One day in Varanasi: an easy itinerary from Harishchandra Ghat

If you only have one full day in Kashi, this plan keeps travel short and starts right from Harishchandra Ghat Road.

Early morning: boat ride at sunrise

Walk down to the river before sunrise and take a boat north past Kedar, Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika ghats. The light on the ghats in the first hour is the reason people come to Varanasi.

Morning: Kashi Vishwanath

Continue to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Leave phones and bags in a locker and expect queues on Mondays and festival days.

Afternoon: lanes and lunch

Explore Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia for Banarasi saris and street food, then rest at the hotel during the hottest hours.

Evening: Ganga Aarti

Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat about an hour before sunset for the evening aarti.

If you have a second day

Visit Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund and BHU in the morning and Sarnath in the afternoon.