Begin your Varanasi trip by visiting the ghats. Start with Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of Ganga and Assi rivers. Witness the mesmerizing sunrise and take a boat ride to see the ghats come to life. Walk along the ghats and visit other prominent ones like Dasaswamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. You can also attend the evening aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat and witness the traditional Hindu prayer rituals.
Begin your day with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next, visit the Durga Temple, an 18th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. For a glimpse of Mughal architecture, visit the Chunar Fort located on the banks of the Ganges River. End your day with a visit to Tulsi Manas Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram which features beautiful wall paintings depicting the story of Ramayana.
Take a day trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa which marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. Next, visit the Archaeological Museum which houses exhibits ranging from the Mauryan period to the 12th century. End your day with a visit to the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum, located within the Banaras Hindu University campus, which showcases a vast collection of artifacts from different parts of India.
Indulge in some local street food and go shopping in Varanasi's bustling markets. Start by trying the famous kachori sabzi and chaat at Kachori Gali. Next, visit the Thatheri Bazaar to buy brassware, utensils, and jewelry. Finally, end your trip in the Godowlia Market, famous for its silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.