Since you’re landing at 6:20 pm and time is tight, don’t delay—head first to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Vishwanath Gali. From the airport/railway side of Varanasi, a cab or auto to the old city usually takes around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, and the last stretch is best done by auto-rickshaw because the lanes near Godowlia get congested and often partially restricted. Keep your phone, wallet, and any big bag minimal; security checks are normal, and the queue for darshan can range from 20 minutes to over an hour on a busy evening. For a sacred Shiva visit like yours, this is the one place I’d protect first—enter calmly, keep it simple, and don’t rush the inner moment just to “cover” it.
After darshan, step into the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor right around the temple for photos and a slower, more open feel than the narrow lanes outside. This is when the evening light, bells, and the movement of pilgrims feel especially alive. Then continue to Annapurna Devi Mandir, which is very close and easy to include without losing time; it’s a beautiful, meaningful quick stop in the same temple cluster. From there, move toward Godowlia for a simple dinner—think kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat, baati chokha, or a cooling lassi. Good, no-fuss options nearby include places around the Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia belt; budget about ₹150–400 per person, and eat light so you can still enjoy the ghats after.
Head to Dasaswamedh Ghat area next, ideally reaching by about 8:15–8:30 pm if the temple section doesn’t stretch too long. Realistically, if you arrive later, you may miss the full Ganga Aarti, but even then the riverfront evening energy is worth seeing—priests chanting, lamps, crowds, boatmen, and the whole ghat glowing. Auto-rickshaw is the fastest link from Godowlia to the ghat; traffic is dense, so expect short delays and be ready to walk the last bit. If you do catch the aarti, stand back from the main steps for a better view and less pushing; if it’s too crowded, don’t force it—just soak in the atmosphere and move on.
Finish at Assi Ghat for a calmer, more reflective end to the evening. Late at night, this side feels more open and peaceful than the central ghats, and a short riverside walk here is a nice way to let the night settle after the intense temple visit. If you still have energy, sit for a few minutes near the river steps and just watch the boats and the lamps on the water. From Dashashwamedh Ghat, it’s usually a 20–30 minute auto ride depending on traffic; if you’re heading out of Varanasi afterward, plan your departure soon after 11 pm and use a cab from the Assi side or arrange pickup in advance, because late-night old-city traffic can be slow and slightly chaotic.