In the morning, experience the daily life of locals with a boat ride along the Ganges River. Observe the Hindu rituals and ceremonies performed at the ghats, including Assi Ghat. Afternoon can be spent visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which displays a vast collection of art, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where prayers are offered to the river Ganges by devout Hindus.
Spend the morning exploring the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which are significant Buddhist landmarks. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort, which is a 17th-century fort-palace constructed by the kings of Banaras. In the evening, head to the Manikarnika Ghat to witness the cremation ceremonies, which are an essential part of Hindu funeral rituals.
Start the day with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Explore the vast campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has a significant collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Afternoon can be spent in the narrow lanes of the old city, shopping for silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts. In the evening, attend the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which hosts classical dance and music performances by local artists.
Take a day trip to Chunar Fort, which is a medieval fort located on a hill overlooking the river Ganges. The fort has a rich history and has been ruled by several dynasties, including the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Mughals. Explore the fort and visit the Kali Temple, which is located inside the fort. On the way back, stop at the Vindhyachal Temple, which is a famous Shaktipeeth temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Other local attractions that you can consider visiting are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India, and the Alamgir Mosque, which is a mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. You can also take a boat ride to the Raj Ghat, which is a beautiful park located on the banks of the Ganges. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby city of Allahabad, which is famous for the Kumbh Mela and the Triveni Sangam.