Begin your day early by taking a boat ride on the Ganges River, to witness the morning rituals and ceremonies happening at the Ghats of Varanasi. After the boat ride, take a stroll along the Ghats and observe the local way of life. In the afternoon, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a beautiful and spiritual event where offerings are made to the river goddess.
Start your day by visiting Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Here you can explore the ancient ruins, visit the Sarnath Museum, and learn about the history of Buddhism in India. In the afternoon, visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Take a walk around the campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from various Indian cultures. In the evening, head to the popular street food destination, Kachori Gali, for a taste of the local cuisine.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the city to get a bird's eye view of the Ghats and the surrounding area. Another popular side trip is a visit to the nearby Chunar Fort, a historic fortification built in the 11th century. To maximize your fun, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the rich culture and history of Varanasi. And finally, make sure to try the local specialty, paan, a betel leaf filled with a combination of spices, sweeteners, and sometimes tobacco.