Varanasi is also known as Kashi or Banaras. It is the spiritual heart of India and one of the world's oldest living cities. Due to its sacred ghats, time-tested rituals, and deep history, Varanasi offers tourists an unparalleled experience of Indian culture, spirituality, and heritage. A trip to this vibrant city promises an intimate view of religious practices, ancient temples, historical landmarks, and the sacred River Ganges. With the following 4-Day Varanasi Itinerary, you will be guided through the best Varanasi has to offer, so you can make the most out of your time in this enchanting city.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Varanasi's Sacred Ghats

Morning:
Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the hotel.
Assi Ghat will be a good starting point for your experience of Varanasi. It is located at the southernmost end of the city, one of the quieter ghats, providing an unfussy introduction to the sacred ghats of Varanasi.
Take a relaxed stroll along the ghats, imbibe the spiritual feel. Observe how pilgrims go about their everyday rituals and bathe in the Ganges.
Afternoon:
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, considered one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva, devoted exclusively to him, and is located close to the Ganga. It's a must-visit for anyone coming to Varanasi. Here, you can take part in the prayers and rituals performed throughout the day.
Explore the narrow lanes around the temple. Those alleys are all alive with markets providing religious mementos, handicrafts, and local snacks.
Evening:
To the Ganga Aarti-the real show-stopper at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Arrive early because the evening Aarti is a major attraction for tourists as well as locals. Thousands of lamps light up along with chants and music create a spiritual sense that nowhere in the world.
After the aarti, take a boat ride on the Ganges. The boat ride is an enchanting visual of the ghats lit with diyas, temples, and the silhouette of the city in the evening sun.
Dinner:
Proceed to dinner at one of the riverfront restaurants which present the vistas of the Ganga. Savor local food items including Kashi Chaat, Samosas, and Malaiyo, the traditional dessert.

Day 2: Temples, Historical Sites, and Local Culture

Morning:
Dawn boat ride on the Ganges is planned as an unforgettable beginning to the day, to enjoy the stillness of morning rituals. From the boat, one can see pilgrims performing their puja and taking ritual baths in the sacred river.
Visit Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat in Varanasi. It's one of the most sacred places where the dead are cremated according to Hindu ritual. The place is both humbling and deep.
Visit Kedar Ghat, and Man Mandir Ghat, two more important ghats known for their historical background
Afternoon
Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple next. The ancient temple of Lord Hanuman is a perfect place to relax and feel more spiritual. Go on to BHU, one of the oldest and largest universities in India. It has the exceptional Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum inside its campus, which houses some ancient sculptures, paintings, and many other relics based on the glorious heritage of Varanasi.
Evening:
Visit Tulsi Ghat, another serene ghat along the river Ganges. Here, you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of the river.
You can also take a walk to Scindia Ghat in order to witness the spirituality rituals and enjoy the soothing views of the river as the day drops down in the evening.
Dinner:
Go out for dinner to one of the typical Varanasi local restaurants. Try Chowk Ke Kebab, Puri Sabzi, and Banarasi Paan at a restaurant to enjoy the true flavor.

Day 3: Discovery of Sarnath and Local Life

Morning:
Sarnath is also just 10 km from Varanasi. In Sarnath is one of the four important Buddhist pilgrimage sites where the first sermon by Lord Buddha came after enlightenment.
Explore the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses ancient Buddhist relics, sculptures, and artifacts.
Visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, a modern Buddhist temple that is known for its serene ambiance and beautiful frescoes.
Afternoon:
Back to Varanasi, drive across the Ganges to Ramnagar Fort. The fort is famous for its museum, showcasing a collection of vintage cars, weapons, and other artifacts. The fort commands spectacular views of the river and is an ideal place for exploration.
Walk through local markets such as Godowlia Market, which is an ideal shop for traditional Varanasi silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Evening:
Take a quiet walk along the lines of the oldest of the ghats in Varanasi: the Harishchandra Ghat. You can watch for the last rites being performed over a corpse, and you will understand why this is a city that lives on from death to life.
Dine over quiet evening near the ghats, reflection over the various spiritual experiences the day.
Dinner:
Head to a rooftop restaurant to enjoy a relaxed dinner with views of the river and temples. Try local delicacies like Banarasi Thali and Chaat.

Day 4: Spiritual Exploration and Cultural Immersion

Morning:
Begin the day with a visit to Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important pilgrimage site for locals.
Visit Baba Kedar Temple, at the edge of the city, which offers a serene ambiance in the midst of nature.
Mid-Morning
Explore Bharat Mata Temple, which is one-of-a-kind in that it contains a relief map of India, all out of marble. It is a reproduction of the country as a mother. The temple is highly revered by many Indians.
Go to Assi Ghat. Take a quiet time by the river or join in on one of the yogic sessions that the locals sometimes conduct on the banks of the Ganges.
Afternoon:
Visit the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory located close to Man Mandir Ghat, which was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur.
Take some time to walk around the local shops selling everything from hand-woven Banarasi silk sarees to religious items and beautiful souvenirs.
Evening:
Complete your visit to Varanasi in an enigmatic ending with one final boat ride at sunset that leaves you feeling serene and contemplative. The Ganges at dusk is a moment you will never forget.
Farewell Dinner:
For your final meal in Varanasi, enjoy a traditional Banarasi meal at a riverside restaurant, reflecting on your spiritual journey through this ancient city.
Conclusion