Varanasi Travel Guide: Perfect 3 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
By Pawan Sharma
Planning a trip to Varanasi and wondering how to explore this ancient city in
just three days? You’re in the right place. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or
Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major spiritual
hub of India. From sacred ghats and timeless temples to the famous Ganga
Aarti, every corner of this city offers a unique experience.
In this 3-day Varanasi itinerary, I’ll guide you through the best places to
visit, the must-see rituals, local food spots, and practical travel tips to
make your journey smooth and memorable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or
a returning traveler, this detailed plan will help you make the most of your
days in Varanasi.
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi, Kaal Bhairav Darshan & Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Arrive Early and Settle Near the Ghats
Whether you come by train, bus, or flight, try to reach Varanasi in the morning. The city is awake round-the-clock, so transport is never an issue—autos, cabs, and e-rickshaws are available anytime. Choose a guest house, hostel, dormitory, or hotel near the ghats, because most ghats are connected and it becomes easy to walk between temples, markets, and riverfront areas. I suggest you to stay near Harishchandra Ghat, as this area offers many affordable guest houses, hostels, and homestays within walking distance of the main ghats.
Start Your Spiritual Journey with Kaal Bhairav Temple
Your first darshan in Varanasi should be at the Kaal Bhairav Temple. According
to tradition, Baba Kaal Bhairav is the “Kotwal of Kashi”, and visiting this
temple first is considered essential before going to Kashi Vishwanath.
Why Visit Kaal Bhairav First? It is believed that Kaal Bhairav’s permission
completes the Kashi Yatra.
“Kashi Kotwal ke darshan ke bina Baba Vishwanath ke darshan ka phal poora
nahi hota.”
The temple has specific darshan timings and can get crowded, so visiting in
the morning—before 12 PM—or later in the afternoon—after 3 PM—is ideal. To
reach Kaal Bhairav Temple, you must walk through the narrow lanes (choti
galliyan) of the old city. Only cycle rickshaws can take you close to the
temple entrance. Autos, e-rickshaws, cars, and cabs are not allowed in these
lanes, so booking a cycle rickshaw is the most convenient option.
Darshan of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Using Ganga Dwar Entry)
After Kaal Bhairav Temple, proceed to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the spiritual center of Varanasi. Use Ganga Dwar - Gate No. 1 for Entry (Highly Recommended). Ganga Dwar is built near the Ganga river and is considered the most sacred entry point, because:
- Traditionally, devotees take Ganga Snan and then enter through this gate.
- It offers a very divine and peaceful environment.
- This spot is also famous for photography, thanks to its architecture and riverfront location.
- The gate connects beautifully to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Since both Kaal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath have long lines depending on time of day, visiting them early on Day 1 helps avoid rush.
Take a Cruise Ride for the Best View of All 84 Ghats
After visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, take a cruise ride to enjoy the breathtaking views of all 84 ghats of Varanasi. You can choose a morning or evening cruise, but the evening ride is highly recommended. During the evening, the ghats glow with beautiful lights, and you can even witness the Ganga Aarti from the boat. The ghats look incredibly stunning from the cruise, offering a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
It’s better to book your cruise in advance so that your seats are reserved before you arrive in the city. You can use this link for booking and details: https://alaknandacruise.com/Home/Booking_new
Day 2: Early Morning Subah-e-Banaras & Full Temple Tour by Auto Rickshaw
Start Your Day with Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat
Begin Day 2 by experiencing the magical Subah-e-Banaras ceremony at Assi Ghat. This morning ritual includes Ganga Aarti, Vedic chanting, classical music, yoga, and sunrise views, making it one of the most peaceful and divine experiences in Varanasi. To get the best view and a good place to sit, reach the ghat by 4:00 AM. The atmosphere at this hour is calm, spiritual, and incredibly soothing—perfect for starting your day.
Book a Full Auto Rickshaw for the Temple Tour
After Subah-e-Banaras, enjoy Varanasi’s famous breakfast — chai with butter toast or sabzi-kachori. Then book a full auto-rickshaw to explore Varanasi’s famous temples including Maa Annapurna Temple, Nepali Temple, Vishalakshi Shaktipeeth, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Kamkoteeshwar Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Tridev Mandir, Bharat Mata Temple, and Shri Vishwanath Mandir in BHU.
Booking the auto for the entire morning has many benefits: you save time, No need for repeated bargaining, you get point-to-point convenience, most temples are far from each other and auto drivers know the routes and timings well. This is the most affordable and practical way to cover multiple temples in one morning.
Discover the Iconic Ghats of Varanasi Along the Ganga
After completing all the temple visits, enjoy your lunch wherever you prefer — Varanasi offers many delicious vegetarian dishes to try. Once refreshed, head out to explore the beautiful and historic ghats of the city.
Varanasi has over 84 ancient ghats, all connected along the sacred Ganga River, so you can easily walk from one to another. Each ghat has a unique history, spiritual depth, and architectural beauty.
Must-Visit Ghats in Varanasi
As you walk along the riverfront, make sure to explore these iconic ghats:
- Manikarnika Ghat – The eternal cremation ground, symbol of Moksha in Kashi.
- Scindia (Shinde) Ghat – Famous for the partially submerged Shiva temple.
- Kedar Ghat – A colorful, spiritual ghat with South-Indian architectural influence.
- Chet Singh Ghat – Known for its historical fort and scenic beauty.
- Panchganga Ghat – A spiritually significant place where five rivers are believed to meet.
- Tulsi Ghat – Associated with Tulsidas and the creation of Ramcharitmanas.
- Bundi Parkota Ghat – Known for its beautiful wall paintings and murals.
- Namo Ghat – Offers water adventure activities, space for walking, exercising, and yoga.
These ghats are ideal for capturing stunning photographs, such as ancient architecture, morning and evening rituals, colorful boats along the Ganga, vibrant murals, and magical sunset reflections. Every ghat offers a different vibe — some peaceful, some historically rich, others artistically inspiring — allowing you to experience the true essence of Varanasi with every step.
Best Time to Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride in Varanasi
After exploring and photographing the ghats, enhance your experience by booking a boat ride — either a personal boat or a shared one, depending on your budget and preference. Personal boats usually start around ₹2,000, while shared boats begin at approximately ₹500 per person (prices may vary).
An evening boat ride during the golden hour offers the most breathtaking views of all 84 ghats. The soft sunlight, calm Ganga waves, and glowing ghat lights create the perfect atmosphere for stunning photographs — whether of the ghats or your own travel portraits.
To capture the best views, book your boat around 4:00 PM in winter and 5:30 PM in summer. And if you're visiting in winter, you’ll also get to see Siberian migratory birds, giving you the chance to shoot beautiful pictures and videos as they fly over the golden Ganga.
Attend the Famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
After your peaceful evening boat ride, make your way to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti. This grand ritual, performed by dedicated priests with lamps, incense, chants, and rhythmic movements, is one of the most powerful spiritual experiences in Varanasi.
The glowing brass lamps, the sound of conch shells, and the fragrance of incense create a divine atmosphere that feels magical when watched from the ghat or from a boat on the river. Reach at least 30–40 minutes early to find a good viewing spot, as the area gets crowded every evening.
Ending your day with the Ganga Aarti adds the perfect spiritual touch to your Varanasi journey.
Day 3 – Explore Sarnath: The Sacred Land of Buddha’s First Sermon
On your final day, take a short 10 km trip from Varanasi to Sarnath, one of the world’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, marking the beginning of the Wheel of Dharma.
Start by visiting the Giant Buddha Statue and the Wat Thai Buddhist Temple. These beautifully designed temples offer a peaceful environment with stunning architecture and large open gardens. For a complete understanding, you can get a free government guide (provided by the Ministry of Tourism) who will explain the history, significance, and stories connected to these sites.
Next, head to the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses the original Lion Capital of Ashoka and many ancient Buddhist sculptures. Museum tickets are easily available through a simple online scan at the entrance, making the entry process smooth and quick.
After the museum, visit the iconic Dhamekh Stupa, the exact place where Buddha gave his first sermon. The massive structure, surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient monastery ruins, makes it one of the most powerful and serene spots in Sarnath. The calm, meditative atmosphere here is perfect for ending your Sarnath trip with peace and reflection.
Explore Local Markets After Sarnath in Varanasi
After coming from sarnath, take some time to explore the lively local markets around the Vishwanath Corridor and Godowlia Chowk. These narrow lanes and busy streets give you the real flavor of old Varanasi. You can try famous local specialties such as: Malaiyo (seasonal winter delicacy) Banarasi paan near Godowlia Chowk Kachori–Sabzi, Jalebi, and Lassi Traditional sweets and street snacks
For shopping, the area is well-known for: Banarasi sarees, Silk fabrics, Handcrafted items, Rudraksha malas and puja accessories. Strolling through these markets after your temple visit gives you a perfect blend of culture, food, and local life.
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