Varanasi 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Ghats

  • Morning: Reach Varanasi and check-in at your preferred hotel. Some good options include:

    • Tulsi Ganges, a 4-star luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant.
    • Benares Heritage, a boutique heritage property offering comfortable stays.

  • Afternoon: Visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat and witness the evening Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony). You can also take a boat ride to explore other ghats like Manikarnika, Assi, and Munshi Ghat.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Blue Lounge Cafe or Brown Bread Bakery, known for their continental and Indian cuisine with a beautiful view of the Ganges.

Day 2: Temples & Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Due to security reasons, non-Hindus can only visit the Vishwanath Temple from the main entrance and cannot enter the sanctum sanctorum.

  • Afternoon: Explore local markets like Vishwanath Lane, Thatheron Bazaar, and Chowk for shopping souvenirs, silk sarees, brassware, and more. Don’t forget to haggle!

  • Evening: Visit the Sarnath Deer Park and the Dhamek Stupa, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Kaashi Yatri Nivas or Shiv CafĂ©, offering vegetarian Indian cuisine with a variety of thalis (platters).

Day 3: Boat Ride & Departure

  • Morning: Take an early morning boat ride to witness the spiritual activities along the ghats and cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat.

  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours exploring the less crowded ghats or relaxing by the Ganges, soaking in its spiritual vibes before departing.

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs and traditions during your visit. Dress modestly, remove shoes while entering temples, and avoid leather products near sacred sites.
  • Be prepared for crowded areas, especially around the ghats and major temples.
  • Bargain at markets and ensure prices are fair before purchasing items.
  • Carry cash as some smaller shops may not accept credit/debit cards.
  • Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen during your outdoor activities.
  • Avoid consuming tap water and opt for bottled or boiled water instead.

Transportation:

  • Auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most common modes of transport within the city. Negotiate fares before starting your journey to avoid overcharges.
  • For boat rides, you can negotiate prices with local boatmen at the ghats.

Tips:

  • Carry a good pair of walking shoes for exploring the city.
  • Make sure to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
  • Keep copies of your important documents like passport, visa, and travel insurance details.
  • Stay safe by avoiding deserted areas at night and carrying essentials like a torch, water, and snacks during long walks.

Enjoy your spiritual journey in Varanasi!