-
Day : 1 Arrival, Ghats & Grand Ganga Aarti
Your spiritual journey in Varanasi begins with your arrival at Varanasi Airport (VNS) or Varanasi Junction Railway Station (BSB), either by flight or overnight train from Delhi. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and some rest. In the late afternoon, begin your introduction to the city with a peaceful walking tour along the famous ghats. Start from your nearest accessible ghat and move toward Dashashwamedh Ghat, passing important locations like Assi Ghat, the serene Manikarnika Ghat (a major cremation site), and Harishchandra Ghat. Observe pilgrims performing rituals and the everyday rhythm of spiritual life on the banks of the Ganges. By evening, settle in at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti—a coordinated ritual of lamps, chants, incense, and bells performed by priests in front of thousands. For a better view, consider watching it from a boat on the river. Conclude the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges or indulge in authentic Banarasi cuisine at a local eatery. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
-
Day : 2 Sunrise on the Ganges, Temple Trail & Sarnath Excursion
Begin your day early with a sunrise boat ride on the holy Ganges. Around 5:00 AM, glide past the ghats as the city awakens to offer prayers to the rising sun. This calm, sacred experience is a highlight of any Varanasi visit. After the boat ride, delve into the narrow galis (lanes) of Old Varanasi, filled with street food stalls, silk shops, and hidden shrines. Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by Annapurna Devi and Vishalakshi temples nearby. After lunch, take an excursion to Sarnath, located 10–12 km from the city. Here, visit Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, ancient monastery ruins, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays), which houses the original Ashoka Lion Capital. Also visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple with stunning frescoes. Return to Varanasi in the evening for a leisurely walk along the ghats or explore the local markets. Treat yourself to Banarasi chaat or a refreshing lassi before retiring for the night.
-
Day : 3 City Exploration, BHU & Departure
After breakfast, explore Varanasi's broader city attractions. Begin at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of Asia’s largest residential universities. Visit the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple), open to all faiths, and if time permits, the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum showcasing ancient art and manuscripts. Next, visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the striking red Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. Stop by Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a unique marble relief map of undivided India. Use the early afternoon for some last-minute shopping—especially for famous Banarasi silk sarees—or visit a local weaving center to see traditional looms in action. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and if time allows, head to Ramnagar Fort, a riverside complex with a small museum and palace views. Finally, transfer to Varanasi Airport or Railway Station for your return to Delhi, concluding your enriching and spiritually immersive 3-day journey through Varanasi.
