Arrive at Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Cantt/City railway station) and check in to a centrally located hotel near Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat for easy access to ghats; rest briefly after travel.
Famous local spot for chaat, kachoris and light vegetarian meals; an ideal first taste of Banarasi street food your dad will enjoy. Open approx 7:00am–11:00pm, but check hours on travel day.
See the famous Kashi Vishwanath complex and the surrounding historic lanes; inner shrine timings vary (typically early morning and evening), so plan to be there for the evening darshan (approx 5:30pm onward).
Experience the iconic evening Ganga Aarti — a powerful, visual ritual with priests, lamps and chanting that’s a must-see in Varanasi; usually around 6:00pm–7:00pm in January. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good spot; seating boats and galleries may charge.
Enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner with views of the river or old city; choose local specialities — thali, dal makhani, malaiyyo (seasonal sweet) — for a celebratory anniversary meal. Rooftops open typically till 10:30pm.
Early morning boat ride along the ghats at sunrise — see pilgrims, ceremonies and the city waking up; best time for photography and spiritual atmosphere. Boats operate from ~5:00am; private boat per family recommended.
Sample rich fruit or malai lassi at the Blue Lassi Shop (Thatheri Bazaar) and pick up pastries or omelettes at Brown Bread Bakery for lighter options; many bakeries open by 7:30–8:00am.
Visit the revered Sankat Mochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman — a local pilgrimage site with regular aartis and a lively atmosphere; open typically 5:00am–10:00pm.
Walk the historic BHU campus and visit Bharat Kala Bhavan for textiles, painting and archaeology collections (museum hours usually 10:00am–5:00pm; check for closures), offering cultural context to Banaras’ heritage.
Enjoy a hearty vegetarian Banarasi thali at a well-reviewed local restaurant to sample staples like sabzi, dal, rotis and sweets; thalis are filling and showcase regional flavors.
Leisurely walk through narrow lanes to see Banarasi sari weaving shops, brassware and street life; great for buying anniversary mementos (many shops open 10:00am–8:00pm).
Varanasi is a music city — check schedules at local venues or hotels for evening classical or bhajan concerts (sessions typically 6:00pm–8:00pm); book in advance if you want a reserved seat.
Go for an evening food walk sampling sweets (gulab jamun, malaiyo if in season), kebabs at trusted stalls, and finishing with lassi; make this a relaxed, dad-focused tasting evening.
Short, easy drive east to Sarnath — the important Buddhist pilgrimage site where the Buddha gave his first sermon; roads are straightforward and the site is peaceful in the morning.
Walk the Sarnath complex, see the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka pillar remains and serene gardens; best visited between 9:00am–4:30pm (Sarnath grounds open daily, but museum may have specific hours).
Have a relaxed lunch at a nearby family-run restaurant offering North Indian vegetarian dishes; a good chance for your dad to try regional dals and breads.
Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort and its museum which houses vintage cars, royal artifacts and a charming palace; fort timings are usually 9:30am–4:30pm so plan your entry accordingly.
Book a special rooftop dinner for the anniversary — choose a well-reviewed hotel rooftop or specialty restaurant offering multi-course meals and river views to mark the occasion.
Start the last day with a hot kachori or stuffed paratha from a trusted outlet near Godowlia to fuel a final morning of shopping and sightseeing; many stalls open from 7:00am.
Spend the morning buying Banarasi silk or light souvenirs — bargaining is common, and many shops open by 9:00am and close by 8:00pm; allow time to pick something special for your parents’ anniversary memory.
If time allows, visit nearby temples — Durga Temple (red temple) and Tulsi Manas are accessible and meaningful stops; most are open from early morning until late evening.
Enjoy one last relaxed meal at a well-reviewed local restaurant or hotel — try seasonal sweets (January: malaiyyo if available) and a slow Punjabi/UP-style meal your dad will appreciate.