Begin the day by getting a glimpse of the sunrise ritual on the Assi Ghat, a famous ghat on the river Ganga. Join in on the locals while they take a dip and perform their morning prayers. You can also take a boat ride to witness the entire ritual from a distance. Try the street food of Banarasi Chat after sunrise for breakfast. Afterwards, visit the nearby Bharat Mata Mandir to witness the marble architecture of mother India.
Start the day by visiting the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple. One of the most popular temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; known for its detailed architecture and the elaborate rituals. Take a walk from the temple to the famous Manikarnika Ghat (10-minute walk) and see the famous cremation rituals happening. Next, visit the Banaras Hindu University Museum to learn about the history and culture of the city.
Take a day trip to Sarnath to see the remains of the ancient Buddhist civilization. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Walk through the archeological ruins and learn about the Buddhist culture. Come back to the city and visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. End your day by getting some famous Banarasi Silk sarees from the local market.
For those who have extra time, visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum to see the armory, vintage cars, and manuscripts. If you have more time to spare, sign up for a boat ride to watch the Ganga Aarti in the evening. Take cash with you as you will not find any ATMs close to the ghats. Try not to carry any valuables with you while visiting crowded areas.