Varanasi Trip Itinerary: 3 Days on the Ganga

Short answer

Varanasi is one of India's oldest living cities, built along the Ganga. Three days covers the ghats, the temples, Sarnath and the old lanes at an easy pace. October to March is the most comfortable season, and the monsoon months are hot and wet.

Day 1: ghats and the evening aarti

Take a sunrise boat ride along the ghats, then walk the riverside in the morning. Go to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga aarti, and arrive early for a good view. Photography is restricted at the cremation ghats, so be respectful there.

Day 2: temples and Sarnath

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple early, when queues are shorter, and check the current darshan timings and security rules before you go. Spend the afternoon at Sarnath, about 10 km away, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, and see the museum and the deer park.

Day 3: old lanes and silk weaving

Walk the lanes of the old city and visit a silk-weaving workshop to see how Banarasi sarees are made. Buy from shops you trust, and agree prices before you buy.

Getting there and around

Varanasi has an airport and good rail links. From Lucknow, the drive is about five to six hours. Inside the old city, walk or use an e-rickshaw, since cars can't enter the narrow lanes.

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