a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges, and explore the nearby temples. In the afternoon, try the famous "Chaat" (street food) at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, and shop for souvenirs at the nearby market. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a daily Hindu ritual of worship.
Visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Explore the archaeological ruins and museums, and learn about Buddhism. In the afternoon, visit the weaver's village of Sarai Mohana, famous for producing the finest silk sarees and brocades. In the evening, attend the light and sound show at Sarnath.
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the narrow lanes and temples of the old city, and taste the famous "litti-chokha" cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, which houses ancient manuscripts, vintage cars, and weapons. In the evening, take a boat ride to witness the Dev Deepawali festival, celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
Explore the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has a collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Muslim-dominated area of Madanpura, famous for producing the traditional "Banarasi paan" (betel leaf). In the evening, attend the Ramlila, a theatrical performance of the epic Ramayana.
Witness the final rites of Hindus at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred cremation ghats in Varanasi. Take a guided tour of the ghat, and learn about the customs and traditions of death in Hinduism. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Tulsi Ghat, which has a temple dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas. In the evening, attend the classical music concert at the nearby Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra.
Aside from the above itinerary, you may also consider visiting the following local attractions: Dhamekh Stupa, Chunar Fort, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, and the nearby city of Allahabad. You can take a side trip to the nearby town of Chunar, which is famous for its pottery and fort. To maximize your fun, try attending the festivals of Mahashivratri, Holi, and Diwali, which are celebrated with great zeal in Varanasi. Also, don't forget to try the local street food and shop for silk sarees and handicrafts.
Find and book your flights and hotels for Varanasi at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo