The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the liveliest places in Varanasi with its magnificent Ganga Aarti Ceremony. Hundreds of people gather to watch the daily ritual taking place every evening, which is an ode to the river Ganges. Priests in colourful traditional clothes with large brass lamps and Vedic chants perform the ceremony. The view of the chaiyas (oil lamps) floating on the river Ganges during the ceremony is mesmerizing.
Located just a few miles outside Varanasi, Sarnath is the site of Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The temple is a holy place for Buddhists from all over the world. The temple boasts of a fascinating museum with numerous artefacts from the 3rd-century BC to the 12th century AD, giving an insight into the life and times of Lord Buddha.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage centres. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a seven-tiered structure. The temple’s tower, one of the tallest in Varanasi, is made up of gold plating, and the interiors house the Jyotirlingam. The temple compound also has a fascinating museum that houses ancient sculptures and paintings illustrating various aspects of Hindu mythology.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most well-known and oldest Ghats of Varanasi. It is a sacred place for Hindus where the cremation takes place 24 hours a day. The place is considered auspicious for the departed souls to receive moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The Ghat is typically busier in the morning hours, and visitors can take a boat ride in the river Ganges for an excellent view of the Ghat and sunrise.
Since this itinerary covers four days, it does not allow visitors to experience all that Varanasi has to offer. If you have more time, you can include other Ghats like Harishchandra Ghat, and Assi Ghat, both offering captivating sunrise and sunset views. You can visit the Ramnagar Fort, which is a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture, or take a food walk tour to taste culinary delights of Varanasi. Visitors short on time can exclude the Sarnath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat from their itinerary.