Start your trip on the right note by experiencing the famous Varanasi Ghats. Take a boat ride along the Ganges river to witness the morning prayers and rituals. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old city and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in India. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony where you can see the ghats illuminated with lamps and witness the spiritual fervor of the locals.
Visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. In the afternoon, head to Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort-palace located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river. Visit the museum inside the fort and see vintage cars, swords, and guns. In the evening, return to Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Take a day trip to Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad. Visit the 16th-century Prayagraj Fort, built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Explore the fort and see the Ashoka Pillar and Saraswati Koop, a well that is believed to have been dug by Goddess Saraswati. In the afternoon, head to Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family and now a museum dedicated to the Indian independence movement. See the personal belongings of the Nehru family and the photographs of freedom fighters. In the evening, return to Varanasi.
Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, known for its sprawling green campus and beautiful architecture. See the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses a collection of over 100,000 paintings, sculptures, and textiles. In the afternoon, head to the Tibetan market in Varanasi to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Start your day at Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of Ganges and Assi rivers, and considered to be the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. Take a boat ride along the river and witness the morning rituals. Head to Kedar Ghat, famous for its temples and serene atmosphere. Visit the Kedareshwar Temple and the Gauri Kund. In the afternoon, explore the nearby cafes and restaurants and enjoy the local delicacies. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the street food in Varanasi. Try the famous chaat, lassi, and paan. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Another popular side trip is to Chunar Fort, located 23 miles from Varanasi, known for its historical significance, architecture, and scenic views. To maximize your fun, book a walking tour with a local guide who can take you through the hidden alleys and lanes of Varanasi and share interesting stories and insights.