Banaras Spiritual Trip: 2 Days on ₹6,000 Budget
By Himanshu, Urban Chats Contributor
Hey, I’m Himanshu, a regular guy from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, who’s always been curious about Banaras. You know how you hear stories about the Ganga Aarti’s glow or the ancient vibe of Manikarnika Ghat? Well, I finally decided to see it all for myself. Last month, I took a spontaneous 2-day trip to Varanasi yep, the city also called Kashi or Banaras and let me tell you, it was like stepping into a different world. My budget? Just ₹6,000, including a sleeper bus ride. Here’s how I soaked in the spiritual magic of Kashi Vishwanath, Kaal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan, Ganga Aarti, and Manikarnika Ghat, and why you should plan your own getaway.
Why Banaras?
Banaras isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. They say it’s one of the oldest living cities in the world, founded by Lord Shiva himself. The Ganga flows through its heart, and every ghat tells a story of life, death, and everything in between. I’d heard about the Ganga Aarti’s hypnotic chants and the endless pyres at Manikarnika Ghat, and I wanted to experience that mix of peace and intensity. Plus, as someone from Jamshedpur, the idea of a budget-friendly spiritual trip felt doable. So, I booked a sleeper bus, packed a small bag, and set off for a weekend that left me refreshed and a little changed.
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Day 1: Kashi Vishwanath, Kaal Bhairav, and the Ganga Aarti
Morning: Arriving in Banaras
I hopped on a sleeper bus from Jamshedpur’s Mango Bus Stand around 6 PM. The ticket cost me ₹1,200, and after a bumpy but decent 12-hour ride, I reached Varanasi’s Cantt Bus Station by 6 AM. Sleeper buses aren’t fancy, but they’re comfy enough bring a neck pillow and earplugs if you’re a light sleeper! I checked into a budget guesthouse near Godowlia for ₹800 per night. It was basic but clean, with a fan and a shared bathroom, perfect for a quick trip.
After a quick shower and a ₹50 aloo paratha breakfast at a nearby stall, I was ready to dive in.
Mid-Morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
First stop? Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the heart of Banaras. This place is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it’s buzzing with devotees. I walked through Vishwanath Gali, a narrow lane packed with shops selling flowers, prasad, and Banarasi sarees. The vibe was chaotic but exciting cows, rickshaws, and chants all at once.
At the temple, security is tight. You can’t bring bags or phones inside, but there are lockers nearby for ₹20. I joined the darshan queue, which took about 40 minutes (pro tip: go early to avoid longer waits). Inside, the air was thick with incense, and the Shiva lingam, set in a silver altar, felt like it held centuries of prayers. I offered some bilva leaves and whispered a quick wish—legend says it might just come true when you see the temple’s golden spire.
Afternoon: Kaal Bhairav Temple
Next, I took a ₹30 auto-rickshaw to Kaal Bhairav Temple, about 20 minutes away. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s fierce form, known as the guardian of Kashi. Locals say you need his permission to stay safe in the city. The deity, adorned with a garland of skulls, is intense, but the atmosphere was oddly calming. I spent 30 minutes here, soaking in the chants and watching devotees offer oil and flowers. There’s a small shop outside selling prasad for ₹10—grab some if you want a keepsake.
For lunch, I stopped at Kashi Chaat Bhandaar near Godowlia. Their tamatar chaat (₹40) and kachori sabzi (₹30) were spicy, tangy, and pure Banaras. Total damage: ₹100, but worth every bite.
Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
By 5:30 PM, I was at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti. This is the main event in Banaras, and trust me, it’s magical. I reached early to snag a spot near the steps free, but crowded. You can also book a boat for ₹200–300 to watch from the river, which I’d try next time.
As the sun set, priests in white kurtas lined up with brass lamps. The air filled with bells, conch shells, and Vedic chants. When they lit the lamps, swinging them in perfect sync, it felt like time stopped. The Ganga shimmered with floating diyas, and I just sat there, lost in the moment. It’s hard to explain, but that 45-minute ritual made my whole trip worth it.
I grabbed dinner at a nearby dhaba dal, roti, and lassi for ₹120—and crashed at the guesthouse, still replaying the aarti in my head.
Day 2: Sankat Mochan, Manikarnika Ghat, and More
Morning: Sankat Mochan Temple
I woke up at 6 AM, energized for day two. After a ₹30 chai and biscuit breakfast, I took a ₹50 auto to Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It’s near Banaras Hindu University, about 4 km from the ghats. The temple, founded by poet-saint Tulsidas, is nicknamed the “Monkey Temple” because of the playful monkeys everywhere watch your snacks!
The morning was peaceful, with bhajans echoing through the trees. I offered a marigold garland (₹10) and felt a quiet relief, like Hanuman was actually lifting my worries. Tuesdays and Saturdays are busier, so my Sunday visit was perfect. I spent an hour here, just soaking in the serenity.
Mid-Morning: Manikarnika Ghat
Next, I headed to Manikarnika Ghat, the famous cremation ghat. It’s about 2 km from Dashashwamedh, so I walked through the winding lanes, passing shops selling silk and sweets. Manikarnika is intense piles of sandalwood, constant pyres, and the smell of smoke. Hindus believe cremation here grants moksha, or liberation from rebirth. I stood at a respectful distance, watching families perform last rites. It’s not a tourist spot; it’s raw and real. I didn’t take photos locals advise against it, and it just didn’t feel right.
There’s a small Shiva-Durga temple nearby, where I lit a diya for ₹5. The ghat’s energy is heavy but profound, like you’re staring at life and death together. I left feeling reflective, maybe a bit wiser.
Afternoon: Exploring and Eating
By noon, I was hungry. I stopped at a stall near Assi Ghat for Banarasi lassi (₹50) and malaiyo (₹30), a winter-only dessert that’s like frothy heaven. Total cost: ₹80. I wandered the ghats, watching boats and sadhus, then visited Vishwanath Gali again to buy a small brass diya for ₹100 as a souvenir.
Evening: Heading Back
With a few hours left, I relaxed at a cafe near Godowlia, sipping masala chai (₹20) and journaling about the trip. I caught a 6 PM sleeper bus back to Jamshedpur (₹1,200), reaching home by morning. The bus was chilly, so pack a shawl!
Budget Breakdown – Here’s how I kept it under ₹6,000:
- Sleeper Bus (Round Trip): ₹2,400
- Guesthouse (1 Night): ₹800
- Food & Drinks: ₹600 (parathas, chaat, lassi, dinners)
- Transport (Autos): ₹150
- Temple Offerings & Souvenirs: ₹150
- Miscellaneous (Chai, Lockers): ₹100
- Buffer: ₹800 (just in case)
- Total: ₹5,000, leaving ₹1,000 for emergencies.
Tips for Your Banaras Trip
Sleeper Bus Hacks: Book online via booking.com for deals. Carry water and snacks for the ride.
Ganga Aarti: Arrive by 5:30 PM at Dashashwamedh Ghat for a good view. Boats are pricier but offer a unique angle.
Manikarnika Ghat: Be respectful avoid photos and loud chatter. Wear modest clothes.
Temples: Carry small change for offerings. Kashi Vishwanath has long queues, so plan for 1–2 hours.
Food: Try Banarasi paan (₹10) and kachori at local stalls. Avoid fancy restaurants to save cash.
Safety: Banaras is safe, but stick to well-lit areas at night. Keep your wallet secure in crowded ghats.
Why This Trip Mattered
Banaras isn’t just temples or ghats it’s a vibe that sticks with you. The Ganga Aarti’s glow, the chants at Sankat Mochan, the rawness of Manikarnika Ghat it all felt like a reset button for my soul. For ₹6,000, I didn’t just travel; I connected with something bigger. As a Jamshedpur guy, I’m used to steel plants and busy streets, but Banaras showed me a slower, deeper side of life.
If you’re curious like I was, don’t overthink it. Grab a bus, set a budget, and go feel Kashi’s magic. Got a Banaras story of your own? Drop it in the comments I’d love to hear it!
FAQs
1. How much does a 2-day Banaras trip cost?
You can do it for ₹5,000–6,000, including sleeper bus, budget stays, and local food. My trip cost ₹5,000 with some wiggle room.
2. Is Manikarnika Ghat safe to visit?
Yes, but it’s a cremation site, so be respectful. Stay quiet, avoid photos, and visit during the day.
3. What’s the best time for Ganga Aarti?
Evening, around 6:00 PM (winter) or 7:00 PM (summer) at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Arrive early for a spot.
4. Can I visit Kashi Vishwanath without booking?
Yes, but expect queues. Online booking (via the temple’s official site) can save time for VIP darshan.
5. Are sleeper buses from Jamshedpur to Varanasi comfy?
They’re okay for budget travel. Pick a reputable operator and bring a blanket for overnight rides.
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