Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is a sacred place. Every traveller in the country who worships Lord Shiva wishes to visit this holy city at least once in their lifetime. Kashi is also known as the city of salvation.
Kashi is believed to be Lord Shiva’s most beloved city. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself lives here and blesses everyone who comes to visit.
Planning more spiritual trips? Don’t miss our detailed Rishikesh itinerary for 2 days to explore the peaceful yoga capital of India.
Do you also want to feel the divine energy of Lord Shiva? It is said that everyone wishes to visit Varanasi, but only those who are blessed and fortunate are able to reach this holy city.
Have you been planning to visit Kashi for many days but cannot find time because of your work?
If yes, then we have brought you the “Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days,” where we will explain how you can explore Lord Shiva’s favourite city in just two days without feeling tired.
Sages, saints, and devotees believe that anyone who comes to Kashi with a pure heart to see Lord Shiva will surely experience His presence in one form or another.
So, get ready to visit Varanasi, where the narrow streets echo with the powerful chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”
Are two days enough for Varanasi?
Absolutely enough if you are an elderly person yourself or traveling to Varanasi with an elderly person.
Although Varanasi has hundreds of small temples and even 10 days may not be enough to visit them all, nowadays people are short on time.
You may also be short on time, so keeping this in mind, we have created a special “Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days” for you, which you just need to read and follow.
If you are elderly or traveling to Varanasi with elderly family members, do not worry. This 2-day Varanasi trip includes everything, from visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to attending the divine Ganga Aarti.
Day 1: Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Holy Ghats
If you want to start your two-day Varanasi trip without a break, you will need to wake up a little early on the first day.
As part of this Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days, every visitor begins their journey with a visit to Lord Shiva at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
1) Kashi Vishwanath Temple (One of the 12 Jyotirlingas)
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a temple whose vast premises will give you a feeling of profound spiritual peace as soon as you enter, a feeling you may not be able to describe but can definitely feel.
If you want to experience this magical atmosphere at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you will need to arrive before 6 a.m., as it is often very crowded.
For temple timings and official information, you can also visit the official website of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Be sure to keep a few things in mind before visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple:
- Arrive before 6 a.m. if you want to have a peaceful darshan of Lord Shiva in a less crowded environment.
- Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple premises, so keep them safely in a nearby locker.
- Devotees visiting the temple must follow the dress code, meaning girls and women should not enter the temple wearing short clothes. Wear clothes that cover your entire body.
- The temple’s security is very strict, so do not carry too many items and do not argue unnecessarily with any security guard, as he is just doing his duty.
Note: Darshan of Lord Shiva at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is free, but if you want to participate in the temple Aarti, you will have to book it in advance, as it is chargeable.
2) Sunrise Boat Ride on the River Ganga:
After visiting Lord Shiva at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, you’ll need to head to Dashashwamedh Ghat, located about 1 km away. You can easily hire an auto-rickshaw to reach the ghat from the temple.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, a series of steps leading down to the river, is one of Varanasi’s most sacred ghats. The spectacular view of the rising sun from this ghat is as beautiful as you’ve ever seen.
As morning dawns, you’ll see numerous priests performing pujas and hear chants wafting through the air.
The entire atmosphere of this ghat becomes spiritual as dawn breaks. Like other devotees, you should take a holy dip in the sacred River Ganga at this ghat.
According to our “Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days,” you should enjoy the sunrise boat ride from this ghat.
A sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga will allow you to see Varanasi’s most famous Manikarnika Ghat and Assi Ghat, as well as several other sacred ghats that are truly beautiful.
Don’t miss this sunrise boat ride on the River Ganga in Varanasi, or your Varanasi trip will be incomplete.
What and Where to Have Lunch in Varanasi?
After visiting the famous temples and ghats of Varanasi, you’ll undoubtedly feel hungry.
If you want a good lunch in Varanasi during your Varanasi itinerary for 2 days, head immediately to Varanasi’s Godaulia Market, located just a short distance from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
In my opinion, you should eat a hearty and filling meal for lunch, as you need energy to navigate the narrow streets of Varanasi. You’ll definitely find your favourite lunch at the local restaurants located in Godaulia Market.
If you’ve had breakfast in the morning and aren’t particularly hungry, you don’t need to go to Godaulia Market. You can sample Varanasi’s most famous dishes, such as kachori sabji and tomato chaat, around Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Don’t forget to try the Banarasi lassi and malaiyo available near the ghats. Malaiyo is Varanasi’s most famous seasonal sweet and is a must-try for every visitor.
3) Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
After lunch, you should wander through the narrow streets of Varanasi. If you are elderly or accompanied by an elderly person, you should return to your hotel and rest.
At 5 p.m., you should go directly from your hotel to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you will witness the world-famous Ganga Aarti — a spectacular sight you may have never seen before.
If you want the latest schedule and official information about the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, you can check the official website here: gangaarti.org
What is the Ganga Aarti time at Dashashwamedh Ghat?
The Ganga Aarti takes place between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the season, and pilgrims from all over the world flock to Varanasi to witness it. To fully experience the Ganga Aarti, arrive at Dashashwamedh Ghat at least an hour in advance.
There are seating facilities for pilgrims to view the Ganga Aarti, but due to the large crowd of devotees, many pilgrims find it difficult to get a place to sit.
Is it necessary to witness the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
It is absolutely necessary. When priests hold large lamps, worship the holy River Ganga, and blow conch shells, the atmosphere at Dashashwamedh Ghat fills with powerful spiritual energy. That is why we have included the Ganga Aarti in our varanashi itinerary for 2 days.
I believe everyone, young or old, should witness this Aarti at some point in their lives.
Where and What to Do for Dinner in Varanasi?
After watching the Ganga Aarti, you can have baati chokha at any local restaurant in Varanasi, as it is considered a traditional dish and a perfect way to end the first day of your Varanasi itinerary for 2 days.
If you don’t feel like having a heavy dinner, you can eat kachori sabzi and drink Banarasi lassi around Dashashwamedh Ghat.
After dinner, return to your hotel and relax.
If you love exploring sacred cities in India, you may also enjoy our Ayodhya itinerary for 2 days to experience the divine atmosphere of Lord Ram’s birthplace.
Day 2: Kashi’s Spiritual Depths and Hidden Gems
On the second day of the Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days, wake up early and have breakfast.
After breakfast, you’ll head to Assi Ghat, one of Varanasi’s most popular tourist destinations.
1) Assi Ghat (A Ghat That Will Soothe Your Mind)
After breakfast, arrive at Assi Ghat as early as possible to experience its peaceful atmosphere. Compared to other ghats in Varanasi, you’ll find Assi Ghat less crowded.
What can you do at Assi Ghat in the morning?
- After arriving at Assi Ghat in the morning, you should practice yoga and meditation in the peaceful atmosphere, just like other travelers from India and abroad.
- In the morning, a program called “Subah-e-Banaras” is held at this ghat, which you should definitely attend. You’ll have a lot of fun.
- If you don’t know yoga or meditation, then you should sit quietly on the banks of the holy River Ganga passing through Assi Ghat so that you can feel the miraculous peace of this ghat.
- If you reach Assi Ghat before sunrise, you will get to see the amazing view of the sunrise, which you have never seen before in your life.
2) Visit Sarnath (Place of Buddha’s First Sermon)
You’ll undoubtedly find peace at Assi Ghat in the morning. The serenity here will completely refresh your mind, after which you’ll head to Sarnath, located approximately 11 km from Varanasi.
We’ve included Sarnath in our Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days because Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at this sacred site.
If you visit Sarnath, don’t forget to visit the Buddhist temple there. Most travelers to Varanasi also visit the beautiful Sarnath Museum.
One of Sarnath’s main attractions is the Dhamek Stupa, which is a must-see.
Where and what to eat for lunch in Varanasi?
You’ll feel hungry after visiting Sarnath, but don’t worry, there are plenty of great restaurants where you can eat your favourite food, listed below.
- Aditya Restaurant (famous for North and South Indian lunches)
- The Green Balcony Cafe (famous for Italian and Chinese cuisine)
- Restaurant Up-65 (famous for delicious food with high-class facilities)
- Local Banarasi Cuisine (famous for delicious “Kachori Bhaji”)
It’s not necessary to visit Sarnath according to our Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days. If you’re too tired, you shouldn’t visit Sarnath.
If you don’t visit Sarnath, you can find your favourite lunch at one of the many restaurants around Assi Ghat. After lunch, you should go back to your hotel and rest.
3) Varanasi Local Markets for Shopping
After relaxing, head to the local markets of Varanasi located near Vishwanath Gali to shop in the evening.
You can shop at Godaulia Bazaar and Thatheri Bazaar, but Vishwanath Gali is the most famous market and a must-see in Varanasi.
What to Buy in Varanasi’s Local Markets?
If you’re a shopaholic, Varanasi’s local markets are the perfect place. You can find the world-famous Banarasi sarees made of silk in these markets.
If you’re interested in religious idols and Rudraksha beads, you’ll find them all in these markets.
We’ve included local markets in our Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days because shopping in Varanasi is a truly wonderful experience.
Where and what to do for dinner in Varanasi?
You’ll also find plenty of street food in the local markets of Varanasi where you’ve gone shopping.
If you want to try the best street food in Varanasi for dinner, you should visit Godaulia Bazaar so that you can enjoy delicious local food after your shopping.
If you don’t like street food, you can go to a local restaurant and have Baati Chokha or a good paneer dish.
It’s not necessary to eat only the dishes mentioned in our Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days. If you prefer, you can try your favourite food, such as North Indian or South Indian cuisine, at any local restaurant.
Don’t forget to try Varanasi’s famous Banarasi Paan; otherwise, your trip will feel incomplete. After that, head back to your hotel and start packing.
Best time to visit Varanasi
- You should visit Varanasi between October and March. Remember, if you don’t like crowds, visit the city on working days (Tuesday to Friday), as weekends and Mondays are very crowded.
- Festivals like Mahashivratri and Dev Deepawali attract huge crowds because these festivals are considered spiritually powerful. You should avoid visiting during these days.
- If you’re visiting during the summer season, rest at your hotel during the afternoon, as it can be very hot.
- You can visit during the rainy season, but heavy rains can often block some roads. During heavy rains, you may not be able to fully explore all the major tourist attractions.
My advice: According to our Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days, you should visit between October and March on working days (Tuesday to Friday) so that you do not have to face too much crowd.
Looking for another powerful spiritual destination? Don’t miss our Ujjain itinerary for 2 days to experience the divine aura of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain.
Final Thoughts on the 2-Day Varanasi Itinerary
After visiting Varanasi, your philosophy may completely change. You will experience a spiritual energy in the city that will bring peace to your mind.
The two days you spend in Kashi, the city of salvation, will be so memorable that you will never forget them. All you need to do is follow the local customs and traditions.
Please let us know in the comments how much you enjoyed your journey according to our “Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days.” If you encountered any difficulties during your trip, please let us know about them as well so that other travellers can benefit from your experience.
If you are going on this Kashi trip with a true heart, we are confident that Lord Shiva will bless you in some form or another.
Har Har Mahadev 🙏
Have you ever experienced the spiritual energy of Varanasi? Share your experience in the comments below.
