Spend your morning exploring the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, which is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and Chaukhandi Stupa which dates back to the Gupta period. Appreciate the ancient ruins and the greenery surrounding them.
Start early with a sunrise boat ride to witness the Hindu rituals being performed on the banks of the Ganges. Disembark and explore the various Ghats, take a dip in the Ganges, and pay a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Don't forget to taste the famous Kachauri and Lassi from a local shop. In the evening experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, which is an unmissable sight.
In the morning visit the fort and palace museum of Ramnagar, which is situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges River and is the ancestral home of the Kashi Naresh, the Maharaja of Benaras. The fort is a perfect example of the typical Mughal architecture, houses a vintage car museum, and exhibits an intriguing range of Royal artifacts. There is an option of a short boat ride across the river to the fort and back for more views of the city.
To make the most of your time in Benaras, you can extend your visit and include other exciting places like the Banaras Hindu University, the Tulsi Manas Temple, the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and the Allahabad Fort. You can also add the local bazaars like Thatheri Bazaar, Vishwanath Gali, and Godowlia Bazaar to your itinerary if you want to indulge in some shopping. But if you have less time, focus on the main attractions like the Ganges, Sarnath, and the Ramnagar Fort, and prioritize the early morning boat ride and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony for a memorable Benaras experience!