Morning Rituals at the Ganges
05:00 AM – 10:00 AM
When in Banaras, you start your trip with the Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat.
Subah-e-Banaras is a daily ritual performed on the bank of Ganga at the break of the day. The ritual takes 2 hours to complete and is carried out like an event. Tourists try hard to be here on time. The ritual begins at 05:00 AM in summers and 05:40 AM in winters. Photographers get here early and reserve their spots to get the best shot.
For more details, you can visit subahebanaras.net
Time duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
Mode of Transport: Auto/rickshaws will drop you at Assi Ghat from your hotel.
After watching the enchanting sunrise, head towards Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most prominent ghat along the Ganga and also the busiest. This ghat is an ideal spot for Ganga Snan (taking a plunge into the sacred river). You will find tourists and localities gathered at this ghat eagerly waiting to offer their prayers and seek divine benedictions.
Boats and ferries are available here. Your Varanasi trip will be incomplete with taking a ferry ride on Ganga. You get to see the variety of activities that take place on the banks of the river, famous sacred sites at each of the ghats, and the skyline of the city.
Time duration: 2 – 3 hours.
Mode of Transport: Auto/rickshaws from Assi Ghat.
For break-fast, Kachori Gali is the place to be. This place is known for serving some delicious and mouth-watering local delicacies. Just 1 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, you get plenty of options to gorge on Varanasi kachoris and jalebis.
The area is also known as Thatheri Bazaar, a paradise for shopping.
Also read: Varanasi Historical Landmarks Sightseeing
Offer your prayers
11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
After quenching your hunger, your next stop will be at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath and Maa Annapurna Temple.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Temple are adjacent to each other. Varanasi was developed around these temples and hence these temples are highly regarded and respected. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises.
For more info, you can visit shrikashivishwanath.org
Explore the area on foot and take a walk through the narrow lanes to feel the vibes of being in the oldest city.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
Mode of Transport: 5-min walk from Kachori Gali.
Manikarnika Ghat is 500 meters from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Manikarnika Ghat is not really a tourist attraction. This is a cremation spot where the last rites of the mortal remains of human beings are carried out. The cremation process happens 24 hours. The energy and ambiance at this particular ghat are in complete contrast to the other ghats. You feel like going to a different realm altogether and getting a different perspective about life and death. You are bound to get philosophical here. (You can skip this if the sight of a funeral pyre makes you uncomfortable).
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour.
Mode of Transport: 10-min walk from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Your day ends with the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The Ganga Aarti begins at 06:00 PM and goes on for almost an hour. To get the best view, you need to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat early. We recommend be here by 05:00 PM and reserve your spot.
With the Ganga Aarti, sightseeing for the day comes to an end.
