A great place for early morning walks, Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of two great rivers, Ganges and Assi. Here you can witness locals performing their daily rituals while taking a dip in the river to purify their souls.
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex comprises of a total of 3 parts with 2 of them, Jnana Vapi and Vishwanatharu, open to the public. It is advisable to visit this temple in the early hours for a hassle-free darshan.
The rich history of Buddhism and Sarnath is showcased in this museum. Exhibits include a number of artifacts, statues and frescoes that Buddhist monks once used. Situated on the outskirts of Varanasi, this museum is dedicated to the preservation of ancient objects and allows visitors to learn about the interesting history of Buddhism in India.
A famous bazaar located near Godowlia, the Thatheri Bazaar is known for its traditional Banarasi brassware and copperware items which are locally made by skilled artisans. Also, the street food here is worth mentioning especially the chaat items like Dahi Bhalla, Aalo Tikki, Chilla, and many more.
One of the oldest and most-visited ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh is situated near the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Here, visitors can witness the famous Ganga Aarti which takes place in the evening, where pandits offer prayers to River Ganges seeking blessings. Offerings can also be made to the river.
To explore more of Kasi, visit the Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat in the early hours as it is less crowded, have breakfast at Kashi Cafe near Dashshwamedh Ghat. If the time permits, visit the Alamgir Mosque, Ramnagar Fort, and Ganges River Dolphin Sanctuary in Rajghat, Varanasi.