When thinking about Varanasi, what usually comes to mind is a series of monuments, temples, and religious sites that are a must-visit. However, Varanasi is so much more than that. To experience the full breadth of its spiritual tranquility, you might need more than one day. However, if you’re only in town for a day, you can still take in its old-world, introspective charm by skipping a few destinations. Since the time is quite limited, you might have to maximize it by prioritizing the more significant and accessible sites.
Is Visiting Varanasi In One Day Possible?
The simple answer to this question is yes, but only if you must. The true charm of the city can only be experienced if you’re there for a few days and have sufficient time to unhurriedly take in the city’s quaint and chaotic charm.
A one-day Varanasi journey is only recommended if you have been to the city multiple times and are very sure about what you want to do here. Otherwise, you will miss out on a lot of destinations that are worth visiting.
For your benefit, we have compiled a list of sites you can skip and the things you can do in Varanasi if, at all, you are to visit the city for just one day.
Also Read: 10 Varanasi Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know Before Going
What To Skip For A Short Varanasi Trip
One day is not a lot of time to visit the city, so prioritizing the most important sites is imperative.
1. Sarnath
The holy Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath is certainly worth visiting, but it is located 12 km northeast of the main city. Traveling to and from this place will take up valuable resources.
2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
The campus of BHU stretches across 120 acres and is brilliantly green. However, its location in Lanka makes it an unfeasible destination to drive to and from within a day.
3. Ramnagar Fort And Museum
This magnificent fort dates back to the 18th century and is made from sandstone. However, it is located across the river, and navigating travel to this place takes up at least two to three hours of your valuable daytime.
4. Silk Looms And Weaving Villages
The silk looms and weaving villages are located in Madanapura and Sarai Mohana. Furthermore, browsing through these areas and their vibrant sarees requires a slow pace. If you’re in a rush, you won’t be able to properly explore the place.
5. Sauntering Through Varanasi Streets
This might be the best part about visiting Varanasi, and it is almost tragic that you won’t get the time to do this. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to sit idly at Munshi Ghat or explore the rooftop music cafe scenes at Rana Mahar Ghat.
What You Can Cover In One Day In Varanasi
Here is a convenient one-day Varanasi itinerary that is slightly packed but definitely doable.
5 AM to 7:30 AM: Sunrise At Ganga
Reach the river in the early hours of dawn so that you can go on an unforgettable boat ride and watch the sun rise.
8 AM to 11:30 AM: Kashi Vishwanathan Corridor
Head to the Kashi Vishwanathan Corridor and roam the alleys. When you get hungry, you can head to the Kachori Gali for the classic breakfast of Varanasi.
12 PM to 3:30 PM: Heritage Temples And Banarasi Paan
Head to one of the many heritage temples of the city. Our recommendation is that you pick the Annapurna Temple and the Vishalakshi Temple. After your darshan, you can get a thali lunch from one of those traditional shops. Don’t forget to enjoy their iconic Kulhad lassi!
5:30 PM to 8 PM: Dashashwamedh Ghat And Evening Ganga Aarti
Head to the ghat as early as possible and hire a boat. Make sure the boat is parked at a spot that offers a good view of the main stage. Experience the riveting brass-lamp aarti that is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
8:30 PM to 10 PM: Late Night Stroll And Food Trail
End your hectic day with a relaxing night stroll if you have the energy. Make sure you stroll along the illuminated Rajendra Prasad Ghat to the Assi Ghat. Do not, and I cannot emphasize this enough, forget to enjoy the famous banarasi paan.
Also Read: How Many Days Do You Need In Varanasi? Here’s What You Can See In 1, 2 Or 3 Days
Author’s Note
My personal experience of visiting Varanasi was quite enriching. However, I would like to caution the reader regarding a few things that I encountered on my travels. It is important that you avoid taking cars or full-sized taxis inside the city.
When I did so, I experienced severe gridlock around Godowlia Chowk. If I were to do this part of my journey again, I would rely solely on the e-rickshaws or simply walk through the alleys. I would advise the same to my readers. You can even use boat transfers between distant ghats.
It is also important to keep in mind that mobile phones, smart watches, leather belts, and pens are completely and strictly banned inside Kashi Vishwanathan. I used the cloak rooms at Varanasi Junctions to store my belongings, and you can do the same.
Summing Up
A one-day Varanasi trip is not impossible, but it does require strictly sticking to the schedule and being realistic about how much ground you will be able to cover without getting tired. It is also crucial that you prioritize the places that you want to see and keep those at the forefront of your itinerary. While visiting the Ganga River and the Kashi Vishwanathan is non-negotiable, you can always skip visiting the BHU campus as well as Sarnath. To be sure, the sites you skip say nothing about their spiritual value. They are just as significant to visit as any other site mentioned on the list. However, the distance and travel make these destinations not suitable for visits.
