Morning: Start your day by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. One of the most famous and oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is a holy site for Hindus. Spend some time admiring the architecture and learning about the history of this ancient temple.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and busiest ghats in Varanasi. This ghat is famous for its cremation ceremonies and is considered a sacred place for Hindus. Take a boat ride along the Ganges river to witness the rituals and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Evening: End your day with the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a beautiful and elaborate ceremony performed every evening by a group of priests. The ceremony includes the chanting of mantras, lighting of lamps and incense sticks, and offering prayers to the river Ganges. It is truly a mesmerizing experience.
Morning: Start your day by visiting the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. It is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the various ruins and temples in the complex and learn about the rich history of Buddhism in India.
Afternoon: Head to the Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the Ganges river. This fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Varanasi and is a fine example of Mughal architecture. Visit the museum inside the fort to see the various artifacts and learn about the history of the fort and the royal family.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the ghats and experience the vibrant and colorful life of Varanasi. You can shop for souvenirs, try the local street food or just sit and watch the sunset over the Ganges river.
Morning: Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the oldest and largest universities in India. It has a beautiful campus and is home to various faculties and departments. Take a guided tour of the campus to learn about the history and culture of the university.
Afternoon: Head to the Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus. It is a museum of art and archeology and has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from various periods of Indian history. Spend some time admiring the beautiful exhibits and learning about the rich cultural heritage of India.
Evening: End your day with a visit to the Durga Temple, located near the BHU campus. It is a small but beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Apart from the above itinerary, you can also consider visiting the following places: