Varanasi is one of the world's oldest living cities, where ghats line the Ganges and rituals unfold at dawn and dusk. Add a Sarnath visit, narrow lanes of temples and silk shops. October to March is cool and best for visiting.
Good to know
- Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges for the best light and rituals.
- Ghat cremations are sacred; observe from a respectful distance and do not photograph.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove at temples.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Revered Shiva temple reached by crowded lanes and a recently built corridor.
Thick lassi in clay cups, a Varanasi tradition.
Row past ghats at sunrise as pilgrims bathe and priests perform rituals.
Nightly fire ceremony with chanting, bells and lamps before thousands of devotees.
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon, with a stupa, ruins and a museum.
Maze of narrow alleys with silk shops, sweet stalls and small shrines.
Join yoga and music sessions on the southern ghats at sunrise.
Visit a family workshop to see sarees woven on handlooms.
Indian miniatures, sculptures and textiles in Banaras Hindu University's museum.
17th-century riverside fort with a museum of royal carriages and weapons.
Fried puffs with spicy potato, followed by fresh jalebi.
Cremation ghat seen respectfully from a boat or terrace.