🕉️ Day 1 – Awakening on the Ghats & Major Temples
🌅 Sunrise Boat Ride along the Ganges
- Board a boat at dawn (~5:30 AM) to witness morning pujas and rituals on the ghats. A serene, soul-stirring experience.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Old Jyotirlinga)
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, originally built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (1780) and subsequently renovated.
- Timing: ~3 AM–11 PM (check current schedule).
- Tip: Pre-book VIP “Sugham” or Mangala Aarti tickets to skip long queues.
2. Annapurna Devi Temple
- Dedicated to the goddess of nourishment, located near the Vishwanath corridor (“Vishwanath Gali”).
- Early morning is best to avoid crowds.
3. Kaal Bhairav Temple
- The fierce guardian deity of Kashi. Built in the 17th century, the silver-faced Bhairava is famed for warding off evil.
- Visit first to seek permission for your stay in Varanasi.
Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
- A mesmerizing ceremony of lamps and chants at sunset. Best witnessed from a boat or front row on the ghat
🕉️ Day 2 – Spiritual Depth & Heritage
🌄 Sunrise Boat Ride + Local Breakfast
- Another poetic start followed by local delicacies like kachori‑jalebi near Assi or Manikarnika ghats
4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Founded by Tulsidas in the 16th century, a refuge for devotees seeking relief from obstacles
5. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)
- The iconic red-colored temple by the reservoir (“kund”), especially vibrant during Navratri
6. Tulsi Manas Temple
- Commemorates where Goswami Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Opposite Durga Temple and also serene
Optional:
- Nepali Mandir (Kathwala Temple): Intricate 19th-century pagoda-style temple built by the Nepalese king
- Vishalakshi Temple: A sacred Shakti peetha dedicated to Goddess Parvati near Mir Ghat
🕉️ Day 3 – Deeper Immersion & Excursions
7. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU/Birla Temple)
- Modern marble marvel inside BHU campus, features nine shrines and towering shikhara (~80 m high)
8. Sankata Devi Temple
- Dedicated to the goddess of danger, located at Sankata Ghat. Important during Navratri .
9. Sarnath Excursion (half-day)
- Visit the site of Buddha’s first sermon: Dhamekh Stupa & Archaeological Museum.
10. Ramnagar Fort (optional evening visit)
- 17th-century Mughal-style fort and museum on the eastern bank; offers a cultural counterpoint.
🛠️ Practical Tips & Essentials
- Best Months: October–March for pleasant weather; festivals like Shivratri & Dev Deepawali add spiritual vibrancy.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing (shoulders, knees covered); headscarves recommended for certain temples; leave leather items outside .
- Temple Etiquette: Remove footwear before entry; check no‑photography zones (e.g., inside Kashi Vishwanath) .
- Transport: Use auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws between close sites; negotiate fares. Pick up boats at Assi or Dashashwamedh for sunrise/sunset rides.
- Darshan Booking: For Kashi Vishwanath, consider Sugham or Mangala Aarti online booking via official site or Holy Voyages platform.
- Crowd Tips: Arrive early (before 8 AM) to temples; expect longer waits during festivals .
- Carry: Water, hat/sunglasses, small offerings (flower petals, diya), light snacks.
✅ Sample 2-Day Itinerary Snapshot
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Sunrise boat + Kaal Bhairav → Kashi Vishwanath → Annapurna |
| Day 1 PM | Rest/lunch + evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Day 2 AM | Sunrise boat + Sankat Mochan → Durga Kund → Tulsi Manas |
| Day 2 PM | BHU (New Vishwanath) or Sarnath tour → evening Ramnagar Fort option |
Would you like help with booking boat rides, arranging Darshan tickets, or add-ons like guided walking tours or hotel recommendations near Ghats?
Panchang Official