Is 2 days enough for Varanasi?
Yes. 2 days is enough for Varanasi. While Varanasi is a city steeped in profound spirituality and rich culture, two days are sufficient to experience its most important attractions. Known as India's spiritual capital, Varanasi is renowned for its ancient temples, sacred ghats, and the captivating Ganga Aarti. A carefully crafted itinerary allows you to grasp the essence of Varanasi within a 48-hour timeframe. Here’s how to spend two days in Varanasi
Day 1: Morning
Begin your day with an invigorating sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. A morning excursion is a quintessential experience in Varanasi, offering a superb opportunity to view the city and its ancient ghats before the day's heat intensifies. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast or a well-deserved rest.
Day 1: Afternoon
In the afternoon, take time to explore the city's ancient and winding streets on foot. It is beneficial to have a guide who can provide a unique perspective of the city and prevent getting disoriented. Learn about local history, visit temples and ghats, and enjoy a cup of hot chai with your guide
Day 1: Night
In the evening, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat on the Ganges River for the evening aarti ceremony. Participate in the prayers and chants with other pilgrims as a long line of priests use large brass lanterns to offer fire to the sacred river. Consider joining a local guide or a tour if you´d like a deeper understanding of the ritual.
Day 2: Morning
Begin your second day with a sunrise yoga class on the banks of the Ganges River. Greet the rising sun over the river as you move through a sequence of asanas (poses). Consider a private session, allowing your instructor to tailor a practice appropriate to your experience level.
Day 2: Afternoon
In the afternoon, visit the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, situated approximately 20 minutes from Varanasi by car. This town is renowned as the location of the Buddha´s first sermon and boasts numerous temples and stupas. It also features an excellent archaeology museum housing artifacts unearthed in the region.
Day 2: Night
Return to Varanasi in the evening for a guided food walk—going with a guide who knows which spots to visit is a great way to try out some of the city’s famous street food delights without having to worry about hygiene. Don’t miss tasty treats such as chura matar (peas mixed with flattened rice) and tamatar chaat (a mix of potatoes and tomatoes covered with chutney).
Two days in Varanasi can provide a compelling introduction to Varanasi and allow you to witness its key rituals and atmosphere. However, be prepared for a fast-paced itinerary. You'll leave with a sense of the city's unique energy, but you'll also likely feel like you've only just begun to understand its layers. For a more thorough and less hurried experience, three to four days would be considerably better, allowing time for Sarnath, a more in-depth exploration of the temples, and a more immersive cultural interaction. If only two days are available, prioritize the Ganga Aarti and the morning boat ride, and be prepared for the city's vibrant energy.
