Varanasi Travel Itinerary with Best Things to Do

Passionate travellers always plan their trips with a good itinerary, after a study of the map of the place, mode of transport available and also a great list of things to do. Keeping this in mind I have prepared this Varanasi Itinerary for 2 days, which can double up as an ultimate Varanasi travel guide for first timers.

Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, needs no introduction. Yet for the uninitiated let me mention Varanasi is known as the city of ghats and temples. It is one of the oldest (5000 years of history) and holiest city in India. This ancient city of Varanasi is mystical, enigmatic and epitome of spiritual values of Hindu religion. No wonder why Varanasi tops the list of places to see in India of virtually every international tourist in India.

While the crowded chaotic city can unnerve you initially but take it from me this endearing city of Kashi warms you up quickly just the way it enveloped me and I was unwilling to leave.

Visit Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi is also known by the names Benares, Banaras, Kashi and Shiv Nagri. The name Varanasi was derived from the tract of land in between the confluence of river Varuna and Asi, hence, the name Varun-asi or Varanasi. Kasi is where River Varuna and River Asi merge with Ganges. Located in the middle-Ganges valley in the south-eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi lies on the left bank of the Ganga River. This location makes Varanasi a popular tourist destination among pilgrims, history buffs and nature lovers.

I have prepared this comprehensive Varanasi travel guide, also Varanasi itinerary for two days with a specific focus on varied experiences ranging from popular food of Varanasi, to shopping in Varanasi for souvenirs and other things to do in Varanasi.

Visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple tops the list if you are a devout Hindu; add to it witnessing the Ganga Aarti, boating on River Ganges, exploring ghats, visiting places within 100 km from Varanasi, and heritage walks. With the myriad of experiences it has to offer Varanasi is among the top places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, India.

A winter morning spent watching Sunrise on River Ganga

How to reach Varanasi (Benaras) in Uttar Pradesh

Getting to Varanasi by Air

Varanasi has its own airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. A 17 km long airport road, the Gateway of Varanasi, connects the airport to the city. You get plenty of cabs to hire which can drop you off at your hotel in Varanasi.

Varanasi Railway station

Varanasi Junction railway station (station code: BSB) is well connected to other cities of India. Varanasi district has 27 railway stations. Almost, 45 trains originate and terminate at the station, so you can well imagine the traffic to this city.

Varanasi City Railway Station – I caught a fleeting glimpse of the station during our road trip to Chandauli from Varanasi

Getting around in Varanasi

Besides walking through the lanes of Varanasi, you can explore Varanasi city in rickshaws. There are petrol driven ones and battery operated electric rickshaws, called to-to, which charge comparatively less and run on a shared basis.

Where to stay in Varanasi

I stayed in Hotel Amaya located 5.3 km west of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, 24 min by car and 1 hour 7 min by walk. It is a decent mid budget hotel with all amenities and helpful, kind staff.

Varanasi has hundreds of hotels that suit the budget of every range. Hotel Brijarama, a palace turned into a hotel, located on the banks of Ganges with a luxury ambiance.

If you are undecided where to stay in Varanasi, I strongly recommend staying near the ghats. That way you can explore the ghats in Varanasi. There are 85 of them. Now with the completion of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor walking along the ghats has become an easy affair. You may not need the tuk tuk services too.

Many residential buildings close to the ghats are now heritage hotels. However always double check for the authenticity of such hotels. Often tourists get scammed with false information especially by the taxi drivers who pick them up from airport.

Varanasi Travel Guide

Day 1 of Varanasi Itinerary of 2 days

(You can follow this itinerary for the first day if you plan just two days in Varanasi.)

Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat – Start your day early by witnessing the Ganga Aarti, Subah-e-Banaras, on Assi Ghat. It is a ceremony for worshipping River Ganga, a ritual that has been observed for years and years. However in the past one decade this ceremony has acquired immense popularity with tourists and photographers. This is of 45 minutes duration and takes place just before sunrise.

Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat Varanasi

Boat ride in a Bajra along Ganges during sunrise – After witnessing the Ganga Aarti take a boat ride in River Ganga. To watch the sunrise over Ganges is one of the most peaceful experiences one can have in this holy city. You get boats that cater to different numbers of passengers and different budget options. Choose any that suits you but don’t miss this out at any cost.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Mandir – You can approach this temple by road or from ghat. I could witness a part of the Sapta Rishi ritual held during the evening hours. Very crowded place, the priests there in the temple premises offer to give Prasad, but in return they expect some money (whatever you wish). The exit towards Gyan Vyapi mosque is closed. One can see the dome from a distance. Walk around the temple and you will get to see many temples taken over by the authorities which were once inside houses of people.

The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (transl. Radiant form of God Shiva) in India. Read my visit: Grishneshwar Temple, a Jyotirlinga Temple.

The temple is open all 365 days of the year. There is no ticket for entering the temple, it is free. Word of caution here – Mobiles, keys, watches, cameras are not allowed in the temple. Locker facility is available in the shops to keep your electronic gadgets.

(While I write about my visit to this Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Varanasi I wish to mention that just couple of weeks back I visited the Kashi of South India – Tenkasi. I visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Tenkasi. While I was writing my blog on the south Kasi temple I was wishing for visit to the north Kashi. Within a couple of days of writing the blog I had this invite to attend the International Travel Writers’ Conclave in Varanasi. Isn’t this divine intervention? I feel truly blessed for the opportunity. No wonder why Varanasi is said to be a spiritual experience.)

There are 23,000 odd temples in Varanasi. Other temples that you can visit around Kashi Vishwanath Temple are Annapurneshwari Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Vishalakshi Temple, a Shakti Peeth.

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Varanasi – the original temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb. The present temple was built in the year 1780 by the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

Shopping in Varanasi – Give a grand finale to the day by scouring through the innumerable choices of souvenirs waiting to be picked up. From textiles, metal art, wood work, colourful stones, perfumes, local handmade bead jewelries, there are lots and lots of stuff to buy in the markets in the lanes of Varanasi.

Do check out my shopping guide of Varanasi – 19 Best Souvenirs of Varanasi

Souvenirs shopping in Varanasi

What to eat for Breakfast and Lunch in Varanasi – Go to any restaurant in Varanasi you will be treated to crispy Kachori and sabzi for breakfast. The khasta Kachoris are super crisp and are filled with masala – a mix of potato and lentils.

I had Badi Kachori, which is stuffed with a spicy mixture made of lentils called Dal Ki Pithi, and Choti Kachori stuffed with a spicy mashed potato mix and jalebis. It is the taste of Varanasi. For lunch try the bati chokha, a traditional dish, stuffed whole wheat dough balls with a spiced mix of roasted gram flour or sattu.

Another dish I suggest you try is Nimona, a local special made of minced green peas which are spiced with Hing (asafoetida). Other taste worthy dishes of Varanasi are: Laaiya Channa, Chena Dahi Vada, Choora Matar, Dahi Chutney Golgappe, Tamatar Chaat.

If you are travelling during winters to Varanasi, try the Malaiyyo – the iconic sweet of Varanasi. Malaiyyo is made of milk, fluffed up with a secret technique, and topped with Pistachios, Khoya and a scoop of powdered sugar.

Breakfast in Varanasi

Day 2 of Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days

Start the second day early so that you can do all the activities scheduled for the day and be back on time the evening Ganga Aarti on Dashaswamedh Ghat.

Heritage walks through Weavers’ Village of Varanasi – Weavers’ Village in Lallapura is 2.2 km from Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. It was a group tour, and our vehicle dropped us a short distance away. Walking towards the homes of the weavers was an experience by itself. The narrow lanes were lined with little shops selling a variety of things especially shops selling Banarasi pan, a fav of locals.  An after food item, it aids digestion and also acts as a mouth freshener. 

The rhythmic clatter of looms got louder as we approached their homes. Inside bent over looms, I found old hands guiding the warps and wefts, weaving intricate patterns out of colourful bundles of silk threads. They are passionate about their work, preserving the art and passing it down to the next generation. While the rise of power loom products creates a bit of insecurity, somewhere in the corner of their hearts they believe there are many who still treasure hand-crafted textiles.

You can visit their showrooms and have a look at their products. If you believe in supporting local businesses then indulge in the little shops here. One important tip for shopping in Varanasi – Always bargain!

Address-Lallapura, Naipokhari, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001

Power Loom in Weavers’ Village Varanasi

Visit to Trade Facilitation Center and Craft Museum Varanasi (TFC). It is also known by the name Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. It is a unique place where various art skills are showcased and sold. A very intelligently designed museum space spreads over three floors. Many artisans are invited to work and interact with visitors. These interactive sessions help the tourists understand the art skills better.

I was most impressed by the textile gallery. The panels on display explain the different types of weaves and weaving techniques in Hindi and English. Watch out for a piece woven using peacock feathers, morpankhi, woven with peacock feathers and a silk warp. Never will you see a piece like that anywhere else!

Then there are exhibits of Gulabi Minakari, black terracotta, brass and metal art, wooden artefacts, bead jewelry, more, more and more. You can shop for souvenirs in the different shops here and be assured that the artisans are directly benefited from it.

There is a food court in the building where you can indulge in a good meal or snack a bit before proceeding to the next destination.

Trade Facilitation Centre is 10.3 km from Lallapur. It takes 34 min by car.

Deendayal Hastakala Sankul – Trade Centre and Museum

Sarnath Stupa and Archaeological Museum – Sarnath is 8 km from the Trade Facilitation Centre. It takes 39 min via Gautam Buddha Rajpath Rd. Most tourists in Varanasi make a trip to Sarnath too.

Sarnath in Varanasi is a holy place for Buddhists. Dhamek Stupa is the same place where the Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples (Kaundinya, Assaji, Bhaddiya, Vappa and Mahanama).  Walking through the remains of monasteries gives goosebumps. This entire area was a deer forest once. Imagine the great Buddha walked this same land, centuries back!

The Sarnath museum is treasure house of historically precious remains, stone inscriptions from the ancient era excavated from the adjacent site. Tour time required is around half an hour. Try and do this first and then visit the archaeological site, it will be more pleasant towards the evening and you can get some cool sunset photographs. Hire one government guide who will take you to both.

TFC to Sarnath is 8 km and takes 18 min. via Varanasi Ring Rd and Sarnath – Munari Rd

Places to visit Varanasi – Strolling through Stupas – Sarnath Archaeological Site

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi – After your visit to Sarnath head back to Varanasi. You can witness the Ganga aarti held at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It starts at about 6:45 PM, after sunset and lasts for 45 minutes. If you wish for a good spot to witness the spiritual event, arrive at least an hour early. Alternatively you can hire a boat, to get a clear relaxing view away from the crowds.

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and biggest ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. According to a legend, God Brahma had created it to welcome the Mahadeva, who is God Shiva. Originally this ghat was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in the year 1748. A few decades later, Ahilyabahi Holkar, the Queen of Indore rebuilt the ghat in the year 1774. Today the evening aarti attracts the maximum number of people.

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi

Like the morning aarti, seven young saints dressed up uniformly in silky saffron, maroon and white robes conduct this ceremony, chant prayers for Ganga Ma with a layered brass lamp, flowers, incense sticks, conch shell and other items for rituals. It is the most spectacular religious or devotional ritual in Varanasi.

If you still have energy and enthusiasm left, take a boat ride to see how beautifully the ghats are illuminated at night. You can see the Ganga aarti conducted at a couple of other ghats too. You can also see the heart wrenching scenes of funeral pyres burning in Manikarnika ghat from a distance, which may not be possible from close quarters.

Where to eat in Varanasi – Best restaurants and hotels in Varanasi

After my experience of having good foods in Varanasi, I strongly recommend having breakfast in the local restaurants near ghat. I had kachori sabzi in Theth Banarasi located at a walking distance from Assi Ghat. Dinner at BrijRama Palace on Darbhanga Ghat is worth the time and money for the grand music and dance performances during dinner. Baati Chokha restaurant too is an ideal place for a good Thali meal with local Varanasi dishes.

Baati chokha Restaurant Varanasi

Other places to eat in Varanasi are: Kerala Café near Bhelupur, Vaatika Pizzeria at Assi Ghat, Dosa café and Brown Bread. They have a good rating in several sites.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

Summers (April to June) are best avoided. Though the days are longer and you can explore more, it can get unbearably hot especially in the noon, when it would be better to stay indoors.

Monsoons (July to September) water level in Ganges can get dangerously high. Boating is banned if there is excess rainfall and rise in water level beyond safety zones. .

October to March are the best months to travel to Varanasi. There are plenty of festivals one can witness. The weather is pleasant too.

What to wear in Varanasi?

Varanasi is a place of pilgrimage and deeply rooted in Indian traditions. Though today the scenario is changing and Varanasi attracts curious tourists in huge numbers. Hence, wearing modest attire is suggested. Wear light clothes in summers but keep yourself well covered too. Showing too much skin can bring some unwanted attention.

Tourists in Varanasi

Are two days sufficient to tour Varanasi?

If one were to ask how many days are required to plan a visit to Varanasi, it is difficult to specify a number. It can take anywhere between days to years. Those who wish to make max use of the money and time spent to visit can extend their stay.

What to See near Varanasi?

Check out places to visit in Chandauli, 40.7 km away from Varanasi. For a three days itinerary of Varanasi check this travel blog post on Places around Varanasi.

Interested in more Destinations Guides of India?

Check these:

Lakkundi Travel Guide, Karnataka

Jajpur Odisha – Things to Do,

Bhopal Travel Guide, Madhya Pradesh

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