Begin your trip with a morning visit to Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat in Varanasi and a popular spot for morning yoga and meditation. Take a boat ride along the Ganges River to capture breathtaking views of the ghats. In the afternoon, explore the New Vishwanath Temple and learn about the history of the temple. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony for a truly unforgettable experience.
Visit the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, a stunning 17th-century fort located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river. Explore the museum to learn about the royal history of the fort and the kings of Banaras. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Dasaswamedh Ghat and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also popularly known as the Golden Temple. In the evening, enjoy local street food at the famous Godowlia Market.
Visit the holy city of Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located just outside of Varanasi. Explore the Sarnath Museum and see the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a national emblem of India. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Sarnath and visit the Dhamekh Stupa, one of the largest and most impressive stupas in India. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges River and enjoy the stunning views of the ghats.
Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore the beautiful campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to view an extensive collection of ancient Indian art and artifacts. In the afternoon, visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Rama. In the evening, catch a live performance of classical music or dance at the famous Ravindra Puri Open Air Theater.
Don't miss the opportunity to take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, which provides a different perspective of the ghats, temples and the city. You can also visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and witness the traditional Hindu cremation ceremony. If you're looking for a side trip, you can visit the nearby city of Allahabad, located just 125 km from Varanasi. Take a dip in the holy water at the Triveni Sangam and visit the Allahabad Fort. Finally, maximize your fun by indulging in local street food, shopping for Banarasi sarees, and learning about the local culture and traditions from the friendly locals.