Begin your cultural immersion by visiting Assi Ghat, one of the famed river ghats and a place of Hindu purification rituals, where the Ganges’ waters meet the Assi River. Afterwards, head to the renowned Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where Lord Shiva is enshrined. Finish the day by attending** Ganga Aarti**, a nightly prayer ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat where oil lamps are burnt while chants fill the air.
Start your day in the old city and head to Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, showcasing fine arts and sculptures from the Mughal and Rajput eras alongside decorative arts. Afterwards, visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, showing a glimpse of Varanasi’s living history through its wall paintings, manuscripts, and royal collections. Finish your day by visiting Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, visit the famous Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Unleash the foodie in you with a gourmet walking tour around Varanasi’s food bazaars along the old city alleys. Doan eco-friendly boat ride along the Ganges to witness everyday life alongside the ghats. Finish the day with a visit to Gyanvapi Mosque, a holy site of both Hindus and Muslims, in the heart of Varanasi.
If you have more time, try exploring more of the different ghats in Varanasi such as Harishchandra and Manikarnika, where cremation rituals are done; or visit some of the lesser-known temples such as the New Vishwanath Temple and the Annapurna Temple. Alternatively, consider taking a day trip to Chunar fort, about an hour's drive from Varanasi. If you have less time, you can combine the food walking tour with the Ganges boat ride or skip the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and Ramnagar Fort Museum.