Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage spot and is where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. It has several Buddhist temples, stupas, and ruins of monasteries. It's a great place to experience Varanasi's spiritual and historical significance.
Varanasi Ghats are the riverfront steps leading to the holy River Ganges. The Ghats in Varanasi are a combination of prayers, rituals, traditions, and cremation ceremonies all year round. Getting there early morning is the best time for an unforgettable sunrise boat ride experience.
Banaras Hindu University is one of India's most prestigious universities with stunning red-brick architecture. It has several temples, museums, and a famous art gallery. Don't forget to try the famous Banarasi paan from the campus's famous paan shop.
The Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful Mughal period fort, is situated on the opposite bank of the River Ganges. The fort has a museum that displays how the Maharajas of Varanasi lived. Don't miss the daily evening aarti held on the ghats here.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest, holiest and most famous Hindu temples in India. It's a treat for history and architecture lovers. Witness the vibrant spiritual atmosphere of the temple and experience the vibrant culture of the holy city.
Varanasi has an airport - Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) which is 20 km from the city center. Taxis and rickshaws are available and cost approximately INR 500 per ride. Public transport includes buses and shared auto-rickshaws.
Consider attending the Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening on the Ghats. Visit the city center, Vishwanath Gali, for street shopping and eating. Add more days if you want to attend a local festival or indulge in more cultural experiences. If you have less time, plan your itinerary based on your points of interest.
The Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is the airport in Varanasi. It's located approximately 20 km from the city center.