Begin your trip to Varanasi by visiting Sarnath, a sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Start your morning by visiting the Dhamek Stupa, a 128 feet tall solid cylindrical tower built of bricks, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a peaceful temple built in an ancient Indian architectural style. For lunch, head to the nearby Mughlai restaurant, Pind Balluchi. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to explore the collection of sculptures, ancient coins, and antiques related to Buddhism. End your day by visiting the Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient gateway which showcases the art and culture of the Mauryan period.
Start your day early by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most significant Hindu shrines in India. It is believed that a visit to the temple cleanses one's soul and frees them from the cycle of rebirth. After darshan, head to the famous street food market, Kachori Gali, and enjoy local delicacies like kachori, samosa, jalebi and lassi. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Ganges river and enjoy the scenic view of the ghats, including the famous Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. End your day with the Ganga aarti, a religious ritual performed every evening on the banks of the Ganges.
Start your morning by visiting the Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful 17th-century fort built on the eastern bank of the Ganges river. The fort has a museum which houses a rare collection of vintage cars, historic artillery, and medieval costumes. After exploring the fort and museum, head to the nearby Benaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which showcases a beautiful collection of paintings, textiles, and sculptures. End your day by visiting the Durga Temple, an 18th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Durga.
Start your last day in Varanasi by visiting the Assi Ghat, one of the most famous and oldest ghats in Varanasi. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and attend the morning aarti ceremony. After breakfast, head to the nearby Tulsi Ghat and visit the Monkey Temple, also known as the Durga Temple. It is named so because of the large number of monkeys that live within the temple complex. For lunch, head to the nearby street food market, Godowlia, and try local delicacies like chaat, thandai, and paan. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University Mosque, an architectural marvel that represents the perfect blend of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture. End your evening by attending a classical music concert at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
If you have extra time in Varanasi, you can visit the Alamgir Mosque, which is believed to be built by Emperor Aurangzeb on the site of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Alternatively, take a day trip to the nearby Chunar Fort, a beautiful fort built on a rock overlooking the Ganges river. To maximize your fun, hire a bike and explore the narrow lanes and alleys of Varanasi, or take a guided food tour to sample the best street food the city has to offer. Don't forget to try the famous Banarasi paan, a delicious after-dinner treat made from betel leaves and areca nuts. Happy traveling!
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