Varanasi is India’s oldest city and one of the oldest cities in the world. A city that has stood strong for so many centuries has so much character, every small corner has so much history to explore. Now planning a short getaway to one of India’s oldest cities can be a task since there is so much to explore and so little time. So if you’re planning a “Varanasi 2 days itinerary“, this blog can help you explore the best spots in Varanasi in just two days.
This will help you explore the beautiful city and it won’t feel like you were here just for a few days. Two days may not seem enough, but Varanasi has a way about it. The gorgeous Ancient temples, narrow lanes, spiritual rituals, and food will stay with you for a while. Whether you are travelling with family, friends, or alone, having a solo moment. This guide which is put together covers the best experiences, local food, and the most important attractions. So that your journey feels complete, even in just two days.
Table of Contents
ToggleYour first day should be about exploring the soul of the city. The beautiful temples, ghats. You should start your morning before sunrise. The city looks majestic in the morning before sunrise. The ghat during the sunrise and sunset looks so good. You can take a boat ride on the Ganga River. This is the best way to begin your trip. Watching the sun rise behind the ancient ghats while priests perform morning prayers is a treat to watch. It really does something to your soul, it’s so spiritual, it almost cleanses your soul. It’s a beautiful sight which is hard to describe, you can only understand once you get to experience it.
When you’re done with the boat ride, you can walk through Dashashwamedh Ghat and nearby lanes. You can have breakfast at the local vendors and try some local delicacies. The lanes are beautifully filled with small stalls of tea, flowers, jewellery and antique stuff. You can do a little shopping, and take back a piece of Varanasi back with you.
Next stop has to be one of the most famous temples in India and all across India, Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the heart and soul of Varanasi. Since it is one of the Jyotirlingas, the security can be quite strict. You must make sure that you have only essential belongings. You can also spend some time inside the temple complex before heading towards the nearby Annapurna Temple and Vishalakshi Temple. These are such beautiful temples, so crowded yet so calm in their own way. The thing about Varanasi is that there is so much heritage and soul in each place.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, these temples have to be on your list.
You can also try some local delicacies for lunch. Try the Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, and Banarasi Lassi. Make sure you try the food from small local shops because they serve the most flavourful and delicious food.
In the evening, you can visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti. Make sure you arrive at least 1-2 hours early. People start arriving early to secure a good spot. You have to understand that the crowd builds up quickly since the whole of Varanasi is here in the evening witnessing the aarti.
Start your second day with a visit to Assi Ghat. This place is more calm and composed than Dashashwamedh during the morning. Later on you can visit Tulsi Manas Temple. This temple is quite popular because people say that Ramcharitmanas have been written here. You can then visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Keep one thing in mind is that Tuesdays and Saturdays are usually more crowded than other days.
Now if you’re really into history, you can easily spend the afternoon at Sarnath. This place is located about 10 kilometres from Varanasi. The historical significance of this place is that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here. There is the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar ruins, also an archaeological museum, and peaceful gardens. You can easily explore these places and understand the history behind it.
Many travellers planning a Varanasi itinerary for 2 days often include Sarnath because it adds another cultural dimension to the journey.If you still have time, you can visit Ramnagar Fort which is on the opposite side of the river. If you find yourself there before sunset, it will be a treat to watch. Inside the museum, you can see the royal artefacts, vintage cars, weapons, and manuscripts which are displayed in the museum.
Return to the city in the evening and don’t leave without trying Banarasi Paan. More than just a local snack. Almost a tradition.If you’re wondering about things to do in Varanasi in 2 days, this itinerary is perfect for you. You can easily follow our Varanasi trip itinerary. It will help you cover the city in no time.
Many visitors try to fit too many attractions into a short trip. That often becomes exhausting. This Kashi itinerary balances sightseeing with moments to simply sit by the river, observe daily life, and enjoy the city’s unique rhythm. Some places are not about spending hours. Just being present for a while. Watching people, hearing temple bells, sipping chai. Sometimes enough.
