3 days are good enough to explore Varanasi. Whether you are coming for sightseeing or wish to visit Shre Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you can cover almost everything within 3 days of time. A 3-day Varanasi trip Itinerary in 2024 should ideally include visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, boating, Ganga Aarti, local sightseeing and some memorable experiences.

In this article, we will discuss how you can utilize your 3 days in the best way possible while in Varanasi. Let’s plan a Varanasi trip itinerary for 3 days.

Planning Our 3 Days Varanasi Trip Itinerary

How to Start our 3-day Varanasi Trip and what does the Itinerary Say?

Or else you can just watch this engaging video to plan your 3 days Varanasi Trip.

We only have 3 days in hand so we need to plan accordingly.

Day 1

Places to visit

• Assi Ghat
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Kaal Bhairav Temple
• Dashashwamedh Ghat

Things to do

• Boating from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat
• Exploring the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
• Wandering in the Kachori Gali Street
• Participating in Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Foods to eat

• Kachori Sabji, Kachori Gali
• Lassi, Blue Lassi
• Lunch, Saffron Restaurant, Girijaghar
• Banarasi Chat at Deena Chat Bhandar/Kashi Chat Bhandar/Kesari Chat Bhandar
• Dinner, Rahil Restaurant, Rathyatra

Day 1 Itinerary layout

Visit Assi Ghat before 5 a.m. to witness the grand morning Ganga Aarti, popularly known as Subah-E-Banaras.

Take a boat ride to reach Manikarnika Ghat.

Enter the Kashi Vishwanath Temple from the Ghat Side

Walk to the Kachori Gali to have Kachori-Sabji, Jalebi and Lassi.

Go to your accommodation to have a rest.

Reach Dashashwamedh Ghat before 6 p.m.

Try Banarasi Chat either while going to Dashashwamedh Ghat or while returning back.

Have Lunch and take a rest.

Day 2

Places to visit

• Sarnath
  • Deer Park
  • Dhamek StuPa
  • Sarnath Museum
  • Thai Temple
  • Cambodian Temple
  • Sarnath Main Temple
  • Chinese Temple
  • Japanese Temple
  • Sarangnath Mahadev Temple

Best Souvenirs for a peace lover

• Namo Ghat

Things to do

• Sightseeing in Sarnath
• Exploring the Sarnath Museum
• Knowing the history of Dhamek Stupa
• Light and Sound Show in the evening at Dhamek Stupa
• Enjoy Toy Train Ride Namo Ghat
• River View at Namo Ghat

Foods to eat

• Kachori Sabji at any nearby shop
• Lunch in Sarnath
• Evening Snacks at Namo Ghat
• Dinner at a place of your choice

Day 2 Itinerary layout

After having your breakfast, book a cab/taxi or bike for Sarnath.

Visit all the places.

Have your Lunch.

Visit Namo Ghat as it is in the middle of the way back to Varanasi from Sarnath.

Have some evening snacks.

Come back to your accommodation and have dinner at a place of your choice.

Day 3

Places to visit

• New Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Sankat Mochan Mandir
• Tulsi Manas Mandir
• Durga Mandir, Durgakund
• Gurudham Temple
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Man Mandir Observatory
• Ramnagar Fort

Things to do

• Spend some time at New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU
• Scroll through the Ramcharitmanas written all over the inner walls of the Tulsi Manas Temple
• Enjoy the exhibition of Ram Darbar, and Shiv Parvati on the first floor of Tulsi Manas Temple
• Dwelve into the exquisite architecture of the Gurudham Temple
• See the unseen Temple of Bharat Mata
• Enjoy the complete Varanasi 3D tour inside the Man Mandir Observatory
• Enjoy the balcony views from the Ramnagar Fort like a King/Queen

Foods to eat

• Cold Coffee at New Vishwanath Temple, BHU
• Prasad at Sankat Mochan Temple
• Pakodas near Tulsi Manas Mandir
• Lunch at Kerala Cafe, Bhulupur Crossing
• Lassi under the Ramnagar bridge, Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar

Day 3 Itinerary layout

Visit the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU in the morning, and after darshan enjoy the cold coffee.

Go to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.

Visit the Tulsi Manas Mandir, and enjoy viewing the whole Ramacharitamanas on its inner walls and the exhibition on the first floor. Don’t miss the try the street food outside the temple.

Then visit the other temples as well and have your lunch at Kerala Cafe at Bhulupur Crossing. It can be the best option for you especially if you love dishes from the southern part of India.

Enjoy a tour of Man Mandir Observatory and then leave for Ramnagar Fort. Explore the fort and the museum inside. Click some photos on the bank of the river Ganga from the Balcony area of the fort.

Although this is a well-crafted, particularly designed trip plan for anyone visiting Varanasi for a short trip of around 3 days. It covers all the most important and significant tourist attractions in Varanasi that you need to visit. It even tells you the best time to visit that particular attraction during your 3-day trip. Yet, below is the list of places which are a must to visit and without which your Varanasi trip can never be complete. So, let’s know about the must-visit tourist locations in Varanasi for just everyone.

Best places to visit in Morning in Varanasi on 3 days trip

1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Although, Kashi Vishwanath Temple can be visited any time during the day between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. But, it is best to visit in the morning hours before 9 a.m. First of all, you will easily get Auto/E-Rickshaw to reach the temple by 9 a.m.

Secondly, you may even get a chance for “sparsh darshan” if you visit at 4 a.m. Also, the crowd in the morning hours is very less so you won’t have to rush and stand in long queues.

Best Souvenirs for a Shiva Devotee

Best Foods to Try near Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Lassi, Thandai, Kachori Sabji, Kachori Jalebi, Malaiyyo, Chat

Locations to find the Best Restaurants near Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Godhowlia -Luxa Road, Luxa Chauraha, Rathyatra Chauraha

2. Assi Ghat

You must have seen or heard about the Ganga Aarti of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. But, have you ever heard of the morning aarti at Assi Ghat? Probably not right! The concept of Subah-E-Banaras is from here only. The morning sessions of Yog, other rituals and morning aarti are the best things to witness here.

Best Foods to Try near Assi Ghat:

Tea, Pizza, Pies

Locations to find good restaurants near Assi Ghat:

On ASSI Ghat, Assi Chauraha, Ravindrapuri Road, Lanka Chauraha, Ravidas Gate

3. Kaal Bhairav Mandir

If you are visiting Varanasi for Darshan and believe in Hinduism. You must visit Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple for sure. Kaal Bhairav is considered to be the guard of the city of Varanasi and hence everyone who wishes to enter the city needs his permission.

Kaal Bhairav Rakshasutra

Best Foods to Try near Kaal Bhairav Mandir:

Lassi

Locations to find good Restaurants near Kaal Bhairav Mandir:

Visheshwarganj Marg, Bulanala Crossing, Kashipur Crossing

4. Sarnath

Almost 11 km from the city of Kashi Vishwanath, there is the very place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath, earlier known as Mrigadava is a place, where there are Buddhist temples of different nations and different cultures.

The beautiful parks and amazing temples attract everyone regardless of their religious beliefs. The Sarnath Museum and Light and Sound Show are a must to explore.

Best Foods to Try in Sarnath:

Nariyal Pani, Lassi, Chai, Jhalmudi, Chaat, Chola Bhatura, etc.

Locations to find good Restaurants in Sarnath:

Rishipattan Road

5. Ramnagar

Ramnagar Fort is merely 4 km from Lanka, Varanasi. Some of the parts of the fort are converted into a museum. You can see many luxurious cars standing in the museum of the fort. It will take around 2 hours to explore the fort. Morning and evening are the best time to explore the fort and for photography. The backside of the fort(riverside) is best for photography.

Best Foods to Try in Ramnagar:

Lassi

Locations to find the best Restaurant near Ramnagar:

Lanka, Teghra Mod, Vishwa Sundri Bypass Road

Best places to visit during daytime in Varanasi on 3 days trip

In summer, Banaras is too hot to go outside especially to explore or travel. It won’t be pleasing. However, if you still want to try then these are some of the places you may visit in the noon.

1. Bharat Mata Mandir

This is a temple dedicated to Bharat Mata and not to any religious figure. There is a beautiful physical map carved out on marble representing undivided India. It is best to visit in the daytime. One may buy books and other souvenirs from the temple.

Best Souvenirs for every Indian

Best Foods to Try near Bharat Mata Mandir:

Pizza, Burgers, Non-veg Items, Rolls, Wraps, etc.

Locations to find the best restaurants near Bharat Mata Mandir:

Vidyapeeth Road, Fatman Road

2. Vishalakashi Temple

One of the most significant temples in Varanasi, Vishalakshi Temple is a must-visit. Many people believe that the Idol behind is the original one and the front one was installed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The best time to visit the temple is daytime.

Best Souvenirs for Shakti Devotee

Best Foods to Try near Vishalakshi Temple:

Lassi, Coffee, Tea

3. Gurudham Mandir

It is a very unique temple in Varanasi. Everything here is unique. Be it the architecture, the theme, the purpose of the temple, or just everything. It is said that it was once outstretched in most of the parts of the Gurudham region. Unfortunately, it is now limited to the temple only. Anyway, it is a must-visit temple in Varanasi. You can get real information about this temple in this video.

Best Souvenirs for Meditation

4. Tulsi Manas Mandir

It is located near the Durgakund area in Varanasi and is one of the most beautiful temples out there. The whole of Ramayana is written on its inner walls. The presentation of Lord Ram’s life can be seen inside the temple.

Best Souvenirs for every Ram Devotee

Best Foods to try near Tulsi Manas Mandir:

Chola Bhatura, pakodas, Lassi, Jhal Mudi, etc.

Locations to try good foods near Tulsi Manas Mandir:

Beside Tulsi Manas Mandir, Durgakund Chauraha, Rabindrapuri Road

5. Bharat Kala Bhawan

Apart from amazing paintings, sculptures, coins and textiles, there is a beautiful gallery as well. It can be visited during the daytime. It is inside the Banaras Hindu University campus.

Best Souvenirs for every Archaeology Lover

Best foods to Try near Bharat Kala Bhawan:

Cold Coffee, Chola Samosa, parathas, Veg-biryani, Chai, Coffee, Dosa

Locations to try good food near Bharat Kala Bhawan:

New Vishwanath Temple(Inside BHU), Lanka

Best places to visit in Varanasi in the evening during this 3-day trip

1. Sankat Mochan Mandir

It is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi and a very famous one. It is located on the Durgakund-Lanka route and easily accessible by 2-wheeler or four-wheelers. The best time to visit the Sankat Mochan Temple is morning and evening. Tuesdays and Saturdays get crowded and it can be difficult to get darshan for some people.

Best Souvenirs for every Hanuman Bhakt

Best Foods to Try near Sankat Mochan Mandir:

Prasadam, Lassi, Chai, etc.

Locations to try good foods near Sankat Mochan Temple:

Lanka Chauraha, Durgakund Chauraha

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Ganga Aarti is the best thing to witness at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It starts around 6 pm and lasts till 7 pm considering the weather. Mostly it starts at 7 pm in the summer season and 6 pm in the winter season.

Best Souvenirs for every Varanasi visitor

Best Foods to Try near Dashashwamedh Ghat:

Lassi, Thandai, Kachori Sabji, Kachori Jalebi, etc.

Locations to try good foods near Dashashwamedh Ghat:

Godhowlia Chauraha, Girijaghar Chauraha

3. New Vishwanath Temple(Birla Temple)

New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple is situated inside the campus of BHU. The temple and its complex are immensely beautiful and are best to visit with families and children.

Best Foods to Try at VT:

Chola Bhatura, Cold Coffee, Chai, coffee, chola samosa

4. Durga Mandir, Durgakund

It is one of the most visited temples in Varanasi located on the main road near Durgakund Chauraha. It is also believed that the idol here is not artificial. In fact, people do believe that emerged out of nowhere.

Best Foods to Try at Durgakund:

Bhel puri, pani puri, rolls, wraps, burgers, etc.

Locations to try the best foods near Durgakund:

Durgakund Chauraha, Kabir Nagar Road, Lanka

5. Namo Ghat

Formerly known as Khirkiya Ghat, Namo Ghat is the newly built Ghat in Varanasi. Sculptures of Hands in Namastey posture are the main attractions of this ghat. There is a lot to do at Namo Ghat including boating, toy train rides, photoshoots and a few adventure sports. There is even a food court located on the Namo Ghat which has a vast range of delicious foods. You can learn more about Namo Ghat in this video.

Best Foods to Try at Namo Ghat:

Pizza, Burger, Hakka Noodles, Coffee, Shakes, Pao Bhaji

So this was an overview of the places you can visit in Varanasi in a day’s trip Itinerary.

Varanasi: a place to stay not to visit

Although we are talking about visiting Varanasi for 3 days, it is a place where you must stay if possible rather visit. The calmness and vibrance of the city of Banaras will leave you in amazement. It is the city where many people come to die and that is why it is known as the city of Liberation.

How did I prepare an itinerary for a 3-day trip to Varanasi?

We need to ask the following questions:

1. How shall we visit Varanasi?
2. Where should we stay in Varanasi?
3. Which places are the best for us to visit in Varanasi?
4. How to plan to visit those places and where to start?
5. Where can we have our breakfast, lunch or dinner?
6. What are the best dishes to try in Varanasi?
7. What are the best things to do in Varanasi?
8. What are the best shopping locations?
9. Best ways to spend our mornings and evenings.

We will be planning our itinerary based on the above questions. Now we know what we are looking for.

4 Steps to Plan an Amazing 3 Days Varanasi Itinerary

1. How to reach Varanasi to make your trip memorable?

There are multiple ways to reach Varanasi:

• By Air
• By Train
• By Road

Railways Stations in Varanasi:

• Varanasi Junction(Cantt)
• Banaras Railway Station(earlier Maduadih)
• Varanasi City
• Kashi

Location of Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Station

• Varanasi Junction – 4km – Godhowlia(City Centre)
• Banaras Railway Station – 5km – Godhowlia(City Centre)

If you are visiting Varanasi for a short trip like 2 days or 3 days or even 4 days. You will have to stay close to the city centre. That we will discuss in the next point. For now, understand that Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Station are the closest to the city centre. So, if you have the option then leave the train at these stations only.

2. Where to stay in Varanasi for a short trip like 3 days or 2 days?

Choosing the right place for your stay can make your trip hassle-free in many ways.

• Can save you from traffic jams
• Can save you from long queues
• Can save you from getting too tired
• Enhance your overall trip experience

As we are planning a 3-day Varanasi trip itinerary for sightseeing the best places to stay in Varanasi are:

If your 3-day trip is mainly for a Kashi Vishwanath Temple visit. Book a hotel in these locations:

• Near Vishwanath Temple
• Godhowlia Crossing
• Girijaghar Crossing
• Luxa Crossing
• Bengali Tola

Assi Ghat is the most preferred place for youngsters to stay in Varanasi. They like the cool and chill vibe of the locality. Cosy cafes, live music and the banks of the Ganga River bring charm to this place.

3. Best Places to cover during your 3-day trip in Varanasi

It may sound weird but there are places in Varanasi which can be a must-visit for some while just a general place for the others.

For example, we have a list of places to visit in Varanasi for people coming from Bengal. This includes places established by Queens or Kings of Bengal which hold a heritage of Bengal in Varanasi. people coming from Bengal might be more interested in visiting these places than others.

4. What to do when you arrive in Varanasi for a short trip like 3 days?

Most people arrive in Varanasi either in the morning or in the evening. In case you arrive in the daytime, you should stay in your hotel room. You don’t want your trip to be hectic right? Otherwise, you can visit the best places as suggested above.

Conclusion:

This was the best 3-day trip to Varanasi which includes almost all the best places to visit in the city. From Kashi Vishwanath to Bharat Mata Mandir, every place is on the list and you can visit as per your Itinerary. Also, if you ever have any difficulties in booking or finding a hotel in Varanasi at any location, you can always contact us with the above details.

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