Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

48 Hours in Varanasi: A Spiritual Sojourn

Viewed by 99 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

6:00 AM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Start your day with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you will witness the magical sunrise ceremoniously welcoming the day.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat, approximately 15 minutes from city center.
INR0, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Sample some traditional Varanasi breakfast items like Kachori Sabzi and Chai at the local favorite, Kashi Chat Bhandar.
Take a short walk, about 10 minutes from the ghat.
INR150, 45 minutes

8:30 AM

Explore Sarnath

Travel to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment; visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum.
Hire an auto-rickshaw from the restaurant to Sarnath, about 20 minutes away.
INR500, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Return to Varanasi and visit the significant Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a symbol of faith for many devotees.
Take an auto-rickshaw back to Varanasi, around 20 minutes.
INR50 for entry, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Baba Lassi

Refresh with a delicious Lassi at Baba Lassi and enjoy some light snacks such as Paneer Tikka, known for their authentic flavors.
Walk to Baba Lassi, approximately 15 minutes from the temple.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Boating on the Ganges

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges, absorbing the spiritual essence of Varanasi from the waters.
Head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the boat ride; it's just a 10-minute walk.
INR800, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Ghats

Wander the winding lanes and alleys of Varanasi, taking in the vibrant local life and interactions with shopkeepers and artisans.
Explore on foot starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR0, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Evening Tea at Varanasi Tea House

Sit back and enjoy a serene cup of tea at Varanasi Tea House while reflecting on your day's experiences.
Take a short walk to Varanasi Tea House.
INR100, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht Varanasi

Savor a traditional Awadhi meal at Dum Pukht Varanasi, offering mouthwatering dishes like Biryani and Seekh Kebabs.
Hire an auto-rickshaw to reach Dum Pukht, approximately 15 minutes away.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Explore the Local Market

End your day with a stroll through the local market, perfect for buying handicrafts and souvenirs.
Head back towards the main market area, about a 20-minute walk.
INR0 (shopping costs vary), 1 hour
Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 2: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

6:00 AM

Morning Walk Along the Ghats

Wake up early and take a peaceful morning walk along the Ghats, where life begins anew with prayers and rituals by the river.
Start from your accommodation towards the Ghats.
INR0, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Bhelpuri Wallah

Indulge in some street food breakfast of Bhelpuri while soaking in the buzzing morning atmosphere.
Located near the Ghats, just a few minutes walk.
INR100, 30 minutes

7:30 AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Observe the cultural significance of the Manikarnika Ghat, known for its cremation ceremonies, which reflect the core beliefs about life and death.
Short walk from breakfast spot.
INR0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore the Banaras Hindu University

Visit the sprawling Banaras Hindu University and its impressive campus, including the Vishwanath Temple inside the university.
Hire a rickshaw to reach the university, about 15 minutes away.
INR20 for entry, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Enjoy a Mid-Morning Snack

Stop for a quick snack at a local vendor, trying Samosas or Vada Pav to refuel for the day ahead.
Look for street vendors near the university.
INR50, 30 minutes

11:00 AM

Visit Archaeological Museum

Explore archaeological artifacts and history at the Archaeological Museum, deepening your understanding of the city's long-standing heritage.
It’s a short rickshaw ride from the university, about 10 minutes.
INR100, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Varanasi Street Food

Dive into the vibrant street food scene and try a mix of Sev Puri and Pani Puri at a local stall.
Return to the main city center to explore local stalls.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to the author of the Ramayana, and enjoy its beautiful marble architecture.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride back to the area.
INR0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shopping and Souvenir Hunting

Spend your afternoon shopping for Banarasi silks and local handicrafts in the bustling bazaars.
Explore the shops near the temple on foot.
INR0 (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Rest at Hotel

Take a break and relax at your hotel before heading out for your final evening in Varanasi.
Return to your accommodation to unwind.
INR0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Pind Balluchi

Enjoy dinner at Pind Balluchi, known for its traditional North Indian dishes such as Thali and Tandoori.
Quick rickshaw ride back to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
INR800, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Final Ganga Aarti Experience

Conclude your Varanasi adventure by attending the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a fantastic end to an unforgettable journey.
A short walk from the restaurant to the ghats.
INR0, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Varanasi
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About VARANASI

Best India Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Varanasi (Late February)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Varanasi, India (June)
Packing List
Varanasi Weather Guide: Seasons, Climate & Local Life
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Varanasi
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your VARANASI Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go