Raj GuptaHeading to the spiritual capital of India and looking for the itinerary for Varanasi? Continue reading for a detailed itinerary for two days in Varanasi!
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is the holiest and most sacred city in India for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Also, It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
For me, Varanasi is one of the world’s most amazing destinations, filled with an endless number of Hindu temples, beautiful ghats, ancient narrow streets, vibrant culture, and lovely people. additionally, This incredibly interesting city is a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus and also one of India’s seven holiest cities. The city attracts thousands of tourists each year who come to experience its spiritual and cultural richness.
I have visited Varanasi many times, so with my experience in this 2-day Varanasi itinerary. I am going to share with you everything that you need to know to spend the perfect 2 days in Varanasi. This includes where to stay, how to get around, and an interactive map to make planning easier.
So let’s start!
Table of Contents
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Varanasi isn’t a huge city, so 2 days is the perfect amount of time to experience the main attractions and cultural activities. If you want to practice yoga and meditation and learn more about the culture. Then you can easily spend more than two days. This completely depends on what you want to do and see, as well as your budget.
Things to do in Varanasi
Day 1 of Varanasi Itinerary
Sunrise Boat Ride in Ganges River
Start your day with the most wonderful experience of a boat trip on the Ganga River.
The boat ride begins at about 6 a.m. and provides you with a peaceful and pleasant start to the day. Also, This Boat ride gives visitors a unique perspective on the city’s Ghats and its spiritual atmosphere. During the boat ride, you will witness pilgrims performing daily rituals and prayers and taking a holy dip in the river.
You will also listen to the calming sound of bells coming from the temples along the ghats and the melodic songs of birds. The boat ride also provides an excellent view of the ghats and mesmerizing view of the sunrise.
As the sun’s rays touch the water of the Ganges, it transforms into hues of red and yellow, painting a truly unforgettable scene. I took a morning boat trip every time I visited Varanasi since I loved it. So, don’t miss it because it’s one of the best things to do in this 2-day Varanasi itinerary.
Duration:- 1 Hours
Take a Walk on the Ghats
Once you finish your boat trip, spend some time exploring the ghats. Because this is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Varanasi. A ghat is a series of steps that lead down to a body of water.
While walking on the ghat, you will encounter a fascinating mix of people, from pilgrims and sadhus to boatmen and vendors selling chai, street food, souvenirs, and religious items. You will also see people performing puja, and bathing in the Ganga to cleanse their sins.
You may also hear the sound of conch shells blowing and chants of mantras. Varanasi has 84 ghats, each with its significance. But Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are the most important and oldest ghats.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of Varanasi’s most famous and busiest historical ghats. And it is believed to be one of the oldest ghats in the city.
Probably this is the ghat from where you will start your morning boat ride. The main attraction of the Ghat is the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, which takes place every day.
Manikarnika Ghat
The Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. And The ghat is also ‘known as the burning ghat’ because pilgrims come here to perform the Hindu cremation ritual.
Visiting the Manikarnika Ghat can be an intense experience. You will see families perform the last rites for their loved ones. It is a deeply spiritual and emotional experience that can leave a lasting impression.
Duration:- 1 Hour.
Next Destination:- 500m, 6 minutes walk away from Manikarnika Ghat
Explore the Narrow Street of Varanasi, And Eat a Delicious Breakfast
When you’ve explored the ghats, make your way to Kachori Gali. You will walk through the oldest part of Varanasi to get to Kachori Gali. And cross some tiny lanes also witness ancient buildings and temples along the way.
Kachori Gali is where you can eat what Varanasi residents eat for breakfast. Varanasi is a foodie’s paradise, so I’ve recommended several must-try street dishes as well as the finest spots to eat them.
Kachori Gali
If you visit Varanasi, you must try Kachori Gali’s famous kachori. Kachori Gali is a small street near Manikarnika Ghat famous for its delicious street food.
The street is lined with small shops, each selling its unique style of kachori. The Ram Bhandar, at the end of the street, is one of Varanasi’s most famous shops for kachori. After trying kachori, you can try lassi at Blue Lassi.
Blue Lassi
Blue Lassi, located in Kachori Gali, is a small shop that has been serving Lassi for generations. The shop offers unique and delicious flavours of lassi, such as classic sweet, rose, mango, chocolate, and others.
They offer quite an extensive menu. The blue lassi is a must-try for anybody visiting Varanasi. If you still have some space in your stomach, head to Kashi Chat Bhandar, which is 1 km from Blue Lasi.
Kashi Chat Bhandar
Kashi Chat Bhandar is a small street food shop that has been serving delicious chats for the last 50 years. The shop serves a variety of chaat dishes. But the most famous ones are tomato chat and Palak chat. So don’t forget to give them a try.
Explore Varanasi Temples
After breakfast, let’s start exploring some of Varanasi’s ancient temples. Start with one of the most iconic Kashi Vishwanath temples. The Temple is 800m and 9 Minutes walk away from Kashi chat Bhandar.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)
If you want to visit only one temple in Varanasi, that should be the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is one of the most respected and ancient temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. As you enter the temple premises, you will feel a sense of peace and tranquillity wash over you.
The temple architecture is breathtaking, with impressive domes, pillars, and spires that reach towards the sky. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures. The atmosphere inside the temple is thrilling.
The sound of bells ringing, the aroma of incense, and glowing Diya lamps create a mesmerizing ambience. In addition, pilgrims and tourists from across India deliver prayers and engage in religious rites and rituals. I feel a strong spiritual vibe at the temple. Kashi Vishwanath temple is a must-visit temple in this 2 days Varanasi itinerary.
Note:-Make online reservations to avoid long lines at the main temple. Because it is generally quite crowded. When you book online, you will receive special help from a monk at the temple.
For a queue-less darshan, you must BOOK SUGAM DARSHAN TICKET by following the official website of SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH MANDIR TRUST
Timing: 4:00 am – 11:00 am
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Duration: 1 Hour
Next Destination: Durga Temple is 2.7 Km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, By walking 30 Min and by Auto (tuk-tuk) or car 10 Minutes away.
DURGA TEMPLE
The Durga Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to the goddess Durga that was established in the 18th century. The temple is one of the most important and well-known temples in Varanasi. The shrine architecture is spectacular, with beautiful carvings, sculptures, and paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses on the temple walls and pillars.
Within the temple, you’ll observe pilgrims conducting rituals and praying. And you’re welcomed with a calm ambience filled with the sound of bells and the fragrances of flowers and incense. A pond on the temple grounds adds to the beauty of this temple. Also, you will see several monkeys in the temple.
Timing: 7 am to 8 pm
Duration: 45 Minutes.
Next Destination: Tulsi Manas temple is 4.3km From Durga temple, by walking 50 minutes and by taxi or Auto(Tuk-Tuk) 15 Minutes.
Tulsi Manas Temple:-
Tulsi Manas Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, was established in 1964. The temple derives its name from the renowned Hindu literary work, the “Tulsi Ramayana,” written by the sage Tulsidas.
It is believed that the Tulsi Ramayana was written at this site in the 16th century. The magnificent Tulsi Manas Temple, constructed with white marble, and is a magnificent example of Indian architecture.
The walls of the Tulasi Manas Temple are one of its most remarkable features. Because the temple’s walls are covered with Goswamy Tulsida’s Ram Charith Manas episodes.
Inside the temple, you will see the beautiful image of Lord Rama with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman, and devotee Hanuman. And beautiful carvings and paintings that depict the various incidents from Lord Rama’s life.
Tulsi Manas Temple is a wonderful location to unwind after exploring Varanasi’s crowded markets and ghats.
Duration: 45 Minutes.
Timing: Morning 5:30 to 12:00 pm; Evening 3:30 to 9:00 pm.
Next Destination: Sankat Mochan temple is 550m from Tulsi Manas temple, By walking 9 Minutes.
Sankat Mochan Temple
The Sankat Mochan temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, a great Hindu god noted for his strength, intellect, and devotion. The temple is one of the oldest and holiest destinations in Varanasi for Hanuman believers.
The temple features a beautiful sculpture of Lord Hanuman. You will also witness a lot of monkeys, due to the large monkey population in Temple. The temple is especially well-known for its daily evening aarti, which is attended by hundreds of people.
Duration:- 30 Minutes.
Timing:- 4 am to 10 pm.
After exploring the temples, you can take a walk on Varanasi Street or go shopping. Or You can return to the hotel for some rest before attending the evening, Aarti.
If you leave close to Ghats, I would recommend you to walk to Dashashwmedh Ghat for Evening Aarti, since the route will be crowdy. A short journey, such as 2 kilometres, might take 30 minutes to an hour. If you wish to take public transportation, the best option is to take a rickshaw or auto (tuk-tuk).
Witness the Evening Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The evening Aarti ceremony at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat is my life’s most exciting spiritual experience. When the sun sets over the Ganges, thousands of worshippers gather on the ghat to pray to Ganga. The atmosphere is filled with devotional music, bells, chants, and the light of oil lamps.
The air is filled with an incredible scent from several incense sticks. The ceremony is performed with great dedication by priests dressed in traditional clothing, while the crowd sings devotional songs and repeats prayers.
The scene is lit up by the flickering flames of the oil lamps and the brilliant light of the rising moon. That creates a breathtaking atmosphere that is both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Visitors from worldwide come to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the evening Aarti. And immerse themselves in the holy atmosphere of the river Ganges.
You will get the best view of the Aarti from the boat, which is standing on the Ganga River in front of the Dashmeshwar ghat. You can hire individual boats or climb one of the boats after paying a nominal amount. Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is my favourite thing to do in Varanasi.
Don’t forget to include this in your 2-day Varanasi itinerary.
Day 2 of Varanasi Itinerary
Morning Aarti at Assi Ghat.
Start your second day with the morning Aarti at Assi Ghat, which is the best way to begin. The Aarti ceremony starts before sunrise, with the sound of devotional music, the ring of the bells, and the chanting of the prayer. The calmness of the morning, the chants, and the sounds of bells were amazing experiences for me.
You will also witness pilgrims, dressed in their traditional attire, performing daily rituals and taking a dip in the holy water of Ganga. The aarti starts with the sunrise and looks the same as the evening aarti. But the atmosphere at Assi Ghat during the morning aarti is more peaceful and spiritual.
The sound of the devotional music and the chanting of prayers fill the air, creating a serene and peaceful environment. Fewer people attend this aarti, so you can get a close look at the rituals. After arti starts a live music performance, and the whole ceremony ends with a yoga session. I feel peaceful and have fantastic energy after the morning Aarti.
Timing.
- During summer: 5.00 AM to 7.00 AM
- During winter: 5-40 AM to 7.30 AM
- Total Duration: Two hours approx. for the entire programme
Eat Delicious Breakfast
After Aarti, let’s head to breakfast. I’m going to showcase some of the top cafes for breakfast at the Assi ghat and nearby the ghat. Which are highly rated for delicious international breakfast and great service.
Ashish Cafe:- They bake their bread and create their peanut butter. They also serve amazing pancakes.
Aum Cafe:- They are known for their excellent black coffee as well as their pancakes.
Breakfast Brown Bread Bakery:- This is India’s first organic restaurant. They have a delicious breakfast buffet. The bakery is about 1.8 kilometres from Assi Ghat or about 22 minutes on foot.
Now head to Ramnagar Fort, which is 3.7km from the Assi Ghat, 10 to 15 minutes by car or auto, and 51 minutes by walking.
Visit the Historical Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort stands on the Ganges River’s eastern bank, opposite Tulsi Ghat. It was erected in the 18th century by Raja Balwant Singh and is still owned by royal descendants.
Ramnagar Fort was built in the Mughal and Rajputana architectural styles, with elegantly carved balconies. Inside the fort, there is a museum where you will see antique weapons, royal costumes, palanquins, and coins from the royal treasury. In the fort, you will find a good collection of vintage cars.
One of the most noticeable features of the fort is a one-of-a-kind astronomical clock. This clock displays not only the time but also the year, month, week, and day, as well as the sun, moon, and other planets’ astronomical information. The fort also features excellent temples dedicated to Veda, Vyasa, and Hanuman.
Timing: 10:00 Am to 5:00 Pm
Duration: About 1 Hour.
Go for a Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath
After exploring Ramnagar Fort, take a half-day trip to Sarnath. This Buddhist pilgrimage destination is approximately 10 kilometres from Varanasi. Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after getting an alignment.
The town is also one of the four most significant Buddhist sites in India. There are plenty of interesting attractions to explore when visiting Sarnath. The Dhamek Stupa, a gigantic structure created in the 5th century AD, is the most famous landmark to visit in Sarnath.
Plus, it is believed that this is where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Another popular attraction in Sarnath is the Ashoka Pillar, which dates from the 3rd century.
You can also visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Mulagandhakuti Temple, a Thai Temple, and a Japanese Temple. My personal favourite is the Thai temple. This temple is one of the newest and most attractive.
The walls and ceiling of this temple are covered with beautiful paintings and elaborate carvings. Inside the shrine, you will see lovely Buddha sculptures. And in the open space, there is also a stunning large Buddha statue.
The temple is surrounded by a beautiful green garden, making it an ideal spot to unwind. You may also visit the Sarnath Museum, which has a collection of Buddhist artefacts and manuscripts.
If you are visiting Varanasi, Sarnath is a must-see destination that should be included in your 2-day Varanasi itinerary.
How to Reach Sarnath from Varanasi
Sarnath is between 10 and 15 kilometres from Varanasi, depending on where you start. The route is generally busy; you may get there in 30 minutes to an hour. Sarnath is easily accessible by autorickshaw, taxi, old cab, or bus. The bus is a less expensive choice, but it is not the best. Even so, you can take a bus from Varanasi Train Station.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March, because of the better weather conditions. The weather is fairly hot from April to September. The temperatures range from 35°C to 46°C.
Additionally, July through September is monsoon season, so you can expect heavy rain. But if you are comfortable in this temperature and with the rain, then the entire year is the perfect time to visit.
How to Reach Varanasi?
Varanasi is one of the most famous destinations in India, which receives millions of national and international tourists every year. For this reason, it is extremely well connected with the rest of India. You can reach Varanasi by air, train, and road.
By Flight: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is the main airport in Varanasi. There are daily flights to Varanasi from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Khajuraho, Chennai, and Goa. The journey from the airport to the city of Varanasi takes around an hour.
By Rail:- The best budget-friendly way to reach Varanasi is by train. Varanasi has two main railway stations: Varanasi Junction and DD Upadhyay Junction. These two railway stations are well connected with several cities in India, such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow, and many others.
You can reserve your seat through the India Railway Website or 12go Asia. I would recommend booking the ticket three to four months in advance so that you have a better chance of getting your preferred seat. Trains to Varanasi from popular Indian tourist destinations are listed below.
| Train Name | From | To | Dep | Arr | Duration |
| BSBS SF EXPRESS | New Delhi | Varanasi | 22:50 | 10:00 | 11:10 |
| VANDE BHARAT EX | New Delhi to Varanasi | Varanasi | 6:00 | 14:00 | 8:00 |
| LICHCHIVI EXP | Agra (Tundla Junction) | Varanasi | 21:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 |
| AII SDAH EXP | Jaipur | Varanasi( DD Upadhyay Junction) | 14:40 | 4:53 | 14:13 |
Note:- Tundla Junction is 31 km from Agra. You may take a train from Agra Railway Station or a cab to Tundla Junction. There are many other trains that run from Agra to Varanasi; but, they do not run regularly. Hence, you should double-check before booking a train to Varanasi. Also, the DD Upadhyay (Mughal Sarai) Junction is also 8 kilometres from Varanasi.
By Road:- Varanasi has excellent road access. You can easily get to Varanasi by bus or car. The bus service between Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi is excellent. Also, both private and state government buses provide luxury and comfortable transportation. You may book a seat through Redbus.
Delhi to Varanasi
Train: There is an excellent train connection from Delhi to Varanasi. The travel from Delhi to Varanasi takes between 8 and 11 hours, depending on the train you take. Few trains run from Delhi to Varanasi every day, although there are plenty that runs once, twice, or three times a week.
Flight: Indira Gandi International Airport in Delhi has regular flights to Varanasi. The flight takes 1:25 minutes.
Where to stay in Varanasi?
Assi Ghat is the ideal site to stay in Varanasi; however, any accommodation near any ghat is best. Because you will spend most of your time in the area surrounding the ghats.
So, I’m going to share some of the best-rated lodgings in Varanasi for you to consider when booking your reservation.
Moustache Hostel Varanasi
The hostel is located close to Assi Ghat. Moustache Hostel is the most popular hostel chain in India. They provide clean dorms with 24-hour front desk service. If you are not comfortable in a mixed dorm, you might pick a female-only dorm. The rooftop of the guesthouse offers a stunning view of the Ganges.
GoSTOPS Varanasi Hostel
This is another highly rated hostel, just 1 km from Assi Ghat. The hostel has dorms, private rooms, and tents, all of which have free wifi. Also, you can spend your time watching TV in the common area or reading a book from their book exchange library.
Ram Bhawan Residency ( Home Stay)
Ram Bhawan Residency, located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, is one of the finest homestays in Varanasi. The homestay features rooms with private and shared bathrooms and a common kitchen. Some rooms also include balconies and sitting areas. They have a rooftop restaurant with a lovely view of the Ganges.
Stay Banaras (Budget Hotel)
A Boutique Hotel – (3 stars) Stay Banaras is situated 3.5 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The hotel features a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. They give excellent service and have a friendly staff.
Hotel Surya, Kaiser Palace (4 stars)
This 4-star hotel used to be the royal palace of the Nepali King and was built in 1818. The hotel offers spacious, clean rooms with balconies and all necessary amenities. In addition, there is a swimming pool, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a cafe, and a juice bar.
BrijRama Palace (5 Star)
A Heritage Hotel ( 5 stars) BrijRam Palace is an 18th-century historic hotel located on the ghat. It is also one of the oldest buildings in Varanasi. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers an incredible view of the Ganga.
The hotel provides elegantly designed comfortable rooms and all of the amenities of a 5-star hotel. In the evenings, you can also enjoy live music performed every evening.
How to get around in Varanasi?
Walking is the best way to discover Varanasi. The city is accessible, and walking allows you to see the city more thoroughly. But, if you are staying far from the city centre or want to get around by vehicle, you can hire a taxi, an autorickshaw (tuk-tuk), or a cycle rickshaw.
The ride will be slow in the city because city roads are usually crowded, especially during Pooja in the evening. You may visit the city via Olacab, an Indian online taxi service similar to Uber.
Where to eat in Varanasi?
No itinerary will be complete without some delicious food. While I have already given some food tips in this itinerary. Here are some of the best-rated places to eat in Varanasi.
Pizzeria Vaatika Café, Assi Ghat:-
One of the most famous restaurants in Varanasi. The restaurant offers delicious pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and dessert in a peaceful environment with a beautiful view of the Ganga River from the rooftop seating area. If you’re looking for delicious European food, this is the place to go.
Bowl of Compassion:-
Bowl of Compassion is a vegetarian restaurant situated in the heart of the city. It features delicious Indian food such as vegetarian pakoras, thalis, palak paneer, Indian curries, and naan. They also offer a range of healthy drinks, including smoothies, fresh juice, and herbal tea.
One of the unique aspects of Bowl of Compassion is its social mission. and the profits from Bowl of Compassion are used to provide education, healthcare, and other support to underprivileged communities.
Aadha-Aadha Café:-
Aadha-Aadha Café is operated by Raju, an Indian, and Emi, a French girl. If you are looking for non-spicy Western food as well as delicious traditional Indian dishes, this is the best place for you.
The restaurant offers a quiet, comfortable, and cosy environment to relax and eat some amazing food with amazing service.
Sushi Cafe & Continental Restaurant:-
Sushi Cafe & Continental Restaurant features Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and European food. The food is delicious, and the presentation is incredible. The restaurant is owned by two Indian brothers who lived and worked as cooks in Japan for ten years. The staff is warm and welcoming.
Canton Royale Restaurant:
This restaurant specializes in authentic Indian cuisine. Their non-vegetarian dishes are amazing. They offer a wide variety of Indian dishes, which is why the Canton Royal Restaurant has something for everyone. Excellent spot to enjoy wonderful Indian food.
Dosa Café:
If you want to try south Indian cuisine in Varanasi or you love dosa, visit Dosa Cafe. This is a small cafe with only four tables, but they serve the best dosa in town and, according to me, one of the best dosa cafes in India. Dosa Cafe is a hidden gem on Varanasi’s small street.
What to shop in Varanasi?
Travelling to Varanasi or any other city in the world to buy souvenirs for yourself or your friends is a great thing to do. Varanasi is a great place to shop, with a range of unique and traditional items available. I am sharing with you some of the most famous items to shop for in Varanasi.
Banarasi Silk Sari
If you just buy one thing in Varanasi, make it a silk sari. Varanasi is known for producing the highest-quality silk saris in the world.
Glass Beads
Varanasi has a wide selection of glass beads as well as stunning jewellery made from glass beads. Varanasi is home to the world’s largest glass-bead manufacturing facility.
Wooden Toys
You will see wooden toys and decorative items in many shops in Varanasi. The city is well-known for its wooden toys and decorations.
Crystal & Stone Shivalinga
While you are in Shiva’s city. You may be interested in purchasing stunning Shiva statues made of crystal and stone.
Indian Literature Books
If you enjoy reading, you can find rare Indian literature books at Varanasi’s market. Because Varanasi is a gold mine of Indian literature books.
***
In conclusion, a two-day in Varanasi offers an enchanting experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. With opportunities to explore ancient temples, witness captivating Ganga Aarti ceremonies, and take peaceful boat rides along the Ganges River, Varanasi presents a unique fusion of tradition, history, and spirituality. The city’s timeless allure and profound connection to the cycle of life and death create a lasting impression. Varanasi truly offers a transformative journey for the mind, body, and soul.
Have you been to Varanasi? How was your experience? If you have any questions, share them with me in the comment section below.
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