varanasi trip how many days

Varanasi Itinerary For 1-2 Days & Varanasi Things To Do!

Categories Asia , India , Itinerary

In this Varanasi itinerary, I show you that 2 days in Varanasi (Banaras as it’s also known) is the perfect amount of time to spend in this old and interesting city I think.

Varanasi is incredibly interesting but there aren’t actually that many things to do in Varanasi, it’s a city that you visit to walk around and observe what’s going on rather than jumping from Varanasi tourist attraction to attraction which you can do with 1- 2 days in Varanasi easily!

Varanasi is said to be the oldest constantly inhabited city in the world . Mark Twain said in 1896 ‘ Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ‘

And I read that the Lonely Planet once said ‘Brace yourself. You’re about to enter one of the most blindingly colourful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on Earth .’

Yep, this is pretty much Varanasi in 2 famous quotes!

Varanasi Itinerary

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Accommodation in Varanasi

I was recommended Moustache Hostel because of its location in Varanasi, I stayed there and was really pleased with it!

Moustache Hostel is by Assi Ghat which is one of the Ghats furthest away from the ‘centre’ of Varanasi which is further North up the River, so although it is a bit of a walk into the ‘centre’, it’s a lovely walk along all of the ghats.

The roads are wide rather than back alleyways in the centre, there are so many cafes and restaurants, some of which are pretty cool and funky selling good coffee and foods with wifi and the air felt a lot fresher!

Alternatively, you can stay closer to the centre but watch out for hotels in Varanasi being in the middle of a weave of small alleyways full of beeping mopeds, dusty buildings, cows and cow pat! I wouldn’t like waking up to this!

Some high-rated hotels in Varanasi are:

BrijRama Palace- A Heritage Hotel  – Luxury

Wander Station Varanasi – Midrange

Azure Family Paying Guest House – Budget

Search for accommodation in Varanasi on Booking.com here . I used Booking.com all the time as I love their flexible booking options!

In regards to how many days in Varanasi to stay for, I’d say 2 nights and 2 days are enough.

Things To Do in Varanasi

1 day in varanasi, sunrise boat trip on river ganges.

Starting your day with a sunrise boat trip along the River Ganges is by far the best way to start your trip to Varanasi and this Varanasi itinerary.

Head down to the river before sunrise and take up one of the men on their offer for a boat trip.

You should be able to barter them down from their initial price and be sure to check out their boat before getting on to ensure it looks ok. Don’t expect these guys to be a ‘guide’.

However, if you do want a guided tour so you can understand what is happening on the shore, have a look into this highly rated  Varanasi Morning Boat Ride and Aarti Experience via Viator .

I had the most amazing sunrise sky at the start of the boat trip- pinks and purples which turned blue as the sun started to rise out of the haze (and smog).

On the shores, you’ll see locals bathing in the river and doing their laundry. You’ll see early morning Indian tourists going for a ritual dip- believed by Hindus that the River Ganges aka Mother Ganga will release them from their past sins.

I use  Skyscanner to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different dates and routes to help me find the best flight at the best price!

Open Skyscanner by clicking here  and search for the best flights as you read this post.

Morning Aarti ceremonies

You may see parts of the Morning Aarti ceremonies depending on where on the river you start, and you should definitely make sure you go up to Manikarnika Ghat aka the Burning Ghat .

In the morning, just after sunrise, there will not be any bodies burning yet, instead the men will be getting the area ready for the day and sorting the logs.

It’s incredible to see the boats full of logs in front of the ghat which will be used to cover dead bodies later that day.

Seen as you cannot take photos or videos at the burning ghat during the day (which is understandable), going past by boat in the morning is the best chance to take any photos of the area.

I was actually really surprised by the number of cool cafes there are in Varanasi, they are definitely set up for backpackers and travellers here, which I guess makes sense as Varanasi has been on the traveller radar since the hippies arrived in the 1960s and haven’t gone off it since.

If you are staying near Assi Ghat I’d recommend Ashish Cafe, Open Hand Cafe, The Mark’s Cafe for coffee and breakfast .

If you are not staying in this area Brown Bread Bakery is a good place to get some breakfast and relax.

Explore the Ghats and City

I had a little nap until lunchtime which may be needed on your Varanasi itinerary because of the early start and then headed back out along the ghats for a relaxed walk .

They will be much busier now and the laundry you saw being done that morning will now be hung up, laid out and drying in the sun. 

If you’d prefer to see Varanasi with a local and learn about the history of Varanasi I recommend these well-priced and highly-rated Varanasi tours :

• Self Tailored Banaras Wala Tour
• Varanasi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Tour)
• Private A Journey of A lifetime Tour
• Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour
• Varanasi Temple Tour
• Private Sunrise Yoga Class with Licensed Instructor

Later in the day head into the centre of Varanasi , aka the back streets of Varanasi . Here you will see what Mark Twain meant when he said just how old Varanasi is and looks!

When I visited, the lanes were no busier than usual Indian Cities and although I didn’t particularly like them, they were fine.

I can understand though that if Varanasi is one of the first places you visit in India, perhaps after Delhi and Agra, that these streets could be quite intense.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is right in the middle of the small streets however as a tourist to Varanasi do not expect to be able to go inside as the queues are huge.

Indian tourists must wait hours to enter in the cramped, small streets to go inside. So if you come upon people queuing in the street, this is where they are heading!

The streets are also lined with shops but Varanasi is definitely not the best place to shop in India ! If you plan to go shopping, wait until you go elsewhere or make sure you shop before you get there.

I didn’t see any particularly nice shops with good clothes and accessories and with the streets being so dusty and dark it doesn’t make it a pleasant place to browse!

Burning Ghats

Whilst exploring the back streets be sure to head to 2 places on this Varanasi itinerary – one, back to the Burning Ghats and two, to Blue Lassi Shop !

I understand that the Burning Ghats may not be for everyone but they are a must-see place to visit in Varanasi! This is what Varanasi is based around, it’s the city where life meets death and death is celebrated.

It is a big and important thing for Hindus to be burnt in Varanasi. It is believed that after their bodies are soaked in the River Ganges and they are cremated there that they will go to heaven instead of being reincarnated.

It’s a strange feeling down at the burning ghat, firstly you can approach it by the river and walk right onto the ghat, or down from the back streets. Walking along the ghat will take you right into the centre.

There are about 10 fires going with big piles of wood, bodies are brought down on bamboo stretchers, and dunked in the river before being laid out on top of the wood. More wood is put on top as well as a smothering of Ghee to help the wood burn.

The wood is set on fire and so is the body and it’s possible to wait and see a whole body disappear. 

When at the burning ghats remember that you cannot take any photos . Keep your phone in your bag or pocket and if you carry a camera around your neck as I do, it’s just easier to put it in your bag even if it is off as it will save the many comments from Indian men trying to tell you what to do.

The very bottom area by the river is for the family but you can stand by the railing or on the steps.

It’s a very strange atmosphere as it seems that a lot of locals go there to socialise and you will definitely be the minority being a tourist but you are definitely allowed down there so don’t let that put you off.

The Blue Lassi Shop

After this, you may need more of a light-hearted activity so I recommend going to The Blue Lassi , now be sure to go to the real one which is close to the burning ghat and is a blue cafe as there is a fake one apparently.

Here you can pretty much get any flavour of Lassi you want and there is a huge menu to choose from. 

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Come evening time on this Varanasi itinerary for things to do in Varanasi, head to Dasawamedh Ghat for the Evening Aarti , this happens just after sunset when it’s dark but to get a good seat I’d recommend getting there early.

You can’t miss it as there are huge lit-up umbrellas above where the priests will do their ceremony.

Again, this is another one of the things to do in Varanasi that is helpful to see with a guide as they can really explain to you what is happening and if you are new to India you might find this experience and the number of people overwhelming on your own.

Watching the Evening Aarti from a boat on the River Ganges on this tour with a private guide is a great idea, and so is watching the Evening Aarti from the banks of the Ganges with a private guide like this .

These are the main things to do in Varanasi, so if you have just 1 day in Varanasi then you will manage to see pretty much everything by doing the above Varanasi itinerary!

2 Days in Varanasi

It’s likely your second day in Varanasi will not vary too much from the above. If you can get up early again then head back out to the ghats for sunrise.

Morning Aarti

At Assi Ghat they hold the Morning Aarti which is pretty much the same as the Evening Aarti but good to see. 

During the day there isn’t much else to do in Varanasi I found except for exploring the ghats, streets and cafes once again.

Day Trip to Sarnath

However, if you are keen to get out of Varanasi, one of the best places to visit near Varanasi is Sarnath . This is popular because it’s where Buddha first taught a sermon and first taught the Dharma .

It’s possible to go on an  organised tour like this to Sarnath or get a taxi.

I met a girl who got an Ola there which was around 600Rs each way. Sarnath is only 10km away from Varanasi but the traffic will more than likely be heavy so it could take an hour each way.

Sarnath has a beautiful garden you can walk around and relax in with some ruins you can visit and also a museum about the history of Buddhism. 

Evening time is a good time to get back out on the river . The sun sets behind the city so you will not see the sun actually setting but instead the sky turning castle colours above the city and the rituals starting along the ghats.

Alternatively, a popular thing to do in Varanasi is to watch some wrestling which is popular in this area so look out for that.

If wrestling is something you are particularly interested in you can also do a day tour to discover the local art of Kushti Wrestling.

How to get the best flights??

I use  Skyscanner  to book all of my flights! I’m a huge fan of Skyscanner because I love how easy it is to compare different destinations and different dates for the best price and route!

For example, I type in ‘everywhere’ in the destination if I have fixed dates and want to find the best flights on those dates on Skyscanner.

And if I have a set destination I’ll look at the ‘month view’ to check the cheapest days to fly in that month!

How to Get To and From Varanasi

Train and Air are the most popular ways to get to Varanasi and leave Varanasi.

Varanasi has 2 train stations – Varanasi Junction and Varanasi Cantt .

I got an overnight train from Agra to Varanasi leaving Agra Fort at 8:30 pm (well actually 9:30 as it was delayed), and getting it at 14:30 (should have been 10:30 am).

It makes sense to visit Agra and Varanasi together and this train link works well during the day and overnight.

Rishikesh and Varanasi are also 2 destinations that are popular to see after one another. It’s possible to go from Rishikesh to Varanasi by getting to Haridwar station outside of Rishikesh and then getting an overnight train to Varanasi.

Delhi to Varanasi is also popular and there is an overnight train from Varanasi to Delhi and back.

Search for trains and buses to and from Varanasi here which can be booked easily online!

Varanasi has a Domestic Airport. I flew to Goa from there.

It’s an hour from the City and a taxi cost me 800Rs. It’s actually a really good airport with free wifi, a few little shops and plenty of places to get a drink and some food.

Internal flights in India can be really cheap and must faster than travelling by train/bus. 

I hope this Varanasi Travel Guide helps you plan your trip there and gives you an idea of things to do in Varanasi in 2 days or if you spend 3 days in Varanasi .

People say you either love Varanasi or hate it, I loved it. I hope you do too!

• For more of my posts on India and Travelling see:
• All My India Posts
• Is It Worth Visiting The Taj Mahal? And My Top Tips for Visiting!
• 7 Ways to See The Taj Mahal Without Going Inside the Taj Mahal!
• A Travel Guide to Rishikesh – Yoga, Cafes, Accommodation, Things To Do!
• 10 Delhi Travel Tips For Tourists to See & Enjoy Delhi!

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Let's Go Sightseeing

Tuesday 11th of December 2018

Glad to know you liked Varanasi. Even for us Indians, it can get overwhelming, but underneath that chaos is something incredible - a chance to see life at its rawest...

Actually, Benaras is the best place to shop for banarasi fabric/ sari, but it can be done only with a trustworthy local.

TheWanderingQuinn

Wednesday 12th of December 2018

Good to know it seems just as crazy for Indians, I can see that, it’s like no other place isn’t it! Ok good to know about the shopping, thank you!

Kingdom of Travelers

2 Days in Varanasi: The Ultimate Varanasi Itinerary

Heading 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Downloadable Image of Varanasi Itinerary

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Kate Abroad

Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi Itinerary for 2024

I only spent 2 days in Varanasi on my first trip to the holy city, but it was enough to fall in love with the place. Even if you only have a short time in which to visit, I can guarantee you’ll love it too.

Varanasi really is a microcosm of India . It has all the energy, colour, and chaos that the country is known for but in a city less than one-tenth the size of Delhi or Mumbai.

Varanasi is certainly not lacking in things to do , and because Varanasi has so much significance in the Hindu religion, it’s an intensely spiritual place, far more than the country’s megacities.

I visited Varanasi as part of a 2 week India trip that also included Abhaneri , Khajuraho , Orchha and the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra).

Things to Do in 2 Days in Varanasi Itinerary

Day 1 in varanasi.

The best way to get to know Varanasi is to get stuck in and get your feet dirty. Once you’ve arrived and had a chance to drop any bags, jump in a rickshaw and head for the old city.

Explore the old city

Varanasi’s old city isn’t a walled-off area like Jaipur has but it’s generally known as the area between Bansphatak road and the Ganges River. 

This maze of alleyways is extremely easy to get lost in and that’s kind of the point. You’ll need to dodge a lot of cow poop, cows, scooters and carts. But along the way you’ll find tons of tiny (and not so tiny) temples of all shapes and kinds. Some are hundreds of years old and falling down while some are new and renovated. 

If you’re unsure about braving the alleyways yourself or wanting to learn from a guide there are some great guided walking tours that can be booked through Klook for less than $20.

Temples and processions

Varanasi is known as the city of a thousand temples and many of Hinduism’s millions of gods are worshipped in some form here.

You’ll also come across many funeral processions going past on their way to the crematoriums on the riverbanks with family and friends carrying bodies on stretchers covered with layers of flower garlands and sparkling, bejewelled fabrics.

This can be kind of confronting but it’s part of what makes Varanasi unique, death and life coexist in very close proximity here.

Silk markets

When you need a break from the busy alleyways, pop into some of the silk shops in the old city which are cloister around Bansphatak Road. 

Varanasi is known for producing the highest quality silk goods in India and you can find some great bargains here as well as higher-priced, incredibly ornate items that are more like art than clothing.

Sunset boat ride and prayer ceremony

Wrap up your day with a sunset boat ride on the river Ganges. Known as Mother Ganges and considered a holy river in Hinduism, the river is the heart of Varanasi (although the city is only really built on one side) and boat rides are an absolute must do for your 2 days in Varanasi.

Sunset is probably the calmest time for boat trips and means you can catch the evening prayer ceremonies at Dashashwamedh ghat which are truly beautiful.

You can buy small floating candle bowls if you want to make your own offerings.

There are many captains lining the river banks who are happy to take visitors for a short or long trip or you can pre-book a boat cruise via Get Your Guide to be assured of safety.

Day 2 in Varanasi

While it might seem like overkill, I would highly recommend going out for another boat ride at sunrise.

The sight of the sunrise over the river is spectacular and this is when many of the locals come down to the river to bathe and complete their private worship.

You can also watch the morning aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat (shown below) which is incredible o from the river on a sunrise boat cruise .

The priests make a series of offerings to the river involving lots of candles and incense and backed by a choir of young women.

After the boat ride, stop into Blue Lassi for a liquid breakfast.

Blue Lassi is possibly the most famous café in Varanasi and offers lassi (yoghurt-based) drinks in every conceivable flavour out of handmade terracotta pots.

Ramnagar Fort

For your final afternoon, it’s time to head across the river to Ramnagar Fort on the opposite side of the Ganges. 

The fort was built by a local maharaja in the 18th century, but it was done in the style of the Mughals from two centuries earlier so the fort combines Hindu and Islamic architecture in similar styles to Mughal buildings throughout India.

Not all of the fort is open to the public as it is still inhabited by the current king of Varanasi and his family but visitors can see the sections that have been converted to a museum which includes artefacts from across Asia and Africa including an impressive astronomical clock.

The entry fee is 150rs for foreigners and you can pay around 500rs for a boat ride across.

Add-on activity: Sarnath

If you have an extra half-day or want to pack an extra attraction into your two days in Varanasi then consider a trip out to Sarnath.

Where Varanasi is significant to Hindus, Sarnath, only a 30-45 minute rickshaw ride away, is a holy place for Buddhists.

It is believed that Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon and temples stood here for hundreds of years although they are now largely ruins.

The easiest way to get there is to book a day trip, I found the best options on Klook .

However, you can negotiate a rickshaw for the return trip (price depending on your negotiating skills). I would recommend then hiring a local guide to explain the stories behind each spot.

How to get to Varanasi

The train is the primary form of transport around India and is very budget-friendly. However, if you’re short on time there is always the option to fly. I have done both, arriving by train from Orccha and departing by air to Delhi, and both were very smooth trips.

Getting to Varanasi by Train

There are multiple stations in Varanasi with the main one being Banaras/Varanasi Junction from which you can catch trains all over India.

Getting to Varanasi by Plane

Lal Bahadur Shastri airport is on the outskirts of Varanasi, a 30-60 minute drive from the central city depending on traffic. 

Flights are available to most main cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai as well as to Kathmandu in Nepal.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Luxury – Taj Ganges

A five-star hotel with all the amenities you would expect and a great place to kick back away from the bustle of the old city.

Click here to check prices for Taj Ganges and book

Mid-range – Shiva Ganges Guest House

On the nicer end of Indian mid-range hotels, this place has an unbeatable location just a few hundred metres from the ghats.

Click here to check prices for Shiva Ganges and book

In Short: Varanasi in 2 days

While you could easily spend much longer than two days in this city, immersing yourself in Varanasi, a weekend or, ideally two nights, is plenty of time to catch the main attractions and leave you wanting more.

Happy travelling!

Asia Travel Resources

• Book trains and buses through 12.go Asia to avoid queues at the station
• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book day tours and tickets for attractions on Klook
• Save on Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore attractions with a Go City Pass
• Sort your currencies in one place with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Best things to do in Varanasi in 3 days and 4 days itinerary

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I travelled from Delhi to Varanasi for a 4 days trip by overnight train. My train arrived in Varanasi on time, As I stepped off the train in Varanasi, I was immediately hit by the energy of the city and was immediately struck by the chaos and noise of the city. I took an autorickshaw from the station to my place of stay. On the way streets were filled with honking rickshaws, bustling pedestrians, and the smells of street food missed with incense.

Brief introduction of Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology.

Varanasi has a rich cultural and religious heritage, and is famous for its temples, ghats, and vibrant street life. It has been a center of learning and spirituality for centuries and has attracted pilgrims, scholars, and tourists from all over the world.

Varanasi is renowned for its spiritual and religious significance, and it is believed that a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges here can cleanse one’s sins and lead to salvation. The city has over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The ghats of Varanasi are also an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. There are over 80 ghats along the river Ganges, and they are used for religious ceremonies, bathing, and cremation. The most famous of these ghats are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.

Varanasi is also famous for its silk sarees, which are hand-woven and intricately designed. The city has a rich history of music, dance, and literature, and is home to several famous artists and musicians.

Overall, Varanasi is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and spirituality. Its vibrant street life, rich heritage, and religious significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural diversity of India.

There is a famous saying among travellers that “Either you love Varanasi or you hate Varanasi” and I love Varanasi, I love everything about it. It’s mystic, its spiritual and Varanasi is one those places on the earth where life and death are equally celebrated.

Places to visit in Varanasi and must do things in 3 to 4 days

Visit the temples of varanasi for spiritual experience.

Varanasi is home to numerous temples that hold great religious significance. Here are some of the prominent temples in Varanasi:

Durga Temple (Durga Kund Temple): This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located near the Durga Kund (pond). It is known for its vibrant red color and elaborate architecture. During the Navratri festival, the temple comes alive with celebrations.

The Annapurna Temple in Varanasi is a significant religious site dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the Hindu goddess of food. Temple is situated in the Vishwanath Gali area of Varanasi, which is in close proximity to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple now in temple complex.

Read more about the Temples of Varanasi.

Take a morning Boat ride on Ganges

Taking a morning boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi is a serene and enchanting experience. It allows you to witness the city come alive, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, and observe the rituals along the ghats.

After attending morning aarti at Assi Ghat, take a boat ride. Since Assi is the first ghat in a series of 88 ghats on Ganga, so it makes practical sense to start from here.

You can witness the early morning rituals, including devotees offering prayers, and engaging in yoga or meditation along the riverfront. The boat ride allows you to get a closer look at the different ghats of Varanasi.

See the circle of life and death on Ghats

Varanasi offers a unique perspective on the circle of life and death through its ghats. The ghats along the river Ganges are not only places of worship but also witness the rituals and customs associated with life and death.

Devotees gather at the ghats to perform morning rituals, offer prayers, and seek blessings from the sacred river Ganga. Pilgrims come from far and wide to take a holy dip in the river, seeking spiritual liberation and the blessings of Mother Ganga.

Walk from Assi Ghat to Rajendra Prasad Ghat

If you have time in hand and you are ready to walk then walking from Assi Ghat to Rajendra Prasad Ghat in Varanasi offers a delightful opportunity to explore the ancient and vibrant city on foot.

It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, carry drinking water, and be mindful of the surroundings and local customs while walking through the ghats of Varanasi.

Read more about The Ghats of Varanasi.

Visit Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat

The Ghats where funeral pyre burning from thousand years. A visit to Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat in Varanasi offers a profound and unique glimpse into the ancient tradition of Hindu cremation rituals. These ghats have been witnessing funeral pyres burning for centuries and hold significant cultural and religious importance.

It is believed that cremation at this ghat ensures moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation), making it a significant destination for those seeking spiritual emancipation.

Visiting these Ghats allows you to witness the rituals and traditions associated with death and the cycle of life in Hinduism. It is recommended to approach these ghats with sensitivity, understanding, and reverence for the cultural practices and beliefs being observed.

While these ghats offer a unique insight into Hindu funeral customs and the circle of life, it is important to respect the privacy and solemnity of the rituals. Visitors are advised to maintain a respectful distance and refrain from taking photographs or engaging in intrusive behaviour.

Checkout the newly built Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has transformed the area around the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This corridor created a clean, organized, and pedestrian-friendly passage from Lalita Ghat at Ganga River till main temple. There is a food court and waiting area with modern amenities for devotees and tourists.

Explore the narrow by lanes of Varanasi to get the real feel of Kashi

The by lanes of Varanasi are a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and alleys that weave through the heart of the city. These are referred as “gallis,” are the lifelines of Varanasi, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.

Attend a morning Ganga aarti at Assi Ghat

The morning Ganga Aarti usually takes place before sunrise, around dawn. The exact timing may vary depending on the time of year and sunrise. It’s advisable to check in advance for the accurate timing of the Aarti.

Attend an evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Attending the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is a captivating experience that showcases the vibrant energy and devotion of the city. The evening Ganga Aarti takes place after sunset, around dusk. The exact timing varies depending on the time of year and sunset. It’s advisable to check with the locals for the accurate timing of the Aarti.

As the evening approaches, devotees and visitors start gathering at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ghat becomes alive with the hustle and bustle of people, priests, preparing for the Aarti. The steps of the ghat are decorated with flowers, oil lamps, and incense.

To witness the Aarti from a different perspective, you can also opt to view it from a boat on the Ganges. Many boat operators offer guided tours during the Aarti, allowing you to witness the ceremony from the water.

It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and respect the customs and traditions of the Aarti. Dress modestly and be prepared for large crowds.

Read more about Dev Diwali festival of Varanasi.

Visit some historically significant places and temples

If time permits then also visit these two places, which are important to the heritage and history of Varanasi.

Visit and spend some time in Banaras Hindu University – BHU

Established in 1916 by the visionary leader and social reformer, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of the oldest and largest residential universities in Asia.

Visit Ramnagar fort

Do some fun activities across Ganga River

If you are travelling with kids and want to do some activities. Then cross the Ganga River preferably by taking a boat from Assi ghat and on the other side you can do camel ride or horse ride or maybe take a ride in swings.

There is a tent city also on the other side of the river across the Ghats.

Enjoy some local food in Banaras to satiate your taste buds

Varanasi offers a diverse and delicious culinary experience. The local cuisine of Varanasi reflects the traditional flavours of Uttar Pradesh with its own distinct identity. Here are some popular dishes and food experiences to try in Varanasi:

Jalebi: It is another popular dish for breakfast and most of the shops serving Kachori Sabzi also serve this. In Varanasi, it is consumed on its own or with Dahi.

Sweet Lassi: It’s also very popular in Varanasi and served in Kasore (earthen pots). Blue Lassi shop near Manikarnika ghat is one of the most popular shops and they serve dozens of different varieties of Lassis made with different fruits. Pahalwan lassi shop in Lanka and Shivprasad Lassi shop near Ramnagar fort are other popular places. But you can have lassi from anywhere in Varanasi and it will not disappoint you.

Chaat: Varanasi is famous for its street food, and the chaats are a must-try. Tamatar chaat, Aloo Tikki, Papdi Chaat, Golgappa (Pani puri) and Dahi Vada are some of the dishes you should try in Varanasi. Popular shops are Dena chaat bhandar in Luxa, Kashi Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia area and Banarasi chaat bhandar on Sankat Mochan road.

Baati Chokha: You can try this at any road side stall or can head to Baati Chokha, a restaurant located in Lahurabir which specializes in it.

Pizzeria Vaatika Café: Situated on Assi Ghat is India’s first Pizzeria serving woodfired Pizzas, pasta, cookies, cakes and Pies. This open café offers unique flavours. Pizza and apple pie are two must haves here when in Varanasi.

Banarasi Paan Bhandars: Visit one of the famous Paan shops in Varanasi, such as Keshav Tambul Bhandar or Prince Paan, to savour different varieties of paan infused with various flavours and fillings.

Lal Chai or Black tea: On ghats you will come across vendors selling black tea, they serve tea with a dash of black salt and lemon. This tea is something you should not miss drinking when in Varanasi.

Read more about Varanasi street food and where to eat.

Take a day trip to Sarnath for spiritual experience

Sarnath is 13 kms from Varanasi and unlike Varanasi’s hustle bustle is quite peaceful. It holds immense significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site and is one of the four major sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha.

Main places to visit in Sarnath –

The Chaukhandi Stupa, is believed to mark the spot where Lord Buddha met his first disciples after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, is situated within the sacred grounds of Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. There is a Bodhi tree also where Buddha is shown sitting with his disciples.

Ashoka Pillar, was erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The national emblem of India. The pillar still stands in the ground near Dhamek stupa and the capital with four lions facing different directions is kept in the museum.

Sarnath museum showcases the rich heritage and archaeological treasures of Sarnath.

Jain Temple, Japanese garden and Chinese temples are other important places to visit in Sarnath.

Read more about How to take a day trip to Sarnath.

If time permits, visit an Akhara to see how wrestlers still practice on the dirt/mud floor. There are several weaving centres in Varanasi and you can also visit one of them to see the process of making a Banarasi saree.

Practical travel tips for visiting Varanasi

Best time to visit varanasi.

From October to March is the best time to visit Varanasi as the weather is cooler so it is convenient to explore. Better to avoid the monsoon months of July and August.

How to reach Varanasi

Varanasi is a well-connected city and can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are some common ways to reach Varanasi:

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located in Babatpur, is the nearest airport to Varanasi. It has regular domestic flights connecting Varanasi to major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-paid cab to reach Varanasi city, which is approximately 20 kilometers away.

By Train: Varanasi has multiple railway stations, catering to the needs of the city and its surrounding areas. The main railway station in Varanasi is Varanasi Junction, also known as Varanasi Cantt. It is the largest and busiest railway station in the city, serving as a major transportation hub. Many important trains originate from or pass through Varanasi Junction.

In addition to Varanasi Junction , there are other railway stations in Varanasi, including:

Manduadih Railway Station : Located about 5 kilometers northeast of Varanasi Junction, Manduadih is another significant railway station in Varanasi.

Varanasi City Railway Station (also known as Varanasi City or Varanasi Terminal): This station is situated in the heart of the city, close to the old town and popular tourist attractions.

Other than these Deen Dayal Upadhyay station (Earlier known as Mugal Sarai) situated 15 Km from Varanasi and it provides additional connectivity.

By Road: Varanasi has a well-developed road network, and you can reach the city by bus, car, or taxi. National Highways NH2, NH7, and NH31 pass through Varanasi, connecting it to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. You can either take a state-run bus or hire a taxi or private car for a road trip to Varanasi.

How many days required for Varanasi

The number of days required for a visit to Varanasi depends on your interests and the level of exploration you desire. However, to experience the essence of Varanasi and explore its key attractions, a minimum of three days is recommended. This time frame allows you to immerse yourself in the cultural, spiritual, and historical aspects of the city.

Within three days, you can visit the popular ghats along the Ganges, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremonies, explore significant temples, take a boat ride, visit Sarnath, and explore the vibrant lanes of the old city, indulging in local street food and shopping.

However, if you have more time available, extending your stay in Varanasi to four or five days allows for a deeper exploration and a more relaxed experience.

Remember, Varanasi is a city with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and taking the time to immerse yourself in its essence can be a transformative experience.

Read more about The safety tips for Varanasi , and travel tips for Varanasi.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Varanasi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, Hostels or traditional homestays, Varanasi has something for everyone. Here are some of the recommendations –

If you are on a budget or traveling solo and looking for a hostel then Moustache Hostel near Assi Ghat, Live Free Hostel near Assi Ghat, Wander Station near Dashashwamedh Ghat or GoSTOP in Bhelupur are good options.

If you are on a medium budget then Kashi residency near Assi Ghat, Hotel Tridev Grand in Bhelupur, The Sunaina near Shivala Ghat/Assi Ghat, Cosy Inn Homestay in Rampura Luxa are some good options.

In case you are looking for a luxury stay then Taj Ganges near Varanasi station, Amritara Suryauday Haveli on Shivala Ghat, Hotel Madin in Varanasi Cantonment area or Rivatas by Ideal in Varanasi cantonment are some good options.

How to travel in and around Varanasi

When it comes to traveling in and around Varanasi, you have several options to choose from. Here are the most practical ways based on my personal experience:

Walking: Varanasi’s narrow lanes and alleys are best explored on foot. Walking allows you to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere, discover hidden gems, and observe the local way of life. It is a convenient option for exploring the ghats, temples, markets, and nearby attractions in the old city.

Cycle Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation in Varanasi. They are especially useful for navigating through narrow lanes and crowded areas. Negotiate the fare beforehand.

Auto-rickshaws or Battery-operated Rickshaws: You can opt for shared auto, which charge you a fixed amount from one destination to another and these are most commonly used by locals. You can also hire an individual auto but in that case negotiate the fair beforehand clearly.

Taxis: Taxis, both regular and app-based services, are available in Varanasi. But don’t use taxis for local sight seeing because inside the city in many areas they are not allowed and you have to walk. Taxis are most comfortable going outside the city to places like Sarnath.

Motorcycle taxi ride: This is another mode of transportation and very practical for traveling in Varanasi. Rapido, an app-based service, is a very fast and economical way to commute if you are ok to ride a pillion on a motorbike.

It’s important to note that Varanasi is crowded and congested, especially in the old city area. Plan your travel accordingly, allow extra time for traffic. Consider a combination of different modes of transportation depending on your needs and the distance you need to travel.

Read more about Pilgrimage places in India.

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Complete List of Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

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This post is a Varanasi travel guide listing a suggested Varanasi itinerary that contains all the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 Days. Let me know what you think of it in the comment section below!

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi is an ancient holy city in India. Set beside the mighty holy Ganges, Varanasi is an ancient city with a modern side to it as well. You must visit Varanasi if you wish to gain a deeper insight into Hindu customs, mythology and beliefs. Whether it's watching the famous prayer at a Varanasi ghat, going to one of the many Varanasi temples or enjoying the street food of Varanasi, there are lots of things to do and places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days or even more.

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Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days: Varanasi Itinerary

Varanasi got its name from tributaries of the river Ganga on two ends of the city - Varuna and Assi. In present-day Varanasi city, Varuna is a Ganga tributary whereas Assi is a ghat located on one end of Varanasi. While most Indians who visit Varanasi come here for a pilgrimage, there's a lot more to do in Varanasi than to just explore the many temples. This Varanasi travel guide contains a list of all the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days - giving you a suggested Varanasi itinerary along with lots of travel info to help you plan your Varanasi trip.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

• Spring (March - April) : Varanasi can get either too hot or too cold. Thus the spring months of March and April are one of the best times to visit Varanasi .
• Summer (April - June) : The summer months can get extremely hot in Varanasi. The heat can get too overbearing to handle. It's best to avoid visiting Varanasi during summer.
• Monsoon (July - September) : While it doesn't rain a whole lot in Varanasi compared to the tropical regions of India, the combination of humidity and heat is terrible.
• Fall (October - November) : This is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Varanasi . The weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The days are pleasant. Whats more, the famous Dev Diwali festival is celebrated in November in Varanasi. Read more on that below.
• Winter (December - February) : The cold winter months are the best season to visit Varanasi if you like to avoid the crowds.

How to Reach Varanasi

1. by flight.

The Lal Bahadur Shashtri airport in Varanasi is well connected to the major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The airport is located roughly an hour's drive from the city. Upon exiting the airport, one can book a cab ride to the city centre using a ride booking app such as Ola.

2. By Train

The Varanasi junction railway station as well as Manduadih railway station are both located right in the middle of the city. In fact, both these railway stations are huge landmark in themselves. You will find trains to Varanasi from cities all over India.

In case you want to make a budget trip to Varanasi, you can get around using the Uttar Pradesh state transport buses. Not just that, you will even find private air conditioned buses to Varanasi from nearby major cities.

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Delhi to Varanasi

There are numerous ways to cover the 846 km distance between Delhi and Varanasi. You can get direct flights from Delhi to Varanasi and vice versa. Similarly, there are many trains running between Delhi and Varanasi. You can also get a night sleeper bus to reach Varanasi from Delhi. In case you are also planning a trip to Delhi, then you might find this Delhi travel guide useful.

Best Hotels in Varanasi - Near Ghats

If you're looking to enjoy all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days then it's advisable to stay near the Varanasi ghats since that gives you easy access to all the sightseeing places in Varanasi. Here you will find the best hotels in Varanasi as well as budget hotels and even hostels. It's advisable to stay close to Dashashwamedha ghat since it's the location of the famous Ganga aarti and it has a popular shopping market nearby plus lots of good restaurants and cafes.

Find hotels in Varanasi on Booking.com

Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days: A Suggested Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days

Apart from a plethora of ghats and temples, there are lots of places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. You can take a boat ride to view all the ghats, go temple hopping, shop for Banarasi silk clothing and sample the local street food among other things to do in Varanasi. Take a look at some of the top Varanasi sightseeing places, below, complied in the form of a suggested Varanasi itinerary.

DAY 1 OF VARANASI ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

1. kashi vishwanath temple.

Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most popular Varanasi temple which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva . There are two temples of the same name in Varanasi. One of them is the old Kashi Vishwanath temple (pictured above) located near Dashashwamedha ghat whereas the new one is located inside the Banaras Hindu University(BHU). The old temple was the target of a terror attack back in 2010 due to which there is heavy security and no electronic devices are allowed inside. The queue to get inside the temple can be hours long so it is recommended to book a VIP tour of the temple that costs Rs 300 per person and lets you visit by skipping the queue. It's a wildly popular pilgrimage site. On the other hand, the new temple inside BHU is a lot quieter.

2. Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort is an old fort on the outskirts of Varanasi located approximately 15-20 km from the city. This Mughal style fort was built back in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. Parts of the fort have been turned into a museum that holds artefacts and relics from the time that the Kashi Naresh lived in this sandstone palace. The magnificent fort looks over the river Ganga. It's a good place to spend the evening in Varanasi.

Must Read: Top Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal in India

3. Dashashwamedh Ghat for Evening Ganga Aarti

If you had to visit just one place or ghat in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh ghat would be it. This is the ghat where the very famous Ganga aarti is performed. Every evening, just after sunset, a group of local priests gather to perform a grand evening prayer at the ghat. The sight is nothing short of spectacular! While you're at the ghat, be sure to take some time out to talk to a local priest about the legends and myths associated with the formation of the ghat.

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DAY 2 OF VARANASI ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

1. assi ghat.

Assi is a ghat which is located at one end of all the ghats in Varanasi. This is the place where all the nice river-side restaurants and trendy cafes are located. I suggest making your way to Assi ghat, renting a boat here to cruise along the ghats then return back and try local food at one of the many restaurants and cafes here. While you're at this ghat, do try the local masala chai. It's a unique chai that's exclusive to the Varanasi ghats.

2. Varanasi Ghats

Among all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, the ghats occupy the top spot among all the sightseeing places. Ghat is a term for a riverside spot that has steps leading down to the river. Varanasi is world famous for it's many ghats. A trip to Varanasi is futile if you haven't done a boat ride along the Varanasi ghats . Personally, I found the best way to experience the Varanasi ghats was to take a one-way boat ride from Assi ghat to Dashashwamedha ghat and then walk back along the ghats back to where I started.

3. Kabir Math

Did you know that Varanasi is also termed as a music city? Some of the most renowned musicians, artists and poets in India are born in Varanasi. Among all these artists, Kabir Das , a 15th century saint , is the most famous poet to be born in Varanasi. He was found floating in a lake as a baby by a local couple in Lahartara, Varanasi. Today, his remains have been kept near the very same lake. In-fact, his final resting place has been turned into a mansion cum temple.

Sarnath is another one of the top places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. While technically it is not within Varanasi city, it is located at a mere distance of 10 km from the city, making it a perfect day trip from Varanasi. Sarnath is believed to be one of the 4 pilgrimage sites that a dutiful Gautam Buddha follower must visit. This religiously-significant place has been known by many names such as Mrigadeva, Migadāya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana. Among the things to see in modern day Sarnath, you'll find various stupas , an archaeological museum , the Ashoka pillar , many ruins, and a Buddha statue .

Shopping for Banarasi Silk Clothing

The famous but crowded Godowlia market for shopping in Varanasi

Anyone planning a Varanasi itinerary for 2 days or even just 1 day can't leave without shopping some traditional banarasi silk clothing items. Varanasi or Banaras is famous for the Banarasi silk weave. For this reason, one can easily find lots of Banarasi silk clothing items are various shops across the city. However, Godowlia market is the most famous Varanasi shopping spot. Here one can very easily step find Banarasi dupattas , salwar kameez , sarees and fabric in various prints, colours and in any budget. Moreover, the market is located right near the Dashashwamedha ghat and even has a good local food scene going on.

Celebrating Dev Deepavali in Varanasi

Dev Deepavali or Dev Diwali is a festival celebrated with huge fervor in Varanasi. This festival takes place on the day of Kartik Purnima in accordance with the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, all Gods came together and defeated the demons Tripurasura and thus celebrated Dev Diwali i.e. Diwali of the Gods . On the occasion of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi, there are diyas (lamps) lit up on all ghats. Scores of people flock to the Dashashwamedha ghat to see the evening aarti and to take a boat ride to see the ghats.

The best way to enjoy Dev Diwali in Varanasi is to get to Assi ghat well before sunset and grab a good seat on a boat. Make sure you tell your boatman to stop at Dashashwamedha ghat during the evening Ganga aarti. It's the best way to beat the crowds and celebrate a hassle-free Dev Deepavali festival.

Places to Eat in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for the plethora of street food items. You just cannot skip out on trying the scrumptious food here while you're making your way through the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. Some of the must-try food in Varanasi is kachori , chole samosa , chaat , paan and baati chokha . You can find these food items almost everywhere. Kashi Bhandar located in Godowlia market is the go-to place for chaat items. Read about all the street food to try in Varanasi . On the other hand, if you're looking for western food, Assi ghat has many restaurants and cafes that specialise in both Indian and Western fare.

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Did you Enjoy this Varanasi Itinerary listing all the Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days?

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What a great guide! Thanks for sharing it.

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The food is expensive and the taste is average but it’s recommended for its ambience. Also, this is perhaps one of the few places around the ghats where you can get non-vegetarian food.

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• Top 10 Places To Visit In Varanasi In 2 Days For Divine Delight

30 Aug 2023

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the great tourist destinations where you can experience the spirituality of India at its most vibrant. From auspicious ghats to a plethora of temples, there is no shortage of places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days . Considered one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, the place is full of culture and is famous for its variety of handicrafts, including gold and silver threadwork, wooden toys, carpet weaving, and glass bangles. The city is replete with tourist attractions, welcoming travellers from all over the world to learn about the rich and mystical culture of the place as well as embark on a blissful journey. So, here are the best places to add to your itinerary while travelling to Varanasi.

10 Places To Visit In Varanasi In 2 Days

The land of Ghats, Varanasi, has so much to offer to devotees, as well as to travellers. If you are planning a trip here and looking for the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, refer to the below-mentioned places:

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

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Dashashwamedh Ghat, named after the legend of Lord Brahma sacrificing 10 horses, or Das Ashwamedh, is one of the divine places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days where the liveliest aartis along the holy river Ganga are conducted. To witness the calming experience of Ganga Aarti as well as a celestial manifestation in the city of lights, also known as Dev Deepavali, Kartik Purnima is the best time to visit this spiritual transcendence place. The prime attractions of the Dashashwamedh Ghat are a swirling groups of flower sellers, boat operators hawking rides, and Sadhus conducting holy pujas every night starting at around 7 pm. If you are thinking what to do in Varanasi in 2 days then travellers can relax and unwind here for hours and can witness the various spiritual ceremonies performed throughout the day.

Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Kashi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: Anytime Main Attractions: Culture, Heritage, Temples Time Required: 3 to 4 hours

Must Read: 9 Best Resorts In Varanasi One Must Definitely Visit When They Are Planning A Vacation

2. Assi Ghat

Perched at the confluence of the River Assi and Ganga, Assi Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. This place has great religious significance and holds a special place in the heart of Varanasi and the locals. It is believed to be the place where the great poet Tulsidas passed away. The main attraction of Assi Ghat is the large Shiva Lingam, situated under a peepal tree, where pilgrims pay homage and worship Lord Shiva. The astonishing view of sunset and sunrise at the Ganges is worth experiencing here. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this place daily for a blissful Ganga Arti performance, which typically starts around 6:30 in the evening.

Address: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings: Anytime Main Attractions: Recreation and festivals Time Required: 1 to 2 hours

3. Manikaranika Ghat

Being the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, Manikaranika Ghat is the oldest riverfront and one of the most auspicious tourist places in Varanasi for 2 days. It is believed that completing the cremation ceremonies and spending the final days of life at the Ghat ensures a painless death as well as a way of achieving Moksha from the never-ending cycle of birth and death. Manikarnika Ghat becomes a mesmerising sight with the setting sun, glowing pyres, and candle-lit flower bowls gracefully floating down the holy river Ganga. This fascinating ghat offers travellers the opportunity to experience ritualistic cremations closely, and they can also take a boat tour along the Ganges River.

Address: Near Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: Open 24 hours Main Attractions: Sacred riverfronts, Cremation grounds Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

Suggested Read: 6 Hotels In Varanasi To Spend A Few Days In The ‘Land Of Gods’

4. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most blissful places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days with family. The temple is located on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and has an impressive structure, plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. It is one of the oldest, richest and holiest shrines in India, where thousands of devotees travel from all over the world to experience its peaceful spiritual ambience and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple’s exterior is decorated with beautiful sculptures that give the facade a divine appearance. The temple additionally houses a number of other smaller temples, including Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, Vinayaka, and Avimukteshwara.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 3 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 08 pm, & 09 pm – 11 pm Main Attractions: Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

5. Banaras Hindu University

Founded by Madan Mohan Malviya in the year 1916, Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, making it one of the great places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. Spread over 1300 acres of land, the university welcomes students from all over the world to gain education with world-class infrastructure best educational facilities and renowned professors. More than thirty-two departments, 14 streams, and 6 institutions make up its organizational structure. The university administers an entrance exam each year, and those who pass are eligible to apply for admission.

If you are looking for a place far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Banaras Hindu University is located in a tranquil location shaded by hundreds of tall trees offering a breath of fresh air from the busy atmosphere at the Banaras Ghats. The prime attractions of the university are its on-campus museum, a spectacular collection of miniature paintings and over 100,000 other important works of art and archaeological things.

Address: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings: 9 am – 7 pm Main Attractions: Architecture and Museum Time Required: 3 to 4 hours

Suggested Read: 14 Blissful Homestays In Varanasi That Offer More Than What You Seek

6. New Vishwanath Temple

Constructed by The Birla family, a group of entrepreneurs, New Vishwanath Temple must be your next destination as things to do in Varanasi in 2 days after visiting the Banaras Hindu University. The big religious complex houses seven separate temples and its design is directly inspired by the legendary old Vishwanath temple. Also known as the Birla Temple, Its entire interior is covered in the words spoken by Lord Krishna when he recited the Bhagwad Gita, making it one of the must-visit places to add in your Varanasi 2 days itinerary for an enthralling experience.

Address: Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi 221005 India Timings: 4 am – 11 am, 12 pm – 7 pm Main Attractions: Temples and interior Time Required: 1-2 hours

7. Ruchika Art Gallery

If you love to take a piece of memory from every place you travel, Ruchika Art Gallery is one of the amazing places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. Owned by Ruchika Malhotra, this artistic place is full of a vibrant collection of paintings capturing the essence of Varanasi and its significant places. From small to large, you can explore a wide variety of artistic works as well as postcards in this art gallery and have a delightful shopping experience. For a little artist inside you, they also invite tourists to pick up a paintbrush and take part in artistic workshops. After a hustling day at Varanasi’s Ghats, this place surely is a great place to unwind.

Address: 1 Ground floor, Shwetabh Building, near Sankat Mochan Mandir and Lanka Post Office, Lanka Road, Varanasi Timings: 11 am- 8 pm Main Attractions: Artistic work and paintings Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

Suggested Read: 5 Airports In Varanasi That Offer Some Amazing Services To Its Guests

8. Sri Durga Temple

Sri Durga Temple, which is painted red with ochre, is one of the mythical places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, nestled near the Durga Ghat and a five-minute walk west of Assi Ghat. known as the “Monkey Temple”, as you can see many monkeys around the temple guarding it, this blissful temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and was built by the Queen of Bengal as a centre of devotion in the 18th century. Thousands of devotees visit this place every year to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and experience its spiritual aura filled with prayers and bhajans. The main attraction of the temple is a kund that is connected to the Ganga River and is believed to have healing properties.

Address: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings: 5 am – 11 pm & 4 pm – 9 pm Main Attractions: Durga Puja, Prayers and Bhajans Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

9. Ramnagar Fort

Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, Ramnagar Fort is a marvellous historical monument with the Mughal style of architecture. The sandstone fort and palace from the 18th century is no longer used for defence; instead, it now serves as home to a bizarre museum filled with antique weapons, ornate hookahs, sedan chairs adorned with jewels, and a unique astronomical clock that is more than 150 years old. Here, travellers can enjoy the vivid sunset that can be seen from within the fort as well as visit the fort’s temple which honours Veda Vyasa. When looking for the best places to sightseeing, Ramnagar Fort is one of the stunning places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days.

Address: Mirzapur – Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar Timings: 10 am to 5 pm Main Attractions: Temples, museums and sightseeing Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

Suggested Read: 10 Wedding Venues In Varanasi To Have A Blessed Union In The Holy City

10. Alamgir Mosque

Among a list brimming with temples, Alamgir Mosque stands proudly as a representation of the Muslim community that has resided here for centuries. This magnificent mosque is renowned for its incredible Islamic architecture and holds a unique distinction as it is situated on the banks of the Ganga. According to historical accounts, the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb, who was the great-grandchild of Akbar, oversaw its construction. The mosque derived its name from another title of Emperor Aurangzeb, Alamgir. While it is acknowledged that a temple was demolished during its construction, the mosque still exhibits many Hindu influences evident in its unique architecture and art. It is must visit tourist places in Varanasi for 2 days.

Address: Panchganga Ghat, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 7 am – 7 pm Main Attractions: Religious purpose, architecture Time Required: NA

Further Read: Shopping In Varanasi: A Guide To Shop At The Holiest Indian City

These places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days are definitely worth exploring if you are seeking some new experiences in life. Varanasi is known for its auspicious ghats, which tell historical tales, and blissful temples, full of enchanting prayers and bhajans, providing a divine and unforgettable experience to all travellers. If these places amaze you, then it’s time to book your trip to Varanasi and pack your luggage for a blissful journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

What is Varanasi famous for?

Kashi, also known as Varanasi or Banaras, is a city in India famous for its spiritual significance and cultural heritage. It is renowned for its sacred ghats along the River Ganges, vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremonies, and numerous temples dedicated to Hindu deities. The city's rich history, traditional handicrafts, and academic institutions, such as Banaras Hindu University, add to its allure as a top tourist destination.

How many days are enough to visit Varanasi?

The ideal duration to visit Varanasi depends on the traveller's interests and the depth of exploration desired. To cover the major attractions, experience the spiritual ambience, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a 2 to 3-day trip is sufficient. However, for a more immersive experience, exploring the city's rich culture, heritage, and nearby places, a 4 to 5-day visit would be recommended.

What is unique in Varanasi?

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is unique for its spiritual essence and historical significance. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back several millennia. The city's sacred ghats along the River Ganges, where vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremonies are held, add to its distinctiveness, providing a mesmerizing experience unlike any other place in India.

What is the best time to places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days?

The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this period is pleasant and comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and experiencing its spiritual ambience.

How do I plan a Varanasi Trip?

You can take a Varanasi trip tour package from the TravelTriangle and plan your trip.

Which ghat is famous in places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days?

Among the numerous ghats in Varanasi, the Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and iconic. This ghat holds significant spiritual importance and is known for hosting the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony every evening, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.

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VOICE OF GUIDES

The only guide you need to visit varanasi in 2 days.

Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Banaras has been the holiest and most spiritual city of India since ancient times. Besides, Varanasi is known for its fine silk and sarees (traditional Indian dress). Varanasi is different from any other town in India. It affects all your senses. You may hate it because you do not understand it. You can only appreciate this place if you change your mindset. Varanasi stirs up your emotions, goes under your skin, and gets engraved in your mind. There are plenty of things to do and visit in Varanasi. I have been guiding for ten years, and I made this guide about the best places to visit in 2 days together with a local guide in Varanasi so that you can have the most up-to-date and authentic information.

How to go to Varanasi from Delhi

1. Flight:  The 1 ½ hour flight costs 4000-5000 INR

Buy your flight ticket here:  https://www.makemytrip.com/

2. Train:  The distance between Delhi and Varanasi is almost 800 kilometers. There are several trains between the two cities. The journey takes 9-15 hours (1200 INR). As of February 2019 there is an express train (Vande Bharat) that starts at 6 am and reaches Varanasi at 2 pm (1400 INR). Passengers even get breakfast and lunch on board.

Buy your train ticket here:  www.icrtc.co.in

3. Bus:  You can also cover the Delhi-Varanasi route within approximately 15 hours with a bus for 700-1000 INR.

Buy your bus ticket here: https://www.redbus.in/bus-tickets/

Varanasi is the best place to visit to extend your travel itinerary in the Golden Triangle

Is Varanasi safe for solo travelers?

Varanasi is safe for solo travelers. But you can get into trouble around the cremation grounds at the Manikarnika Ghat. They will rush to you and tell you that it is illegal to take photos. You cannot put away your camera and walk away because they will ask you to pay a fine. Sometimes as much as 10 000 rupees. If you do not pay, they threaten to call the police. They show no understanding and want to get as much money from you as possible.

Tip: If you want to go near the cremation ground, go with a local guide who knows the unwritten rules and can handle the locals.

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When is the best time to go to Varanasi?

The best time to go to Varanasi is between mid-September and March. After that, it gets too hot or rainy during the monsoon season.

The best 2 days itinerary for Varanasi

1 . day in varanasi.

• Go for a morning boat ride at sunrise when spiritual activities start at the Ghats
• Stroll around in the narrow alleys of Varanasi and taste the delicious chaat, paan, kachori, lassi, and other delicacies of Banaras.
• Visit the most important temples of Varanasi starting with Kashi Viswanath Golden temple (pre-booking needed)
• Attend the Ganga aarti after sunset at the Dashashwamedh Ghat from a boat or the riverbank.

2. day in Varanasi

• Go early morning to watch the Subah-e-Banaras ceremony at Assi Ghat – one of the best things to do in Varanasi
• Visit one of the death hostels like Mumukshu Bhawan
• Do some shopping at Gowdowlia, Lallapura, or Nai Sadak market
• Spend the afternoon in Sarnath and visit Buddhist stupas, temples, and the Archeological park 

How to plan your trip to India

Book your flight ticket to India : I always use Google Flights,  Skyscanner  or  Wayaway  to find the cheapest flight tickets worldwide.  To get an extra 10%   for your  Wayaway Membership Plus program  use my discount code  VOG

Insurance to India:   Safetywing  is an affordable insurance that covers COVID-related issues as well.

: Book your train, bus and domestic ticket in India:

Check Indian Railways  website for train tickers, or  12Go  which gives you the best option (train, bus, and flight) based on the city of departure or arrival. 

Book accommodation in India: Booking.com  and  Hostelworld.com  offer a wide choice of low and higher-budget hotels.

Local tours and tour packages: Viator  and  GetYourGuide  offer transfers and several one or multi-day tours.  

What are some essential things to know about Varanasi?

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world.

Varanasi is as old as Nineveh, Thebes, and Babylon. How old it is exactly – no one can tell. When Buddha visited the city (around 500 BC), it was already an ancient settlement. According to legend, Siva himself created it. Some say it is nothing else than one big sanctuary, the temple of Siva.

“Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend – and it looks twice as old as all three together.”- described Mark Twain Varanasi in 1897 .

Lies on the bank of the holiest river of Hindus, the Ganga

The 2510 km long Ganges is one of the largest and most significant rivers in the Indian subcontinent. It originates from the Himalayas and flows into the Gulf of Bengal with an expansive delta. The river Ganges is heavily contaminated. But the Hindus still believe that it is the most sacred water of the Earth, and a single drop can purify the souls of pilgrims from their earthly sins and the suffering from eternal rebirth.

Varanasi has thousands of temples

There are 3000 Hindu temples, 1400 Muslim shrines and mosques, 12 churches, 3 Jain temples, 9 Buddhist temples, and 3 Sikh temples in Varanasi. It is the only place with such a concentration of Hindu and Muslim sacred locations. Approximately 50,000 Brahmins (priests) live in the city. It is a real mosaic of different Indian religious traditions. Its spiritual power attracted Buddha to turn the wheel of the law in the neighboring town, Sarnath.

Varanasi is also called Kashi or Benaras

It got the name Kashi in the 7 th century, which means “abundant in divine light”. In the Pali language,  Benaras means the city of life . The British called it Banaras. The current name, Varanasi, comes from the composition of the name of two rivers, Varuna and Assi. They both feed the Ganges. Hindu Gods created them for protection against evil. Kasi is the most ancient name, meaning the “ city of light” or “the shining city”.

Hindus wish to end their lives in Varanasi

It is the holiest city of the Hindu religion that attracts millions of pilgrims every year, and for many of them, that is the final station of their lives. Hindus wish to get to Banaras at least once in their lives and possibly pass away here at an old age. Many Hindus believe that if death catches them in Varanasi, they get immediately freed from the cycle of rebirths, and they will attain eternal salvation, the moksha. It is the primary purpose of all Hindus. The pyres have been burning for 2000 years in the center of the city. Death is a part of the daily life in Varanasi. It is not a tragedy. It means liberation. For a Western tourist, it is shocking to have such a direct experience to the ending of life. That is one reason why Varanasi demands a different mindset.

You can have the best street food in India in Varanasi

Take a street food tour to try the local delicacies. There is an endless choice of Paan, Chaat, Lassi, Kachori or Tandai in Kashi. This is also a part of its identity.

Buddha made his first speech in Sarnath, close to Varanasi

What is varanasi like.

As a non-Hindu, it appears to be one of the most depressing cities in India. While walking in the filthy, narrow alleys shadowed by high walls, some strange smell is spreading in the air. When we realize that it comes from the nearby cremation grounds, we become even more horrified. Wandering ascetics (sadhus), sages, violent sellers, foreigners trying to discover the sense of life, students, intellectuals mingle around the Ghats. All kinds of people come here to find peace in the Holy City. The air is heavy and constantly vibrates from the sound of temple gongs and bells. Wedding processions alternate the funeral rituals. Cows chew the flowers from stands around the temples, the offering to the Gods and Goddesses. And all this together provides a stunning image.

In the evening, countless candles wrapped in dry leaves are floating on the river in clay pots. They are left to be drifted away by the stream. Meanwhile, the believers wish for something from Ganesh or another Hindu God. Faith has great power in India.

The best things to do in Varanasi

1. ganga aarti ceremony at the dashashwamedh ghat in the evening.

Every evening at 7 pm, a group of priests dressed in saffron performs the Aarti (fire) ceremony at the Ghats. They chant prayers boosted by drums and bells, hold fire lamps in their hands while fragrant smoke rises from incense sticks. These devout priests venerate Lord Shiva, the River Ganges, Surya, Agni, and the whole universe. All that takes place at the central Dashashwamedh Ghat which means the Ghat of the ten sacrificed horses (dash means 10, aswa means horse, medh means sacrifice). According to Hindu myth, Brahma created the Ghat to welcome Shiva and performed a Pooja where he sacrificed ten horses. 

Aarti time: The Ganga Aarti starts soon after sunset and lasts for about 45 minutes. In summer, the Aarti begins at about 7 pm, in winter at around 6 pm.

Tip: You can watch it from the Ghats, or like many others from the boats. To catch a perfect spot, you should arrive 1 hour before it starts.

It is the biggest attraction of Varanasi with tons of people so beware of your belongings.

2. Boat ride at sunrise on the Ganges – an unmemorable experience to observe the morning rituals

The main point to go on an early morning boat ride on the Ganges is to observe Benaras waking up. Life begins here at 4 am and gets calm after 11 pm. Religious believers, Brahmins (priests), and ascetics start their day by a ritual bathing at the Ghats at the Ganga. Only a few people, holy cows, and stray dogs wander around at that time. 

Every morning 20 000 people, and every day 60 000 believers dip in the Ganga in Kashi. Many young do vigorous yoga exercises. Next to them, older people are sitting cross-legged with closed eyes meditating, and some sages are chanting mantras. Women seem to be chaste when bathing without removing their clothes. Ritual bathing is a great chance to wash their clothes and bodies at the same time. In Hinduism, religious and daily life actions intertwine.

Hindu temples and palaces mark the Ghats leading to the river. The Ghats usually get flooded by the summer monsoon. Rains and floods cause enormous damage: buildings are sliding down, several houses have sunken or tilted towards the river. With more than a 7 km long flight of stairs, the Ghats go steeply down to the holy river. Lingams, the symbol of Siva and the creative energy, oversee the riverside on the terrace of every Ghats.

3. Get closer to the Manikarnika Ghat with a boat ride – to understand what death means in Varanasi

The Manikarnika Ghat is the central cremation place in Varanasi.   Dead bodies covered in white silk or cotton are carried on a bamboo bed to the burning pyres. Immense piles of wood along the streets are measured with big scales to calculate the cremation cost. Each wood type has its price. Unarguably, the most expensive one is sandalwood. The merchants are experts in estimating how much wood a cremation requires. Only the „untouchables”, members of the lowest Indian caste, can touch the dead bodies. They must also carry the fire from the temple to the holy site.

7-8 woodpiles have been burning simultaneously non-stop for about 2000 years. Meanwhile, some hundred meters further, women are doing their laundry, and children are having fun jumping into the water. The devout even drink the Ganga water. And if they catch any illness, they never blame it on the divine river.

Foreigners take a boat ride to get closer to the Manikarnika Ghat and observe the cremation. The boats can navigate to a certain point from where you see the burning pyres. It must sound fearsome, but here you will understand what death means in Varanasi. They celebrate it, which means immediate liberation of rebirth and the attainment of salvation.

Read more about the Hindu death rituals

You can also approach the cremation ground through the narrow lanes from behind, but you would probably face some atrocities. Locals try to charge you for taking photos. They tell you that it is illegal, and they do not let you go until you pay quite a high price. 

Tip: You can combine the boat ride to Manikarnika with the Ganga Aarti ceremony

4. Visit the death hostels like Mumukshu Bhawan or Mukti Bhawan

“The House of Those Seeking Salvation” and “The house of liberation” are right next to each other, in a narrow alley at walking distance from the Assi Ghat. These homes cater to the elderly who came to Varanasi to die. The number of applicants substantially surpasses the capacity of the salvation homes. Many Hindus plan to end their lives in Kashi. They have to pay a fee of around 100 000 INR and cover their living costs. Some homes have a limit of 15 days to stay. If the resident is still alive after this period, they ask him to leave. Their fate is in the hands of the Gods. If he did not die in Kashi, he was not meant to attain immediate salvation. 

5. Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat – one of the best less-known things to do in Varanasi

It is a similar but much calmer version of the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It starts before dawn, around 5:00 am at the Assi Ghat, with Vedic chants and morning ragas. The early hours are ideal to come closer to the spiritual side of Varanasi. Besides the aarti (fire) ceremony, there are classical Indian music and yoga exercises to finish the program. 

The first Subah-e-Banaras took place in November 2014 as an initiative of the State Government.

Aarti time:  During summer: 5:00 am-7:00 am, during winter: 5:40 am-7:30 am.

6. If you are here at the right time of the year, do not miss the Ram Leela festival in Ramnagar

Since Tulsi Das, the medieval poet, wrote the Hindu version of the Ramayana epic, the Ramcharitamanas, Varanasi uniquely celebrates the Ram Leela. During the festival, they recall how Lord Rama freed his wife Sita with his faithful servant, Hanuman. Ravana, the demon, kidnapped Sita and took her to the island of Lanka. After the fight between thousands of monkeys and demons, they all returned home, and Rama could regain his throne after a 14-year exile. Thanks to the Tulsi Das, Rama and Hanuman are highly beloved Hindu Gods in north India.

The Ram Leela in Ramnagar, 14 km from Varanasi, is even more extraordinary. Here the celebrations last one month with activities in the whole city. It is a long tradition that the Maharaja of Varanasi, who resides in the Ramnagar fort-palace, takes part personally. He shows up on the back of a nicely decorated elephant at the head of the procession.

As a highlight, people burn the effigy of the demon, Ravana.

7. Visit the most famous temples of Varanasi 

To understand Kashi, you should visit some of the most important ones, where Hindus go for Darshana, to worship the Gods. Religion is what defines the life of Indians.

The most famous temples are the Kashi Viswanath temple, the Annapurna temple, Durga temple, Nepali Mandir, Adi Keshava temple, Bindu Madhava, Kala Bhairava temple, Tusi Manas temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Bharat Mata, and the Kashi Viswanath at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

All you need to know about the most famous temples in Varanasi

8. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the New Viswanath Kashi temple at the BHU

The Bharat Kala Bhavan, the reputed museum of the university, is a pleasant surprise with a beautiful collection of sculptures, artifacts, paintings, jewelry, pottery, textiles ranging between the 1 st and 15 th century. There are more than 100.000 artifacts on display, including a rare collection of miniature paintings and manuscripts.

The Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest universities on the Asian continent. With the power of Siva, it became the center of science, with more than 50 Sanskrit language teaching schools and six universities. Numerous philosophers, poets, and musicians lived in Varanasi or started their careers here. A nationalist pandit, sage Malaviya, founded the university in 1916 in cooperation with Dr. Annie Besant, who wanted it to be the University of India. Students came to study philosophy, Indian culture, music, fine arts, and the Sanskrit language. Today all the faculties can be found at the university. Girls and boys attend the lectures together, but they stay in separate residences. Wide roads cross the green area of the university. A total of 15 000 students, including foreigners from every continent, choose the BHU for their studies. 

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

Entrance fee: 20 INR

9. Look for good quality Saari, silk or any other textiles and handicrafts in the best shopping hotspots of Kashi

The Gowdowlia Market,  one of the oldest bazaars, is a favorite spot for locals to buy high-end textiles, jewelry, handicrafts and shawls. Locals come here to get groceries and household items. It spreads along 3 km in the vicinity of the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Lallapura is   the home of famous Benaras Silk weavers. The best place to buy a spectacular  Banarasi Saree. You can reach Lallapura in 15-20 minutes from everywhere.

Do some street-side shopping at   Nai Sadak, an attractive area around the railway station with a range of 4-and 5 stars hotels.

10. Taste the best street food in India

The most religious Hindus are vegetarians. That’s why you generally find only typical vegetarian food around the Ghats. But cafés and restaurants outside the Ghats area serve meat meals. 

The street food of Varanasi is an attraction. There are several delicacies, but Paan and Chaat are the most famous. 

10.1. Banarasi Paan

You can get Paan all over India, but the one in Varanasi tastes different. Not because they use other ingredients, but because they always serve it fresh in plenty of varieties. Paan is a peculiar mix of areca nuts, tobacco, slaked lime, and other ingredients like rose petals, silver foil, etc., all wrapped in betel leaf. It is a refreshing appetizer and popular to welcome the guests. You find a Paan selling shop at every corner. The price can range from 15 INR to 5,000 INR according to the ingredients and methods of preparation.

10.2. Lassi (Indian yogurt)

No other place in India sells as many types of Lassis as Varanasi. They prepare the Benarai Lassi with abundant Rabri (thickened sweetened milk) and malai (clotted cream) and serve it in an earthen pot in any possible flavors: chocolate, blueberry, banana, mango, and so on.

Where to taste?

The top places to taste are the Blue Lassi shop in Kachori Galli chowk and the Pehlewan Lassi near the BHU. The Blue Lassi shop has more than 30 types of lassis and is also a top choice for locals. The Pehlewan Lassi got its name from its customers. Panna Sardar, who took over the shop from his father, was a wrestler (Pehlewan) during the pre-Independence period. Locals loved his special Lassi with rabdi, malai and almonds. Besides, they thought this is what the wrestler consumed himself to maintain his strength. So the Lassi lovers started to call the tiny shop “Pehlewani Lassi”. It is a must-stop for students and anybody passing by the BHU.

You can also grab some Lassi at the Godowlia Chowk & Lanka .

10.3. The Benarasi Thandai

Thandai is a cool drink sold in various tastes of dry fruits, seasonal fruits, and spices.

You can find it near the crossing in front of the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Godowalia road. 

10.4. Chaat – Varanasi people are crazy about chaats

Chaat can mean many things. A mix of spices, yogurt, onions in countless varieties that can end up sour or sweet. The Tamatar Chaat is a mix of mashed potatoes, ginger, Garam masala, tomatoes, green chilies, onions, and coriander leaves. The crispy Namak Para, a deep-fried biscuit-like, savory snack, is one of the things that makes this chaat different.

Where to try it?

Deena Chaat Bandar:  2:00 pm – 10:30 pm, close to Dashashwamedha Ghat on the main road

Kashi Chat Bandaar:    4:00 pm –11:00 pm, across the Gondawar intersection, about a 10-minute walk from the Main Ghat (along the Ganges River).

10.5. Kachori Sabzi: the most popular dish for breakfast

There are two different types of Kachoris: Badi and Choti Kachori. Badi Kachori is stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture, Choti Kachori with a spicy mashed potato mix.

Where can you try it?

Kachori Gali, Chachi Ki Dukaan in Lanka, and Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar)

The Vishwanath Gali changes to Kachauri Gali as soon as you pass the famous Vishwanath temple. It is where the famous kachauris are fried and served fresh with chana and imli chutney. Arrive as early as 7:00 am to avoid the rush and get some fried mouthwatering kachauris.

10.6. Launglata – the popular milky dessert

One of the most famous sweets of Varanasi, the freshly served Launglata is a sweet dough filled with condensed milk, dry fruits, almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc. They deep fry it in Ghee (clarified) butter and dip it in sweet syrup mixed with cardamom and cloves before serving it.  

Kachori Galli Chowk

10.7. Malaiyyo – the winter delicacy of Kashi

The Malaiyyo is the froth formed on the top of the milk when it is kept overnight under the open skies. The fluffy, light, milky dessert flavored with saffron, cardamoms topped with crumbles of pistachios and almonds. They mainly serve it in December and January till 10:00 am- 11:00 am. You can only get this delicacy in Varanasi.

Kachori Galli and Godowlia Chowk

10.8. Choora Matar

Choora Matar is the local version of Maharashtra’s famous Poha. The flattened rice soaked in ghee is cooked with spices (cardamom, saffron), green peas, and dry fruits (cashews, raisins). They often add some cream or milk that makes this simple food taste perfect for cold mornings.

Deena Chaat Bandar and Gopal Mandir Galli

Popular places to eat in Varanasi

Pizzeria vatika.

The first authentic Italian pizzeria of India has a perfect location at the bank of the Ganga river. It is the top choice of travelers.

It is not so easy to get a good coffee in India. So appreciate the delicious tea or coffee served in a clay cup (kullad) near the Assi Ghat

Dosa Café – with countless choices of South Indian specialties (Dosa and Idli)

This pocket-sized café serves South Indian-style crêpes called dosa, perfect for a light lunch or afternoon snack. They make the slightly crisp crêpes from fermented rice batter, and fill them with cheese, tomato, onion, or masala (spiced potato). Ask for extra sambar and chutney on the side. 

Brown Bread Bakery – the first organic bakery in Varanasi

The Brown Bread Bakery is the first organic bakery. It takes a 5-minutes’ walk on the way from the Dhashaswamedh Ghat to the Assi Ghat. A popular place to have a café and a snack for tourists. They use their profit to support the empowerment of women and for other social programs,

Opening hours: from 7:00 am-10:00 pm

 In the evenings live classical music performances (7:30 pm)

11. Make a half-day visit to peaceful Sarnath

Once in Varanasi, you must also visit Sarnath, just 12 kilometers away. The sacred place for Buddhists and Jains is in sharp contrast to the noisy, chaotic Varanasi.

Siddhartha Gautama Buddha made his first speech in the deer park of Sarnath and taught the Dharma after he attained enlightenment.

India is the birthplace of Buddhism, although today less than one percent of the population (8.4 million) is Buddhist. Three of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sights are in India. Buddha was born in Lumbini (Nepal), started to teach in Sarnath, attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, and died in Kushinagar, India.

Sarnath was a flourishing center for Buddhist arts till the 6 th century when thousands of monks stayed in the monasteries. After the 13 th century, it got into oblivion. When Buddhism diverged from the original disciplines preached by Buddha, it split into branches. These branches spread in the neighboring countries (China, Nepal, and Tibet), but not in India. At the same time, Hinduism became more dominant. 

Sarnath got the attention again when a local citizen accidentally found a box full of precious jewelry trying to take some building material from the Dharmarajika Stupa in 1798. They launched a series of excavations that put Sarnath back into the spotlight again. 

11.1. Visit the Deer Park where Buddha held his first sermon, the Dharma, to his five closest disciples

In the Deer Park of Sarnath, Buddha preached the concept of the „Four Noble Truths” and the „Eight Noble Paths”. 

The truth of suffering, which occurs through the cycle of rebirth called samsara. The second truth is the desire for things, which will always lead to dissatisfaction when they cannot be obtained. Nirvana or the cessation of desire is the third truth, and the fourth is the way of the middle path as a solution. 

The Eight Noble Paths are the eight ways to attain the path to nirvana with the right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mind, and right concentration. 

In the 6 th century B.C., following his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Buddha revealed the ideal path for others as well. After Buddha’s speech, his disciples also reached the nirvana and formed the community of the monks, the Sangha. They say Buddha “turned the wheel of the Dharma”.

11.2. Visit the stupas of Sarnath

Turkish Muslim rulers sacked the ancient monuments of Sarnath and turned them into ruins. After the death of Buddha, they placed his relics in some burial mounds of earth. King Ashoka opened them and split them into thousands of stupas. Stupas are one of the earliest Buddhist religious structures. As Buddhism spread to other countries, the new Stupas have turned into a pagoda-style. There are three famous Stupas in Sarnath.

The 43-meter high Dharmekh Stupa is the oldest and dates back to 200 BC.

The Chaukhandi Stupa stands on the spot where Buddha met the five ascetics, to whom he gave his first teachings.

Only the foundations survived from the Dharmarajika Stupa. In the 18 th century, a minister of the Raja of Varanasi demolished the stupa and took away the bricks to build a bazaar.

11.3. Go to the Mulagandhakuti vihara, the most important Buddhist temple in Sarnath

There are plenty of Buddhist temples in Sarnath from the 20 th century, constructed mainly by Japanese, Chinese, and Tibetan monks. The Mulagandhakuti Vihara temple is the most prominent of all. It marks the place where Buddha spent his first rainy season in meditation. They brought a branch of the tree in Bodh Gaya, under which Buddha attained nirvana and planted it next to this Sri Lankan temple.

Entrance fee: free of cost

Opening hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

11.4. The Ashoka pillar

Ashoka, one of the most powerful rulers in Indian history, marked the border of his Empire with thousands of pillars. Some are still in today’s Pakistan and Afghanistan. The one in Sarnath with the Lion capital has become the national emblem of India. It still stands at the original place in the Archeological area across the road, opposite the Sarnath Archeological Museum. But the “Lion capital” is the treasure of the Sarnath museum. 

11.5. Sarnath Archeological Museum – the Lion capital and the oldest Buddhist works of arts

Once you are in Sarnath, the museum is a must to visit. The collection of 7000 sculptures and artifacts date back to a period from the 3 rd century B.C. to the 12 th century A.D.

The „Lion capital” and the „Chakra” topped once the Ashoka pillar. The Lion capital manifests four lions that turn their backs to each other and stand on the top of the wheel, the chakra. 

At the base of the capital, four animals (an elephant, a bull, a horse, and a lion) are displayed. According to the religious interpretations, each animal symbolizes a period of the life of Buddha. A white elephant appeared in the dream of his mother before his birth. The bull represents the dream of Buddha as a young prince. The horse refers to his departure from the royal palace to discover the meaning of life. The lion refers to the fulfillment of his life. The eyes of the lions were probably inlaid with gemstones before. 

The 2.31 meter-high sandstone capital has become the national symbol of India that figures on banknotes and coins. 

Behind the “Lion Capital” is the chakra in fragments.

Giant Boddhisattvas (those who refused to attain nirvana to help and save the people in the earthly life), and Taras (women deities in Buddhism).

Entrance fee: 300 INR

Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hope you find this guide useful about the best things to, to eat and all you need to know about Varanasi. Leave a feedback!

by Agnes Simigh

I’m a passionate tour guide and travel writer, who is curious to discover places that seldom catch the attention of the media or that are misrepresented. My goal is to inspire you to choose off-the-beaten-track destinations by sharing objective and detailed information. I believe that it is mainly the lack of “intel” that keeps us away from incredible places. And that just shouldn’t be the case.

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It was incredible to read all these… Knowing about the place in such a detailed yet interesting way was truly amazing. Beautiful article. Very informative and crisp. Overall you have put everything in an order which becomes easy to follow. Very good keep it up. And all the best.

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you find it useful!

Great is not enough to justice your effort

Thank you so much!

THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND FOR THE GOOD TIPS. Do you know any private guide around Veranasi?

Thank you Andrea! I’m happy you found it useful. I don’t have direct contact to a local guide but I know local agencies who can offer guides. If you need help with that please write an email to me: [email protected] . Have a nice day! Agnes

Deeply Thought Keep it up.

thanks for your nice comment!

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The Ultimate Varanasi Travel Guide for Planning a Trip in 2024

Varanasi, an ancient city in India, is one of the most fascinating places that I have ever visited. This vibrant and lively city receives pilgrims and tourists throughout the year who are looking for different things over here. Some come here to celebrate life while others come to celebrate an important milestone in their life.

Whatever may be the case, you will always find the streets of Varanasi bustling with tourists. There are lots of people taking bath in the sacred River Ganga along the Ghats. This is one vibrant and lively city that anyone who wishes to experience India should visit.

Planning a trip to Varanasi soon? Well, then this Varanasi Travel Guide will help you in doing so! I have shared all the details in this article including where to stay in Varanasi, how to travel within Varanasi, what to eat, shopping guide, and lots more.

Varanasi Travel Guide

About Varanasi

Varanasi is a sacred city in India which could easily be the oldest inhabited city in the world and has a very old history associated with it. According to the texts in Rig Veda, Varanasi was originally called Kashi and was officially renamed to Varanasi in 1956. Kashi translated to ‘to shine’ in English so, Varanasi was known as the City of Lights.

According to Hindu mythology, Varanasi was established by Lord Shiva who was the god of creation and destruction. Since it was the second home to Lord Shiva, there is a Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to him. It is believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi is lucky as he will be liberation from the cycle or reincarnation. That’s not all, a bath in the sacred river Ganga is also said to wash away all your sins.

This is why thousands of elderly come to Varanasi to spend their last days here and priests conduct the final rites for those who died in the city.

Apart from being a prominent site in Hinduism, Varanasi also happens to be a sacred place for Buddhism. Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon about Buddhism around 528 BC and the town of Sarnath, located in Varanasi, is home to temples, stupas, and sites related to Buddhism.

When to Visit Varanasi?

Varanasi is accessible throughout the year but different months are suited for different activities. However, if you wish to just explore the sights in Varanasi, then you can visit Varanasi during the winter season . The weather is cool and pleasant so, sightseeing turns out to be a lot of fun.

Getting There

Located in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is around 300 km from Lucknow which is the state capital and 800 km from Delhi which is the national capital. The city is well-connected to the rest of India through roads, railways, and flights.

So, if you are travelling to Varanasi from Delhi or any other city in India, you will have a lot of options available.

How to Travel Within Varanasi

Once you have reached Varanasi, I am sure you must be wondering how can you travel within Varanasi. Well, since Varanasi is so populated and full of attractions to visit, it is good to know about the main mode of transportation that you will find here.

Here is a brief breakdown of how you can travel in Varanasi.

Personally, I found the best way to explore Varanasi was on foot. If you are covering the streets and Ghats of Varanasi, then this is a great way to do that. It will take you around 1 hour to travel from the northernmost Ghat in Varanasi to the Assi Ghat. Apart from that, the streets are filled with wonderful doors and alleys for photography, so walking is a great way to uncover that as well.

Moreover, you can stop at the food vendors to enjoy the local street food in Varanasi if you are walking and exploring the city.

Rickshaws and Shared E-rickshaws

While walking is a great way to explore Varanasi, you cannot travel to the temples or other places if your hotel is situated a little away from these attractions. In such a case, a rickshaw or an E-rickshaw could be useful. Usually, a rickshaw will cost you around 50 INR for a 3km radius but be prepared to bargain.

There are many shared E-rickshaws that will take you to the ghats and cost you just 10-20 INR for the journey.

Auto-rickshaws

If you are travelling from the railway station or the airport, then auto-rickshaws are the best way to reach your hotel/hostel. You will find lots of auto-rickshaws but you will have to haggle a little for the right price. An auto from Varanasi Junction will cost you around 150-200 INR to Dasaswamedha Ghat.

Ola or Private Taxis

Finally, you also have the option of ordering an Ola cab but remember, the streets of Varanasi are quite narrow so you might not be able to take you car deep inside the city. But it is a great option if you are travelling from the Airport and don’t want to waste your time or energy on haggling the prices with the auto owners or private taxi owners.

Finally, when you are travelling around the Ghats, then one of the best ways to travel from one Ghat to another Ghat is by taking a boat. You can also enjoy a boat ride to cross the river and explore the ashrams and temples that are located on the other side. Usually, a boat ride of one hour will cost you around 50-100 INR per person.

Tips for Traveling in Varanasi

When you are travelling in Varanasi, you might feel a bit out of place. So, here are a few tips that I have compiled to help you blend in Varanasi and have an enjoyable trip here.

Dress Conservatively in Varanasi

Well, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India so it is imperative that you wear modest clothing to avoid unwanted attention. You don’t have to wear a suit or saree but you can wear tops and long skirts to keep your shoulders and legs covered at all times.

Beware of the Scams

There are a lot of scams happening daily with tourists in Varanasi so, I would recommend you to be careful here. A few common ones are where locals try to take you to special restaurants or hotels or shops and then take commission for that.

Boat tour guides ask for ridiculous amount at times so you will need to be prepared for haggling. But most importantly, if anyone asks you to buy wood for cremation services, then either say no or be ready to spend a lot because the wood is usually sold to the tourists at a high price to earn profits.

Follow the Rules and Customs

One of the major things to remember when travelling in Varanasi is that the locals have their own customs and rituals here. So, instead of questioning them, respect them and follow them. Sometimes you would be asked to not enter an area with your footwear so, be respectful and remove it before entering.

Be Careful When Taking Photographs

Make sure that you don’t take photos of anyone without permission in Varanasi as it can lead to a lot of trouble. Whether it be a saddhu, a baba, or a local, always be mindful of taking their permission before clicking their snap.

Also, photographs of the cremation area are strictly prohibited so, don’t even attempt it.

Keep Your Belongings Safe

There are a lot of pickpockets in Varanasi so, always keep your bags locked and pay careful attention to them. Leave your valuables in the hotel room and always be aware of your surroundings when exploring the ghats or attending the Ganga Arti.

Stay Safe When Drinking Bhaang

Bhaang is basically edible cannibas which is legal at a few government shops in Varanasi. When you try it out, make sure you are in a safe zone as it can be trippy and can make you hallucinate. Always buy it from a government-authorized shop and always keep trustworthy people around you. If you are travelling solo or unsure about it, then don’t try.

Bargain a Lot

An important thing to remember when travelling in Varanasi is that you will have to haggle almost everywhere. From shopping to transportation, everyone will quote higher price to you in the beginning so, you need to bargain a lot to bring it to the actual price of the product or service.

Watch Out for Bulls

The streets of Varanasi are full of bulls and cows which makes it slightly difficult to navigate the alleyways at times. So, always be careful when you are exploring the streets and don’t end up walking in bull or cow crap as it would be very difficult to get it off.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Of course, a Varanasi Travel Guide without information on where to stay in Varanasi is slightly incomplete. Since Varanasi is a popular pilgrim destination, there are lots of accommodations available here in varying price ranges.

Depending on your budget and the purpose of your visit, you can choose the best stay in Varanasi for you.

Best Places to Stay in Varanasi

There are many amazing places to visit in Varanasi, especially the ghats. This is why it is important that you choose a place to stay in Varanasi to make it easier to explore the sights. Here are a few of the best places to stay in Varanasi to make the most of your trip:

Dasaswamedha Ghat – One of the top places to stay in Varanasi is Dasaswamedha Ghat as it is the main location for Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. It is said that this ghat was brought into existence by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. There are a lot of activities going on here which makes it a popular attraction for tourists. Offering beautiful views of the city, there are many good hotels here for you to reserve your stay in Varanasi.

Darbhanga Ghat – Known for its amazing sandstone structure, Darbhanga Ghat is a great place to stay in Varanasi. There are many good heritage hotels here and since it is next to Dasaswamedha Ghat, you can easily witness the evening Ganga Arti here as well.

Shivala Ghat – Overlooking river Ganga, this is another busy ghat that offers several affordable and luxury accommodation options to the travellers. This is a good place to stay as the Ghat lies in the middle and offers you access to both the Assi Ghat side and the Dasaswamedha Ghat.

Hanuman Ghat – Another beautiful Ghat to consider for your stay in Varanasi is Hanuman Ghat a.k.a Rameshwaram Ghat. This gorgeous destination is believed to be built by Lord Rama for his disciple Hanuman. You will find a Hanuman temple here and one dedicated to Tulsi Das as well. There are several good hotels and restaurants here to explore during your stay.

Assi Ghat – Assi Ghat is located at southermost end of Varanasi ghats and offers several accommodation and restaurant options. It is also a quieter area for staying in Varanasi and happens to be the largest Ghats in Varanasi. One can visit here to enjoy boat rides to cross the River Ganges or reach Dasaswamedha Ghat that is located in the north side.

Budget-Friendly Stay Option: Hostels and Guest Houses

If you are a backpacker or a budget-traveler like me, then I am sure you are looking for an affordable stay in Varanasi. Thankfully, there are many hostels and guest houses to choose from in the city. Moreover, these accommodations are scattered all over the city, so you would be able to find a suitable accommodation near your choice of Ghat.

I have mentioned a few of the best options for the top locations in Varanasi to help you make a choice.

Price : These hostels and guest houses cost between 300 and 1100 INR per night for two guests.

Assi Ghat – Live Free Hostel, Hotel Picasso, Moustache Hostel Varanasi, Old City PG Hostel, Om Guest House, Kedar Guest House, Bliss Hostel, Banaras Paying Guest House.

Dasaswamedha Ghat – Mad Squad Hotel, Family Guest House, Alka Hotel, Wander Station Varanasi, Shiva Lodge.

Darbhanga Ghat – Vibe n Joy Guest House, Vishnu Rest House, Family Guest House, Ganga Guest House, Wander Station Varanasi, Liberty Guest House, Chatter Box Hostel.

Shivala Ghat and Hanuman Ghat – HosteLaVie Varanasi, Dynasty Guest House, Hotel Heritage Inn.

Mid-Range Stay Options: Hotels

For those who are looking for a little more comfort during their stay in Varanasi, there are many good 2-star and 3-star hotels available here. These hotels are reasonably priced and many of them are located on the ghats to offer easy access to their guests.

Here I have mentioned a few best options in Varanasi for mid-range stay options.

Price : These hotels and guest houses will cost you anywhere between 1500 and 4000 INR per night for two guests.

Assi Ghat – Via Varanasi, Hotel Ganga Garden, Palace on Ganges, Hotel Banaras Haveli, The Art Hotel, Banaras Hostel, Hotel Haifa.

Dasaswamedha Ghat – Ganpati Guest House, Shiva Inn Paying Guest House, Safarnama Varanasi.

Darbhanga Ghat – Hotel Sita, Sri Omkar Palace, Shiva Guest House, Palace on Steps.

Shivala Ghat and Hanuman Ghat – New Hotel Broadway, Rivera Palace, Rose Heritage Home, Ratanakar Palace Guesthouse, Hotel Balaji Palace, The Century Plaza,

Luxury Stay Options: Hotels and Resorts

Looking to relax and pamper yourself during the weekend trip to Varanasi? Then, you should check out the resorts and havelis in Varanasi for a luxurious stay here. These hotels and resorts will be a tad bit expensive but you would get the best facilities and services here.

Check out these few best accommodation options in Varanasi for a luxury experience.

Price : A stay at these luxury properties will cost you anywhere between 4,000 and 20,000 INR per night for two guests.

Dasaswamedha Ghat and Darbhanga Ghat – BrijRama Palace

Shivala Ghat and Hanuman Ghat – Amritara Suryauday Haveli, Shiva Ganges View.

Other Parts of Varanasi – Guleria Kothi, Taj Ganges, The Clarks, Ramada Plaza.

Where and What to Eat in Varanasi

Although Varanasi is not known for partying or fine dining, but one of the best things to do in Varanasi is to try the street food here. You will find lots of simple restaurants and street food vendors around the Ghats in Varanasi that you simply cannot miss out on.

Since there is religious significance, restaurants near the river Ganga offer vegetarian food with non-alcoholic drinks. However, hotels and restaurants that are located away from the Ghats do offer non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks.

Where to Eat in Varanasi

Here are a few best restaurants and food vendors that you should try in Varanasi.

Bhokal Chat – One of the most famous Chat vendors in Varanasi, you cannot miss the Pav Bhaji and the chat at Bhokal Chat in Assi Ghat. The chat is just too good for words and it costs barely 50-100 INR for a meal here.

Kashi Chat Center – If you are craving some delicious chaat or street food, then Kashi Chat Center near Dasaswamedha is a good place to check out. The food is delicious and cheap and this place has become quite famous among the tourists.

Brown Bread Bakery – A great place for breakfast, Brown Break Bakery offers everything from pizzas to cakes and offer great ambiance at the rooftop restaurant. You can also catch a live classical performance here at night around 7:30 p.m.

Shiva Cafe – This is yet another great choice for anyone who is looking for lots of options in food. This cafe serves not only Indian cuisine but Nepalese, Thai, and Western cuisine as well.

Dada Ki Chai – Another great place near Assi Ghat, Dada Ki Chai is a must-visit for all the tea lovers out there. You get the typical kulhad chai here which is delicious and affordable and you have a wide range of teas to choose from.

Pizzeria Vatika Cafe – If you are tired of the Indian food, then you can try Pizzeria Vatika Cafe where they serve delicious crispy pizzas and amazing apple pies. You can also enjoy the view of the river Ganges from here.

Aum Cafe – This is a Ayurvedic family run vegetarian cafe near Assi Ghat. Here, you can find good variety of herbal teas, juices, and so on. You can also get piercings or body massages get done here.

Hotel Kalika – If you are craving some non-vegetarian food, then Hotel Kalika near Assi Ghat is the best place to check out. From chicken to mutton, you get everything here at an extremely affordable price and the food it absolutely delicious too.

Dolphin Restaurant – Located on the banks of Dasaswamedha Ghat, Dolphin Restaurant is a great place for vegetarian food in Varanasi. You will get both North Indian and Continental cuisine here and can enjoy the river views with your food.

Varanasi Street Food to Try

Varanasi is known for its amazing street food so, it would be a shame if you didn’t try it on your visit. Here are a few street foods that you should definitely try on your Varanasi trip:

Kachori Sabzi – One of the most popular breakfast options in Varanasi, Kachori Sabzi is a must-try delicacy. In this dish, you have badi kachori filled with dal masala and choti kachori stuffed with a spicy potato mixture. Then, aloo ki sabzi is added to it to make this wholesome dish ready. You can get this at most street food stalls in Varanasi.

Malaiyyo – Malaiyyo is a popular winter street dessert in Varanasi that will simply melt in your mouth. Made from milk froth, saffron, cardamoms, and garnished with almonds and pistachio, this dish is served in kulhad and is a must-try in Varanasi.

Lassi and Bhaang – Two drinks that you will find commonly in Varanasi are lassi and bhaang. Made from curd, lassis are great to keep your stomach relaxed during the summers and can be found almost everywhere. But for bhaang, you have to be a little careful as it can cause you to lose your senses a little bit. Made from tulsi and milk, bhaang is a little potent drink that you should only drink in a safe environment but it is also a must-try in this city.

Baati Chokha – Although a Bihar speciality, baati chokha is famous in Varanasi too. Baati is basically wheat ball with sattu filling chokha is simply mashed potatoes and brinjal with spices. It makes a tasty snack and you should definitely try it when you are visiting Varanasi.

Tamatar Chaat – The Varanasi version of Tamatar Chaat should definitely be tried out as you will find it just here. In this, the tomatoes are mixed with boiled potatoes, spices, hing, green chillies, and pounded ginger. It is served along with chaat masala and tastes yummy!

Samosa – Of course, when we are talking about street food, how can we miss the samosas and the pakodas that are the staple snacks in Varanasi. You can get these snacks from any street vendor for 5 INR and can enjoy a budget-friendly trip here.

Shopping in Varanasi

If you are travelling to Varanasi for the first time or even for the umpteenth time, you cannot miss out on buying souvenirs from here. The city is particularly famous for the Benarasi Silk Sarees and it would be a shame if you didn’t get them for yourself or your loved ones. Apart from that, you can also buy Ganga Jal, Rudraksha Mala, Wooden Toys, Shivalinga, Glass Beads, Flutes, Stone Carved Curios, and Indic Literature Books at home.

For shopping in Varanasi, there are many good street shops that offer good prices and variety of products. Most of the small souvenirs such as Rudraksh Malas, Wooden Toys, etc. you can easily buy from kiosks on the Ghats. Be sure to haggle for the price as the owners usually quote a high price for the tourists.

There are many amazing local streets for shopping in Varanasi where you can buy clothes, accessories, and a lot of others things at reasonable price. For silk and woollen products, you can head to the Thatheri Bazaar while Vishwanath Galli offers not only shops for buying clothes but houses several food shops as well. Apart from that, there are a few malls in Varanasi as well such as PDR Mall, Vinayak Plaza, etc. so, you can check them out as well.

Network Availability in Varanasi

Airtel and Jio works best in Varanasi with Vodafone offering decent network service too. If you are planning to attend calls or use Internet data for working, then I would recommend you to carry either an Airtel or a Jio SIM with you.

ATMs in Varanasi

There are several ATMs scattered throughout the city of Varanasi. So, you will easily be able to find your bank’s ATM to withdraw the cash.

For foreigners, there are several Currency Exchange shops available in the city as well. You will be able to exchange your USD, EUR, Pound, and other currency notes quite easily here.

Also Read: The Must-Visit Places in Varanasi

Safety Tips for Traveling in Varanasi

Although Varanasi is safe for solo female travellers, it is important to be prepared for any unexpected experiences. Try to plan your Varanasi trip so that you don’t face any such incidents. Make sure that you don’t roam around in secluded areas at night alone. Don’t be quick to believe anyone when they try to take you to some nice location for shopping or eating. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, especially since bhang is widely distributed in Varanasi.

Most importantly, be prepared for any situation and inform your family and friends on your whereabouts at all times. Keep handy the local emergency numbers and the number of your hotel/hostel in case you get into any trouble.

Cost of Traveling in Varanasi

Now, coming to the total cost of travelling in a place like Varanasi, it depends on the kind of traveller you are. You can get a stay in Varanasi for as low as 150 INR per night or you can spend around 500 – 800 INR for a decent one.

Meals in Varanasi will cost you around 50 – 100 INR. You can get a Thali or Pav Bhaji for this amount which would be filling for a meal. For transportation to nearby places, you can expect to shell around 50 – 100 INR in a day if you are staying close to the Ghats.

So, if you are planning a 3 to 4 days trip in Varanasi, you can expect to spend around 4000 – 5000 INR, depending on your travelling style. Personally, when I travelled in Varanasi, I spent around 2800 INR for a 5-day trip excluding my travel cost to and from Varanasi.

Well, Varanasi is an amazing place to visit in India, there is definitely no doubt about it. And with a little bit of planning, you can execute a wonderful trip here. Make sure that you keep aside enough days to explore everything that this city has to offer and look for local experiences to enjoy your trip more here.

I hope this Varanasi travel guide helps you plan an epic trip to this wonderful city. Let me know if you would like me to add anything else.

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this is a reasonable and fine guide to travel around the world.

Really Awesome post! I agree, Varanasi is probably the best example of Indian culture and traditions. An awesome spiritual place for travel. Well done. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful blog.

Very informative content. Varanasi has all the flavors of old times and new age. You can find ancient way of people worshipping and traditional way of dealing things specially around ganga. And new age things like Cruze on river, new NAMO ghat, new convection center Rudrach etc. Varanasi is a magical feeling which one can only feel when he or she is in varanasi. Thanks for posting very detailed information on Varanasi.

Nice blog thanks for sharing the information. it’s very helpful and useful. We are provide Online Cake Delivery in Varanasi

Thats great!

It would have been better if the article talked about where to visit also apart from ghats.

Hopefully next time, I was occupied visiting the numerous ghats found here that did not get time to visit the forts and waterfalls nearby. 🙂

Thanks for Valuable Information Keep it up.

Varanasi Guide: Planning Your Trip

This Ancient Holy City is not for the Faint of Heart!

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Varanasi is another sacred city in India with a very old history. It could possibly be the world's oldest inhabited city. Known as the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction, it's believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. Even a wash in the Ganges River is said to cleanse away all sins.

Varanasi was originally called Kashi during Vedic times. It was officially named Varanasi in 1956, although it was known as Benaras before that (said to be a variant of Varanasi). The name is derived from the meeting of the Varuna and Assi rivers.

The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly to along the many riverside ghats , which are used for everything from bathing to burning the bodies of the dead. Yoga, blessings, massages, shaves, and games of cricket are among the other activities you'll find performed by the river's edge.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Varanasi. This is when the weather is at its coolest. Winters are refreshing and pleasant, albeit chilly at night. The temperature gets uncomfortably hot from April onward, easily reaching 35 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This is followed by monsoon rain from July to September.
• Language: Hindi and English.
• Currency: Indian rupee.
• Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. India does not have daylight saving time.
• Getting Around: Streets are very narrow in the old part of the city along the ghats , so walking is the only option in many places. It's possible to hire a bicycle at Assi Ghat. Further out, auto rickshaws and Ola cabs (the Indian version of Uber. Uber is yet to start operating in Varanasi) are convenient ways of getting around. There are prepaid booths for auto rickshaws and taxis directly outside Varanasi Junction railway station.
• Travel Tips: If you're not familiar with Varanasi and think you might be overwhelmed, or you want to gain deeper insight into the city, taking a tour is highly recommended. Keep in mind that taxis and auto rickshaws can't reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat area between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. because of the crowds. You'll be dropped at Godaulia Crossing, where auto rickshaws line up.

Getting There

Varanasi is in Uttar Pradesh, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) southeast of capital Lucknow. The city has an airport and is connected by direct flight from major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Khajuraho.

Many people choose to travel to Varanasi by train. It takes a minimum of eight hours from Kolkata, 10 to 12 hours from Delhi, and around 30 hours from Mumbai. Most trains run overnight. The main railway station in Varanasi is called Varanasi Junction or Varanasi Cantt (the code is BSB). However, there are two other railway stations in the vicinity of the city -- Manduadih (MUV) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya/Mughal Sarai Junction (MGS). This is important to note if all trains to Varanasi Junction are booked up. Manduadih is within the city, while Deen Dayal Upadhyaya/Mughal Sarai Junction is about 20 kilometers away. Mughal Sarai is a large station that receives a lot of trains, so you may be able to get one with availability. It was officially renamed Pandit Deen Deen Dayal Upadhyaya in 2018.

Bus services to Varanasi tend to be very slow and uncomfortable, and are generally avoidable unless you're on a super strict budget.

Things to Do

People visit Varanasi for a brush with the divine. One of the best things to do is to simply soak up the atmosphere and observe what's going on. The most interesting part of the city is its ghats (steps leading down to the river). Take a walk beside the river and watch life flow by.

A quintessential Varanasi experiences is a boat trip along the river at sunrise or dusk. It's worth going twice, at both times, because the atmosphere is different and you'll see different things. If you don't fancy hiring a simple row boat, the new luxury Alaknanda cruise operates twice a day (morning and evening) between in the south Assi Ghat and Raj Ghat in the north. The cost is 750 rupees per person.

The spectacular Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) takes place every evening at Dasaswamedh Ghat. You can either be part of the audience or watch it from the river. There's also an early morning sunrise Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat. It's not as formal and provides a less touristy experience.

A look at the cremation ghats, where dead bodies are openly burned on funeral pyres, is eye-opening. It's best that you don't try and go there yourself, due to the prevalence of scams and touts (see below). Instead, take this Learning and Burning walking tour offered by Heritage Walk Varanasi or Death and Rebirth in Banaras walking tour offered by Varanasi Walks.

The magnificent Vishwanath Temple, built in 1776, is an important Hindu holy place of worship in Varanasi.

Varanasi is an excellent place to shop for silk (including saris ). However, be sure to check the quality as many items are actually made of fake silk or silk blend. Musical instruments are also a good buy in Varanasi.

Varanasi is well-known for classical dance and music, and yoga as well.

Varanasi Tours

Want to see immerse yourself in Varanasi or see it without the hassle? Experience Varanasi , Varanasi Magic , and Varanasi Walks conduct informative experiential and offbeat tours around the city.

Manjeet is an outstanding personal guide who provides customized heritage walks of Varanasi.

GoStops Hostel offers inexpensive walking tours and activities in Varanasi.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism's early morning heritage walk of Varanasi covers the ghats and famous temples.

If you take a walking tour, you'll be able to explore the bazaars and unusual attractions, such as the flower market and Ayurvedic herb market. You can also visit artisans, a community of boatmen, and Juna Akhara where an unusual sect of naked sadhus live.

Festivals and Events

The biggest festival of the year in Varanasi is Dev Deepavali (or Dev Diwali). Not to be confused with Diwali, this festival happens 15 days later, on Kartik Purnima (in October or November). The gods are believed to come to earth to bathe in the Ganges River on this day, and the ghats are decorated with rows and rows of lamps. Their glow creates an evocative spectacle. A five-day Ganga Mahotsav festival is also held in Varanasi at the same time. The focus is on live classical music and dance.

The world's oldest Ramlila performance, which narrates the life story of Lord Ram, takes place at Ramnagar near Varanasi for a month in the lead-up to Dussehra.

Other important occasions in Varanasi include Maha Shivratri and Buddha Purnima (Buddha's birthday). The five-day Dhrupad Mela music festival happens at Tulsi Ghat, usually in March after Maha Shivratri. It's organized by the Sankat Mochan Foundation.

Maha Shivratri is also an extraordinary time to visit Varanasi to see the many sects of sadhus, who come to celebrate the great festival of Lord Shiva in the city.

It's worth setting aside a day to take a side trip to Sarnath , about 30 minutes away. This is where the Buddha gave his first discourse. In contrast to the craziness of Varanasi, it's a peaceful place where you can wander around the grassy gardens and ruins of Buddhist stupas .

If you're interested in handicrafts, you may like to visit the weaver villages around Varanasi. These include Sarai Mohana (supported by the Taj Hotel Group), Kotwa and Ayodhyapur. Tours are conducted by Holy Voyages and Walks of Varanasi.

What to Eat and Drink

Those who want a break from Indian food will find it at Assi Ghat. Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe and Aum Cafe are very popular. The Open Hand Cafe and Shop serves great coffee and yummy light meals and retails their quality ethically-made products.

Head to the Dosa Cafe or Niyati Cafe, in the lane behind Man Mandir Ghat, for simple yet tasty Indian fare.

Blue Lassi is famous for its traditional fruit-flavored lassi yoghurt drinks (some say they're the best in India). This hole-in-the-wall shop has been in business since 1925 enroute to Manikarnika Ghat.

It's wise to avoid trying the street food in Varanasi, due to hit-and-miss hygiene.

As Varanasi is a holy city, alcohol isn't permitted around the ghats and temples. Many rooftop restaurants do discreetly serve beer to tourists though. You'll only find bars in mid-range and luxury hotels away from the ghats.

Where to Stay

Ideally, stay in a hotel that faces the Ganges River so you can watch all the goings-on along the ghats . However, do be aware that most of these hotels are only accessible on foot. Be sure to factor this in if you have a lot of luggage. Here's the pick of hotels in Varanasi for all budgets.

Culture and Customs

Varanasi is a challenging destination for inexperienced travelers. There are many scams to watch out for. The most common one involves touts who will take you to see Manikarnika Ghat (the main cremation ghat) and ask you to donate wood for the funeral pyre -- you'll be paying at least 10 times more than what the wood's worth. If you offer a small amount, it will be declined. Either say you don't have any money or don't feel comfortable giving so much.

Although the government has noticeably cleaned up Varanasi in recent years, it's still very polluted and dirty. Most tourists find it to be an intense city that confronting and off-putting, yet intriguing. This is a place that will really overwhelm your senses, and not always in a good way. So, do be ready for it! It's not wise to take a dip in the Ganges River due to the pollution. If you go on a boat ride, avoid getting wet.

When taking photos, do be discrete and considerate of people who are performing rituals. Especially avoid photographing the cremation ghats.

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3-Day Varanasi Itinerary

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Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: off the beaten path, day 3: west side of town, shri kashi vishwanath temple.

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat

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Ramnagar Fort

Banaras hindu university, bharat kala bhavan museum, tridev temple, shri satyanarayan tulsi manas mandir, jangamwadi math, kashi chat bhandar, chrystal bowl, itihaas alley kitchen, tandoor villa.

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Sarnath Museum

Dhamekh stupa, sarnath, sarnath deer park, chaukhandi stupa, kashi vishwanath temple worship and boat ride, st. mary's cathedral, jhv cinemas, nepali temple, blue lassi shop, hotel surya, kaiser palace, hotel kalika.

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Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Address : Lahori Tola Timings : 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM 

Break Your Fast at Brown Bread Bakery

Address : D 25/42 Ganga Mahal, Bangali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola  Cost for two : INR 500 Recommended drinks and dishes : Lasagna, coffee, mango milkshake, burgers, sandwiches. 

Explore the Ramnagar Fort and Museum

Address : Mirzapur - Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar. Entry Fee : INR 15 per adult 

An Appetizing Luncheon at Miss Kachauri Gali

Address : Lahori Tola  Cost for two : INR 150  Recommended dishes : Try to take a bite of all varieties of Kachauri's. 

Indulge in Ghat Hopping: Assi Ghat & Dashashwamedh Ghat

Enjoy Dinner at Keshari Ruchikar Byanjan

Address : Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Godowlia Cost for two : INR 300 Recommended dishes : Indian Thali

Wake Up Early to Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Address : Kamachha, Rathyatra - Mahmoorganj Rd, Near Dr. Annie Besant Hostel, Khanna villa Colony, Bhelupur Timings : Open 24 hours. 

Have an Amazing Breakfast at Shree Cafe

Address : D15/2, Manmandir Gali, Near Dashashwamedh Ghat Beside Shree Cafe Cost for two : INR 800 Recommended dishes : pancakes, thalis, sizzlers, sandwiches

Take a Tour of Man Mandir Observatory

Address : Observatory, Man मंदिर ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Observatory, Man mandir, Godowlia Entry Fee : INR 15 

Shop and Gorge on Some Street Food

Take a Detour to Sarnath

End Your Varanasi Trip at Pizzeria Vatika Ghat

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Home » Blog » how many days are needed to visit Varanasi?

how many days are needed to visit Varanasi?

Saurabh rastogi.

• May 11, 2023

The most obvious question asked by every traveler before making a trip to Varanasi is: “How many days are needed to visit or explore Varanasi ?”. The usual answer available on the internet to this question is 3 to 4 days. But are 3 to 4 days really enough for you to explore the whole of it? Keep reading to find yourself.

Varanasi gives an impression of a small city that can be mapped edge to edge in hours on maps which can be very confusing at first. Unlike other cities, Varanasi is not developed externally but built within a complex interlinked system of streets and ghats. Let’s try to understand how many days are actually needed to fill your heart in Varanasi.

Religious Tour to Varanasi

Short religious Tours, pilgrimage, or spiritual tours can be done in a 3-day visit. In these 3 days, you will be able to visit a few prominent temples like Vishwanath Corridor, Annapurna Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, and Sankat Mochan Temple and watch morning and evening, Ganga Aarti, Enjoy an evening boat ride & savor street food. You can also visit Ramnagar Fort or Sarnath if your time permits.

However, a real religious pilgrimage to Varanasi can easily take from months to years!

Tip: Please do not get tempted to cover a lot of places, secure an evening to do nothing and enjoy the serenity of the Ghats or just take a leisurely walk on the ghats and streets to fill your heart.

Leisure Tour to Varanasi

A Leisure or weekend Trip to Varanasi can easily be done in 2-3 Days. You can quickly cover all the main attractions of the city without spending much time. You will be able to visit Vishwanath Corridor, watch Ganga aarti, and try out street food. A weekend tour will never be enough to fill your heart but it is a good choice for anyone who is low on time or wants an introduction to the city to come back with more time.

Tip: You can get the most out of your weekend trip by enrolling for a history walk clubbed with a morning boat ride.

Laid-back Trip to Varanasi

Banaras is one of the best places in India to be laid back and relaxed. Everything in the city is literally slow and stuck in the time apart from traffic but you can easily dodge that by commuting via streets and Ghats. You will need at least a week to rejoice and adapt to the “live in the moment” attitude of the city. If you come from a metro city these 7 days will help you reconnect with yourself and your roots spiritually & emotionally. Imagine waking up to Ganga Aarti every day and having endless gossip with strangers in a tea shop or simply sitting at the Ghats and jolting down your emotions on the canvas in words or paint. Rent a scooter and go on a ride to Sarnath or the waterfalls of Lakhaniya Dari. The possibilities are endless!

Tip: Do not get too addicted to this lifestyle or you might end up hating your mundane life in the city. A lot many times people from other cities and countries spent a few days here and ended up settling down in the city just for the sake of its culture and lifestyle.

Historophile or Research Trip to Varanasi

If you’re visiting the city for the love of history, and mythology or to research a subject then at least plan your trip for a minimum of 10 to 12 days. This will give you enough window to work and enjoy your vacant time exploring the city. Kashi is a complex city with a lot of layers of history, culture, and religion which makes it one of the best places for researchers. If you need any help documenting the city you can write to us at [email protected] or you can leave us a message on Instagram @varanasiguru .

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My varanasi travel guide: best places to visit, stay & eat.

India has attracted spiritual seekers since time immemorial and Varanasi is one of the most fascinating and spiritual places in India .

As well as being one of the holiest places in all of India, the ancient city of Varanasi situated on the banks of the holy Ganges river, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the whole world.

I’ve been lucky enough to live in India and have visited Varanasi several times, it’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and most spiritual places to visit in all of India. I know how profound and overwhelming visiting Varanasi can be.

So I created this Varanasi travel guide with all the tips and information you need for planning a trip to Varanasi. From the best things to do and tours to take, to where to stay near the ghats and where to eat. I hope it makes planning your trip easier and that you have an incredible time in Varanasi.

Varanasi Travel Guide

Why you need to visit varanasi.

There are so many spiritual places in India but Varanasi, also known as Kashi (city of life) and Benaras, is the most important.

Varanasi is a holy city for Hindus and pilgrims who come to dip in the holy Ganges river as they believe that it will wash away a lifetime of sins.

If you want to understand more about India’s rich culture, spirituality and religion then Varanasi is an essential stop on any Indian adventure.

Visiting Varanasi is quite an experience as Hindus believe that dying here releases you from ‘ Mokhsa ‘ the cycle of death and rebirth.

Being cremated along the holy river Ganges is very auspicious for Hindus, and a unique and unforgettable sight for tourists. Read this article to learn more about why Varanasi is so holy. 

Varanasi can be an assault on the senses but it’s an unmissable Indian experience and one of the most fascinating places I’ve seen. Allow at least 3 or 4 days in Varanasi to soak it all up.

Keep on reading my Varanasi travel guide for the best things to do, places to stay and eat and more tips for visiting Varanasi.

Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Varanasi

Stroll along the ghats.

There are many things to do in Varanasi but the best way to understand this city is simply to walk along the ghats and also take time to explore the atmospheric, chaotic, winding lanes of the old city to soak up this unique city.

You’ll see wandering cows, tiny shops, colourful bazaars, local life, smoking sadhus (holy men) and maybe even a funeral procession in the narrow streets.

Most of the spiritual activities in Varanasi revolve around the Ghats , which are the riverfront steps along the River Ganges. Pilgrims from all over India come to the Ghats as they believe that taking a dip in the holy river will cleanse their sins away.

Sunrise is the most magical time to visit, but holy rituals are performed throughout the day on the ghats, in the river and in the many temples and small shrines along the ghats.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat and is a busy and colourful place full of activity. Assi Ghat and Kedar Ghat are also interesting, you can walk from Dashashwamedh to Assi Ghat to see the best of the ghats.

There are also several important Hindu temples, the most famous is the Vishvanath Temple , dedicated to Lord Shiva. Non Hindus and foreigners are not always allowed in, but this can change, you’ll have to see what the situation is when you are there.

Take a sunrise boat ride along the holy Ganges river

Taking a boat ride along the holy river Ganges at sunrise when the whole place is bathed in a magical dewy glow and you can see all the rituals of life , and death, played out along the river bank, is one of the things to do in Varanasi that you simply can’t miss. In fact, it’s one of the most fascinating experiences you can have in all of India.

It’s easy to find a boat ride, just walk along the ghats and you’ll be offered boat rides many times, just be sure to haggle and agree of the price before setting off. Or you can avoid the negotiating and book this sunrise boat tour that includes a knowledgeable guide and pick up from your hotel.

While on the boat you can observe all the life, colour and activity along the ghats as people perform morning rituals as the sun comes up over the city. You’ll witness pujas (prayers) taking place at the many shrines and temples along the river, cremations.

As well as witnessing pilgrims taking a dip in the holy river and local people washing and doing laundry, you’ll see saffron clad holy sadhus talking, smoking, meditating or doing yoga as well as buffaloes being washed and children playing cricket and flying kites. It’s really the best way to see Varanasi!

Read more about my experience at  sunrise on the holy Ganges 

Witness a cremation at Manikarnika Ghat

No Varanasi travel guide would be complete without mentioning the cremation ghats. One of the most intriguing aspects of Varanasi is witnessing the funeral rituals performed on the Ghats. Hindus believe that by dying in Varanasi one can achieve moksha  – liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The Hindu traditions see cremations and funeral pyres burning almost 24/7 at Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Witnessing a burning body can be a strange, emotional and difficult sight, but the more you understand about the Hindu culture the easier it is and I found it a less traumatic experience than I thought it would be.

Remember to be respectful while observing the funerals and do not take photos. Watch a video, see photos and learn more about Varanasi’s burning ghats is this National Geographic article.

Watch the Ganga Aarti

Every evening just after sunset a huge crowd of hundreds of pilgrims (and some tourists) gathers at Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the Ganga Aarti – a pooja (prayer) where Hindu priests lead a ceremony of fire, chanting and music praising the river Ganges and Lord Shiva.

If you want to avoid the crowds and see the spectacle from a different perspective I’d recommend watching on a boat! On this evening Aarti boat tour you’ll get a front row, unobstructed view of the Aarti from the water, a knowledgeable guide to explain what’s go on and a boat tour along the river at night.

Even if you do the sunrise boat ride it’s still well worth doing a boat trip in the evening too – it’s a totally different experience, plus it’s a more relaxing way to watch the aarti without being in the crush of the crowds.

There is also a smaller aarti held at sunrise at Assi Ghat – perfect timing to watch the morning ceremony before boarding a boat for the sunrise Ganges boat tour.

Visit Ramnagar Fort and Museum

On the other side of the river you can visit the crumbling but still impressive 17th century Ramnagar fort and palace. It was the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras (old name for Varanasi) and is now a eccentric museum.

In the museum you can learn about the history of the area and take a look at the slightly oddly out-of-place collection of vintage American Cars, medieval costumes and vintage weapons.

The fort is also a great place to watch the sun set over the city and the banks of the Ganges.

Visit Sarnath

An easy day trip from Varanasi is Sarnath, famous as the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after finding enlightenment in Bodhgaya.

Sarnath is one of the 4 important sites on the Buddhist circuit (along with Lumbini in Nepal, Bodhgaya and Kushinagar) There’s several ruins, stupas, temples and monasteries to explore and it makes a pleasant escape from the chaos of Varanasi.

Check out the ruins of Dhamekh stupa and monastery on the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. The large Chaukhandi Stupa from the 5th century where Buddha met his first disciples is now topped by a large Mughal tower.

There’s also the more modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar where the Buddha’s first sermon is chanted daily at sunset and an air conditioned Archaeological Museum with some interesting historic artefacts.

Visit Benaras University

Varanasi is well known for having excellent educational establishments. Benaras University was established back in 1916 and the spacious campus is a leafy and pleasant place to explore.

You can also visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum which has a good collection of paintings, ancient manuscripts and interesting exhibitions about local history.

At Benaras University you can also visit the New Vishwanath Temple which is open to all religions.

Tours of Varanasi

Varanasi is best explored by simply walking around, but to avoid hassle and really get to know more about the rich, unique and fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest cities, it’s better to hire a Varanasi travel guide. Taking a tour will also help you to see more in a short amount of time.

I recommend booking your tour on trusted international platforms like Get Your Guide or Viator as you can read reviews from pervious guests to know that you will get a good experience with a safe and trustworthy guide.

Full Day Private Guided Varanasi Tour 

This is the most comprehensive Varanasi tour that covers all the must sees in one day with a private driver and expert local guide. Perfect for anyone who wants to see and understand everything about Varanasi in one incredible day.

Starting with a sunrise boat ride on the ganges where you’ll see all the most important ghats including Dasaswamedh Ghat. You’ll get off the boat at Manikanika Ghat where the cremations take place where your guide will explain all about the Hindu rituals of life and death.

Next, take a guided walking tour through the winding alleyways, markets and ancient temples of the old town including a visit to the famous Blue Lassi shop where you can try this delicious, traditional drink.

Later on, head to Sarnath to see where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment and visit the important Tulsi Manas Temple.

Finish off the day watching the evening Aarti ceremony from a private balcony – all with a knowledgeable guide to explain the fascinating history and rituals being played out before you. Find out more details and book your tour here.

Banaras Wala Tours

Personalised private guided tours of Varanasi with experienced local guide Vinay. Get in touch to create your own perfect day in Varanasi or trust Vinay to show you all the highlights and hidden gems of his city.

On this Varanasi tour you’ll watch the morning ceremony at Assi Ghat and take a guided walking tour through the labyrinth of alleys in the old town, visiting Lolark Temple, Rani Lakshmi Bai Park, and Tusli Ghat Akhara to watch traditional wrestling.

Vinay will take you for a local breakfast and chai along the way before boarding a boat to Dasaswamedh Ghat where you can watch the daily lives of the locals along the ghats. You’ll also see Manikarnika Ghat, the golden temple, Pashupatinath temple, and Vishalakshi Temple.

The tour is super affordable and can be tailored to ensure you see everything in Varanasi that you are personally interested in, or trust the expert guide to show you the best of the holy city.

Check out more Varanasi tours (with reviews) on Viator.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

No Varanasi Travel Guide would be complete without tips for where to stay and eat. To really immerse yourself in this unique city I recommend looking for hotels in Varanasi near the ghats.

Most budget accommodation in Varanasi is located close to the ghats. Popular areas to stay in Varanasi are centered around Dhasaswamedh Ghat (the main and very busy ghat.) Guesthouses and restaurants are also found along the Ganges river and down the surrounding narrow lanes.

The area around Assi Ghat (about 30 mins walk South from Dhasaswamedh) is a little quieter and also has good accommodation and eating options close to the river.

The winding streets around the ghats can be quite disorientating and are often too small for vehicles but if you book a reputable hotel in advance they may be able to send someone to help you find the way.

The Best Hotels in Varanasi:

Brijrama palace heritage hotel.

This imposing fort like building overlooking the Ganges was built in the 18th century and was recently renovated to become an amazing luxurious, heritage hotel.

It’s believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the city and is the best luxury hotel in Varanasi by far. The hotel is situated just a few minutes walk from Dasashwamedh Ghat but you can soak up the views without having to leave the hotel at all.

Sumptuous rooms are complete with four poster beds and loads of gorgeous character details. There’s amazing views from the rooftop and two restaurants including Darbangha, one of the best restaurants in Varaansi. Check out the reviews and book your room

Amritara Suryauday Haveli

Houses in a tastefully refurbished 20th century fort-style mansion, Suryauday Haveli is a gorgeous 4 star heritage hotel located on Shivala ghat, just a 15-minute walk from the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasashwamedh Ghat where the evening Gangga Aarti is held.

Choose from standard or Ganges view rooms which offer wood flooring and all mod cons. There is an Indian vegetarian restaurant and music in the evenings while the rooftop terrace is a heavenly spot to watch the sunrise over the river and take in the panoramic views. See more details and book here .

Via Varanasi Boutique Hotel

Convientaly located close to the sunrise aarti on quieter Assi Ghat, this beautiful, modern, boutique 4 star hotel has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Varanasi.

The spacious mini suites are well furnished complete with a separate seating area and the large windows offer views over the city and let in plenty of light The continental and English breakfast, helpful staff and free parking also make this a top place to stay  in Varanasi. Check prices, availability and book here.

Ganpati Guesthouse

A long running popular mid range guesthouse option with large colourful and comfortable rooms in a great location right on the river near Meer Ghat. All rooms have AC, even the budget rooms.

It’s well worth going for the deluxe Ganges view rooms which boast balconies overlooking the river if one is available for your dates. It’s a deservedly popular spot so book in advance to get the best rooms. There’s also an excellent rooftop restaurant. Check availability, reviews and book here.

Aashray Homestay

A peaceful boutique homestay in a quieter residential area only 5 mins away from the busy ghats area. Rooms are immaculately presented with all modern amenities.

The highlight is the hospitality, conversation and excellent home cooking from the wonderful hosts, Mr & Mrs Kapur will welcome you into their home and teach you about local culture while providing excellent home cooked food. More details and bookings here.

Anand Kanan

This popular affordable hotel located in the old city just steps away from Dasaswamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath temple has recently been renovated to offer a clean and comfortable stay in twin and family Ac rooms with attached private bathrooms.

One thing that makes this hotel special is the staff who are super nice, welcoming and helpful, and the manager who is very knowledgeable about Hindu philosophy and happy to share this with guests. Overall, It’s a great choice for an affordable, comfortable and conveniently located stay. Click here to book.

Go Stops Hostel

A colourful and lively modern backpacker hostel with dorms, private rooms and tents. There’s colourful, sociable, communal areas which are great for relaxing and meeting other travellers. The hostel also organises tours and is ideal if you’re looking for a safe, sociable budget Varanasi accommodation option located just 1km from the Assi Ghat. More info and booking here.

Where to Eat and Drink in Varanasi

Varanasi is not a destination for fine dining or hard partying but there are some decent places to get cheap local food, Varanasi is well known for its street food and chaat vendors, and simple restaurants around the ghats.

Due to the religious significance of the city most restaurants, especially those close to the Ganges serve only vegetarian food and no alcohol. Restaurants further away from the ghats may sell non veg food and if you want a drink head to one of the posher hotels away from the ghats.

Kashi Chat Center – Popular street food and tasty chaat near to the intersection on Dashashwamedh Road.  Madhur Milan Cafe , also on Dashashwamedh Road is another good place for South Indian food, good value thalis, snacks and samosas popular with locals and tourists.

Keshari Restaurant – Great spot for top quality veg cuisine and curries from all over India

Aum café – Cute place located close to Assi Ghat. A healthy Ayurvedic family run vegetarian cafe with a great selection of herbal teas, coffees and juices and cute little gift shop. Massages and body piercing are also available.

Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe  – Great place for a break from Indian food. The cafe has a great view of the river from the shady terrace and serves thin and crispy pizzas and an amazing apple pie.

Puja Guesthouse – One of the best rooftop restaurants with 180 degree views over the river, good food, a relaxed atmosphere and live music at night.

Shiva Cafe –  A popular place with travellers missing Western food. The extensive menu serves decent value Indian, Nepalese, Thai and Western food.

Brown Bread Bakery – The large menu includes over 30 types of bread, cookies and cakes as well as good sandwiches, pastas and pizza. , pizzas. There’s a great European breakfast buffet from 7am to noon and live classical music performances every night at 7.30pm.

Part of the profits go to support a local school and women’s empowerment project and uses organic produce wherever possible. You can upstairs on the rooftop or in the AC downstairs.  They also have another restaurant called Vegan and Raw.

Darbangha – for a luxurious dining experience head to this fabulous Indian restaurants in the BrijRama Palace Heritage Hotel. The menu includes gourmet street food, delicious curries and a good selection of continental and Thai options.

For non guests there’s a minimum charge of ₹1000 per person but this is one of the very best dining experiences in Varanasi and a good excuse to check out this stunning heritage hotel.

How to Get to Varanasi

Varanasi is well connected with the rest of North India. There is a modern airport in Varanasi with frequent flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Khajuraho.  Check Skyscanner to find the cheapest deals and don’t forget you need a visa to visit India.

Overnight trains run from Delhi to Varanasi Junction and take 12 + hours. You can also take the train to Mughal Sarai Junction 10 kilometers from Varanasi.

Trains get fully booked up way in advance, sleeper buses are also available but I alwasy recommend taking the train if possible. The easiest way to book online from abroad is with 12 Go Asia .

To get to the Main Ghat, where most of the guest houses and hotels are located, you can take an auto rickshaw for about 150 Rupees or try a cycle rickshaw for about 50 Rupees.

Apart from walking, cycle rickshaws are the best way to get around the crowded areas of the old city but make sure to haggle hard and agree on a price before taking off.

Top tips and things you should know before visiting Varanasi

Varanasi is a fascinating place but, in particular the areas around the main ghats, can be a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in India. I usually recommend to visit places like Varanasi towards the end of a trip around India if possible or take a tour.

It’s a good idea to read India travel blogs and Varanasi travel guides to help you prepare and know what to expect. The ghats are also fraught with persistent hassle, touts and scams. Be wary of touts hassling you to pay for wood towards the cremations or for a better view, to see their shops, cheap rickshaw rides that turn into pressured shopping sprees, beggars and fake holy men.

Touts will also follow you telling you information about the ghats like a guide, even if you didn’t ask, and then be very rude expecting payment so you really need to be direct and firmly state you are not interested.

The Ganges river and small winding streets are easy to get lost in and can also be quite dirty with cow poo, trash, spits of  pann ( chewing tobacco )  and open sewers. I really wouldn’t recommend you take a dip in the water here – if you want to dip in the Ganges places like Rishikesh and Haridwar are cleaner and better places to do it.

However, the last time I visited Varanasi the river, ghats and streets were noticeable cleaner than a few years before so things are improving. I’m just warning you what to expect but don’t let the scams and dirt put you off from visiting this fascinating and unique place.

Also see Hippie in Heel’s tips for visiting Varanasi  and what to expect at the cremation ghats.  and read about Varanasi’s crazy cannibal Aghori Babas. 

More India travel blogs and guides:

• See the erotic sculptures on the temples at Khajuraho
• Find peace under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya where the Buddha gained enlightenment
• Visit India’s capital Delhi .

Do you have any more questions or tips to add to this Varanasi travel guide? Leave them in the comments below

My Pick of the Best India Backpacking Tours and Trips

Trabug: the easiest way to get online anywhere when traveling around india.

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NO doubt India is really nice and beautiful country and i really liked this mini travel guide about Varanasi , I hope some day you will also write on Kashmir that’s also a beautiful place to visit.

Hey Anna, I’ve never been to India and I’ve always wanted to go. The problem is trying to plan a trip and choosing one region to explore. There seem to be so many. Varanasi looks like a great place to experience Indian culture and the ceremonies seem like an interesting things to observe. Glad for the recommendations on tours as well. This was also one of my considerations going out to India is the hassles of moving around as a tourist as I’ve heard many types of stories both positive though many negative. Thanks again.

This is the ultimate guide. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you 🙂

Thanks for sharing informative blog…

India is my best country! i have such a connection there, i loved reading your post it was so informative, i went to Varanasi but was only there for two days i will go back one day and save all your information. Great Pics too!

Thanks Lisa! 🙂 I’m glad you liked the post – there is alot to see and do in Varanasi – I’ve been a couple of times now. Hope you get to visit again soon

Hey Anna. I am working on a project on Varanasi and would like to get in touch with you regarding the same. If you are okay with sharing your views kindly revert back .Hoping for a reply. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I’m not in Varanasi at the momment but you can email me anna at global-gallivanting dot com

Hi, thanks for wonderful site, I’ve been reading it with great interest. Since I will be staying in Varanasi for 3 months (March-May), I am interested in good hairdresser – are there some? Thanks!

Great to hear you like my blog, thanks! Umm I never visited the hair dresser in Varanasi but I’m sure there must be many

Thanx For Ultimate and useful Guide 😊

Varanasi is such a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing such an informative blog with the travelers .

which time is best to varanse we are interested to be on jan last week

It’s an OK time to visit but it might be a bit cold in Varanasi in January though.

Thank you Anna for such a informative article on Varanasi. I’m leaving for Varanasi tommorow and will try to follow your info and tips so that we can explore most out of this holy city.

Great! Glad you liked it and have a great time in Varanasi

Nice Blog! Varanasi is the most attractive place to visit. Very nicely written and information provided is quite helpful. Thanks for sharing Such great Information.

I’ve visited Varanasi but only experienced evening Aarti. What was better in your opinion evening or sunrise?

Difficult question! The evening one is much bigger but there are huge crowds of people. The morning one was smaller and more simple but the energy and light at sunrise is simply magical. Try to experience both if you can 🙂

Varanasi is the most calm and interesting place in India.

I would love to go back there again and again.

Thanks for you awesome travel guide and photos are really beautiful.

Thanks so much Sarah! 🙂

Wonderful Blog! Varanasi is religious & spiritual city. Varanasi the most attractive place to visit. Very nicely written and information provided is quite helpful. Thanks for sharing Such great Information.

Thank you a lot 😊

Very informative and helpful blog. Varanasi is a religious and cultural place. And Ganga Aarti’s view looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your travel experience and amazing and amazing pictures.

Awesome Blog! I have already visited Varanasi. But you explain about varanasi very wonderfully. Thanks to author.

A lot have changed in Varanasi in last 3-4 months Varanasi is different no matter how many times u visit. I live in Varanasi and on daily basis I visit places ghats and temples Still I find it different and new Anyways thaks for visiting Varanasi and covering as many people will get to know about Varanasi through you. All the best

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One Day in Varanasi Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Varanasi, India

Explore narrow winding passages, encounter Babas and bump into cows. Delve into your spirituality whilst learning about the Hindu religion and local culture. Watch the colorful city pass you by upon the Ganges for you are in Varanasi. Since one does not simply visit Varanasi – you experience it – this is an account of how to best experience one day in India’s spiritual capital.

GUEST POST BY HITCHED HIKERS

What’s the best time to visit Varanasi?

If you are lucky enough to visit Varanasi during the  Diwali festival, you will not be disappointed. It usually falls around the end of October or beginning of November. This also marks the beginning of the high season and is closely followed by another impressive festival ten days later. During this time Varanasi is intensely busy, but this is avoidable by visiting in early to mid-September as the monsoon season passes.

What’s good to know about Varanasi?

Varanasi is the home of Hinduism and regarded as the spiritual capital of India. It is located in Uttar Pradesh in the North of India, easily accessible by overnight train from Delhi or Rishikesh. The spiritual nature of the city stems from the Ganges, which flows through the city and attracts both tourists and pilgrims. Hindus from all over the world flock to Varanasi to visit the Golden Temple during their lives and to end the cycle of reincarnation after passing.

One Day in Varanasi Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Varanasi.

Start your day with a delicious bite

Varanasi is a hub of North Indian cuisine with exotic treats on every turn. Some travelers shy away from street food in India, but the delicacies on offer must not be missed. As long as the food is hot and vegetarian, which most of the food here is, it is usually fine.

Start the day with a parantha,  a fried chapatti stuffed with a choice of paneer cheese, mixed veg or potato – it is delicious, keeps you full all day and costs around 50Rs. If you fancy a snack,  Vada Pav is a spicy Indian potato burger sometimes served with chili and chutney and makes for a tasty treat. This can be washed down with an Indian Lassi.  The best around can be found at the Blue Lassi Shop located near the burning Ghat. In the evening, make sure you try Puri, which is a tasty Indian bread filled with air to make it extra light and usually served with spiced cauliflower (gobi) or potato (aloo).

Although all of these savory dishes are delicious, it is the sweets of Varanasi which really get the taste buds going. Gulab Jamun are sticky, doughy balls covered in sugar syrup. They can be found amongst other mouth-watering deserts in sweet shops almost everywhere. If you want a break from Indian food, head to the German Brown Bread Bakery which serves freshly baked cakes and bread daily as well as an impressive assortment of cheese.

Enjoy a Sunrise Boat Ride

A visit to Varanasi is not complete without watching the sunrise from a boat on the River Ganges. Head out at 5am and walk to the Assighat while the city is sleeping. Everything will be closed baring one or two chai stalls. Varanasi seems a very different place at 5am, and one is really able to feel the spiritual essence of the city as you wander the empty streets. Arrive at the Assighat no later than 5.30am and haggle with a few of the boat operators. Be sure not to pay more than 100Rs per person.

There is an early morning ritual that takes place every morning with local children chanting and monks performing with fire. This is a blessing to the Mother Ganges as she breathes life into India. Head out on the boat and watch the magnificent sunrise over the Ganges . As you pass each Ghat, take in the culture and watch different rituals of holy baths as well as people carrying out their daily routines.

Take part in a free Yoga class

Once you return to the Assighat, a large crowd of seated people will have formed, all of them facing a stage. This is a daily yoga class which is free for everyone in an effort to encourage yoga in the community. Watch or take part, you are more than welcome. The highlight is the laughing exercise in which everyone holds their hands over their heads and laughs. The laughter is indeed infectious.

Explore the bazaars

Walk from the Assi Ghat towards the Burning Ghat through the narrow streets filled with interesting sights on every turn. The streets are full of shops offering wonders from clothing to instruments , a fine opportunity to interact with locals and practice your haggling skills . The streets are also littered with cows, dogs and goats, which certainly makes exploring much more interesting.

You will find brightly dressed Yogis and Babas sitting around, and they can offer insight into the spiritual side of Varanasi although they may ask for money in exchange for imparting their knowledge. Street vendors and performers complete the experience which will leave you feeling enchanted. Don’t forget to stop from time to time just to soak up the environment, you are sure to see things unaccounted for in this article.

See the Burning Ghat

After working your way through the narrow passages and many ghats, you will eventually reach the Burning Ghat . The Burning Ghat is the focal point of Varanasi and the reason behind its spirituality. It is the point to which all Hindus return in order to end the cycle of reincarnation after passing. It is believed in the Hindu faith that one will be in a continuous cycle of reincarnation until the body is laid to rest in the Ganges. The burning ghat is a literal name as it is where the cremation of the followers of the Hindu religion takes place. Obviously not a particularly pleasant experience but a mind broadening one.

Local people will act as guides for tourists in exchange for a small amount of rupees, and it is well worth doing this as it is important to learn about the process rather than just looking at burning bodies. However, do  beware of scams . There are two stages to the Burning Ghat, the internal fire and the cremation. The internal fire is on the lower floor, it has been burning for centuries and is where the oldest son of the deceased will come to light a torch. Once this happens, the family will light the fire on the above floor in order to cremate their relative. The remains will be scattered in the Ganges, and it is believed the soul will be returned to Brahma. You cannot visit Varanasi without witnessing this ritual as unpleasant as it may sound.

Marvel at the Golden Temple (Vishwanath Temple)

The Golden Temple is just a short walk from the Burning Ghat, not to be confused with the Sikh Temple in Amritsar – the Golden Temple of Varanasi is the Hindu equivalent of Mecca. There are entry gates all around, often with huge queues of Hindus making their pilgrimage, but do not join these queues. There is a separate queue for tourists near the Burning Ghat, just ask any of the guards and they will direct you. Make sure you bring your passport and put your belongings in one of the lockers. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enter. Once you go through the initial gate, you may be asked if you follow the Hindu faith, if so just say yes to appease them. Once inside the second gate, photography is not allowed and you must remove your shoes. The temple is very busy, but the beauty of the golden spires shines from above. Most of the Hindus bring an offering of food, and this has attracted monkeys to the temple. Watching them bothering people passes the time whilst queuing. Overall, it is an essential Varanasi experience although it includes some tiresome queuing in the heat.

Check out the kites on the Ganges

Following the busy temple and harrowing experience of the Burning Ghat, it may be time for something a little more cheerful. At around 4 or 5pm, many of the locals fly paper kites over the Ganges from their rooftop terraces or balconies. It is a beautiful sight and a great opportunity for a photo. The best way to experience this is from a rooftop café as the sun sets over the city.

Attend the Evening Ceremony

Every evening there is a ceremony performed by monks over the Ganges. It is the biggest tourist draw of Varanasi. During this time hundreds of tourists and pilgrims will place flowers and candles in the river and pray for their loved ones. During busy times this is a truly remarkable sight and one to remember for a lifetime. If you are lucky enough to be in Varanasi around Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, you’re in for a treat as the river becomes alight with candles.

Take an evening stroll across the Ghats

The evening ceremony, although beautiful and spiritual, gets very crowded, especially if you’re watching from the main Ghat. End the evening with a relaxing stroll across the Ghats taking in the different evening rituals and reflecting on a magical day in Varanasi.

Where to stay in Varanasi?

It is recommended to book somewhere a short ride away from the Ghats to get some peace and quiet at the end of a busy day. The area surrounding the University provides a peaceful haven where you can also pay a visit to the university in which they have a scale replica of the Golden Temple among other interesting exhibits.

The Gateway Hotel Ganges

Nadesar Palace Grounds, 221002 Varanasi

The Gateway Hotel Ganges is a peaceful and luxury getaway spread over 40 acres of tropical gardens. This 5 star hotel features an outdoor pool and a spa. The rooms are full of beautiful and have a luxury aura around them, but remain modern all the time. All enjoy views of the garden, pool or city.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Ramada Plaza JHV

The Mall Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi Cantt

Ramada Plaza JHV  is the most centrally located 5 star resort, spread over 13 acres and offering a peaceful haven away from the chaotic city streets. The hotel features a spa, gym and a tennis court. Its spacious rooms offer a modern décor and the ultimate comfort.

B-3/97, Shivala, Near Chet Singh Fort,, 221001 Varanasi

Located a short walk from Harishchandra Ghat, HosteLaVie has a number of amenities, including a garden and a terrace. Popular sights around the property include Assi Ghat and Kedar Ghat. HosteLaVie is a great pick for young travelers and backpackers.

Extra tips for visiting Varanasi

– Prepared yourself for chaos as Varanasi is a bustling, crowded city with incessant honking from vehicles and pushy crowds.

– Although this is a one day itinerary, don’t feel as though you have to rush, take a step back from time to time in order to rest your mind and take in the environment.

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Varanasi Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Hitched Hikers

The Hitched Hikers are a couple from the UK who got married, moved out of their home, quit their jobs and booked a one way flight to India. They are currently travelling the world offering helpful tips and advice mainly focusing on couple and budget travel. Follow their journey here: www.hitchedhikers.co.uk

Great blog from guest bloggers Hitched Hikers, lots of useful and interesting information.

That’s true Jayne. Definitely one of the greatest articles on our page!

Great one day itinerary. 🙂 I’ll be stopping in Varanasi on the way back frm Allahabad and I’m super excited to see the sunrise from the boat and the sunset Aarti. Thanks!

Amazing tips about visitng varanasi. Thanks and beautiful pictures !!

Nice blog! Varanasi is the most attractive place to visit. Very nicely written and information provided is quite helpful. Thanks for sharing such great Information.

Thank you very much for your comment 🙂

Hi, One of the beautiful blog. I have ever read on the amazing place Varanasi. Especially, I am in love with all these photos. Thank you for sharing this great blog.

Thank you! 🙂

It was incredible to read all these… It was truly amazing to know about the place in such a detailed yet interesting way. Beautiful article. Very informative and crisp. Overall you have put everything in an order which becomes easy to follow. Very good keep it up. And all the best.

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The best things to do in Varanasi in 3 days as per the locals

Banaras Tourism – a complete travel guide to Varanasi, including how to reach, the best time to visit, top places to visit, shop and eat, and accommodation in Varanasi, India.

After several years of planning and cancelling, I landed in Varanasi thanks to an impulsive decision. I was randomly scrolling when Varanasi popped up on my mobile phone, and the next thing I knew, I had booked my air tickets. Everything within 10 minutes. I arrived with high hopes, but Varanasi didn’t disappoint. 

I’ve to admit that Varanasi is one of the most overwhelming cities in India and probably in the whole world. Everything could give me a panic attack – too noisy, too smoky, too congested, and too crowded. Yet, there is an order in the chaos. A city that has to be seen to be believed. But let me share what I experienced. Here’s a Varanasi travel guide that will answer all your questions about visiting the holy city.

Table of Contents

About Varanasi

Famous by monikers such as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. It is believed to date back to the 12th century BC. A sacred place for Hindus to die – it is believed that if you die in Banaras, you are liberated from the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation. My local friend and a fellow photographer, Aryan Thakur, told me that funeral pyres have burnt here nonstop for thousands of years . Irrespective of the fact whether ghats flood or an emergency arises. But death and cremation are not the only reasons millions of pilgrims come here every year. Some visit to wash away their sins in the holy waters of the Ganga and to worship the river itself. And, some people (like me) come here to capture the mystical beauty of the city and gorge on its delicious food. It’s a marvellous city where both life and death are celebrated in Kashi. 

Must-do activities and places to visit in Varanasi

Witness the entire life-death cycle on ghats.

Ghats are the riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganga. The soul of Varanasi lives on its ghats, which are buzzing with life 24/7. People taking early morning holy baths to wash away their sins, priests performing rituals, cremations happening round the clock and people practising meditation and yoga. While all this is happening, Banarasiyas are doing their daily chores – laundry, fixing boats and boys jumping into the river. It is incredible to see so many different worlds and activities co-exist in one place. 

Out of 88 ghats, most are used for bathing and puja ceremonies; only two ghats – Manikarnika and Harishchandra – are used exclusively as cremation sites. Although the city is more than 900 years old, most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt in the 18th century under the Maratha patronage. All the 88 ghats are worth visiting, but if you are hard-pressed for time, I’d highly recommend you visit  Dashashwamedh Ghat  for its evening Ganga Aarti,  Assi Ghat  for morning Ganga Aarti, Manikarnika and Harishchandra for pyre burning, and Darbhanga Ghat for Instagram worthy pictures.

TSW Tip:  the morning time is a better time to witness the complete Ghat action than during the day. Walk from Assi Ghat to Raj ghat or vice versa.

Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges .

Skip anything but a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi. River Ganges is the core of Varanasi, and this is where life and death unite. And the beauty of Varanasi is best observed from a boat when the sun rises above the vast horizon, painting the sky in dazzling shades of amber and red at the crack of dawn. The river and the ghats glow in the golden light at sunrise and sunset. Not only do you get the best views of Varanasi from the River Ganges, but you also get to see the centuries-old Hindu way of life still being practised along the banks of the Ganges. 

TSW Tip:  If you want stunning Instagram pictures with dozens of birds flying in the background, don’t forget to buy the bird food before hiring a boat. The boatman selling bird food on boats charge double the regular price.

Invoke the spiritual side at Varanasi Temples

With approximately 3,000 temples and shrines dotting the city’s landscape, Varanasi is often touted as the City of Temples. The most famous temples are Kashi Vishwanath, Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Durga Mandir, Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir, Annapurna Devi Mandir, and Tulsi Manas Temple. If Varanasi is the Spiritual Capital of India, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple is its most precious jewel. And, now it has become more popular after the inauguration of the  Kashi Vishwanath Corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . Situated on the western banks of the River Ganga, it is one of the twelve holiest jyotirlingas or sacred centers of Shiva worship spread across India.

TSW Tip:  photography (even on mobile) is banned in most big temples. So, leave your gadgets behind.

Satiate your tastebuds with authentic Banarasi street food and drinks

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Banaras so badly is its food. Like the city itself, the food reflects its people and visitors. Marwari traders and people from nearby states added their regional touch to the local cuisine. The vegetarian delicacies are primarily prepared in desi ghee, and most Varanasi sweets have a milk and ghee base. The must-try food items in Varanasi are – tamatar chaat, Allu-Tikki, Dahi-chutney waale Gol Gappe, Chena Dahi vada, kachori sabzi, malaiyyo (served only for two months in winters), thandai and lassi, banarasi paan, baati chokha, Choora Matar (Benarasi twist to the Poha), chai-bun, banarasi marwadi thali, and the list continues. 

Many people ask whether non-veg or alcohol is allowed in Varanasi. Well, the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food are banned within a 250-metre radius of all temples and heritage sites in Varanasi. Therefore most Old City restaurants and hotels situated on Ghats are vegetarian and alcohol-free. However, Cantonment and other areas are less constrained. 

TSW Tip:  best places for   Banarasi street food are   Kaashi Chaat Bhandar, Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar, Ram Bhandaar (Kachori Sabzi), and Blue Lassi.

Shopping in Varanasi

While I am not big into shopping, I also bought a Banarasi skirt and dupatta (stole). The best shopping areas are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), or Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gali in Godaulia with its Temple Bazaar (for Banarasi silk brocade sari and jewellery). If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home, check out Crystal and Stone Shivalinga, Gulabi Minakari, colourful glass beads, rudraksha mala, wooden toys, and flutes, among other items.

TSW Tip:  Be prepared to bargain at least 50% of the quoted amount.

Get spiritual in Sarnath 

Contrary to the din of the Banaras city, Sarnath seems like a different world with its peaceful vibes. Located 13-km from Varanasi, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to get here. Sarnath is one of the four most important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhism globally. It’s relatively small, but it has a special meaning for Buddhists worldwide because it’s the place where Buddhism was born. The must-visit places in Sarnath are – 

• Chaukhandi Stupa – built-in 1589 AD this stupa is where Buddha met with his five disciples.
• Buddha statue – right next to the Chaukhandi Stupa is the world’s tallest Buddha statue – 24.3m.
• Dhamek Stupa – where Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths 
• Dharmarajika Stupa – Ashoka built this stupa in the 3rd century BC. Only the foundations of the stupa and monasteries are visible today. 
• Jain temple and the majestic Bodhi Tree 
• Chinese Temple 
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum.

TSW Tip:  Do check out the temples and museum closing hours and days before visiting. Temples have different opening and closing times. Also, the museum is closed on Friday.

Hear the Musical sounds of Banaras

The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, is also the “Music City.” In 2015, the city of  Varanasi  was chosen as the “City of Music by UNESCO. Music, indeed, is an integral part of the city. Therefore your trip would be incomplete without experiencing the musical notes of Banaras. The city is renowned for its music – both vocal and instrumental. The city has a music heritage tracing back to the Puranic literature, attributing the development of music to Shiva. But it was during the times of various Kashi Naresh (Kings of Kashi) who patronized music and helped in the growth of Banaras Gharanas. The Gharana system started shaping up 600-700 years ago in the city. The musicians who began the  Banaras Gharanas  came from places such as Lucknow, Azamgarh, Bhagalpur, and Samastipur. These Gharanas have given notable musicians, such as iconic  sitar player Ravi Shankar , the  Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan ,  Pandit Kishan Maharaj ,  Rajan-Sajan Mishra  and  singer Girija  Devi among many more. Music is like air in Banaras. From dawn to dusk, sitars are being tuned, sarods rehearsed, tablas mastered, and the nuances of various ragas discussed minutely and passionately. Classical music echoes everywhere in Varanasi. It is in the temples, weekly performances in the restaurants and hotels, live music played on the ghats and rooftops, large scale annual music concerts, music shops, and boats. Don’t forget to hear the melodious voice of the Bhoomi boatman.

TSW Tip:  If you have time, enrol yourself at a music school or just catch a live performance at your hotel.   Suryauday Haveli has daily two hours long classical music performance from 7-9 pm by legendary musicians.

Spend some time in Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Why should I visit a university in a historic city? That was precisely my expression when Aryan Yadav recommended visiting it. The reasons he gave were enough to plan a trip – incredible architecture, beautiful setting, lush greenery, and mouth-watering street food. Established in 1919, the university has given many renowned scientists, scholars and artists to the nation. Even its campus has historical and cultural significance. Inside the BHU complex, you can visit the new Viswanath temple and archaeological museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan. The university is open for Tourists between 10 am and 6 pm throughout the year. And, while you are exploring the area, don’t forget to try the street food in Lanka. Lanka is the “mall road” equivalent, situated in front of the BHU (Banaras Hindu University) gate. You would find all sorts of eateries and roadside stalls serving lip-smacking street food such as kachori, chaat, samosa, pao bhaji, burger, noodles, pizza, dosa, pakodas and everything else.

TSW Tip : Do try Chachi ki Kachori and jalebi at Lanka. A small hole in wall kind of shop became famous because of an old lady fondly called “Chachi” (aunty) by students. Although she is no more now, her sons still serve crispy kachori and piping hot jalebis.

Here’s a vlog of my experience in Varanasi:

Practical Travel Tips for Varanasi Trip

• How to reach Varanasi  – Varanasi is well connected to the rest of India by train, bus and plane. You can either fly into Varanasi Airport from any big Indian city such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore etc. or take a train or bus. Varanasi railway junction and Kashi Railway station are the two major railheads serving the city. 12 trains run daily between New Delhi to Varanasi and 12560 SHIV GANGA EXP is the fastest train from New Delhi to Varanasi. Moreover, you can hail a bus ride with the Uttar Pradesh state roadways buses to Varanasi from Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi.
• When is the best time to visit Varanasi  – From October to March when it’s not too hot to explore the city.
• How many days are enough for Varanasi  – It depends on the time you have in hand and your interests. To experience at least 70% of what I mentioned above, you need 5-6 days. But you can also plan a trip to Varanasi for two days, three days, a week, or even months or years. 
• Things to do in Varanasi at night  – start by attending the evening aarti ceremony at the Ganges followed by trying local street food and pan, shop at Vishwanath Gali and Chowk, and wrap up the day by enjoying a delicious Banarasi meal while listening to live classical music.
• Where to stay in Varanasi –  accommodation in Varanasi is not an issue. You’ll find countless options to suit every pocket, from five-star hotels to budget guesthouses. If you are going to Varanasi, make sure to stay on the banks of the River Ganges because that’s where the action happens. I stayed at A mritara Hotels and Resorts Group run Suryauday Haveli , a 14-room only quaint boutique heritage property sitting atop the Shivala Ghat . Built by the Royal family of Nepal some 175 years ago, it is one of Varanasi’s best hotels. The staff is really warm and helpful, and are always there to guide you whether it comes to sightseeing or something else. The hotel is close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other major attractions of Varanasi. 

Hope through this travel guide on Banaras I’ve been able to answer all your queries about the best things to do in Varanasi in 3 or more days. Please let me know in the comment box below how you find the article or anything you want to know more about.

Har Har Mahadev! Har Har Gange!

RELATED STORIES

• Varanasi – how to survive and thrive in the spiritual capital of India
• The trimmed down version of the story was published in Malindo mag June 2019 issue .

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33 comments.

What an amazing place! I had never heard of Varanasi until I read this, but now it’s definitely on my travel bucket list.

It was incredible to read all these… It was truly amazing to know about the place in such detailed yet interesting way. It helped me alot to plan my trip with Family there. Thanks a bunch. Your blog is really helpful. It widened my horizon to explore the place.

Your blog is beckoning me to Varnasi.. Beautifully written with all details captured.. Great tips too..

Love this! I now have a whole itinerary in case I go to Varanasi. I love reading about their culture 🙂

Stunning photos – you have made Varanasi so appealing!

This place is stunning. I love the food and night views! I’d love to visit this someday

What a great place to visit. It is rich in culture and I love the stunning views.

It looks like a beautiful place to visit. It appears to be a place very rich in culture! Your photos are amazing.

WOW!! You covered so much in a three-day trip. Beautiful pictures. Just in awe of the people and culture. GREAT trip!

Wow, this is an amazing place, I’ve never been to this place before but would love to visit it. Thank you for sharing!

OMG!!! I wish i could to travel these cities for sure.

Thank you for educating us on the history and culture of this city.

Oh I love this! Always so cool to hear what locals do in a city!

Wow, do many things dto do. I never leave a place without shopping!

India has much to see and offer. I have never visited this nation but would love to go at some point, whether to Varanasi or someplace else.

Well said. Can’t agree with you more. India is amazing…also You look pretty. Beautiful post.

This sounds like such a lovley place ot go visit. I love the different activities on your itinerary. Sounds like you got to do a considerable amount.

Varanasi is one of the best travel destinations in India and I wish to see it myself someday soon! Thanks a lot for the guide and tips and they are useful. 🙂

I love travelling to India. And surely Varanasi will be on my list the next time I visit the country after reading your post. Thanks for sharing!

Dear Author and Guide, I am Dr Hasibuddin. I completed Doctorate, Postgraduate and Bachelor of Arts Hons. Degree from this prestigious University. Moreover I belong to Varanasi. I would like to inform you that the prestigious Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916. Please modify the year. Although the article is comprehensive and informative.

Awesome blog. Musings on spiritual inner explorations missing.

We want to visit varanasi to Per

Dear TSW, Beautiful article. Very informative and crisp. I am planning to go to Varanasi in oct/nov.. is it possible you can explain little bit more and importance of the ghats and which is the main ghar where we can do tarpan. And what if one has to do some Abhishek and all is there a govt. counter or some arrangement over there like they have in various temples for ex. Tirupati Balaji, Somnath, Ujjain etc.

Overall you have put everything in an order which becomes easy to follow. Very good keep it up. And all the best.

Warm regards JYOTIE RATHOD NOIDA

Very detailed blog. Thanks for sharing it with world.

There are lots of things to do and see in Varanasi. Evening arti by new Cruze ship, visiting Namo Ghat. If possible see things in rudraksha etc etc

Beautiful narration. Varanasi is there in my bucketlist for a long time. I could visualize it now. A quick query. How safe the place for a solo woman travel?

hey planning a trip to varanasi for 3 days. what are the “not to miss” spots?

Hi extremely helpful information…planning to visit soon

Varanasi Airport to Kashi Vishwanath temple distance – Updated (2023)

The distance between Varanasi Airport to Kashi Vishwanath temple is approximately 25 kilometres. 

The journey usually takes around 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. If there is heavy traffic, it may take a few more minutes.

The best way to get from Varanasi Airport to Kashi Vishwanath temple distance by taxi or rickshaw. However, it is also possible to take public transport, such as a bus or an auto rickshaw. 

The temple is a popular tourist spot, and the area around it is known for its ancient Hindu architecture.

Visitors often come to pay their respects and pray at the temple, as well as to take in the unique atmosphere of the holy city of Varanasi.

Very elaborate blog. I too visited Banaras and could feel whatever u said. The food, the temples everything was mesmerizing.

Beautiful compilation, makes Benaras top of the bucket list to visit !

It was incredible to read all these… It was truly amazing to know about the place in such a detailed yet interesting way. Beautiful article. Very informative and crisp. Overall you have put everything in an order which becomes easy to follow. Very good keep it up. And all the best.

I would like to have a tour guide since I understand the three days need to be cramped. Do you have a tour comp any or companies you would recommend?

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The best time to visit Varanasi

By Aishwarya Venkatraman

Grand temples, sacred ghats, the Ganga aarti and thousands of years of history - Varanasi is known for many things. The best time to visit Varanasi depends on several factors, including the season, the cultural calendar, and what you’re looking for from your trip. Whether it’s sipping on a steaming cup of lemon tea by the banks of the River Ganga at dawn, witnessing the beautiful Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, exploring the vibrant street markets, or patiently queuing up for hours outside the Kashi Vishwanath temple , Varanasi has something to offer every kind of traveller. Each season brings with it lively cultural festivals, seasonal street foods and new adventures. Plan in advance and you can make the most of even a short trip to this sacred, spiritual, historic city. Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Varanasi:

Jump to: What is the best time to visit Varanasi? Temperature throughout the year When is the low season in Varanasi? How many days are enough for a Varanasi trip? Plan your stay

What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to February. In October, the heat and humidity begin to diminish, giving way to pleasant weather through the day and a cool breeze in the evenings. This is the best time to be outdoors and experience the iconic Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. You can explore sites like the Ramnagar Palace, and take a long walk across the ghats all the way from Varuna ghat to Assi ghat. Explore the shops of Nayi Sadak, browsing and buying gorgeous traditional Banarasi silks, breezy chikan fabric, and much more. Take a stroll through streets like Vishwanath gali, known for their plethora of street snacks, and try different street foods like lassi, malaiyo, tamatar chat etc.

Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat

During this season, the city brims with a festive spirit, as these months bring festivals like Diwali and Varanasi's famous Dev Deepawali, usually in October or November. Dev Deepawali is celebrated a few days after Diwali. During this festival, all 84 ghats are decorated with diyas, and there's a light show at Chet Singh Ghat.

December to January is peak winter in the city. The weather is chilly and mornings are foggy. A winter morning boat ride on the Ganga watching a hazy sunrise over the city is truly magical. This is also the best season to enjoy malaiyo, a seasonal delicacy where the secret ingredient is early morning dew. In winter, the city also celebrates Makar Sankranti when locals fly kites and add to the city’s vibrant spirit.

Temperature throughout the year in Varanasi

• October- November: 21°C - 30°C
• December- January: 9°C - 22°C
• April- May: 30°C - 40°C
• June- September: 25°C - 35°C

When is the low season in Varanasi?

Monsoon arrives in July and August, and the city experiences heavy rainfall, causing the water level to rise significantly and rendering the ghats inaccessible on many days. Although boat rides and the Ganga Aarti continue, the authentic essence of the experience diminishes amidst the inundated surroundings.

Peak summer in April and May sees scorching heat with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. The weather is a challenge even for the most resilient travelers. Summer and monsoon are the low seasons in Varanasi. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds, discounted hotel stays and cheaper flight fares, the off-season is worth considering.

Diyas floating in the river

How many days are enough for a Varanasi trip?

Three to five days are ideal to experience the highlights of Varanasi. Start your day with a beautiful sunrise boat ride on the Ganga , followed by a hearty breakfast of kachori, sabzi, and jalebi from Ram Bhandar, and then visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and Kaal Bhairav temple at Godowlia. Later, experience the immersive Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform the agni pooja dedicated to lord Shiva amidst the sound of bells and traditional instruments. Explore Sarnath and the historic Ramnagar fort and visit Assi Ghat in the evening. Spend a day exploring Varanasi’s temples and the historic Banaras Hindu University, spread across 1300 acres, housing attractions like the new Kashi Vishwanath temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan. You can also consider a day trip to Vindhyachal temple which is 70 km away, especially during Navratri, and don’t miss shopping for local handicrafts and Banarasi sarees.

Plan your stay:

Best lassi shops in Varanasi A vegetarian’s guide to Varanasi

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3 Days Varanasi Trip Itinerary(Places to Visit & Things to Do)

• Post author: Viswajeet Kumar
• Post published: March 9, 2023
• Post category: 3 Day Itineraries
• Post comments: 0 Comments
• Post last modified: January 3, 2024

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 within 3 days of time. A 3-day Varanasi trip Itinerary should include visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, boating, Ganga Aarti, local sightseeing and some good experiences.

In this article, we will discuss how you can utilize your trip 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.

Places to visit

• 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.

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

Best Souvenirs for a peace lover

• 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
• 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.

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

Locations to find good restaurants near kaal bhairav mandir:.

Visheshwarganj Marg, Bulanala Crossing, Kashipur Crossing

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:

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:

• How shall we visit Varanasi?
• Where should we stay in Varanasi?
• Which places are the best for us to visit in Varanasi?
• How to plan to visit those places and where to start?
• Where can we have our breakfast, lunch or dinner?
• What are the best dishes to try in Varanasi?
• What are the best things to do in Varanasi?
• What are the best shopping locations?
• 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:

Railways Stations in Varanasi:

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

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:

In City Centre

• Bangali Tola

Double Bed Room Near Godhowlia Crossing

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Double Bed River View Rooms at Dashashwamedh Ghat

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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

6 Bed Family Room near Kashi Vishwanath Temple

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• View: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Godhowlia Crossing
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Budget Rooms at Luxa Crossing

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• Categories: 4 Bed , Budget , Double Bed

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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Trying to set my expectations but just looking at the sights in Varanasi itself + Sarnath.

8 replies to this topic

Namaste Matt,

thanks I hope 2.5 gives another little buffer.

Will it be cold in December and good time to visit?

Hi December is a good time to visit. Sometimes the days are quite foggy which might hamper your travel plans with some delays.

Please find one day itinerary. It can be splinted in two days:

**Itinerary:**

**Morning:**

* The Ganges riverbanks in Varanasi are adorned with numerous temples, where life and death coexist harmoniously. There are several prominent Ghats along the Ganga, including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat , Harischandra Ghat, and Kedar Ghat.

**Late Morning:**

* **Return to Hotel for Breakfast (Around 9 AM) and Relax**

**Afternoon:**

* ** Sarnath Tour:** After a relaxing morning, embark on a visit to Sarnath, a place of immense significance for Buddhists. It was in Sarnath that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. This historic connection makes Sarnath one of the most revered Buddhist sites. However, Sarnath is not limited to Buddhism and has ties to Jainism as well.

* Explore the Buddhist heritage of Sarnath, which includes monuments such as the Dhamekh Stupa, the Dharmarajika Stupa, and the Chaukhandi Stupa. The site also hosts monasteries and temples representing various Buddhist schools from countries like Japan, China, Thailand, and Burma. The Mahabodhi Society maintains a park around the Buddha temple, which houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth. Sarnath is also home to extensive ancient ruins, spanning from the 3rd century BC to the 11th century AD, making it a treasure trove for those on the Buddhist trail. Notably, the Lion Capital of Ashoka pillar at Sarnath is the national emblem of India and is displayed in the archaeological museum on the premises.

**Evening:**

* **Evening Boat Ride and Ganga Aarti :** In the evening, opt for another boat ride, this time providing you with the opportunity to visit the cremation grounds and gain a unique perspective on Varanasi's rituals and customs.

* Experience the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti, a Hindu ritual where light is offered to deities. Aarti also involves the singing of devotional songs. Hindus in India revere the Ganges as a goddess, and every evening at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat, a majestic aarti ceremony takes place. You can choose to witness this spectacle from the Ghat itself or from a boat on the waterside. The ritual is a beautiful, resonant display featuring precise choreography executed by multiple priests, accompanied by the sounds of bells, drums, cymbals, and Sanskrit mantras. The river is also honored with the offering of flower petals, adding to the ethereal ambiance of the Ganga Aarti.

This itinerary will give you a deep and meaningful experience of Varanasi, combining its spiritual essence, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.

Indrajeet Kumar

Varanasi Day Tours

Got me worried here when you talk about fogs....

Thanks interesting itinerary will use it as reference

Unfortunately yes specially second half of December to 1st half of January,do have some buffer time,don’t plan itinerary too tight.

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This could be a dumb question. But I am

thinking arriving by noon on day 1, and leaving around noon on day 3, would leave be enough time to tour all the sights, or just too long. I know it depends on people, so probably just a survey of opinions here.

This is not a dumb question... every traveler must have an approx idea of the days or time they should spend where they are visiting !!

You sounds like , you are going to spend a day and half , so more like 36 to 40 hours :)

Enjoy the city of lord Shiva !!!!!!!!!!

sorry to hop into this question but I will be visiting varanasi too, perhaps 2 full day is a better option?

lol ... not a big deal if you add few more hours in 1 and half days :) it 's still the same..

Enjoy your time though !!

Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi and sightseeing.

Places you can visit in this city are:- Jantar Mantar, Sankat Mochan temple , Tulsi Manas temple ,the Bharat Mata Temple it houses a huge relief map of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Return back to hotel.

Day 2: More sightseeing

A sunrise on Ganges river is a must (pick out the boatman the day before in order to avoid hassles of pricing/etc at 5 AM I would recommend you to get to the boat well before sunrise. To watch the sky go from near-black to sunrise is quite special) boat ride from Dasashawamedh to Asi Ghat and back. Visit the Benaras Hindu University (BHU), the Archaeological Museum and Sarnath . This city is also a place for Authentic Ayurveda and Panchkarma treatment. Spend the evening shopping, The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar.

Day 3: Depart post lunch.

You can visit Bharat Kala Bhavan and the Buddhist Stupas and the Alamgir Mosque its a blend of the Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture, is another important attraction of Varanasi.

Post lunch depart from Varanasi.

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What to Know About Venice’s Fees for Day Trips

Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Rome

After years of debate , Venice on Thursday began charging day visitors five euros to visit its fragile historic center on peak days, making it the first city in the world to adopt such a measure to counter overtourism.

Critics question whether a nominal fee will put people off from visiting one of the world’s most desired destinations. But officials hope that it might encourage some to rethink their plans and decide to come on weekdays or in the off-season.

That might help mitigate the impact of the estimated 20 million visitors who descended last year on the city’s beleaguered residents, who number fewer than 50,000, according to municipal statistics . About half of those visitors came only for the day, city officials said. Overnight guests are exempt from the fee.

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When will Venice start charging?

The fee went into effect on Thursday, a holiday in Italy. For 2024, city officials have singled out 29 peak days when single-day travelers in Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. have to pay. The days run until mid-July and are mostly on national holidays and weekends. The access-fee website provides a list of the dates.

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At least for now, those who do not register ahead of time can do so at some access points or on their cellphones, officials said. Assistants will be available.

Initially, the controls will be “very soft,” said Michele Zuin, the municipal councilor responsible for the city’s budget.

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Why is Venice doing this?

City officials hope to relieve some of the stress that tourists put on the city by encouraging them to come on less busy days. They also say that by knowing ahead of time how many visitors to expect, the city can better deploy services.

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To track the flow of visitors, the city already monitors them via phone location data and surveillance cameras, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Venice has also fallen under the scrutiny of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, whose experts are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the city. Last year, Venice risked being added to UNESCO’s list of Endangered World Heritage Sites after experts at the agency listed mass tourism , along with climate change and development, as a major threat to its future. It urged City Hall to take steps to ameliorate the damage.

The municipal council approved the access fee just days before UNESCO was to vote on its status, and Venice stayed off the “in danger” list . But UNESCO officials said in a statement that “further progress still needs to be made” to conserve Venice.

Critics of the access fee note that officials have not capped the number of visitors, and they say that the nominal fee is hardly a deterrent. As recently as Friday, city officials said that about 80,000 visitors swelled the city’s narrow calli, as the streets are known, and the gardens of the 2024 Venice Biennale , still the world’s principal place to discover new art .

How else is Venice trying to restrict visitors?

Venice also has taken other steps it hopes will reduce what city officials call “mordi e fuggi” tourism, or “eat and flee,” referring to those who seek the city’s greatest hits — the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square — and who bring packed lunches and dump their garbage, contributing little to the local economy.

After years of heated debate and protests by vocal Venetians, the city banned cruise ships from its inner canals in 2021 , though Mr. Camatti, the tourism expert, said the ban on the ships had not reduced the number of day visitors.

This year, the city imposed a limit of 25 people per tour group and also banned the use of megaphones.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

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Every Chef I Talked to Loves This Tortilla Press

If you’ve ever had a made-from-scratch tortilla fresh off a comal, you understand: No premade grocery-store tortilla can possibly compare. Whether it’s a fragrant, slightly sweet corn tortilla or a still warm, slightly nutty flour tortilla, the difference between the homemade kind and the discs sitting in plastic on the shelf is so vast they may as well be totally separate food groups.

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