Magical Varanasi: A Budget 2 Day Adventure

Discover spirituality and culture without breaking the bank in Varanasi, India.

21 June 2023

Varanasi, India is a top destination with plenty to offer on a limited budget. Experience the holy city's sacred culture with a visit to the Ganges River and the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Enjoy affordable street food, shop at one of the many bazaars, and explore the city's rich history in museums and landmark sites.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering the Spiritual Capital of India

  • Check-in at Hotel Temple on Ganges, an affordable hotel with stunning views of the river Ganges.
  • Start the day with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges, watching people bathe and perform morning rituals to the sound of bells and mantras.
  • Walk through the ghats, narrow alleys filled with vibrancy and photography opportunities.
  • Indulge in masala chai, hot samosas and kachoris in the famous Kashi Chaat Bhandar, a street food spot since 1944.
  • Visit Sarnath, a spiritual site where Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the ancient ruins, museums and temples.
  • Attend the evening aarti ceremony, where priests worship the river Ganges with incense, fire and music, creating a sensory experience like no other.
Day 2

Cultural Immersion and Historical Landmarks

  • Have breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery, a cozy cafe that serves healthy dishes using local ingredients.
  • Visit Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, to witness complex rituals and see exquisite architecture.
  • Explore the Banaras Hindu University campus, a vibrant hub of education, culture and arts, and admire the grandeur of Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
  • Try paan, a popular betel leaf snack filled with spices, nuts and tobacco, at Blue Lassi, a classic eatery since 1944.
  • Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling market areas, buying souvenirs, silk items, and sweets.
  • End the day with a panoramic view of the city from Alamgir Mosque, a Mughal-era monument famous for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles.
  • Varanasi is a city that truly captures the essence of India's diverse culture, spiritual essence, and history. Whether you're a solo backpacker, a couple on a budget, or a family seeking an enriching experience, this holy and magical city will leave you spellbound with its charm.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Varanasi by plane is to fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. There are several major airlines that offer flights to the airport from cities across India and other international destinations.

Car

The best way to get to Varanasi by car is to take the NH 19 highway from Delhi. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Train

The best way to get to Varanasi by train is to take an express train from New Delhi, which is located around 800 km away. The Varanasi Junction railway station is located in the heart of the city and is well-connected to major cities across India.

Boat

The best way to get to Varanasi by boat is to take a river cruise from Allahabad, which is located around 125 km away. The cruise offers spectacular views of the Ganges and the surrounding landscape, and takes around 8 to 10 hours to reach Varanasi.

Bus

The best way to get to Varanasi by bus is to take a luxury or deluxe bus from Delhi, which is around 800 km away. The journey can take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Destination

Varanasi

Welcome to the City of Life and Death, where every visit is a guaranteed experience in the cycle of birth, crap, and cremation. Don't let that unnerve you though, because Varanasi is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that will leave you breathless (literally, because the air is quite polluted).

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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