Itineraries for Your Trip to Varanasi
2 Days in Varanasi for First Timers
Varanasi is undoubtedly one of India’s more intense, in-your-face destinations (and that’s saying a lot). It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a dense population to match, and the city feels like it’s always bustling with activity, from religious celebrations to funeral processions.
I certainly was a bit skittish about visiting Varanasi for the first time, but I went anyway and was so glad that I did, as it was an excellent place to learn about Hindu traditions and beliefs up close and personal. I’d recommend seeing it for yourself, preferably with a guide or guides to show you around. Here’s how to spend two days in the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the Ganges River (Ganga), preferably by boat.
Bring along a sweater or shawl if you plan to take a sunrise boat trip, as temperatures in Varanasi can dip at night.
Start your morning off bright and early with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River. A morning boat ride is a quintessential must-do experience in Varanasi and is a great way to see the city, and its ancient ghats, before the heat of the day. Then return to your hotel for some breakfast—or some rest.
![Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat]](https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-360x240/09/c3/3c/2d.jpg)
In the afternoon, spend time exploring the city's ancient and meandering lanes on foot. It's a good idea to go with a guide who can give you an insider’s view of the city and help keep you from getting lost. Learn about local history, visit temples and ghats, and stop for a cup of hot chai with your guide.
In the evening, make your way to Dashashwamedh Ghat on the Ganges River for an evening prayer ceremony, or aarti. Join pilgrims in prayers and chants while a long row of priests use giant brass lanterns to ceremonially offer fire to the sacred river. Go with a local or join a tour if you’re interested in learning more about the ritual’s significance.
Start your second day with a sunrise yoga class on the banks of the Ganges River. Salute the sun as it rises over the river as you flow through a series of asanas (poses). Opt for a private class and let your teacher customize a practice that is suitable for your level of experience.
In the afternoon, visit the town of Sarnath, a holy Buddhist pilgrimage site located roughly 20 minutes from Varanasi by car. The town is famous as the location where the Buddha gave his first sermon and is home to numerous temples and stupas, along with an excellent archaeology museum showcasing artifacts found in the area.
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).
