Start your trip with a spiritual walk along the Ghats. Witness the evening Ganga Aarti on Dasaswamedh Ghat, where pandits offer prayers to the river Ganges, a ceremony that has been ongoing every evening since the early 18th century. The river is lit up with floating diyas and the puja is accompanied by chanting and conch blowing that creates a divine atmosphere.
Get set to explore Sarnath - the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon, introducing Buddhism into the world. See the ruins of ancient stupas, temples, monasteries and the famous Ashoka Pillar. The Tibetan Refugee Centre is also a must-visit, for it is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs, including handcrafted carpets and textiles.
Varanasi is famous for its street food, and today you will be discovering its best. Begin early with a cup of masala chai at Babu Lal's Shop on Assi Ghat and continue to Deepak Tambul Bhandar for delicious paan. Stroll through the streets and feast on crispy Kachoris and hot Samosas at Kachori Gali. End your food trail at the most famous sweet shop, Ksheer Sagar and satisfy your sugary cravings with a plateful of rasgullas.
Experience the holiest side of Varanasi with a morning boat ride along the Ganges. Begin at the Assi Ghat, then proceed to the Munshi Ghat and dock at the magnificent Kedar Ghat to visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Your journey does not end here; explore further to visit the beautiful Durga Temple and the Tulsi Manas Temple and get a glimpse of Varanasi's valuable art and literature.
If you have more time, add a trip to the Ramnagar Fort, which boasts a museum and intriguing display of vintage cars. Visit the Alaknanda Handmade Paper Industry to learn about the production of world-class quality handmade paper and shop for souvenirs. If you have less time, cut short the Varanasi food trail or take an early morning boat ride around the Ghats. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, dress modestly for the temples and carry a sanitiser for personal hygiene.