Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary
Looking for the perfect 1-day Varanasi itinerary? Explore the best of India’s spiritual capital with this detailed guide. Discover iconic temples, peaceful ghats, and vibrant cultural spots—all packed into a single unforgettable day.
Start your journey at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, walk through Varanasi’s lively lanes, and soak in the spiritual vibe along the ghats. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a moment every traveler remembers forever.
This itinerary is ideal for anyone wanting to capture Varanasi’s true essence in just one day—blending spirituality, history, culture, and local life.
Plan your trip now and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this ancient city.
Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary Overview
This 1-day Varanasi Itinerary was formed from the exact itinerary you can follow on your 1 day trip to Varanasi and it looks a little something like this:
Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary Tour Plan :
- Darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Darshan at Maa Annapurna Temple
- Darshan at Baba Kal Bhairav Temple
- Darshan At Sankatmochan Temple
- Enjoy Evening Boat Ride on River Ganga
- Watch Evening Ganga Aarti
Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary Detailed Explanation :
Here’s a detailed 2-day Varanasi itinerary to help you follow the plan effortlessly and enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in this vibrant city.
1 Day Itinerary of Varanasi :- Day 1
Let’s explore most important activities from Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary on Day 1 :
1. Arrive in Varanasi and take your private cab for covering everything within time.
2. Darshan at Baba Kalbhairav Temple (Because Its a saying that when you arrive to varanasi first you should take Permission from Baba Kalbhairav)
4. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most famous and oldest temples in India.
5. Darshan at Maa Annapurna Temple (This temple is near to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple).
6. Darshan at Sankatmochan Mandir (Shri Hanuman Ji Temple).
7. Take a private boat ride on the Ganga in the evening. You can board the boat from Assi Ghat or Ravidas Ghat, as both are close to Sankat Mochan Temple and easily accessible by cab. Other ghats are difficult to reach by car, which may waste your time, so these two are the most convenient options.
Boat Ride on River Ganga in Varanasi
8. Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat ( which is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi and is known for its beautiful evening aarti), either from the Boat or by walking through famous Godowlia Market.
Gangaa Aarti Varanasi
9. Explore the nearby Manikarnika Ghat from boat, which is known as the main cremation ghat in Varanasi and is considered a sacred place by Hindus. It is advised that if you cant see the cremation you should not visit there.
10. Have Dinner at a Local restaurant and try some of the famous street food of Varanasi
Temples Covered in Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary
Activities Covered in Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary
What is the best time to visit varanasi ?
The best time to explore Varanasi tourist places is between the months of October and February when Varanasi is cooler. On the other hand, the rainy months are July, August, and September. Varanasi experiences a sharp increase in temperature during the summer, from March through June.
What is the Special food of Varanasi ?
Many tourists adore the famous food of Varanasi, whether it’s
- Kachori sabzi,
- baati chokha,
- rabri jalebi, or
- tamatar chaat.
What is the time of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
Ganga Aarti Timings in Varanasi: Aarti begins every day around 6:00 PM(in Winter) and 7:00 PM(in Summer) in the evening. And from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM early morning in the summer and from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM in winter morning.
| Morning Aarti( Summers) | 5:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti (Winters) | 5:30 AM |
| Evening Aarti ( Summers) | 6:30 PM |
| Evening Aarti (Winters) | 6:00 PM |
| Aarti Duration | Approx 45 Minutes |
FAQ :Varanasi 1 Day Itinerary
Yes, Varanasi can be covered in one day if you focus only on the main temples and important activities. However, the schedule will be tight, and you need proper planning with a cab for convenience.
For a short 1-day trip, the recommended temples are:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kalbhairav Temple
Annapurna Temple
Sankatmochan Temple
These are the most important spiritual spots that can be covered comfortably in one day.
Two must-do activities are:
Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat
Boat Ride on the Ganga River
Yes, booking a cab like a Swift Dzire or Innova is highly recommended.
It saves time, offers convenience, and helps you cover all major temples and ghats without rushing or facing parking issues.
A 1-day tour is not recommended for families with kids or elderly people because the schedule is quite hectic.
They should prefer a 2-day itinerary for a relaxed and comfortable experience.
Yes, the evening Ganga Aarti can easily be included after visiting the major temples. It is one of the best experiences in Varanasi.
You can take the boat ride from Assi Ghat, Ravidas Ghat or Namo Ghat, which are easier to reach by cab and less crowded compared to central ghats.
It’s possible but not practical. Walking or taking autos will consume too much time.
A cab ensures smooth travel between temples and ghats, especially when you have only one day.
No special pass is required for general darshan. However, during festivals or weekends, opting for a Sugam Darshan ticket can help reduce waiting time.
Covering Kashi Vishwanath, Kalbhairav, Annapurna, and Sankatmochan typically takes 4–5 hours, depending on crowd and traffic conditions.
No, covering Sarnath along with all major temples and Ganga Aarti becomes too hectic. For Sarnath, you should plan a separate half-day or extend to a 2-day tour.