In the morning, experience the thrill of a boat ride along the Ganges River. Witness the sunrise and see locals paying homage to the holy river. Afterward, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the Old City and visit the Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat in Varanasi. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual where fire is offered to the goddess Ganga, accompanied by devotional songs.
The morning begins with a visit to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins of ancient monasteries, stupas, and the famous Dhamekh Stupa. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort which houses a museum of vintage cars, weapons and royal artifacts. The fort also has a vintage observatory and a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa, the compiler of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. In the evening, explore the nearby countryside on an ATV adventure, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Varanasi and the Ganges riverbank.
Embark on an early morning drive to Chunar Fort, a magnificent fort on the banks of the Ganges River built by the Mughal Emperor Babur. The fort has a rich history of battles and legends and offers scenic views of the river. Afterward, head to the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and visitors can enjoy trekking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. In the evening, return to Varanasi and enjoy a night at the local night market, where you can shop for souvenirs, try out local street food and enjoy cultural performances.
If you have an extra day, visit the nearby town of Bhadohi, the carpet weaving capital of India. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad, known for the confluence of three holy rivers, or visit the ancient city of Ayodhya. To maximize your fun, book an adventurous hot air balloon ride over the city of Varanasi or try out the local favorite snack, the Banarasi Paan. Lastly, we recommend taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River, an experience that is considered to be purifying and spiritual by the locals.
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