48 hours in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Subah-e-Benaras, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath

Published on 2021-08-27

Ghats of Varanasi

Ghats of Varanasi

Destination

pilgrimage

Best time to visit

October to March

  • Varanasi is known by many names – Benaras, Banaras, Kashi – because it means different things to different people who come here.
  • It is also home to the ancient river, the Ganges, which, in turn, is banked by more than 80 Ghats that represent the cultural interactions of a different level.
  • Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world but today it is an important industrial centre, known for its muslin fabric, Banarasi silk sarees, sculpture and lots more.
  • Varanasi has been the cultural centre of India for thousands of years, evident in the music, dance, theatre and religious destinations that dot the city.
  • Apart from being home to the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the city has hundreds of big and small temples where devotees worship a number of deities.
  • The city is known to be a major religious destination for Hindu pilgrims seeking moksha or salvation, but a considerably large number of foreigners visit here as well, attracted by the vibe of the ancient city.

Highlights

  • Subah-e-Benaras – The spiritual awakening of Varanasi is a sight you just cannot miss!
  • Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The central experience of visiting this city, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.
  • Boat Ride around Varanasi Ghats – The city is home to more than 80 ghats, so there is a lot of ways to explore the city- one interesting method is travel by boat.
  • Evening Ganga Aarti – The evening prayer ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat is a great way to end your day in this ancient city.
  • Local food – Steeped in history, the local food joints in Banaras are a delight to visit. Most can be reached on foot as these food joints are located in crowded markets.
  • Sarnath – Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, It is located at  a distance of 13 km from Banaras. It is a peaceful site to visit.

Itinerary

Day - 1 Boat Ride & Evening Aarti Dashashwamedh Ghat & Explore popular street food

You can start your day with a boat ride of the majestic Ganga river, during the morning or evening, depending upon when you reach Varanasi.

  • You can start your boat ride at 4 pm, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat through Assi Ghat, Kedarnath Ghat, ending up at Manikarnika Ghat. The ride would cost you approximately Rs. 1500.
Boat Ride @ Dashashvamedh Ghat
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Boat Ride @ Dashashvamedh Ghat

Between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm, you can participate in the Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. You can get a better view of Aarti if you are in a boat.

Evening Ganga Aarti, Dashashvamedh Ghat
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Evening Ganga Aarti, Dashashvamedh Ghat

Spend the rest of the evening roaming around the local markets like Thatheri Market & Godowlia Market, both popular destinations.

Street Food – Banaras is famous for its multiple chaat options, which are delicious as well as innovative.

Tamatar Chaat, Kashi Chaat Bhandar
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Tamatar Chaat, Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Dinner – Baati Chokha – This is a theme-based restaurant, where you will get to eat in a village-like ambiance. They serve traditional Indian food. It is located 3 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Baati Chokha is popular delicacy in UP & Bihar
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Baati Chokha is popular delicacy in UP & Bihar

One can stay at Hotel Buddha in Varanasi,  which is about 2 km from the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This hotel is accessible to nearby ghats & Railway station, located in a peaceful area.

Explore more Hotels in Varanasi

Day 2 - Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Visit & sarnath

The best way to begin your day in Banaras is by the banks of Ganga at “Subah-e-Banaras.” 

It is a 5.30 am morning worship ceremony at Assi Ghat involving divine activities and a cultural program, including Yoga.

Subah-e-Banaras, Ganga Aarti
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Subah-e-Banaras, Ganga Aarti

Ganga Snan – Go for a dip in the holy waters at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As per Hindu belief, a dip in Ganga helps you attain Moksha (salvation).

Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple – Kaal Bhairav is the Nagar-Kotwal (City Inspector) of Kashi and the belief goes that one should visit here first before proceeding to the Vishwanath Temple.

Current temple structure built in 17th Century
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Current temple structure built in 17th Century

Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple - A Shiva Temple, this place is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the country. 

Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Near Dashashwamedh Ghat

Breakfast Ram Bhandar – The best way to begin your culinary experience of the day is to go for their Kachori and Jalebi breakfast. The place operates between 7 am to 10.30 am.

Sankat Mochan Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple was established by Sant Goswami Tulsi Dass.

Durga Temple – Another famous temple of the city, it is located 500 m from Sankat Mochan Temple.

Lunch Rasna Family Restaurant – They serve tasty food. We particularly enjoyed their Sattu Paratha with Baingan Bhartha.

Sattu Parantha with Baingan @Rasna family Restaurant
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Sattu Parantha with Baingan @Rasna family Restaurant

Kabir Chaura Math – This place is where Saint Kabir spent his life when he was in Varanasi.

Lifespan of Saint Kabir is believed to be from 1398 to 1518
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Lifespan of Saint Kabir is believed to be from 1398 to 1518

Sarnath – At this place, located 10 km from Banaras, Lord Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon at this place.

 Important pilgrimage for Buddhists
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Important pilgrimage for Buddhists

Banarasi Paan– This is a must-try suggestion – Keshav Tambul Bhandar, 4 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is known for its delicious meetha paan. You must not miss it!

Overnight stay at Varanasi

Day - 3 Departure from Varanasi

Take a dip in one of the holiest rivers in the world, The Ganga. Go for a relaxing bath in the river without the rush of going anywhere. This could be a lifetime memory for you.

  • The city is home to hundreds of temples and you can catch up on visiting a few more that you may have missed out on in the previous 48 hours.
Ganga Snan, Dashashvamedh Ghat
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Ganga Snan, Dashashvamedh Ghat

Rooftop cafes in Varanasi offer a multitude of experiences while you sit around, watching surroundings while nestling the drink of your choice like tea, mango smoothie or lassi!

  • Check out from Hotel, return to base location

Things to Buy/Popular shopping Location

  • Banarasi silk sarees are the most valuable thing to buy at Banaras. The best price sarees are available at markets in Peelikothi area and wholesale markets at Thateri Bazar.
  • At the Vishwanath Gali, you can buy a crystal or stone Shivaling to take back home with you.
  • Gulabi Minakari (pink sculpting) is an art form practised by craftsmen in the bylanes near Gaighat. You can purchase souvenirs of thick bangle sets, birds and animals decorated in Gulabi Minakari.
  • Varanasi is home to the world’s largest manufacturing unit making glass beads in all imaginable colours. You can buy beautiful artificial jewellery made of these glass beads in the major city markets.
  • Varanasi is home to some of the traditional sweets, like Lal Peda. You can carry back small sweet boxes home with you.

Suggestions and Recommendations

  • You can choose to book your accommodation at a distance from Dashashwamedh Ghat if you don’t want to stay in a crowded location.
  • You may club your Varanasi trip with that to Prayagraj  (Allahabad), which is about an hour from there.
  • Average boat ride charges are Rs. 1200 but there is no fixed price.
  • Banaras is famous for Banarasi Silk Sarees. You can also fix a visit to one of the several handloom-owners who weave magic with silk threads.
  • If you are interested in Adventure Activities, you can contact R.M.Adventure. They organize water sports activities at a location on the backside of the Ramnagar Fort.
  • If you want to soak in the spirit of Varanasi, take part in the “Ghat Sandhya” at Assi Ghat. But try to reach before time to get a good seating place.