Explore the Spiritual City of Varanasi in 3 Days

Friday, September 29: Arrival and Evening Aarti

Start your spiritual journey in Varanasi by arriving at the city and check into your hotel. After a restful afternoon, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat along the holy Ganges River for an enchanting evening Aarti ceremony. Witness the mesmerizing rituals and offerings to the river while the priests chant hymns and light lamps. As the sun sets, take a boat ride along the river to experience the magical atmosphere.

• Hotel check-in: Check hotel prices
• Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti: Free, 2 hours
• Ganges River boat ride: INR 200-300 (approx.), 1 hour

Saturday, September 30: Sunrise Boat Ride, Temples, and Sarnath

Start your day early with a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. Witness the mystical beauty of the ghats and the ghats come alive with morning rituals and devotees taking holy dips. Afterward, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi, known as "galis," and experience the vibrant local life. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum to learn about Buddhist history and artifacts.

• Sunrise boat ride: INR 500-800 (approx.), 2 hours
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free (donations appreciated), 1-2 hours
• Exploring Varanasi galis: Free, 2-3 hours
• Sarnath visit: INR 200-300 (approx.), 3-4 hours

Sunday, October 1: Ghat Exploration and Evening Ganga Aarti

Start your day by visiting the Assi Ghat and experiencing the tranquility it offers. Take a morning walk along the ghats, witnessing the rituals, sadhus (holy men), and the spiritual ambiance. Explore other prominent ghats like Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, where Hindu cremations take place. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its sprawling campus. In the evening, head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the grand Ganga Aarti, a larger-scale version of the previous evening's Aarti ceremony.

• Assi Ghat visit: Free, 1-2 hours
• Exploring ghats: Free, 3-4 hours
• Banaras Hindu University visit: Free, 2-3 hours
• Evening Ganga Aarti: Free, 2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Shri Ram Cafe, located near Assi Ghat. This popular breakfast spot offers a variety of traditional Indian breakfast dishes like poha, aloo puri, and masala dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For a fulfilling lunch, head to Baati Chokha, situated near Banaras Hindu University. This restaurant specializes in authentic Bihari cuisine, offering delectable dishes like litti chokha, sattu paratha, and dal baati churma. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Indulge in a delicious dinner at The Great Kabab Factory, located in close proximity to Dashashwamedh Ghat. This renowned restaurant serves a wide range of mouthwatering kababs, tikkas, and biryanis, offering a true gastronomic experience. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming neighborhood of Ramnagar. Located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River, it is home to the magnificent Ramnagar Fort. This 18th-century fort showcases a unique blend of Mughal and Indian architectural styles and houses a museum that displays artifacts, vintage cars, and royal memorabilia. Another hidden gem is the Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art and archaeological museum within the Banaras Hindu University campus. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi.