Before you start
This plan assumes you arrive on the morning of day 1 and leave on the evening of day 3. If you arrive late, start with the aarti and move the rest forward.
Day 1: The river and the old city
- Morning: sunrise boat ride from Assi, then breakfast in the lanes.
- Late morning: Kashi Vishwanath darshan (go early to avoid queues).
- Afternoon: rest, lunch and a slow walk through the old-city lanes.
- Evening: Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, from the steps or a boat.
Day 2: Sarnath and crafts
- Morning: Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa, ruins, museum).
- Midday: lunch and rest.
- Afternoon: Banarasi silk weaving workshop.
- Evening: free time, shopping or a quiet evening at Assi.
Day 3: South Varanasi and the fort
- Morning: Banaras Hindu University campus and New Vishwanath Temple.
- Late morning: Sankat Mochan and Durga Temple.
- Afternoon: Ramnagar Fort and museum.
- Evening: departure or a last Ganga aarti.
What to drop if you are tired
Skip Ramnagar Fort first, then Durga Temple. Keep the river, Kashi Vishwanath and Sarnath, which give the strongest sense of the place.
Frequently asked questions about Varanasi 3 Day Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Plan
Is three days too much for Varanasi?
Not at all. Most travellers find three days comfortable, with time for rest and food, and many wish they had stayed longer.
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