In the morning, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most significant religious sites in India, and the temple's gold-plated domes are an impressive sight. Afternoon, explore the Manikarnika Ghat, where Hindus come to bathe in the Ganges and cremate their loved ones. In the evening, take a boat ride along the river as the sun sets and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins and visit the onsite museum to learn about the history of Buddhism. In the afternoon, head to the Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful 17th-century fort located on the banks of the Ganges. Watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the fort in the evening.
Start your day with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. For lunch, head to the famous Kachori Gali and try the delicious kachoris. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of the old city and visit the Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera. In the evening, visit the Assi Ghat, where pilgrims perform the Maha Aarti ceremony.
Take a day trip to visit the Dhamek Stupa, located in Sarnath, and believed to be the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Afterward, visit the Chunar Fort, a historical fort with a fascinating history dating back to the 11th century. In the evening, head back to Varanasi and take a stroll along the river and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Other local attractions worth considering are the Tulsi Manas Mandir, the Bharat Mata Mandir, and the Durga Temple. For day trips, consider visiting the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary or the Chandraprabha Dam. To maximize your fun, try taking a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges or attend a classical music concert at the Varanasi Music Festival.