In the morning, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, which is one of the most famous Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Afternoon, take a walk through the narrow lanes of the old city to explore the vibrant culture and taste the famous local street food. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat.
Visit Sarnath, a sacred place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In the morning, explore the ancient ruins, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Museum, which houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. In the evening, attend the light and sound show at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, which was the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The museum houses a collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, and weaponry. In the morning, explore the fort and museum. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Ganges to see the ghats and witness the daily rituals performed by the locals. In the evening, visit the famous Banaras Hindu University and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi. It is believed that a dip in the Ganges at this ghat can help one attain moksha or liberation. In the morning, take a boat ride to see the ghat and witness the cremation rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Alamgir Mosque, which is a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. In the evening, attend a live classical music concert at the Varanasi Music Academy.
Other local attractions and experiences to consider include visiting the Weaver's Village to witness the making of the famous Banarasi silk sarees, exploring the Chunar Fort, and taking a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad. To maximize your fun, try attending a cooking class to learn how to make delicious local cuisine, and take a sunrise boat ride to witness the beauty of the Ganges in the early morning. Finally, it is highly recommended to spend an extra day to relax and rejuvenate at one of the many Ayurvedic spas in Varanasi.
Total Estimated Costs: ₹695 for foreign nationals, ₹45 for Indians