Hola amigos,
I’m Anshika Jain, a student and a travel enthusiast. I recently visited Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, in Uttar Pradesh for a solo trip. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga, it’s the spiritual capital of India. Join me as I share my two-day journey in this astonishing city.

Route to Banaras from Delhi:
To reach Varanasi from Delhi, I took a train journey, which cost me around Rs. 1100 for 3 AC. I boarded the train at 8 p.m. and arrived in Varanasi at 7 a.m. Alternatively, there are plenty of AC and non-AC buses available. Also, you can inquire at any bus ticket booking area for options.
Tip of the Trip: Train journeys at night are often the best, particularly for solo trips. Being a girl, I booked an AC ticket, making my journey quite comfortable.
Itinerary of Banaras: A 2-Day Religious Trip
- Day 1: Visiting sacred ghats at numerous temples
I stayed near the ghats and headed straight to Kashi Chat Bhandar for some delicious chats. Don’t miss the tamatar chaat and dahi bhalla. After a fulfilling breakfast, I wandered through the lanes of Banaras and visited Kaal Bhairav Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
Must Know: It’s said that Kaal Bhairav protects Kashi, so it’s essential to seek his blessings before starting your trip.
After trying the delicious Rabri lassi at Blue Lassi Wala, I visited Durga Mandir and Tulsi Manas Mandir. By 4 o’clock, I had reached Dashashwamedh Ghat via rickshaw. Also, locals directed me to the nearby ManSingh Observatory, where I enjoyed a light show after buying a Rs. 25 ticket. Moreover, walking from one ghat to another, I captured some aesthetic pictures.
Don’t miss: It was time to witness the divine Ganga arti; never miss its religious vibes and peace there.
In the late evening, I enjoyed a boat ride for Rs. 100 per person. Dinner was at Bati Chokha restaurant. completing a full day in Varanasi before returning to my staycation for some relaxation.

- Day 2: Exploring the Viswanath Mandir to BHU:
At 4 in the morning, I woke up and headed straight to Vishwanath Mandir and Annapurna Mandir to avoid the rush. After seeking blessings, I visited Manikarnika Ghat. By 8, I reached Shree Ji for some Malaiyo, a winter specialty. Also, exploring the narrow lanes, I stopped at Neelu Kachori for breakfast and did some shopping at Gadowlia, enjoying Banarasi breakfast delights.
Then, I took an auto ride to Assi Ghat for some inner peace, enjoying chai and malai toast at Laxmi Chai Wala.
Food Must Try: For lunch, I tried apple pie and ravioli at Pizzeria Cafe and savoured kesar lassi at Pahalwan Lassi Wala.
The next stop was the grand gate of Banaras Hindu University in Lanka, followed by a walk on the campus and a visit to VT Temple. Finally, I revisited the ghats—Brahma Ghat, Kedar Ghat, and Kashi Dham Museum soaking in the beauty and peace, capturing memories before leaving.
For dinner, I headed to Mr. Pizza Wala and savoured their double-crust cheese pizza, which was the best. After that delightful meal, I couldn’t resist having an amazing Banarasi paan. Then I returned, packed my bags, and headed to the railway station.

Hidden Gem of Banaras:
A hidden gem in Banaras is Fidka Cafe, where you must try their white sauce pasta. Also, if you have an extra day, consider visiting Sarnath too.
Best time to visit Banaras:
The ideal time to visit Varanasi is from October to February for cooler temperatures, while July to September is the monsoon season. Also, summers (March to June) can be hot.
Best Accommodation in Banaras
From luxury hotels to pocket-friendly Dharamshala, you can find everything here. I suggest you stay at a place that is near Ghat to observe the serene beauty of the Ganga early in the morning.
Necessary things to pack for Banaras:
- Carry a medical kit with some essential medicines.
- Also, always apply sunscreen to the skin.
- Likewise, carry some snacks and a water bottle with you.
- Moreover, pack comfortable clothes and shoes for travelling.
- Carry some cash, a backpack, and IDs.

Traveller’s Tip to Banaras:
- Stay hydrated; otherwise, you will get exhausted here very easily.
- Beware of scammers who will ask you to keep your bags in a locker (for free) and fake Baba and then fool you. Use a government locker inside the temple premises.
- Also, if you have friends in BHU who show their ID cards at the restaurant, you can avail of some discounts.
- Moreover, sharpen your bargaining skills for a boat ride.
Affordable Banaras trip cost: The total expenses for my 2-day trip, including my train ticket, were around 5–6k. Also, costs may vary depending on your choice of restaurants, accommodations, and transportation.
I hope this travel guide helps you get a glimpse of Banaras through my eyes. Moreover, one cannot cover the whole Banaras within two days because there is much more left. Hole you enjoyed reading. For more captivating travel stories, visit https://sowl.in/stories! Happy travelling, guys!!!