Filled with sacred temples and historic landmarks, Varanasi offers a unique blend of culture, history, and spirituality. This ancient city, also known as Kashi or Benaras, is considered India’s spiritual capital. The city has its own unique charm that’s hard to explain in words. One day is simply not enough to truly appreciate its beauty.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a thoughtfully planned three-night itinerary, showcasing the must-visit places each day to help you make the most of your trip to Varanasi.

Day 1 in Varanasi - The beautiful Ganges and blissful Vishwanath

On day 1, plan to visit the most renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, when visiting, it is customary to visit the Kaal Bhairav Temple first. Let’s dig deeper into the tradition.

1. Holy dip in the Ganges

The River Ganga is considered one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism. In the early morning hours, before you visit any temples, it is customary to take a bath in this river. You can consider bathing at the Assi Ghat.

2. Assi Ghat

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If you are in Assi Ghat, you can witness the Subah-e-Banaras, which is a morning ceremony. This ghat is approximately 3 km from the Vishwanath Temple. Further, taking a boat ride during the sunrise hours will give you a unique experience. So try it!

3. Kaal Bhairav Temple

The Lord Kaal Bharaiv is believed to be the protector of Kashi. So, before you visit the Vishwanath Temple, it is customary to worship at this temple first.

4. Vishwanath Temple

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Kashi Vishwanath Temple is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

From the Kaal Bhairav Temple, with a 25-minute walk, you can reach the temple. Taxis or auto rickshaws won’t take you to the temple. They will leave you at the nearest dropping points, from where you’ll have to walk.

Traditionally, people used to visit the temple through the Vishwanath Gali, a narrow street. But in 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was established, which is a wider path that directly connects the temple to the riverfront. Still, some prefer travelling through the gali.

5. Other nearby temples

From there, you can consider visiting nearby temples like Annapurna Temple, Vishalakshi Temple, and Durga Temple. In the Durga Temple, you can witness the sacred pond called ‘Durga Kund’.

From the Vishwanath Temple, people visit the Annapurna Temple, then to Vishalakshi Temple, and to the Durga Temple. This is the traditional order followed by the pilgrims there.

6. Evening aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat

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This is one of the most famous events in Varanasi, which is worth watching. Find the best place to stand, from where you get the most beautiful view of this scene. You can also watch it from a boat on the river.

With that, you conclude your first day at Varanasi with nice memories.

Day 2 - Covering other famous temples and structures in Varanasi

Devote the second day to exploring other famous temples and attractions in Varanasi.

1. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Start the day by experiencing the calmness and bliss of worshipping at this Hanuman temple. It has a historic connection with the ancient poet and also the saint Tulsi Das. It seems he had a divine vision of Lord Hanuman at the exact place where the temple is located.

Sankat Mochan refers to the ‘remover of troubles’. Many devotees visiting this temple believe that their troubles and sins would be removed if they worship this lord.

The temple is also famous for its annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh. It is a six-night festival hosted in the month of April every year.

2. Tulsi Manas Temple

From there, you can next visit the Tulsi Manas Temple. It is a white marble temple, where Tulsi Das is believed to have written the Ramcharitmanas.

3. Bharat Mata Mandir

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Bharat Mata Mandir is around 5 km from the Tulsi Manas Temple. It is dedicated to Mother India and was inaugurated in 1936 by Mahatma Gandhi. It is located within the campus of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidhyapeeth.

The main highlight here is the scientifically scaled, marble-carved map of undivided India that includes mountains, plains, and the ocean. The temple is a monument to hundreds of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country.

4. New Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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The New Kashi Vishwanath Temple is approximately 4 km from Bharat Mata Mandir. It is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple.

It is located within the campus of the Banaras Hindu University [BHU], and was constructed by the Birla family. So the temple is also referred to as the Birla Mandir.

Then you can consider visiting the Dashashwamed Ghat to attend the evening aarti again. With that, you complete the second day at Varanasi.

Day 3 - Admiring other attractions around Varanasi

On the third day, you can plan to visit attractions outside the Varanasi town.

1. Ramnagar Fort

Start with Ramnagar Fort. It is located at an approximate distance of 10 km from the main Kashi town. The fort, built in sandstone, located on the eastern banks of the River Ganga, and offering beautiful surrounding views, is truly a feast for the eyes.

The annual Ramlila [theatrical performance], Saraswati Bhawan Museum, and its amazing architecture are the main highlights of the fort. 

• Ramlila is a month-long performance of the epic Ramayana. The entire Ramnagar area is decorated to represent the places mentioned in the epic.
• Saraswati Bhawan Museum: It showcases the royal collections of the King of Kashi. The collections include vintage cars, old weapons, dresses, etc.
• Architectural beauty: The fort features a Mughal-influenced architecture. Further, you can witness many temples within the fort complex.

2. Sarnath and its stupas

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Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is considered that the Buddhist teachings first took place at this place and then spread to the rest of the world.

Among the several stupas, the two prominent ones are the Dhamek Stupa and the Chaukkandi Stupa. Dhamek Stupa is believed to be the exact place where Buddha delivered the first teachings to his five former companions.

3. Shopping and food

Varanasi is famous for its silk sarees. It is renowned for its fine silk and intricate design patterns. Making these sarees is a complex process that may take weeks or even months. Wearing this would give a feel of luxury and heritage. Women, especially in India, prefer wearing this saree for special occasions, especially for weddings.

Beyond temples and rituals, Varanasi also offers delicious street food. Must-try food items in Varanasi include kachori, samosa, tomato chaat, lassi, and malaiyyo.

Conclusion

Experience the essence of Varanasi in just three memorable nights! What are you waiting for? Plan a short trip to this spiritual city, explore its sacred temples, beautiful ghats, and marvellous monuments. Book the best hotels in Varanasi and immerse yourself in its rich culture and spiritual charm. Bag2Bag wishes you a joyful, safe journey and a memorable stay!