Start your trip by experiencing the morning aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat. Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Spend the afternoon exploring the streets of Varanasi and try some famous street food. In the evening, witness the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Visit Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the excavated ruins of the ancient city of Sarnath and visit the Archaeological Museum. Spend the evening at the Dhammek Stupa and witness the light and sound show.
Visit the Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort located on the banks of the river Ganges. Explore the museum inside the fort and witness the evening aarti ceremony at the nearby Ravidas Ghat. Spend the evening shopping at the local markets of Varanasi.
Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles from various parts of India. Spend the afternoon exploring the Banaras Hindu University campus and visit the Vishwanath Temple inside the campus. In the evening, attend the Ganga aarti ceremony at the Chet Singh Ghat.
Experience the morning rituals at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and holiest cremation ghats in Varanasi. Take a boat ride on the Ganges and visit the Alamgir Mosque and the Bharat Mata Temple. Spend the evening at the Panchganga Ghat and witness the Ganga aarti ceremony.
Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore the New Vishwanath Temple and the Kala Bhawan art gallery. Spend the afternoon at the Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In the evening, attend the Ganga aarti ceremony at the Harishchandra Ghat.
Visit the Chunar Fort, a historic fort located on the banks of the river Ganges. Explore the ancient ruins and the nearby Kali Temple. Spend the afternoon at the Vindhyachal Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. In the evening, return to Varanasi and experience the Ganga aarti ceremony at the Triveni Sangam Ghat.
Other places to consider visiting include the Tulsi Manas Temple, the Durga Temple, and the Annapurna Devi Temple. You can also take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges or go for a cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes of Varanasi. Side trips to nearby places like Allahabad and Bodh Gaya can also be planned. Make sure to try the famous Banarasi paan and shop for Banarasi silk sarees.
To plan your hotel and flight bookings, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.