Three days in Kashi

Day 1 — Arrive, river, aarti

1. Afternoon

   Arrive and check in

   Stay near Godowlia, Dashashwamedh or a ghat-side guest house.

2. 4:30 PM

   Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat

   Take in the ghats before the crowds arrive.

3. Sunset

   Ganga Aarti

   Find a spot on the steps 45 minutes early, or watch from a boat.

4. After

   Dinner near Godowlia

   Try the lassi and a light thali — tomorrow starts early.

Day 2 — Darshan and the ghats

1. 3:00 AM

   Mangala Aarti (if booked)

   Or simply join the general queue as the temple opens at 4 AM.

2. 6:00 AM

   Sunrise boat ride

   From the Lalita Ghat gate or Dashashwamedh, south to Assi.

3. 8:00 AM

   Subah-e-Banaras at Assi & breakfast

   Kachori-sabzi and jalebi near Assi or in the lanes.

4. 10:00 AM

   Ghat walk north from Assi

   Tulsi, Chet Singh, Harishchandra, Kedar, Darbhanga… rest when you need to.

5. Midday

   Rest

   Old Varanasi is hot and busy at noon.

6. 5:00 PM

   Kaal Bhairav & Annapurna

   Complete your yatra with the Kotwal of Kashi.

7. Evening

   Assi Ghat aarti or the old city

   A quieter aarti than Dashashwamedh.

Day 3 — Sarnath and south Varanasi

1. 8:00 AM

   Sarnath

   Dhamek Stupa, the museum with the Lion Capital, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.

2. 1:00 PM

   Lunch and rest

3. 4:00 PM

   Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund, Tulsi Manas

   Three temples close together in the south of the city.

4. 6:00 PM

   New Vishwanath temple at BHU

   Calm, spacious and beautifully lit in the evening.

5. Night

   Farewell walk on the ghats

Short on time?