varanasi trip for 2 days

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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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

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

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.

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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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2-Day Varanasi Itinerary

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• Varanasi in 2 days
• 1-Day Varanasi Itinerary
• 3-Day Varanasi Itinerary
• 4-Day Varanasi Itinerary
• 5-Day Varanasi Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: off the beaten path, shri kashi vishwanath temple.

Manikarnika Ghat - Manikarnika Mahashamshan Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Iskcon temple varanasi: kashi seva, gangaa aarti, where to eat, pizzeria vaatika cafe, new bread of life, aadha-aadha café, vns live studio.

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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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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Top searches in Varanasi

Popular road trips from varanasi, what's the weather like in varanasi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Varanasi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Varanasi in January
• Weather in Varanasi in February
• Weather in Varanasi in March
• Weather in Varanasi in April
• Weather in Varanasi in May
• Weather in Varanasi in June
• Weather in Varanasi in July
• Weather in Varanasi in August
• Weather in Varanasi in September
• Weather in Varanasi in October
• Weather in Varanasi in November
• Weather in Varanasi in December

All road trips from Varanasi

• Varanasi to New Delhi drive
• Varanasi to Agra drive
• Varanasi to Jaipur drive
• Varanasi to Kathmandu drive
• Varanasi to Mumbai drive
• Varanasi to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Varanasi to Udaipur drive
• Varanasi to Hyderabad drive
• Varanasi to Pokhara drive
• Varanasi to Bengaluru drive
• Varanasi to Lucknow drive
• Varanasi to Gangtok drive
• Varanasi to Darjeeling drive
• Varanasi to Jodhpur drive
• Varanasi to Pune drive
• Varanasi to Ahmedabad drive
• Varanasi to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Varanasi to Amritsar drive
• Varanasi to Shimla drive
• Varanasi to Manali Tehsil drive
• Varanasi to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Varanasi to Patna drive
• Varanasi to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Varanasi to Khajuraho drive
• Varanasi to Nainital drive
• Varanasi to Srinagar drive
• Varanasi to Bodh Gaya drive
• Varanasi to Jaisalmer drive
• Varanasi to Allahabad drive

Explore nearby places

• Mughal Sarai
• Robertsganj

All related maps of Varanasi

• Map of Varanasi
• Map of Mughal Sarai
• Map of Chandauli
• Map of Ugapur
• Map of Mirzapur
• Map of Jaunpur
• Map of Ghazipur
• Map of Mohania
• Map of Bhabhua
• Map of Robertsganj
• Map of Azamgarh
• Map of Obra
• Map of Buxar
• Map of Sasaram
• Map of Allahabad
• Map of Rohtas
• Map of Renukoot
• Map of Pratapgarh
• Map of Sultanpur
• Map of Deoria
• Map of Aurangabad
• Map of Garhwa
• Map of Sidhi
• Map of Gorakhpur
• Map of Kaushambi
• Map of Basti
• Map of Daltonganj
• Map of Koilwar
• Map of Ayodhya
• Map of Faizabad

Varanasi throughout the year

• Varanasi in January
• Varanasi in February
• Varanasi in March
• Varanasi in April
• Varanasi in May
• Varanasi in June
• Varanasi in July
• Varanasi in August
• Varanasi in September
• Varanasi in October
• Varanasi in November
• Varanasi in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Varanasi?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 2-Day Allahabad Itinerary

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A 2-Day Itinerary for the holy city of Varanasi

• April 15, 2024
• UTTAR PRADESH
• Things to do in Varanasi
• Varanasi itinerary for 2 days

Welcome to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, where ancient traditions mingle with the vibrant culture. In this all-inclusive 2-day itinerary, let’s delve into the essence of the holy city, discovering the things to do in Varanasi, the beautiful places to visit, and eat to your heart’s content. Prepare for a remarkable journey full of history, spirituality, and culinary delights.  

Things to do in Varanasi- Day 1

Immerse yourself in tradition and culture, 1. witness sunrise and take a holy dip at the ghat.

Your journey to Varanasi isn’t complete till you witness the ethereal sunrise over the Ganges. A holy dip in the water and a boat ride are just the perfect ways to start your Varanasi tour. For some, it is a life-changing experience, as the endless flow of the river and the calming sound of the temple bell reverberates in your soul. However, make sure you reach early to avoid the crowd. The best time to visit the ghats is before 9 am.

The cost of boat rides starts from Rs 150-200 depending on the number of people and the distance you wish to cover.

2. Head to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva draws a huge crowd daily. It is also one of the twelve jyotirlingas in India. Built in 1780, the temple was sadly destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Nonetheless, the intricate architecture of the ancient temple will leave you mesmerized. It is said that the temple darshan and a holy dip in the Ganges will help you attain moksha. Temple timings are 3 am to 11 pm every day.

Please note: No cameras, mobile phones, lighters, cigarettes, belts with metal buckles, or shoes are allowed inside the premises. Additionally, you will pass multiple security checks before getting to the main shrine. Lockers can be hired for a nominal fee.

1. Explore the Ghats and Markets

Varanasi’s energy is contagious. As many say, the city is not just a city but an emotion. And it is undoubtedly true. While wandering through the narrow alleys and bustling market of Varanasi, you will be transported to a different world. You will find a variety of things to shop ranging from hand-crafted items, and traditional attires to utensils and toys. The Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia Market are the most visited markets in the city. Immersing in the local culture and shopping for souvenirs are among the best things to do in Varanasi.

2. Relish Varanasi Local Cuisines

There is nothing better than trying lip-smacking street food in the holy town of Kashi. From refreshing hand-churned lassi to kachori sabzi, litti chokha to Banarasi pan, you cannot settle for one. It is also said that your trip isn’t complete without trying Shiv Prasad’s thick, creamy lassi, which is eaten and not sipped. Amazing yeah? It is best to relish the punchy flavors of Varanasi with a traditional thaali at local eateries. Don’t miss thandaai and malaiyo , the best-selling desserts in the city.  

1. Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

At Dashashwamedh Ghat, priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and chants honoring the river goddess, hence creating a magical atmosphere. Witness the spectacular display of lights and devotion against the backdrop of the rushing Ganges. The arti at this ghat is the biggest in Varanasi. If you reach at least 90 minutes early, chances are you can get a spot to view the aarti from a close distance.

2. Dinner and Stroll at the Ghats

Savour Varanasi cuisines for dinner after an eventful day. You can sit by the river soaking in the twinkling views. You can also watch musical performances while strolling around the ghats. Foreign nationals playing musical instruments and dancing to the tunes of bhajans, is a common sight in Varanasi.

Things to do in Varanasi – Day 2

Delve into history and spirituality, 1. visit to sarnath.

Just 10 km outside of Varanasi is the quiet town of Sarnath famed as a a place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon post attaining enlightenment. In short, Sarnath is home to ancient ruins, temples, and Buddhist stupas, like the ones in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh . The most popular among them is the Dhamek Stupa which stands as a symbol of Buddhist heritage. Also, don’t forget to visit the Sarnath Museum which has a collection of sculptures and artifacts from Sarnath excavations. The museum remains open all days except Friday.

Daytime gets extremely hot and unbearable. Hence morning is the best time to visit Sarnath. The fastest way to reach Sarnath is to board a train from Varanasi and the journey takes less than fifteen minutes.

Marvel the Ramnagar Fort

The fame of Varanasi’s ghats and street food often overshadow the Ramnagar Fort. In 1750, Kashi Naresh Maharaja Balwant Singh built the fort. Further, this historic fort houses a museum that showcases a royal vintage collection. Ramnagar Fort has several carved balconies, open courtyards, and pavilions. However, only a part of the structure is open for public viewing as the rest of it is the residence of Kashi Naresh and his family. 

Located opposite Tulsi Ghat, a boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the fort takes about an hour. But taking the newly built Ramnagar Bridge will be a shorter journey for those coming from Banaras Hindu University .

Ghat Stroll and Evening Prayers

We saved the best for the last! Take a stroll around the ghats, imbibing the tranquil environment and observing devotees’ evening prayers. You will indeed feel the spiritual energy that flows through the historic city of Varanasi. Also, the Ganga aarti at Assi Ghat is another sight to behold. The pooja and the recitals are soul-stirring. It is wonderful to see an old tradition still alive and in practice that continues to attract people. The evening aarti is a major crowd-puller and gets insanely crowded. Henceforth, reach early to grab your spot. You can also witness the aarti from a boat for a price.   

How to reach Varanasi

Varanasi is well-connected by various modes of transportation:

• Train : Varanasi Junction is the primary railway station, connected to major cities across India. Book your tickets from here .
• Flight : Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located about 20 kilometers from the city center, serves both domestic and international flights.
• Bus : A network of public and private buses connects Varanasi to nearby cities and states. To travel within the city , you can rely on auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws. App-based cab services are not widely available since Varanasi is congested. P.S- If you book your flight and hotel from here , it will help us earn a small revenue at no extra cost to you. Your support means a lot to us.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

There is no dearth of hotels in Varanasi . Above all, you can choose from plenty of homestays and budget accommodations. In fact temple trusts run a lot of dharamshalas, paying guest rooms and lodges across the town. Mid-range to premium hotels are also available.

Varanasi gets overcrowded during Maha Shivratri, Holi, Dev Deepawali, Ganga Mahotsava, and Chhath Puja. Book a stay in advance and plan your trip to Varanasi accordingly.   

Summing up Varanasi

Embark on a soul-stirring journey through Varanasi with this meticulously crafted 2-day itinerary. You won’t just discover the spiritual allure but also the rich heritage, and culinary delights that define this ancient city. Let Varanasi enchant you with its timeless charm and profound spirituality, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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The details in your photography are stunning! You have a talent for capturing moments that transport us to another world. Keep sharing your visual storytelling.

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Complete List of Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

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.

Must Read: Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days

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.

Must Read: Bangalore 1 day Itinerary

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?

If you liked reading this Varanasi itinerary listing down all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days then follow me on my social media handles   Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest to receive quick updates, see beautiful pictures of my travels and to be the first one to know when I release a new blog post!

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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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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2-Day Itinerary For Varanasi – Experience The Spiritual & Cultural Heart of India

Varanasi is a city that should not be missed in anyone’s travel itinerary. It is an ancient city with plenty of sights, sounds, and experiences to take in. With a 2-day itinerary you can make sure you are taking in all of the important aspects of the city. You can tour the ghats, explore the temples and visit the old city. You can also take in the unique culture of the city, with its colorful street markets and vibrant nightlife. With a 2-day itinerary you can also ensure you can watch a beautiful sunset over the ghats and witness the evening aarti ceremony. A 2-day itinerary in Varanasi is sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

Table of Contents

Overview of Varanasi as a destination

Morning: boat ride on the ganges river, best time to go, tips for visiting, afternoon: visit to sarnath, places to visit in sarnath, tips for visiting, evening: aarti ceremony at dashashwamedh ghat, tips for experiencing the ganga arti, morning: visit to kashi vishwanath temple, tips for visiting, afternoon: explore the narrow lanes of varanasi, best areas to explore, tips for best experience of gali, evening: shopping in varanasi, tips for bargaining.

• Conclusion – Recap of The Itinerary

Additional recommendations for experiencing Varanasi

Final thoughts and tips for visiting the city..

In the overview of Varanasi as a destination, you would provide an introduction to the city and its significance. Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and is known for its religious and spiritual significance, as well as its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience the city’s rich history and culture through its many temples, ghats (stairs leading down to the river), and narrow lanes, as well as by participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

The Ganges is one of India’s most important rivers and is a great way to experience and explore Varanasi. A morning boat ride on the river is a special experience, especially at sunrise. The ride is a great opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the city, taking in its ancient ghats, temples, and palaces from the unique vantage point of the river. Along the way, you can also spot wildlife such as birds and monkeys that inhabit the riverbanks. Make sure to bring your camera and take lots of photos of the incredible scenery. A morning boat ride is an unforgettable experience that you will want to savour.

It is best to take the ride in the early morning when the waters are calm and the sun is rising. You can observe the activities of the locals and the pious rituals that they perform in the river. The best time to take the boat ride is during sunrise and sunset, when the water reflects off the red of the setting sun and creates a stunningly beautiful view. You will also get to see a lot of local birds and other wildlife around the riverbanks.

• Go early in the morning : The best time to take a boat ride is early in the morning when the river is calm and the air is cool.
• Respect local customs : Visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions while on the boat ride, such as not pointing their feet at or touching religious artifacts or statues.
• Hire a private boat: If you want to avoid the crowds, consider hiring a private boat for a more peaceful and intimate experience.
• Take a camera: The views of the city and the ghats from the river are stunning, so don’t forget to take a camera to capture the memories.
• Respect the river: the Ganges river is considered holy and sacred, so visitors should avoid throwing trash or pollution into the river.

Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the city of Varanasi. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Sarnath is home to several important Buddhist monuments, including the Dhamek Stupa, which is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Chaukhandi stupa, which marks the spot where the Buddha’s followers first met him after his enlightenment. The Sarnath Museum, which houses many important Buddhist artifacts, is also located in the area. Visitors can also find many temples and monasteries in Sarnath, including the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, which is believed to be the site where the Buddha meditated.

There are several important places to visit for those interested in its rich history and cultural significance. Some of the must-see places in Sarnath include:

• Dhamek Stupa: This is one of the most important monuments in Sarnath and is believed to mark the spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon. The stupa is an impressive structure and is considered one of the oldest stone structures in India.
• Chaukhandi stupa: This is another important monument in Sarnath, which marks the spot where the Buddha’s followers first met him after his enlightenment. It is a brick stupa and dates back to the Gupta period.
• The Sarnath Museum: This museum houses a collection of important Buddhist artifacts including sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural fragments.
• The Mulagandhakuti Vihara: This temple is believed to be the site where the Buddha meditated, and is considered one of the most sacred temples in Sarnath.
• Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka pillar is a historic pillar dating back to the 3rd century BCE, it bears an inscription of Emperor Ashoka and is considered one of the most important archaeological finds in Sarnath.
• The Chinese Temple and Thai Temple: these temples were built by the Chinese and Thai monks, they showcase the different architectural styles and influences of Buddhism in Sarnath.
• The Deer Park: The Deer Park is where the Buddha first taught the Dharma and where the first Sangha was formed. It is considered a sacred spot for Buddhists.
• Excavated ruins: Sarnath has a lot of excavated ruins, which provides a glimpse of the rich history and heritage of the place.
• Go early in the morning: To avoid the crowds and the heat of the day, it’s best to visit Sarnath early in the morning.
• Visit the Sarnath Museum: The Sarnath Museum is home to many important Buddhist artifacts and provides an in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the area.
• Hire a guide: To fully understand the historical and religious significance of the various monuments in Sarnath, it’s a good idea to hire a guide.
• Take a camera: Sarnath has several beautiful and historically significant monuments, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the memories.
• Respect local customs: Visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions while at Sarnath, and avoid pointing their feet at or touching religious artifacts or statues.
• Take time to meditate: Sarnath is a place of spiritual significance, so take some time to sit quietly, meditate and reflect on the teachings of Buddha.

The Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is considered one of the most important and spectacular ceremonies in Varanasi and is a must-see for visitors. It is an excellent opportunity to witness the spiritual and cultural significance of the city and the Ganges River.

The Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a Hindu religious ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is a spectacular event that involves the lighting of lamps and the offering of prayers to the river and the deities associated with it. The ceremony is performed by Hindu priests and is accompanied by music and the recitation of mantras. During the ceremony, a large number of small clay lamps are floated on the river as a symbol of the offering of light to the gods.

Best time to attend: Evening 6- 8 PM

• Arrive early: To get a good spot to watch the ceremony and avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive early.
• Be mindful of local customs and traditions: Visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions and show respect to the participants and the ceremony.
• Take a camera: The Aarti ceremony is a spectacular event, so don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the memories.
• Be respectful: The Aarti ceremony is an important religious ritual, so it is important to be respectful and avoid disturbing the ceremony in any way.
• Listen to the chants and mantras: The ceremony is accompanied by traditional music and the recitation of mantras, which is an important aspect of the ritual, it’s worth listening to it and try to understand the meaning.
• Don’t miss the final Aarti: The final Aarti is the most spectacular part of the ceremony, where the priests light a large number of small clay lamps and float them on the river, don’t miss it.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important and sacred temples in the city of Varanasi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shaivites. The temple has a rich history and is believed to have been built by the famous Maratha king, Raja Todarmal, in the 16th century. However, it is said that the temple has stood on the site for thousands of years and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.

The temple is known for its golden spire and the Shivalinga, which is the main object of worship. It is also believed that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the “Golden Temple” will grant salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

• Go early in the morning: To avoid the crowds and the heat of the day, it’s best to visit the temple early in the morning.
• Be prepared for security check: Security check is mandatory before entering the temple, so be prepared for it.
• Be respectful: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an important religious site, so it is important to be respectful and avoid disturbing the temple in any way.
• Avoid peak hours: The temple is always crowded, try to avoid the peak hours like evening and weekends to avoid the crowd.
• Avoid taking leather items: Leather items are not allowed inside the temple, so avoid taking them with you.

Exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culture and heritage. The narrow lanes, also known as “galis” are lined with small shops, temples, and homes, and offer a glimpse into the everyday life of the city. Visitors can find a wide variety of items for sale in the shops, including silk saris, brassware, and traditional sweets. The lanes are also home to many traditional craftsmen, such as weavers and potters, who practise their craft in small workshops.

• Vishwanath Gali: This gali is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is known for its many shops selling traditional silk saris and brassware.
• Godaulia: This gali is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat and is known for its many shops selling traditional sweets and snacks.
• Chowk: This area is known for its many small shops selling a variety of items, including traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
• Bhikharipura: This gali is known for its many traditional weavers and silk merchants. Visitors can see the weavers at work and purchase traditional silk saris.
• Raja Bazaar: This gali is known for its many shops selling traditional musical instruments, such as sitars and tablas.
• Bazaar Kedar: This gali is known for its many shops selling traditional perfumes, incense, and other spiritual items.
• Chhoti Gwaltoli: This gali is known for its many traditional potters, who practice their craft in small workshops. Visitors can see the potters at work and purchase their traditional pottery.

One of the best ways to explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi is to take a walking tour, which will give you the opportunity to see the city up close and personal and to interact with the locals. Some of the most popular areas to explore include the lanes around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Dashashwamedh Ghat, as well as the area around the Chowk and Godaulia.

Exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culture and heritage and to get a sense of the everyday life of the locals. It’s also an opportunity to find unique souvenirs and to witness traditional craftsmen at work.

Varanasi is a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts, silk saris, and other unique items. Some of the best places to shop in Varanasi include:

When shopping in Varanasi, bargaining is a common practice and is expected by most shopkeepers. Here are some tips for bargaining in Varanasi:

• Research prices: Before you go shopping, research the prices of the items you’re interested in buying, so you have an idea of what the fair price should be.
• Start low: When bargaining, start with a low offer and work your way up.
• Be friendly: Bargaining can be more successful when both parties are friendly and in good spirits.
• Be confident: Show confidence when bargaining and be willing to walk away if the price is not to your satisfaction.
• Be respectful: Remember to be respectful and polite when bargaining, even if you don’t agree on the price.
• Be willing to compromise: Be willing to compromise, find a middle ground and make a deal that is beneficial for both parties
• Don’t be afraid to walk away: If you don’t agree on the price, don’t be afraid to walk away and look for a better deal elsewhere.
• Be mindful of the local culture: Remember that bargaining is a part of the local culture, and it’s considered a normal practice, so don’t take it as an offence.

Conclusion – Recap of The Itinerary

The 2-day itinerary for Varanasi includes a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the sunrise and the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Visit the historical sites such as the Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in the city. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi to see the traditional craftsmen at work and purchase traditional silk saris and brassware. Don’t miss the chance to witness the rich culture and heritage of the city, dress modestly, respect local customs and take a guide to fully understand the significance of the places.

In addition to the itinerary, visitors to Varanasi should also consider visiting other notable sites such as the Ramnagar Fort, the Manikarnika Ghat, and the Bharat Mata Temple. These places offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Varanasi. Visitors should also try local street food and sweets, such as lassi, chaat, and kulfi. Additionally, visitors should also consider taking a cooking class to learn about traditional Indian cuisine. Yoga and meditation classes are also available for those interested in experiencing the spiritual side of Varanasi. Consider taking a guided tour to fully understand the significance of these places and activities.

In conclusion, Varanasi is a unique and fascinating city with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Visitors should make the most of their time by following the 2-day itinerary, visiting the recommended sites, and trying local food. They should also be respectful of local customs and dress modestly. Hiring a guide is highly recommended to fully understand the significance of the places visited. Visitors should also be prepared for the heat, traffic, and crowds and be mindful of their belongings. To truly experience the city, visitors should keep an open mind and embrace the unique atmosphere and culture of Varanasi.

Author: Banaras Trip

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2 Days Varanasi Itinerary

Trip Highlights

• Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple,  Annapurna Temple & Baba Kal Bhairav Temple.
• Evening Ganga Aarti  on famous Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Boat Ride  in River Ganga.
• Darshan at Famous Varanasi Temples  like Durga Mata Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Annapurna Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir.
• Varanasi Street Food
• Tour of Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
• Day Tour Of  Sarnath
• Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel
• Darshan at Baba Kalbhairav Temple
• Darshan at Mritunjay Mahadev Temple
• Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most famous and oldest temples in India.
• Darshan at Maa Annapurna Temple.
• You can have rest in middle if you want before the Evening ganga Aarti.
• Take a boat ride on the Ganges river and witness the aarti from the water.
• Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi and is known for its beautiful evening aarti (prayer ceremony)
• Explore the nearby Manikarnika Ghat from boat, which is known as the main cremation ghat in Varanasi and is considered a sacred place by Hindus.
• Explore the nearby Vishwanath Gali, which is a narrow lane known for its shops selling silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts
• Have dinner at a local restaurant and try some of the famous street food of Varanasi
• Darshan at Durga Mata Mandir, Durgakund (Maa Durga Mandir)
• Tulsi Manas Mandir (Bhagwan Shri Ram).
• Darshan at Sankatmochan Temple (Shri Hanuman Ji Temple).
• Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and learn more about the history and culture of Varanasi. (It may close sometime on holidays)
• Explore the Banaras Hindu University campus, which is one of the largest residential universities in Asia and is known for its beautiful architecture and lush greenery
• Explore the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple of BHU.
• Have  Delicious Kachauri, Sabji & Jalebi Breakfast  on the Streets of Varanasi.
• Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum and explore the ancient Buddhist ruins and artifacts
• Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some of the delicious chaat and lassi or Banarasi paan.
• Depart from Varanasi with memories of a spiritual and cultural journey.

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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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BEST WAY TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN VARANASI – VARANASI TRAVEL GUIDE

About varanasi.

Varanasi – commonly known as Banaras and Kashi , is one of the most spiritual and holy places in India, situated at the banks of river Ganga . It is also known to be the oldest city in India. Out of the many religious places in India- Varanasi stands on the top because it is said to be standing on Lord Shiva’s Trident – Trishool (Lord Shiva’s weapon). Varanasi holds utmost importance for Hinduism and Jainism . It is said that taking a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga, cleanses one from all of their sins . The ones who die in Varanasi are said to attain Moksha (free from the cycle of birth and rebirth). Varanasi attracts thousands of spiritual seekers from around the world. The city has more of spiritual and religious value than being a tourist attraction.

Being an Indian and having to know the city well, I am sharing the Best Way To Spend 2 Days in Varanasi  – How to Reach, Top Thing To Do, Where to Stay, Best Things To Buy, Places to Eat etc.

A trip to Varanasi can easily be completed in just 1 or max 2 Days.

VARANASI TRIP COST

• Flight/Train/Road Trip from India:  3000-8000 INR/Person (US $ 45-113)
• Hotels:  5000-8000 INR/Person (US $ 70-113)
• Food & Misc. Expenses:  5000-8000 INR/Person (US $ 70-113)
• Total Budget:  Approx. 13,500-20,000 INR/Person (US $ 195-295)

It will take approx. 195 to 295 US$ /Person for the best way to spend 2 days in Varanasi

HOW TO REACH / HOW TO TRAVEL WITHIN VARANASI

Varanasi is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the Northern part of India. The city can easily be reached from all major cities in India.

Varanasi has its own Airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport . Varanasi has frequent direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Khajuraho and Kolkata. One can easily take connecting flight via these cities for Varanasi. Check flight schedule from www.skyscanner.com.

BY RAILWAYS

Varanasi has two-railway stations – Varanasi Railway Station also known as Varanasi Cantt Railway Station and Mughal Sarai Railway Station . Both railway stations are well connected to all major cities in India. Check train schedule from www.irctc.com.

Varanasi also has good connectivity through A/C Private Buses from all major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. Check bus schedules from www.redbus.com.

Varanasi roads are well connected with all major cities of Uttar Pradesh. Road journey can easily be planned from Kanpur, Allahabad, Lucknow etc. via hired cab or self drive.

For travelling within Varanasi one can spot Auto Rickshaws and Taxi’s all around the city. Usually using auto rickshaws and then walking barefoot to reach your destination, is recommended as the city is very congested and has narrow lanes. One should be prepared to walk a lot in Banaras, especially in the areas around the Ghats.

STAY IN VARANASI

Staying close to Ghats is the Best Way to Spend 2 Days in Varanasi. Ghats, especially Dhasashwamedh Ghat & Assi Ghat are the primary attractions in Varanasi and all top places to visit like temples, eateries and markets etc. are close by. Ghats also offer best-budgeted accommodations. The only drawback is that they are populated and cars are not allowed in the area.

Varanasi also has big 5-star hotel chains lined up in the Cantonment Area . These are the best choice for luxury stay but it is around 5 kms (25 mins drive) away from the Ghats.

Following are some of the Best Choices of Hotels in Varanasi to choose from, based on Price Range:

• Taj Nadesar Palace
• BrijRama Palace – Heritage Hotel
• Radisson Hotel
• Madin Hotel
• Palace On Ganges
• Hotel Ganges View
• Rashmi Guest House
• Ganpati Guest House

BEST TIME TO VISIT VARANASI

Varanasi is situated in the northern part of India, where it is extreme hot during summers and extreme cold during winters. Therefore, to avoid such extreme weather, it is best to travel around the months of October, November and March when the temperature is moderate.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN VARANASI – Best Way to Spend 2 Days in Varanasi

1. boat ride at the ganges.

The best way to soak in the beauty of the holy city of Varanasi is to take a boat ride at the Ganges and admire all the Ghats one by one from a distance. Best time for a boat ride is either sunrise or sunset. There are numerous boats (manual, motor and even cruises) available at affordable prices at Dhashawamedh Ghat (Rajendra Prasad Ghat).

2. Watching Ganga Aarti

People from all around the world come to witness the Grand Ganga Aarti , which takes place daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat around 6:00 – 7:00 PM. The entire ritual is extremely mesmerizing and very soothing to watch. The rituals take around 45 mins and the entire area is filled with people around this time – all collected to catch a glimpse of this beautiful Aarti.

3. Visiting Various Auspicious Temples

Varanasi is primarily a very religious city of India – full of auspicious temples. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Shiv Temple (Hindu God), which is amongst the 12 Jyotirlings, is the top most visited temple of Varanasi. People from different parts of India visit Varanasi, just to pay homage at this temple. Other famous temples to visit are Sankat Mochan Temple , Kaal Bhairav Temple , Sankata Devi or Annapurna Devi , Tulsi Das Temple , Iskcon Temple , Birla Temple etc.

4. Watching a burning pyre at Manikarnika Ghat from a distance

Although not a very pleasant site to watch, but one gets to witness burning pyres while on the boat ride when passing from Manikarnika Ghat . It depicts a big part of Hindu culture, its customs and their faith. Although, as per Hindu customs, burning pyre cannot be performed after sunset, but it is allowed to be done 24 hours in Varanasi because of the holiness of this place. This place is known for attaining ‘Moksha’, if one dies here or someone performs their death rituals here. Therefore, everyday thousands of people come to Varanasi to perform the death rituals of their close ones.

5. Visiting Banaras Hindu University (BHU):

Apart from its spiritual significance, Varanasi is equally famous for Banaras Hindu University – which is one of the top education institutions of India. Spread across 1300 acres of land, the place is full of   lush greenery, beautiful Birla Temple, New Kashivishwanath Temple and amazing Cafes. A quick visit to BHU is a must, when visiting Varanasi.

6. Shopping for Handloom specially Banarasi Sarees:

Varanasi is extremely famous for its Banarasi Sarees (traditional Indian dress made from silk with beautiful golden or silver brocade). The entire handloom hub is in Varanasi. Banarasi Sarees are exported all over the world from Varanasi. Every Indian woman owns at least one piece of Banarasi Saree. There are numerous shops selling Banarasi Sarees but try to buy from an authentic shop. Look for Katan Silk pure handloom (not power loom) Banarasi Saree. Some of the best shops for Banarasi Saree are Saree Ghar, Laxmi Saree Ghar, Santushti etc. All these shops are located at the lane leading to Dashshwamedh Ghat.

7. Indulging in Authentic Varanasi Food/ Best Restaurants:

Some of the must try food while in Varanasi are: Tamatar Chat which is only found in Banaras (from Kashi Chat Bhandar or Deena Chat Bhandhar ), extremely famous Banarasi Paan (various stalls), Lassi (from Pahalwaan’s), Choora Matar , Lata Long , yellow Makhkhan during winters etc. All these delicacies can be found at small food stalls on the lane leading to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Some of the best restaurants to try in Varanasi are Ming Garden for Chinese, Brown Bread Bakery and Aum Cafe for amazing sandwiches, cakes, variety of breads etc., Jaws at Madin Hotel for amazing Indian food etc.

8. Visiting Sarnath

Located at just 10 kms from Varanasi, Sarnath can very easily be planned along with a trip to Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the main Buddhist Pilgrimage sites. Sarnath is the place where Gautam Buddha started his first preaching at deer park after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Mulgandha Kuti Vihar , Museum Bodhi Tree , Dhamekh Stupa etc. are the places to visit in Sarnath. The entire trip to Sarnath may take 2-3 hours. It is best to start in the morning and return by afternoon. Do not forget to hire a guide, to get a detailed knowledge and importance of the place.

TRIP BRIEF ON HOW TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN VARANASI

• Day 1: Exploring famous Temples, Handloom Shopping, Boat Ride at the Ganges followed by Ganga Aarti.
• Day 2: Visiting Sarnath and BHU around Evening.

DETAIL ITINERARY – BEST WAY TO SPEND 2 DAYS IN VARANASI

Day 1: exploring famous temples, handloom shopping, boat ride at the ganges followed by ganga aarti,  visting kashivishwanath temple.

Start off early morning on 1 st day in Varanasi by visiting the most famous temple of Lord Shiva – Kashi Vishwanath Temple . Temple is always crowded throughout the day and it can take approx. 0.5 to 1 hour to get inside and worship the idol. Many a times, foreigners are not allowed to go inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Please check with the locals about this before planning to visit.

Kaal Bhairav Temple/ Annapurna Temple

After doing the splendid darshan of Kashivishwanath, visit other famous temples namely Kaal Bhairav Temple and Shree   Annapurna Temple . You can either walk (20 mins) or take an auto rickshaw to reach these temples. It is said that it is mandatory to visit both these temples after visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, otherwise, the visit is said to be incomplete. Every Hindu follows this chain.

Stop for lunch at various options available close to Annapurna Temple – top on the list is Kashi Chat Bhandaar (5 mins walk) or can try Vegetarian Thali at Jaipuria Bhawan (5 mins walk), which is a must try. Healthy homemade Thali available for Rs 200/Person with unlimited food. Timings for lunch are between 1:00 – 3:00 PM and dinner from 8:00-10:00 PM.

Handloom Shopping

After lunch, walk down on the lanes leading to Dashshwamedh Ghat and explore some traditional Banarasi Saree shops . Some popular ones are Saree Ghar, Laxmi Ghar, Santushti, Suvidha etc. One can even look for Banarasi Weave Dupattas, Lehengas or Suit Pieces.

Boatride at Ganges

After exploring the Banarasi fabric shops, walk down till the Dashashwamedh Ghat (Rajendra Prasad Ghat) – the most popular Ghat amongst all 84 ghats (all stretching in a span of 8 kms). Get on a boat and enjoy the view of the surroundings – admiring the beauty of all the ghats and of the river Ganga, seeing various people performing their rituals etc.

Watching Ganga Aarti

After completing the round of the boat ride, get back at Dashashwamedh Ghat and wait for the Ganga Aarti (starts around 6:30 PM), which is the most beautiful sight on the Ghats of Varanasi. Get in awe of the performance of the priest with a big lamp, praying to river Ganga with bells chiming and music running in the backdrop.

After finishing of the Ganga Aarti, look for some place for dinner. Can try Brown Bread Bakery, which is just 7-8 mins walk from the Ghat. If one is staying at some hotel in the Cantonment Area, then all the big chains of hotels here, have amazing restaurants worth trying.

Get back to hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

• 09:00 AM-10:00 AM: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• 10:00 AM-11:30 AM: Kaal Bhairav Temple
• 12:00 AM-01:00 PM: Annapurna Temple
• 02:00 PM-03:00 PM: Lunch
• 03:00 PM-05:00 PM: Exploring Banarasi Saree Shops
• 05:00 PM-06:00 PM: Boat Ride at River Ganga
• 06:30 PM-07:15 PM: Watching Ganga Aarti
• 07:30 PM-09:00 PM: Dinner and Back to Hotel

Day 2: Visiting Sarnath and BHU Around Evening

Dedicate this day to visit two big sites in Varanasi – Sarnath and Banaras Hindu University. It is best to hire a full day cab along with driver for this day.

Visiting Sarnath

Start your day by planning to visit the very famous and recognised pilgrimage site of Lord Gautam Buddha – Sarnath , the place where Lord Buddha gave his first preaching on Dharma . The entire trip will be very mesmerizing, as the place is extremely neat and clean, has a beautiful garden, a huge beautiful Stupa and a very interesting museum. Hiring a guide is advisable so that one may know in detail about the place and its importance.

Visiting BHU Campus

After the spiritually satisfying visit to Sarnath, head back to Varanasi and visit another famous landmark – The Banaras Hindu University . Stop for lunch on the way. One can try Aum Café at Assi Ghat or  Ming Garden  etc.

Sankat Mochan Temple (extremely famous Temple of Hindu Lord Hanuman Ji) and Iskcon Temple (Hare Krishna Temple) can also be covered on the way, if you have enough time.

Close by to the entrance of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), do not forget to try Pahalwan’s Lassi . After reaching BHU, drive through the campus and admire the beautiful campus, vintage buildings, the huge maintained grounds etc. Also visit the beautiful New Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Birla Temple . There are various amazing Café to try at BHU. Later, get back to the hotel and relax. For dinner, one can try any option near to their hotel.

• 08:00 AM-12:00 PM: Visit to Sarnath
• 12:00 AM-02:00 PM: Lunch
• 02:00 PM-04:00 PM: Sankat Mochan Temple and Iskcon Temple
• 04:00 PM-06:00 PM: Banaras Hindu University
• 07:00 PM-09:00 PM: Dinner

This now ends the splendid 2 days in the Holy city of Varanasi. Hope you enjoyed the information.

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Places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days

Planning a trip to the spiritual city of Varanasi? Here are all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days…

Last updated on 10/04/2023

Today I’m walking you through all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days.

Two days is not a lot of time to spend in Varanasi. The holy city on the banks of the historical Ganges River is one of the most breathtaking places I visited on my trip to India . You want to soak as much in as possible.

So how do you choose which places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days? Well, you definitely need to be efficient with your time. That may even involve getting up before dawn. I’ll include some of my tips, such as:

• The best time to take a boat trip along the Ganges
• Why you need to make time to walk along the ghats
• How to schedule in time to visit Blue Lassi at least twice

These are my absolute must-see places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. But first up, let me tell you a little bit more about Varanasi…

A quick intro to Varanasi

Let’s start with a brief introduction to Varanasi first.

The city of Varanasi in India is what you might call a pretty big deal. Located on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh in India, it’s a holy city that carries huge significance in Hinduism.

It’s probably most well-known for the funeral rites which take place on the ghats – the steps leading down to the river. This involves dipping the bodies in the river before cremating them. The water in the river is believed to be sacred and many pilgrims travel to the city to set the souls of their dead free, or to wash away their sins in the water themselves.

It’s only when you’re here in Varanasi that you can see how much of a central part it plays. All you have to do is look around at the hundreds of colourful boats bobbing on the shore, the ceremonies being performed on the edge of the river each night, and the clusters of people bathing in the holy water all the way up the ghats. The Ganges is the stage for all these events and it’s only when you’re here that you appreciate that in full.

However, this isn’t the only thing this spiritual city is famous for. There are temples, street art, amazing brunch spots, and more. There are so many places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days you may struggle to cram them in!

Watch the cremations at Manikarnika Ghat

This famous burning ghat is the reason so many people travel to Varanasi. 

Manikarnika Ghat is believed to be the holiest of all the ghats on the Ganges. It’s here that you’ll see the cremations that Varanasi is famous for.

It’s a pretty surreal sight. When you first arrive on the ghats you can see the smoke in the air at a distance, but you can’t really see what’s going on. It’s only when you get closer that it becomes apparent, with the orange glimmer of the ever-burning fires and the scent of burning camphor.

Piles of wood are piled on the burning ghat, which are further surrounded by groups of people quietly watching the ceremonies. The dead bodies are covered in brightly colour cloth and are carried to the ghat on bamboo stretchers, often being transported through the narrow streets of the old city to the sound of chanting. They’re dipped in the water and then set alight, before the ashes are scattered in the River Ganges.

So what is the story behind the Manikarnika Ghat? Why do families travel here to cremate their dead? This particular ghat is famous in Hinduism due to the belief that the goddess Sati dropped her earring here.

Manikarna actually means ‘earring’ in Sanskrit. However, it all goes back to the belief that being cremated here will liberate people from the cycle of death and rebirth, and ultimately set their souls free. It’s believed that the departed souls cremated here can attain ‘moksha’, and enter nirvana. 

Evening boat ride in Varanasi

After a busy day of walking through the narrow streets and experiencing the craziness of the traffic in Varanasi (more on that later) the thought of an evening boat ride along the Ganges sounded heavenly.

And boy did it deliver. The cool breeze of the evening was much welcomed, as was the relative quiet. It just felt incredibly peaceful and calming to bob along the river and admire the city.

I also loved seeing Varanasi all lit up in the evening. Different buildings along the river light up in different shades of purple, pink, red and blue as darkness begins to fall. That simply makes the views even more beguiling.  Out on the boats, we also lit candles – known as diyas – and let them float away on the river as part of an offering to the gods.

It’s pretty special when you look out onto the blackness of the river and see all these flames twinkling away like a giant sprinkle of glitter. What could be more magical than that?

Watch the Ganga Aarti Ceremony

What could be more magical than bobbing along the Ganges by boat?

Well, I should mention that there’s a pretty spectacular evening ceremony that takes place every evening in Varanasi. It all happens at the Dasawamedha Ghat at dusk and it’s both intriguing and enchanting.

So what exactly is going on during the Ganga Aarti ceremony? Well, it’s all about the ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges River. There’s chanting, fire, choreographed dancing, and the thick smell of incense in the air.

We watched the ceremony from the comfort of our boat, which was a pretty neat experience. All the boats pack in together near the edge of the river to get a closer view, so you go from being alone in the river to being surrounded by crowds.

The fact that local kids skip over the boats selling crisps and snacks was another surreal part of it! It almost felt like being at an open-air cinema, except we were on a boat in the middle of the Ganges.

I would also love to see the ceremony from the ghat itself. However, with all the crowds packed tight, I’m not sure if you’d actually get a better look. We may have got the best view from the river!

Watch the Subah-e-Banaras ceremony

Remember I mentioned the early starts in Varanasi? Well, this is one of the things you won’t want to miss – an incredible dawn ceremony that takes place every morning on the edges of the river.

The Subah-e-Banarasceremony in Varanasi takes place on the Assi ghat at sunrise. While it’s not as famous as the evening ceremony, I found it really mesmerising. The ceremony starts with chanting followed by the seven priests taking to the platform, more chanting, fire, smoke, and dancing.

Head down before dawn (everything kicks off at 6am sharp) and find a seat on one of the steps to watch. If you’re a real early bird you can go down even earlier to take part in the morning yoga, but I skipped that part for an extra half hour in bed. Once the ceremony is finished you can then hop on a boat to take in the sunrise from the River Ganges – amazing!

Morning boat ride in Varanasi

Watching the sunrise over the Ganges was one of the most magical experiences I had in Varanasi. The morning light is effortless beauty: all soft pastel blue, peaches and pinks. It simply looks incredible next to the dark silhouettes of the boats bobbing on the river.

So you might be thinking… erm, didn’t she just spend the last few paragraphs talking about the nighttime boat ride in Varanasi? Do I need to do another one? Well, my advice is not to limit yourself to one boat ride.

Trust me, do one in the AM too, because they’re a completely different vibe. I actually think I enjoyed this one more than the evening trip because it was the exact opposite. While the evening boat ride in Varanasi is all about the crowds, the banging of drums, and the performative nature of the evening rituals, in the morning it’s just calm and chilled.

It’s just you, the water, and the incredible surroundings.

And while everything grew gradually darker and less visible over the course of the nighttime boat ride, the morning boat ride in Varanasi was of course the opposite. It lit up, and I loved being able to see everything that we couldn’t see the night before. Being able to take in the scale – as well as the intricacies – of the banks of the Ganges was worth seeing alone.

Take a bike ride in Varanasi

I remember when I first saw this on our itinerary for our group travel tour and for some reason I thought we were going to be doing the bike riding! I must have thought I was in the Netherlands or something.

Luckily, we did not have to do the cycling, which I was most grateful for – the traffic is pretty wild and navigating the roads of Varanasi on wheels didn’t sound like fun to me! If it does sound like fun to you, however, then here’s a company where you can book a bike ride.

For me, the bike ride at Varanasi was a great way to take in all the sights and sounds of the city without having to be focused on keeping yourself with the group or out of the way of oncoming traffic.

In short, it meant we could just relax – as much as you can in Varanasi anyway. We could sit back and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells that Varanasi had to offer, and that was really nice. I’m not going to lie, it was also really lovely just to sit down for a moment after all the walking!

Walk along the ghats in Varanasi

We walked back along the ghats after having brunch at Brown Bread Café in Varanasi, which was awesome. Pancakes, fresh OJ, and a view is pretty much all I could ever want from breakfast. You can read my verdict on it in this blog about the best places to eat in Varanasi .

But I digress, what I really want to talk about here is the ghats. Walking along the ghats is a completely different experience to wandering through the narrow streets in Varanasi, or going along the road where the blast of horns from all the tuk-tuks rings in your ear with every step.

The overarching memory I have is a sense of calm. Stillness. Space.

Having been crammed into so many tiny spaces over the past few days in the city, the ghats feel expansive. You can breathe all of a sudden. There are so charming sights to observe and take in as you wander along, too. The pastel-painted steps leading down to the river, cute little goats chilling out in the afternoon sun, and the clusters of boats on the water, just waiting to be filled up with tourists when the sun begins to dip.

Yes, it does get crowded in places, particularly where they perform the funeral rites, but for the most part, you can enjoy having a bit more space.

As you walk along the ghats you might also see some of the Hindu holy men – known as Sadhus – who paint their entire bodies in ash. I was intrigued by these men. They’re reported to have relinquished all their worldly possessions, but our tour guide Sana informed us that most of the Sadhus in Varanasi are fake. They’re simply impersonating Sadhus in order to extract money from tourists in exchange for photographs – the real Sadhus can be found in the mountains.

Monkey Temple Varanasi

The Monkey Temple – or Durga Temple – in Varanasi is recognisable by its bright red paintwork and beautiful spire-clad tower. I saw it on Tripadvisor or a blog when I was researching Varanasi and instantly wanted to go.

It’s not every day you see a temple in such a rich shade of red. With the added possibility of seeing some impish monkeys scampering around, I was 100% in. Luckily, it’s not too far to walk to get there.

The Durga Temple was built in the 18 th century and is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the city. It’s dedicated to the Goddess Durga, who is the principal Hindu goddess of war, strength and protection. It’s also said that the idol of the goddess inside the temple wasn’t created by human hands, and instead simply appeared of its own accord. Intriguing!

With all of this in mind, I was pretty hyped to see the Monkey Temple.

However, I’m not sure it lived up to the expectations. It’s pretty small and a bit on the scruffy side. It’s also pretty difficult to get a real sense of the temple, with only Hindus being allowed inside. And then there was the water feature – known as Durga Kund – next to the temple.

I’d read it would be a ‘charming’ place to capture some photographs. It was OK, but it was surrounded by a criss-cross wire fence which meant that taking snaps was pretty difficult. Added to that we didn’t even see any monkeys while we were there meant that it was pretty disappointing.

I’m not saying don’t go to the Monkey Temple in Varanasi. If you’re anything like me you’ll want to see it for yourself. Varanasi in 2 days isn’t loads of time but I’d still go – just don’t expect to be totally wowed. Keep it short and sweet rather than something you build a whole day around.

Admire the street art in Varanasi

One other thing I enjoyed about walking along the ghats in Varanasi was being able to soak up the unexpected street art.

Two of the most striking examples were the portraits of Lord Shiva and Brahma, which can be found on two giant tanks in Dashashvmedh Ghat, another one of the holiest ghats in the city. The tanks have been painted bright cobalt blue and are absolutely mesmerising.

According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Brahma created this particular ghat to welcome Lord Shiva to the ancient city of Kashi, which is now known as Varanasi. The artwork marks this event. The work was created by the Artist Nilesh as part the Varanasi Arts Project, which seems like a super cool creative project. You can hear more about it in this video on YouTube.

Get lost in the alleyways of Varanasi’s old town

One of the things I loved about Varanasi was wandering the streets of the old town. The narrow alleyways are buzzing with city life.

Everywhere you turn there’s something new to look at; from the hole-in-the-wall shops and cafes, to the intricate architectural details, to the array of rainbow-coloured silks on the shop fronts blowing lightly in the breeze.

You may have to dodge out of the way of the many motorbikes that snake their way through, or even dead bodies being carried on stretchers.

I’m not even joking. And then there are the sleeping stray dogs sprawled out in the middle of the pavement that I felt so sorry for. I loved the beautiful jewel colours that popped up in unexpected places, from turquoise-hued window shutters to the canary yellow fabrics strewn over our heads as we squeezed down another narrow alleyway.

It’s definitely an experience, and it’s also pretty easy to get lost. Something I’m pretty good at! We took a wrong turn a couple of times and ended up in some back alleys that didn’t seem to go anywhere. However, it’s a lot of fun just to wander around and see where you end up.

Enjoy a lazy breakfast in OpenHand Café

The sign on the door says ‘good coffee here’ and I couldn’t agree more.

We ate at OpenHand Café in Varanasi a few times – the first time after we’d all got off the overnight train and were all exhausted and starving. Luckily it was just along the road from our hotel and, man, was it needed.

The coffee was strong and came in cups the size of bowls that were exactly what the doctor ordered after a night of trying to sleep on the sleeper train. I don’t even drink coffee very often, but I was in no doubt that morning that an industrial-sized Americano was essential! Looking for places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days? This one is a no-brainer.

OpenHand Café also has a great menu with lots of tempting breakfast choices. After much deliberation, I went for a western-style fry-up on the menu which was incredibly tasty!  

The overall vibe is chill and bohemian. You leave your shoes at the door and it feels like you leave all your worries or stresses at the door, too. It’s just calm. No one here is in a hurry. It’s just a great place to enjoy a lazy couple of hours with great food and company. Definitely don’t come here if you’re in a rush, as it seems to exist in its own ecosystem.

If you need a bit of space away from the noise and the frenetic pace of the streets outside, OpenHand Café is the perfect place. There are hand-made prints and items of clothing hung on the wall or stuffed into treasure chests dotted around the café.

There’s also a small open-air balcony to sit out on if you want to enjoy the sunshine. Gosh, just writing all this now really makes me want to go back! I’m clearly craving the zen vibes.

Eat lassi at Blue Lassi

I’ve written about Blue Lassi in more depth in this post on the best restaurants in Varanasi, so I won’t spend too long talking about it here.

However, I couldn’t write a blog post on the best things to do in Varanasi without including Blue Lassi. It’s an absolute must-see and one of the things you have to do in Varanasi quite simply because it’s awesome.

After all that hype, when you come across the tiny hole-in-the-wall café you might be a little surprised. It’s tiny! However, you’ll also quickly notice that it’s packed out with tourists and getting a seat is not exactly easy!

That’s because everyone knows how good it is. Blue Lassi is a family-run company that has been going for decades. It’s not got the honour of being one of Lonely Planet’s top picks for Varanasi for no reason, right?

So what exactly is it about Blue Lassi that makes it so special? Well, I should probably explain what lassi is first. It’s a thick, creamy yogurt drink.

What makes it extra good at Blue Lassi is that it comes in a variety of flavours and is served with a variety of toppings. They pretty much have every combination you could ever want. There’s pomegranate, chocolate, banana, coconut… once you have one you’ll want to try them all.

At the very least I would schedule this into both days of your 48-hour trip. We went twice but I still wanted to go back and try more toppings!

Blue Lassi address: CK 12/1 Kunj Gali, Kachaudi Gali, Near Rajbandhu Govindpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India

Read more about Varanasi here:

• V aranasi travel tips: my dos and don’ts for Varanasi
• Best restaurants in Varanasi

If you’d like to read more about my adventures in India take a look at these:

• Tips for visiting the Taj Mahal: your complete guide
• Jaipur: a perfect pink-hued paradise
• Things to do in Delhi in 48 hours
• Tordi Sagar: the tiny historic village you shouldn’t miss
• Gr oup travel in India: everything you need to know
• Getting the sleeper train in India; a survival guide

That was my list of places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. Have you ever been to the holy city?

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Varanasi in 2 days: Best Places to Visit,Stay and Eat

India is attracting many spiritual seekers to its holiest Places which are oldest cities in the whole world and Varanasi is a such ancient city located on the Banks of the River Ganges. Popularly known for the abode of Lord Shiva, Varanasi is one of the famous Places to visit in India as it is considered as the City of Mokasha since many centuries for Hindus.

I visited Varanasi for the first time and I was just astound by the vibes,scenic aura and charm of the city. In this Blog I am including Varanasi in 2 days for the first timers including best places to Visit,stay and Eat in Varanasi.

About Varanasi

India holds many spiritual Places but there is none like Varanasi famously known as Benaras and Kashi(City of life) . The legends of Varanasi date back 10,000 years or more and make it one of the oldest cities in the world as mentioned in Puranas and Skandas.

Varanasi is a holy city, many pilgrims take a dip in the mighty Ganges as they believe their lifetime sins will wash away with it!! It is believed that the people who die and are cremated in the soil of Varanasi, get an instant getaway to heaven and they are released from the cycle of death and rebirths.

Varanasi is famous for its mystic spirituality, life on Ghats, widening alleys, old temples, silk sarees, and its food. Varanasi always remains a motivation for many writers and you will read many quotes on Varanasi. This Place is famous among authors, Poets, and Photographers and inspiration to many people who seek solace. For me, Varanasi will always remain an intriguing Place a city of legends and myths.

Varanasi can be chaotic on your first day but gradually you will fall in love with the charm of this city and it is one of the unmissable experiences of India. I recommend giving 3-4 days to soak into the mystic world of Varanasi!! So start reading my Varanasi Sightseeing travel guide and the best things to do in Varanasi, Places to stay, Eat, and so on. But after visiting all the Places, you will realize Varanasi is all about feeling it!!

‘ Benaras’ is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. .. one of the famous authors Mark Twain was impressed by Varanasi .

• 1.1 Take Stroll on the Ghats of Ganga
• 1.2 SUBAH- E – BANARAS at Assi Ghat
• 1.3 Take a Sunrise Boat Ride along the Holy Ganga River
• 1.4 See Kushti at Tulsi Akhara in Varanasi
• 1.5 Evening Ganga Aarti On Dashaswamedh Ghat
• 1.6 Have Bhang Lassi in Varanasi
• 1.7 Visit Music School in Varanasi
• 1.8 See Cremation on Manikarnika Ghat
• 1.9 Visit Ramnagar Fort & Museum
• 1.10 Visit the BHU(Benaras Hindu University)
• 1.11 Visit Famous Temples in Varanasi
• 1.12 Visit Banarasi Silk Saree weaving Units
• 1.13 Take a Day Trip to Sarnath
• 2 Where to Stay in Varanasi
• 3 Budget Places to Stay in Varanasi: Best Guesthouses and Hostels
• 4 Best Hotels in Varanasi: Mid Budget and Luxury Options
• 5 Places to Eat in Varanasi
• 6 Top Travel Tips before Visiting Varanasi

Best Things to do in Varanasi in 2 days

There are many things to do in Varanasi but the ideal way to see Varanasi is by taking a Walk. Take a walk in the old city and experience Varanasi -chaotic and colorful. There are many Hindu temples, and ghats on the Ganges to see the different activities and just walking aimlessly also can give you an insight into the Place; you just need to soak into all of them. So travel with me to the Best Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 days.

Take Stroll on the Ghats of Ganga

One of the top things to do in Varanasi is definitively to take a walk along the Ghats of the Ganga river which are riverfront steps leading to the river. There are total 88 ghats in Varanasi and all of them are connected to each other. You can start your walk from the far end o f Raj Ghat to the last Assi ghat.

As you stroll along the ghats, you will come across the real charm and essence of the Varanasi as most of the spiritual activities revolve around the ghats. The Pilgrims and tourists from all over India come to the ghats for taking a holy dip into the gangs so that their sins are washed away.

I walked ghats at sunrise and also during the day, but the best is sunrise when spiritual rituals are performed and early morning activities are started, though ghats remain active throughout the day.

Among all the ghats, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi which always remain chaotic and crowded yet colorful with all the people from around the world! Its close proximity to Kashi Vishwanath Temple makes it busier. One of the Popular things to do in Varanasi is to take a walk from Dashshwamedh Ghat to Assi Ghat to see the best ghat in Varanasi; just walk and see which ghat you like; then sit and see the activities around you.

SUBAH- E – BANARAS at Assi Ghat

Subah e Banaras is really early morning event held at Assi Ghat every day. One of the top things to see in Varanasi is its famous Aarti rituals. Every day, at 5.00 AM on Assi Ghat, routine Aarti of Ganga is held with chanting of Mantras, blowing the conch, and singing of religious songs by young girls, Popularly known as ‘ Subah-e-Banaras’.

This event is held before sunrise, after that, you can participate in yoga sessions on the ghat. It is said that one or other classical Programs are always ongoing at Assi Ghat with participants from around the world; I was the lucky person to witness one such Program during Assi Ghat Aarti.

Sunrise Aarti at Assi ghat is a one-hour ritual and it’s not much crowded, it is Photographer’s dream to capture every moment through the lenses, so don’t miss this event from your Varanasi Sightseeing list even though it’s an early morning ritual.

Take a Sunrise Boat Ride along the Holy Ganga River

After attending the sunrise Aarti at Assi Ghat, you can go for a sunrise boat ride in Ganga to witness the colors of the rising sun across the ghats in Varanasi.

During the sunrise, Ghats start being alive and you can witness all the rituals on the ghats from life to death. If you are in Varanasi, don’t miss this surreal experience, and one of the top things to do in Varanasi, taking a boat ride and see the ghats from the other side.

In the morning, the crowd remains less as compared to the boat rides during the day, so it gives a good opportunity to capture Photographs of the ghats. You can just walk along the ghats and you will be offered boat rides many times but ask around the Prices for a boat ride and then bargain before setting off for the final Price, the maximum you can pay is INR 300-500 for a hand rowing boat from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat.

As you ride the Boat, you can observe the colors, life, spiritual rituals, and other activities on the ghats. You can see pilgrims taking a dip in the Ganga, Prayers taking place in temples, Sadhus in their daily rituals, People washing & drying the laundry, children playing, and so on. The life of Varanasi is connected with the Ghats which come alive.

See Kushti at Tulsi Akhara in Varanasi

Akharas are one of the important parts of Varanasi. Located near Assi ghat, as you walk a few steep steps that go up to Tulsi Ghat, there is a Tulsi Pehalwan Akhara where women too are allowed to watch wrestlers getting training for wrestling.

Tulsi akhara is a famous one and it has produced many wrestlers in the past. The wrestlers are trained under the guidance of their Guru(coach) here. They apply oils on the body, exercise, practice and then go back to their home for routine life. You should not miss this must-visit place in Varanasi.

Evening Ganga Aarti On Dashaswamedh Ghat

One of the most popular and top Varanasi attractions is Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Almost all the Varanasi travel guide will advise you to include this important place in Varanasi. Varanasi’s evening Ganga aarti ritual is an hour-long procession and Dahshaswamedh ghat Aarti timing: starts at 06.00 PM in Summer and 07.00 PM in Winter every day.

Unlike sunrise Aarti at Assi ghat, evening Aarti at Dashahswamedh Ghat is a crowded affair. At sunset, most of the tourists and pilgrims gather at Dashashwamedh Ghat to watch the Aarti offering to the holy Ganges. The young priests perform the Aarti with chanting of religious songs and music. All the rituals are performed in harmony by the priests, which attracts Photographers from around the World. This is one of the most beautiful events in Varanasi who are seeking spiritual experiences in India.

You can witness the Ganga Aarti from the Boat as well as from the ghat. As Aarti is performed for the holy Ganga, priests face the river Ganga, so it is better to take a seat in the Boat for Photography, don’t pay more than INR 200-300 for the same. There are sitting arrangements done for the tourists but come as early as 6.00 PM to deserve the best spot to capture it with the camera lenses.

Have Bhang Lassi in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its its ‘Bhang Lassi’ – considered as ‘Prasadam’ of Lord Shiva. I visited Varanasi during Mahashivratri (the biggest festival of Lord Shiva); many Places and shops were selling it for free as ‘Prasad’.

It is said that having Bhang helps devotees to worship Lord Shiva in a better way. I was in a confused state of mind about whether to try it or not, but I gave a quick light shot of Bhang at Badal Thandai on Godowlia Chowk.

Bhang is considered a weed(Marijuana), it’s only legal in Varanasi(Banaras) and is sold from government-authorized shops. Mostly it is considered as ‘ Special Thandai ‘ by tourists. If you want to try it, have a mild shot if you are traveling alone and if it doesn’t affect you, you can try a medium shot on another day. If this is not your kind of thing you can try one of the numerous Thandai ( Cream Thandai best).

Visit Music School in Varanasi

Your Varanasi in 2 days is incomplete without mentioning its contribution towards classical music. Yes, you heard it right. Varanasi is one of the oldest spiritual city and its music heritage traces back to the time of Puranas(ancient Hindu literature).

Varanasi sustains its rich cultural heritage through its cultural music festivals and gives an understanding of music and cultural traditions. If you walk around the ghats in the evening, you will see many youngsters playing guitars OR flutes which shows Music is an integral part of Varanasi.

Kashi’s annual Drupad Mela which takes place at Tulsi Ghat is epicure of Hindustani classical music. There are many Music schools in the narrow alleys of the ghats in Varanasi where you can learn about Indian Classical Music. Several of India’s most talented musicians hailed from Varanasi which has given Varanasi as the status of UNESCO “ Cities of Music” .

See Cremation on Manikarnika Ghat

One of the must-visit Places in Varanasi and the most intriguing Place is Manikarnika Ghat which attracts thousands of tourists and Pilgrims to Varanasi. There are many stories associated with its name and origin but witnessing the funeral rituals on Manikarnika Ghat is one of the eye-opening experiences.

According to Hindus, by dying in Varanasi one can achieve Moksha-liberation of the soul from the cycle of Birth and Death. You can see the cremation and funeral pyres burning 24/7 at Manikarnika Ghat , on average 100 dead bodies are cremated every day on Manikarnika Ghat. People from outside Varanasi also come here for cremation.

At first sight, it is unusual to see the burning body, it can be difficult and strange to you but if you understand Hindu traditions, it will become easy to understand it. You will see tonnes and tonnes of wooden piles as you walk from the market to the alley towards Manikarnika Ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat can be reached either from the Market side or by boat (the last stop during the Boat ride). As you get close, you can see the dead bodies, ashes flying in the air, and unusual smell; if this makes you nervous watch it from the boat. Also, be respectful while observing the funerals and do not click the Photos from near. You can click the Photos from the boat.

Looking at its importance to Hindus, Manikarnika Ghat (Burning Ghat) is one of the famous places to visit in Varanasi among tourists.

Visit Ramnagar Fort & Museum

Apart from the ghats, the most visited place in Varanasi remains the old Ramnagar fort. Ramanagar fort is 14 Km from the Varanasi City Center and located on the other side of the River.

The fort can be reached by Bridge or by boat from Tulsi ghat. The fort was built in 1750 by Kashi King Balwant Singh. The fort is built in Mughal style architecture with creamy color sandstone on high ground so that it remains safe from the flood of the Ganga river.

The fort houses a temple, a museum, and the residence of the king inside the complex. The fort has many carved balconies, open courtyards, and pavilions. Only a part of the structure is open to public viewing, the rest of the fort is used as a residence by the King till today.

At Present, many festivals are celebrated inside the fort and you can enjoy one of them during winter.

The museum inside the fort is known as Saraswati Bhawan. This Bhawan was a public audience hall in the past. Today, the museum holds a rare collection of ivory works, vintage cars of America, medieval costumes, vintage weapons, gold ornaments, etc.

Ramnagar fort is not as big and impressive as other forts of Rajasthan OR forts of Jaipur but it’s still impressive and remains the famous place to Visit in Varanasi in 2 days.

Visit the BHU(Benaras Hindu University)

Varanasi is famous for one of the oldest universities in India – BHU. The university was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya; one of Asia’s largest residential universities with a campus stretching over 5 Kms area.

The Prominent landmark inside the BHU Campus is the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the famous places to visit in Varanasi as it is open to all people and religions. The evening Aarti at the temples is interesting to watch if you have more time in your Varanasi sightseeing itinerary.

The buildings inside the campus have beautiful architecture and famous Places to see in Varanasi -Bharat Kala Bhavan which is an art and archaeological museum.

The museum is best known for its collection of Indian paintings, archaeological artifacts, textiles, and costumes about Indian history. BHU Campus is in the Lanka area, outside it has divine Lassi at Pahalwan Lassi near Guru Ravidas Ghat.

Visit Famous Temples in Varanasi

Varanasi is Popularly known as the city of temples that attracts tourists from around the world. There are more than 20,000 small and big temples in Varanasi, among which many allow foreigners to visit it.

Among the most famous temples of Varanasi, is Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is 12 Jyotirling shrines for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. Looking at its religious importance, it is one of the top places to visit in Varanasi.

Other important temples in Varanasi are Kaal Bahirav Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir of Lord Shiva, Nepali Mandir, Durga Temple, and famous Bharat Mata Temple(the only temple in India dedicated to Mother India) which you can include in your Varanasi sightseeing.

Also read : Jyotirling Shrine of Lord Shiva – Dwarka

Visit Banarasi Silk Saree weaving Units

The list of Banaras Visiting Places must include visits to the Banarasi Saree weaving unit. If you don’t know, Banarasi Saree is considered a must-have in Indian weddings.

It is not as expensive as the famous most complicated textile Patola of Gujarat, hence traditional hand-woven Banarasi silk saree is always on the wish list of every Indian Bride. The Banarasi Silk Saree can take a few weeks to 4 months in making depending on the designs.

You can see the weaving units and small workshops at narrow widening alleys of Varanasi Ghats, Peeli Kothi, Jaitpura,Lallapura, and Madanpura areas in Varanasi, just ask around and locals will guide you.

As you walk you can hear the rhythmic sound of hand looms where artisans carefully weave colorful weft and warp in the darkness with old techniques. In the last few years, the number of skillful workers is decreasing, and machine-made artificial sarees are selling in the market but one should visit the weaving unit to see the artisans at work. If possible, buy a Banarasi saree directly from them to help the artisans.

Take a Day Trip to Sarnath

Varanasi to Sarnath is 14 km and it is a perfect day trip from Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the four important sights of Buddhism (Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar). It is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples under a tree after he got enlightenment in Bodhgaya.

There are several ruins, stupas and monasteries in Sarnath to escape the chaos of the Varanasi. But the most important Places to visit in Sarnath are the Bodhi tree, Dhamek Stupa, and Mulgandh Kuti Vihar where Buddha’s forst sermon is daily chanted at Sunset. Also, Ashok Chakra(India’s National symbol), Thailand temple, the Japanese temple, and Archaeological Museum with ancient artifacts in Sarnath are important Places to see near Varanasi.

You can’t complete places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, but you can visit all the above places as first timer.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Varanasi Travel Guide is incomplete without mentioning tips for Places to Stay in Varanasi. The accommodations in Varanasi are divided between the Ghat area and Cantonment area. Most of the Budget accommodations in Varanasi are located close to the the ghats and few on the ghats itself.

The best area to stay in Varanasi is near Dashahswamedh Ghat (busy Main ghat), you will find Restaurants, Cafes and Budget Guesthouses along the river Ganges and in the narrow alleys of ghats.

Assi Ghat is 30 mins by walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat; also a good option to leave the crowd and choose a quiet stay. I stayed at Om Shanti Paying Guesthouse Assi Ghat for 3 nights which is a budget guesthouse having many eateries around it.

If you ask me, I would suggest Assi ghat is better and Best Place to stay in Varanasi than the crowded Dashashwamedh ghat.

If you are traveling on tight budget, there are numerous hostels and Ashrams to stay in Varanasi near the ghats.

Budget Places to Stay in Varanasi: Best Guesthouses and Hostels

• GOSTOPS : Popular Hostel with dorms and Private rooms, just 2 Km from Assi ghat is the Best hostel in Varanasi. They organize Group tours to explore Varanasi at reasonable rates.
• Zostel : Popular Indian Chain, Zostel is 1.8 Km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, it is spic and Span place to stay near the Varanasi Center. Their organized tours are also very good.
• On The Ghat By Howdy Hostels : Located in the middle of Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat, this hostel is located on the Ghat with a rooftop terrace feature.
• Ganpati Guesthouse: Very Popular and comfortable option at Meer Ghat which is close to Kashi Vishwanath temple. The basic rooms are cheap but decorative rooms are more expensive.
• The White Yard – Stay & cafe : One of the amazing Place to stay in Varanasi in the center of the town is White Yard. The decor is very urban chic with deluxe rooms and terrace.
• Om Shanti Guesthouse : I stayed here and it is 1 min walk from Assi Ghat, surrounded by lots of cafes. This homestay offers deluxe rooms with in house restaurant. It is one of the best guest at Varanasi near Assi ghat.

Best Hotels in Varanasi: Mid Budget and Luxury Option s

• Hotel Alka: Located on the Meer ghat, just 5 mins from Kashi Vishwanath temple, hotel Alka is best hotel to stay in Varanasi overlooking the Ganges river, makes easy to get around for Varanasi Sightseeing.
• Hotel Ganges View: The hotel is located on the banks of the Ganges river at Assi Ghat which is old world heritage Property with colonial-style architecture. It has a Garden, terrace, and restaurant.
• Amitara Suryauday Haveli: Located on Shivala Ghat and just a 15-minute walk from the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a good option to stay on the ghat but away from the chaotic Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Stay Banaras- A Boutique Hotel: If you want a clean and quiet Place to stay in Varanasi, just book this Place just 3 km from in Godowlia area in Varanasi. The hotel has gorgeous colors and elegant designs. It is one of the new hotels in Varanasi but they feature dorms and deluxe rooms with Parking, a Garden, and a restaurant facility.
• Bridge Rama Palace- A Heritage Hotel: Perched on the Banks of the Ganges river near Munshi ghat, this fort-shaped hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Varanasi. The rooms are luxurious and it includes complimentary yoga sessions. The hotel features Live classical music that can be enjoyed at the Bada Aangan. There are two fine dine options at the hotel with Darbhanga which serves excellent vegetarian food and Kamalaya serves hot snacks and beverages.
• Taj Ganges : One of the most luxurious stays in Varanasi – Taj Ganges offers 40 acres of tropical Garden, located 6 Km from the bustling Temple town. The rooms are modern with garden/city views. The hotel also features an outdoor Pool. The restaurant Varuna offers fine dining Indian cuisine and it is a must to visit this restaurant in Varanasi.

Places to Eat in Varanasi

No Varanasi Trip is complete without mentioning the Street food of Varanasi which is famous among Indian travelers. Varanasi doesn’t offer many fine dining options but is well known for its cafes, chats and restaurants on the Ghats.

There are many named and unnamed stalls in Varanasi to eat; you can’t choose one Particular Best Place to eat in Varanasi. If you have weak stomach then hold on, this Place is not for you!! Here you go, list of Places to eat in Varanasi with recommendations of best food in Varanasi.

• Ram Bhandar : A very Popular Place at Kachori Gali for its Kachori, Sabji and Jalebi in breakfast.You can devour Hing Kachoris from any Shop of Kachori Gali.
• Gopal Mandir Lane: Near Manikarnika Ghat, famous for Malaiyo (sweet frothy Milk) which is available in winter only. Head to Markendey for best Malaiyo in Varanasi.
• Deena Chaat Bhandar OR Kashi Chaat Bhandar : one of the most Popular Places to eat local chat in Varanasi is at the Godowlia area. Try Tomato Chaat, Palak Chaat, Churra Mattur, Gol Gappe and Gulab Jamun. My personal favorite is Palak Chaat.
• Try Lassi : one of the famous things in Varanasi is Lassi, very creamy and buttery and made with milk and sugar. Must try the varieties of Lassi at Blue Lassi OR Siwon Lassi in Kachori Gali. But my favorite is Pahalwan Lassi at Lanka.
• Dosa Cafe, Niyeti Cafe, and Kerala Cafe: Located along the ghats, offers South Indian and North Indian cuisines.
• Thandai : Visit Baba Thandai/Pathakji Thandai/Badal Thandai in the Godowlia area near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Brown Bread Bakery : One of the most Popular Places to eat in Varanasi for Continental and Italian cuisines. They offer a variety of Bread, pasta, and Pizzas. It remains open from 9.00 AM to 10.00 PM every day.
• Pizzeria Vatika Cafe : One of my favorite Places to eat in Assi Ghat, offers Pizzas and pies. I loved their apple Pie so much.
• Baati Chokha Restaurant & Potli Chokha Restaurant : They are best Places to try famous Litti Chokha of Varanasi.

Top Travel Tips before Visiting Varanasi

Before arriving to Varanasi, I asked many girls – Is Varanasi Safe ?? yes, It is completely safe for solo female travelers, you just need to take safety tips as you take in the other Parts of India. Here is my Varanasi Safety tips:

• If you are arriving in India for the first time, this city will be a little overwhelming for you as it’s like an assault on the senses, try to Visit Varanasi at the end of your trip when you have known a bit about Indian Culture and the atmosphere.
• Varanasi’s Main Ghats are always crowded and full of touts and scams. If anyone around you try to pressure you to book a tour OR try to pressure you for shopping after a rickshaw ride, be aware, they can be commissioned agents, keep it clear, and deny it Politely.
• The streets along the banks of the river Ganges are tricky and you can easily get lost, try to avoid it at night if you are alone.
• To get to the Main Ghat area and other crowded Places around the ghats, you can take battery operated auto rickshaw or cycle rickshaw at INR 50- INR 100, for short distances you can pay INR 10-INR 20.
• Varanasi is best explored by walking to know about the rich and unique history of the city, but to avoid the hassle, you can take any guided tours from Roobaro Walks or Varanasi Walks .
• Varanasi is Spiritual City, dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Cover your shoulders when you visit any temple.

Varanasi will always remain a special trip for me, I just fell in love with it!! If you liked my Varanasi in 2 days’ Post, Pin it for Later!!!

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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21 Comments

Varanasi talk about it .. the busy ghats sinful lassi and evening surreal arati is been rinsed of my times out there .. it is a photographers paradise indeed .

That’s a beautiful post on Varanasi and very useful too. It’s in my bucketlist for long.thamks for sharing

Wow, the photographs are so fantastic it felt as if I actually went there! 3 of my work trips to Varanasi got cancelled for some or the other reason and honestly haven’t really thought of going there on a personal trip. May be, now I should!

This is not a first place I would choose to visit, but this has been a nice post to read. I think my colleague or her parents has been here before the virus situation so will totally have to ask her next time more about it!

That silk weaving looks incredible! What an amazing town, the temples are so colorful.

Visiting Veranasi must be such an incredible experience!!! Nice article, thanks for the recommendations.

It must be so surreal to visit such a mystical place! The ambiance must be very special here!

It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.

I’m so bummed I didn’t make it to Varanasi when I was in India. It looks like it would have been such a great town to visit. I’ll definitely have to go next time I’m in India, I’ll save this post for whenever I do 😁

Great guide to Varanasi! I have heard about the Ghats of the Ganga river and that it is a good thing to experience in the city. I don’t know if I could watch the cremation ceremony. I think that would be a hard thing to see. I would love to try all the street food though. That’s one of the main reasons I would visit India!

hi definitely an article to bookmark as you have bought out all the salient features and then one can research on specific topics info needed. I am gonna bookmark this for future reference

Ohh so many things to do and see in Varanasi and unfortunately we never got to do even half from your list because my husband got badly food poisoning (but this was fron Nepal) so many of our days in Varanasi I was taking care of him while he was sick. If we ever get the chance to go back I would do everything listed on your list- to- do in Varanasi!

I am sure your list will help many other travelers!

I visited Varanasi last February and fell in love with the city. I was blown away by the colourful and vibrant culture and just how peaceful it was. The Ganga Aarti in the evening was one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had and I want to revisit the city one day soon. Thanks for the reminder of the city.

It’s always nostalgic to read about Varanasi as the city is very close to my heart having lived there for four year. You seem to have covered most of the important places that one needs to see while visiting there. A great guide for first timers with all the hotel information also which would be very useful.

Varanasi sounds like a great place for first time visitors to India. I’d love to take the boat ride along the Holy river. The sun set photo looks beautiful! Trying creamy Lassi would be on my list as well. Thank you for the tips about scams and how to avoid them.

Varanasi is very close to my heart. Thanks for compiling the list of all those amazing places to see and things to do in Varanasi. Assi Ghat has caught my attention the most, whether it’s the early morning classical event or the pre-sunrise yoga session. Also, thumbs up for the list of delicious food – craving for Kachori-Sabji!

I don’t think I have ever visited a place with such ties to spirituality as Varanasi. The cultural traditions are beautiful and so intriguing. I would love to visit and learn more, especially about the Ganga Aarti ritual and the cremation tradition.

Varanasi sounds like a unique and charming place. This is a great guide with a lot of useful tips. Especially with the recommendations for where to stay and eat. It looks very beautiful with a lot of interesting sights. I would love to see how saris are made. I’m glad to hear it is safe to visit for women traveling alone.

Surely, Varanasi is so rich in culture, tradition, and history. Thank you for sharing about this wonderful place and yes, I’d love to visit someday. This travel guide is so helpful for first-timers like me.

Varanasi is truly a blend of old times and modern times. One of the oldest cities of the world, it has everything what a culturally rich destination requires. I had visited Varanasi last time around Kumbh mela and it was a sight to behold! It has truly transformed in the last few years and the Ganga Arti is superb!

Varanasi has always been on our list but the fear of the chaos of the city always make us drop our plan. I see the pictures and think I just go – how vibrant the place is. It is actually a place before history and for Hindus it is so religious. I want to visit it someday for sure, see Ganges Arti, ghats, and take a boat ride In the Ganges around sunrise sunset. Your pictures are beautiful.

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Two Days in Varanasi - Itinerary - Eat Travel Laugh

On the banks of the river Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh , Varanasi is one of the most ancient cities of India and the world. Known as the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, Varanasi, or Benaras, as it is more popularly known, also played a significant role in the development of Buddhism. If you're looking for a spiritual retreat, the fascinating culture and history of this city will entice you. Here is a guide to the things you shouldn't miss if you're visiting Varanasi for two days!

Day 1 : The beauty and essence of Varanasi lies in its temples and ghats. One of the most famous Hindu temples is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas, and the holiest of Shiva temples. The temple finds mention in the Puranas, and stands witness to a rich history of destruction and reconstruction, making it a truly heritage site. It is believed that a visit to the temple, and a bath in the river Ganges leads one on a path to Moksha , or liberation. The Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the river Ganges near the temple is also a revered place of worship. Some of the other temples and ghats that can be visited during the day includes Assi Ghat, Bharat Mata Mandir and Durga Mandir. The Ramnagar Fort and the historical Gyanvapi Mosque, built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, are other places of tourist attraction. 

The afternoon and evening can be spent on the picturesque bank of the River Ganges, enjoying the scenic beauty and tranquility of the city. The Ganga Aarti in the evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat in Varanasi, is spectacular. The aarti begins around 7 pm, but devotees usually gather hours before to watch the ritual ceremony from a close distance. It truly is a sight to behold.

Day 2 : If you're visiting Varanasi, a half-day trip to Sarnath is an absolute must. Located 10 kilometres away from the city, Sarnath is only a 30 minute drive away. It is an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhism and Jainism. The Deer Park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, teaching the dhamma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence. The Chaukhandi Stupa and the Dhamek Stupa are places of great historical and religious significance. The Sarnath Museum is another major tourist attraction. It is the oldest site museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses the findings and excavations at the archaeological site of Sarnath. The museum houses 6,832 sculptures and artefacts, and is a treat for lovers of history.

Apart from the important temples, Varanasi is filled with numerous beautiful temples, that can be explored as one walks through the streets of the city. Some of these are the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Kaal Bhairav Mandir and the Tibetan Monastery and Temple. The quaint little ghats spread out throughout the city further adds to its charm. The rich culture is also evident in the delicious street food, ranging from poha, baati chokha and tamatar chaat, to jalebi, thandai and lassi.

Pack your bags and set out on a spiritual and enriching journey to this beautiful city of mysticism and history.

This blog was originally posted on Eat Travel Laugh.

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• Varanasi Tourism
• What to do in Varanasi
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• 2 Days In Varanasi

Varanasi Itinerary 2 Days

Recommended itineraries for spending 2 days.

Covering the most popular attractions in the city, these are some great itineraries for 2 days in Varanasi that are favoured by avid travelers. You will never regret choosing any of these itineraries.

Recent Itineraries for 2 Days in Varanasi

Here are the recent itineraries by tourists who have visited Varanasi. Stop wondering what to do for 2 days in Varanasi as these trip plans will help you decide easily. Select any of the customised itineraries and modify it according to your preference to have a great weekend in Varanasi.

Tours and Activities in Varanasi for 2 Days

Booking tours and tickets for popular attractions saves a lot of your time spent in a queue. Below are some of the tours and tickets recommended for 2 days in Varanasi

1 Day 12 Hrs

Best Hotels in Varanasi for 2 Day Trip

These are some of the hotels added in the past by our travelers to their Varanasi itinerary 2 days. Check out the hotels that suit you and add them to your trip plan.

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Looking for Longer Itineraries in Varanasi

If you are planning a trip for more than 2 days in Varanasi, check out travel ideas for Varanasi itinerary 3 days & 4 days in Varanasi .

Ready to Plan a Varanasi Itinerary 2 Days Now?

Hit the start planning button and follow simple steps. Create itinerary from scratch. Get your free printable Varanasi itinerary ready in few minutes.

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Varanasi 2 Days Itinerary (Kashi Darshan)

• Tour-Package
• varanasi-2-days-itinerary

Explore the whole Banaras in 2 Days

Planning for Kashi Darshan? We offer a 2 days Varanasi tour package where you can explore the whole City i.e. all major Temples, Ghats (Steps leading to River Ganges), Museums, Monuments and many more. We organise a heritage walk tour where you will be taken from one ghat to another ghat sometimes by following steps (concatenated with another ghat) or through old narrow lanes (Starting from Assi Ghat and ending at Manikarnika Ghats) you will get the glimpse of thousands of small and big temples throughout the journey of Varanasi. During the walk tour you can experience Varanasi’s famous street foods like Kachori, Jalebi, Lassi and Chaat.

The itinerary comprises of Temples like Shri Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna Temple, Visalakshi Devi or Amman Temple, Shri Kal Bhairav Temple, Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, Birla Temple (New Vishwanath Temple in BHU Campus), Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple (Durga Kund), Tulsi Manas Mandir, Evening Ganga aarti at Dashaswamedh Ghat and Morning Ganga aarti (subah-e-banaras) at Assi Ghat, Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort (situated at Vyas Kashi).

• 2N 3D Varanasi Tour Plan
• Fare/Price List
• Additional Informations

Day 1 (Temples & Ganga aarti Tour)

Pick-up from Varanasi airport or Railway station (Prefer flights/trains that arrive in the morning) and transfer to the pre-booked Hotel by Private AC Car. After check-in and refreshment, Proceed to visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. For a queue-less darshan you must Book Sugam Darshan Ticket (Cost Rs.300 - Rs.400 per ticket) by following the official website of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Trust . After Jyotirling Darshan, visit Annapurna Temple in the same premises (Next to Mahadev Temple). Later move to Visalakshi Temple by walking through the narrow lanes. Back to Hotel for lunch. After a short interval you will be taken to the Kal Bhairava Temple and Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple . Between 4 pm - 5 pm we will reach Assi Ghat from where you will be taken to Dashaswamedh Ghat by Boat for Witness Ganga Aarti. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to finish the aarti. Later we will get back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 (Assi Ghat, Sarnath and BHU Tour)

Early morning by 4:30 am get ready and move to Assi Ghat. You will experience the mesmerising Sun Rise from assi ghat and subah-e-banaras (offering aarti to the rising sun and goddess ganga). Later we will go for a boat ride from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat (Cremation Ghat). You will see the devotees taking bath and doing rituals at the bank of river ganges, hear the ringing bell in temples, chanting mantras and feel the vibes of real Kashi. After the ride back to the Hotel for breakfast and short rest. By 9am move to Sarnath (Place where Lord Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to his 5 disciples). The main attractions of Sarnath are Dhamek Stupa, Srilankan Temple, Thai Temple, Archaeological Excavation Field and Museum. Have Lunch at any famous restaurant in Varanasi. Post lunch visit BHU Temple (Birla Temple also known as New Vishwanath Temple), Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (extra rush on Tuesday and Saturday), Durga Temple and Tulsi Manas Mandir . Free time for leisure and to explore old markets for Shopping famous Banarasi Silk Saree.

Day 3 (Airport/Railway Station Transfer)

After breakfast, Hotel Check-out and transfer to airport or railway station with remarkable and positive memories of the whole Kashi.

Tour Package - Includes

• Private Ac vehicle with good driver for all the tranfer and sightseeing mentioned in tour program (Please note that AC will be switched off during hills and idle condition)
• Toll, Parking, Inter State Taxes and Driver Batta are included with vehicle fare.

Tour Package - Excludes

• Accommodation are not included in the package.
• Monument fees, Pooja, Purohits and Shopping are not included.
• Boat rides are not included.
• Anything that is not mentioned in the package are not included
• Extra price in case of customization in program

Do's & Dont's

• Dont carry cell phones, Camera and other electronic items inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• NRI's have to show there passport for verification at entry gate of Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• You can wear anything of Indian tradition for Darshan at Vishwanth Temple.
• Must see Bhog Aarti and Shayan Aarti at Vishwanath temple between 9pm to 11pm every day.
• Booking will be confirmed only after the advance payment of 30% of total price.
• Ammendment in program are possible 72 hours before travel date.
• Package rates are based on fuel cost, toll tax and other state taxes. The price are subject to change without any prior intimation.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation between 45 to 31 days 15%
• Cancellation between 30 to 16 days 30%
• Cancellation between 15 to 8 days 40%
• Cancellation between 7 to 5 days 50%
• Cancellation within 96 Hours or No Show 100%

Route Map for Varanasi Temple Tour: Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Dashaswamedh Ghat - Sarnath - BHU Temple - Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple - Durga Temle - Kal Bhairava Temple

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• 2 Days - Varanasi and Sarnath Tour

1 Nights / 2 Days Varanasi and Sarnath Tour

Varanasi - Sarnath

• Excursion to Sarnath to enjoy ancient structures
• Visit popular temples of Varanasi
• Early morning boat ride on river Ganges
• Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony on the Boat

Varanasi is the culture capital and a holy spot for Hindus. The city is filled with many temples and pilgrim spot. The city flourished with the River Ganges running through it. People of Hinduism consider this river as a Goddess who flew down from heaven.

Many ghats are built along the bank for the people to access the river. Each ghat is a separate attraction here.

This trip picks up ultimate destinations in Varanasi for a crisp trip. The trip stretches for one night and two days, covering top attractions in the city.

Many Ghats are built at the bank of the river for the people to access. Each ghat have a separate attraction here. The trip stretches for one night and two days, covering top attractions in the city.

Tour Itinerary

After escort from airport and checking into a hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free. If you desire, you could take up small sightseeing around the hotel. You can find a lot of shops around the temples and on the roadsides.

You can shop for statues, brass works, ritual items, Benaras silk material and others. The trip starts right before sunset.

Visit to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti. It is the famous attraction of Varanasi in which you can watch interesting rituals performed to please the River Ganges and God of Fire.

If you are a photo enthusiast, this will be an interesting spot to click pictures. You can also choose to watch the ritual on a boat, from the river. The ghat tend to get very crowded during the attraction. Night stay in Varanasi.

The day starts with an early morning boat ride on river Ganges. You would watch local rituals along the riverside and ghats during the ride. The locals of Varanasi visit River Ganges very early in the morning to pray to Sun God. You will also ride through many ghats, which are famous for any unique activity. For instance, Manikarnika Ghat is famous for Hindu cremation rituals.

After the boat ride, you would be visiting top temples in the city like Sankat Mochan temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, Kalbhairav temple, ManasMandir, Birla temple, Bharat Mata temple and others. Some temples have strict rules regarding usage of mobile phones and cameras. Please follow the simple rules. During auspicious days and festivals, there will be a long queue to see the deity. Please be prepared for the wait..

In the afternoon, you will be taken on an excursion to Saranth from Varanasi . Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrim spot. It is the place where Buddha made his first sermon after getting enlightenment. Later, many kings including King Ashoka built many stupas and monuments that are now a famous tourist attraction and pilgrim spot. In Sarnath, you will be visiting Chaukhandi stupa, archeological museum, Dhamekha stupa and others. You can find many ancient Aartifacts, terracotta objects and other items inside the museum. By late evening, you would be escorted to airport or railway station as per your request. If desired, you can stay back in Varanasi and take up a detailed tour to each temple and ghat in the city. Did you know that there are 88 ghats in Varanasi?

Package Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions:.

• Accommodation in standard category of rooms at all hotels
• Meal Plan on Bed & Breakfast at all places accordingly
• Aarti ceremony in the evening
• English speaking guide as per places mentioned in itinerary.
• All Transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary by air-conditioned private vehicle for the entire tour
• All applicable current taxes for hotels and transport

Exclusions:

• Air Fare / Rail Fare
• Expenses of personal nature such as laundry / tips / shopping / telephones / Medical etc.
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions mentioned above
• Entry fees to Monuments specifically
• Charges in hotels for additional services
• Photography and video making fees at the sites
• Personal insurance
• Tips and gratuities

Best Similar Packages

• How To Reach Varanasi
• Best time to Visit Varanasi
• History of Varanasi
• Clothing Tips
• Why Visit Varanasi ?
• Chunargarh Fort
• Ganga Aarti
• River Ganga
• Ramnagar Fort
• Jantar Mantar
• Ganga Boat Ride

Ghats in Varanasi

• Dashashwamedh

Temples in Varanasi

• Kashi Vishwanath
• Birla Temple
• Durga Temple
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Sankat Mochan
• Batuk Bhairav
• Kal Bhairav Temple
• Tulsi Manas Mandir

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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