Start your day early with a boat ride along the Ganges River to Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most important ghats in Varanasi. Witness the morning rituals of Hinduism's holiest city where the dead are cremated and their ashes scattered in the river. Afterward, take a stroll around the narrow alleys and bazaars of the old city and enjoy a local breakfast of Kachori Sabzi at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, a popular food joint whose history dates back to 1940. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century Mughal structure on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Explore the museum inside the palace and watch the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony from the balcony of the fort before sunset.
Get ready for a road trip to Chunar Fort, located near the town of Mirzapur. The fort sits atop a rocky hill overlooking the Ganges and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Explore the ancient architecture and history of the fort and enjoy lunch at the in-house restaurant. Afterward, head to the town of Vindhyachal, known for its Shakti Peeth temple and the Ashtabhuja Devi Temple. Take a dip in the holy pond and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Vindhya Range before returning to Varanasi for the night.
On your final day, visit the ancient city of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ruins of the monasteries, temples, and stupas in the archaeological park and visit the Sarnath Museum to see the famous Ashoka Pillar and the Lion Capital of Ashoka. Afterward, head to the Dhamek Stupa, a cylindrical tower built over 2000 years ago. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. End your trip with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the university's banks.
In addition to the itinerary, you can consider visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a unique collection of Indian art and artifacts. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet, and visit the famous Kumbh Mela.
To maximize your fun, we recommend you to try the local street food and explore the Banarasi silk industry. You can also take a sunrise or sunset boat ride along the Ganges to witness the beauty of the city's riverfront.
For any further suggestions or help with transportation and booking, feel free to contact your local tour guide.