Start your day at Assi Ghat, one of the southernmost and busiest ghats of Varanasi. Take a dip in the holy Ganges river and watch the sunrise. After breakfast, visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and the Durga Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, located across the river. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a ritual of light and sound to worship the river Ganges.
Head to Sarnath, a city located 10 km from Varanasi that is known for being the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, one of the most well-preserved stupas of the ancient world, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses artifacts and sculptures from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a Buddhist temple built in the 3rd century BC.
Begin your day early with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in India. Afterward, explore the narrow alleyways of the old city, where you will find an array of street food, silk shops, and traditional bazaars. Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats of Varanasi, and experience the cycle of life and death that takes place there. In the evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges river and witness the beauty of the city at sunset.
Start your day with a visit to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a collection of Indian paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other artifacts. Afterward, visit the New Vishwanath Temple, located within the Banaras Hindu University campus. In the afternoon, explore the Alamgir Mosque, which was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. In the evening, watch a play at the Nautanki Theatre, which showcases the local culture and traditions of Varanasi.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Chunar Fort or the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad, where you can visit the Allahabad Fort and the Triveni Sangam. Take the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and traditions by attending a classical music or dance performance.
Check available hotels and flights for your desired dates here.