Varanasi 2-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Ghats, Culture & History
Arrival (10-11 AM)
12:00 PM - Lunch
Lunch at Baati Chokha, Keshari Restaurant, or Shri Annapurna Restaurant.
1:00 PM - Visit Sarnath
- Dhamek Stupa - The site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Chaukhandi Stupa - Marks Buddha's arrival in Sarnath.
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar - Serene Buddhist temple with frescoes.
- Sarnath Museum - Explore ancient Buddhist artifacts.
4:30 PM - Return to Varanasi & Optional Visit to Ramnagar Fort
Mughal & Rajput architecture, Royal Museum (vintage cars, old manuscripts, weapons).
6:00 PM - Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Witness the grand evening Ganga Aarti (6:00-7:30 PM). Optional boat ride for a better view.
8:00 PM - Explore Ghats & Varanasi Street Food
- Walk along Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat.
- Try Tamatar Chaat, Kachori-Sabzi, Malaiyyo, Banarasi Paan, Pahalwan Lassi, Blue Lassi.
Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Hidden Gems
4:30 AM - Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Attend Mangala Aarti (4:00-5:30 AM).
- Visit Annapurna Temple & Kal Bhairav Temple.
7:00 AM - Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges
Best viewed from a boat ride, covering all major ghats.
8:30 AM - Breakfast
Kachori-Sabzi & Jalebi at Ram Bhandar or Shree Café.
9:30 AM - Explore More Temples
- Tulsi Manas Mandir - Dedicated to Lord Rama.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple - Famous for Hanuman devotees.
- Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) - Dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Bharat Mata Temple - Features a unique map of India carved in marble.
11:30 AM - Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- New Vishwanath Temple - Modern temple on campus.
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum - Showcasing rare paintings, sculptures.
1:00 PM - Lunch & Shopping
- Dosa Café (South Indian), Baati Chokha, Pizzeria Vaatika Café.
- Explore Thatheri Bazaar & Godowlia Market for Banarasi Silk Sarees, handicrafts, souvenirs.
3:00 PM - Visit Nepali Temple (Mini-Kathmandu)
Intricate Nepalese wooden carvings.
4:30 PM - Relax at a Café
Visit Mangi Ferra Café or Open Hand Café for coffee/snacks.
6:00 PM - Departure
What You'll Cover in 2 Days
- Spiritual Sites: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Tulsi Manas Mandir,
Durga Temple.
- Ghats & Ganga Aarti: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sunrise Boat Ride.
- Cultural & Historical: Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Mata Temple, Nepali Temple.
- Food & Shopping: Banarasi street food, Banarasi sarees, handicrafts.
This itinerary ensures you get the best experience of Varanasi in 2 days! Enjoy your trip!