In the morning, head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a Hindu ritual of worshiping the river Ganges. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. During the evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the ghats come alive with the light from the diyas.
In the morning, head to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archeological Museum. In the afternoon, explore the Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort and palace that has been the home of the Maharaja of Benares for many generations. Don't forget to witness the evening aarti at the Chet Singh Ghat.
Start your day by visiting the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. Then head to the Durga Temple, one of the most significant temples in Varanasi, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. In the evening, explore the Ashrams of Varanasi, including the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the Bharat Mata Mandir.
Wake up early to take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to witness the beautiful views of the city and the ghats. Then head to the Chiraigaon Weaver's Village, where you can see the handloom sarees being woven by the weavers. In the afternoon, spend your time shopping and exploring the local markets of Varanasi.
For a side trip, visit the nearby city of Allahabad, which has many historical and religious sites such as the Triveni Sangam, Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhawan. To maximize your fun, try out some local street food such as chaat, lassi, and paan. Don't forget to bargain while shopping in the local markets!