A 2-day Varanasi itinerary from a local host

This is the plan our host shares most often with guests staying in Kamachha. It mixes the big sights with quieter corners. Timings change on festival days, so check with your host the evening before.

Day 1: The ghats and Kashi Vishwanath

Early morning: Assi Ghat

Start early for the morning aarti at Assi Ghat (around 5:30 am). Then walk along the ghats as the city wakes up; the light on the river is at its best in the first hour.

Late morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The temple is open roughly 2:30 am to 11 pm. Weekday mornings are usually calmer than evenings and weekends. Leave phones and bags as instructed at the entry, and allow extra time for queues.

Afternoon: lanes and lunch

Walk the old lanes near the temple, try a classic Banarasi breakfast or lunch, and come back to your room to rest through the hottest part of the day.

Evening: Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh

The evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts around 5:45 pm in winter (Nov–Jan) and around 6:45 pm in summer (Apr–Sep). Reach early for a good spot.

Day 2: Temples, Sarnath and Banarasi silk

Morning: Durga Kund and Sankat Mochan

Two of the city's best-known temples. Go early, before the day's crowds.

Afternoon: Sarnath

Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, is north of the city. Allow two to three hours to see the stupa, ruins and museum, plus travel time.

Evening: Banarasi silk and a slow walk

Browse Banarasi silk, then end the day sitting on the ghat steps as the lamps come on. Or cook a simple dinner in your room's kitchen and rest before your onward journey.

Getting around

• Prefer to ride yourself? We can connect you with a local scooty rental vendor.
• Your host shares routes and timings for each day.
• Our landmark is Surya Vishal Complex, Kamachha. We are near Winsome Vinayaka, opposite Rewat Apartment-2. If you get lost, call or WhatsApp and we will send a live location.

Questions