Begin your trip with a visit to the city's most famous attraction, the Ganges Ghats. Watch the colorful morning aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat and then take a sunrise boat ride along the river to take in the panoramic view of the ghats. After breakfast, visit the Kashi Vishwanath (Golden) Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, and Annapurna Devi Temple for a brief interlude in the spiritual and cultural ethos of Varanasi. Later explore the narrow alleys around the ghats to experience the city's enchanting chaos.
Start the day with a visit to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles from all over India. Later, head to the 16th-century Ramnagar Fort and Palace complex, situated on the other side of the Ganges. Here you can see fascinating vintage cars, royal artifacts, and manuscripts on display. After lunch, explore the Benaras Hindu University, the University campus is one of the oldest and premier universities founded in 1916 and has numerous attractions.
Take a half-day trip to Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism. Here you can explore the ancient stupas, the Ashokan pillar, and the museum, which displays a fascinating collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. On your way back, satisfy your taste buds with the famous street foods of Varanasi, including Chaats, Lassi, and Malaiyo. In the evening, visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the majestic Ganga Aarti Ceremony again.
If you have more time, you can consider a day trip to the Chunar Fort, just 30 km from Varanasi. A morning walk tour in Varanasi is also highly recommended. If you have less time, you can skip Ramnagar Fort and BHU. It's best to start your day early to avoid the crowds and heat, especially during May. Always bargain while taking auto-rickshaws, and be careful of scammers selling fake silk or gold products. Drink bottled water and avoid street food if your stomach is not accustomed to it.