Begin your trip with a visit to Sarnath, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Here, you can explore the ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries and admire the beautiful gardens and pond. A visit to the Sarnath Museum is a must, which houses relics and artefacts from the Buddhist era. Do not miss the Ashoka Pillar monument, famous for its four-lion capital, which is now the National emblem of India.
Assi Ghat is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. The ghat is located at the convergence of the River Ganges and Assi River. In the morning, you can witness the picturesque view of the sunrise. Take a boat ride from here to view all the ghats of Varanasi. In the evening, this place offers a mesmerising view of the city's Aarti ceremony with lamps, music, and prayers.
As you near the end of your trip, visit the unique Bharat Mata Temple. The temple is dedicated to Mother India and has a beautiful three-dimensional map of India carved in marble. This temple is a symbol of unity in diversity of India and is a must-visit to observe this cultural aspect.
If you want to go off the beaten path, you can visit Ramnagar Fort, which is located on the bank of river Ganga, 14km away from Varanasi. You can also go for a village walk tour to witness rural life. If you have more time, you can visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, another important pilgrimage location or explore the food street of Varanasi for local food.