15 Best Things to Do in Varanasi: A Complete Travel Guide

Quick answer: The best things to do in Varanasi are the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a sunrise boat ride, darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a walk along the ghats, a half-day trip to Sarnath, Sankat Mochan and BHU, Ramnagar Fort, Banarasi street food and silk shopping, mornings at Assi Ghat, a classical music evening, Bharat Mata Temple, an old-city heritage walk and, if you can, a festival such as Dev Deepawali. October to March is the most comfortable time to visit.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of India's most fascinating destinations, where ancient traditions, spirituality, history, food and everyday life come together along the River Ganga. Whether you are visiting on pilgrimage, for a cultural holiday, with family or for a short weekend, the city offers experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. This guide covers 15 of the best things to do in Varanasi, with tips, a 2-day plan and where to stay.

1. Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most memorable experiences in Varanasi. As evening falls, priests perform coordinated rituals with large brass lamps, incense and chants beside the river.

Watch from the ghat steps or from a boat on the Ganga. Crowds are large, especially during festivals, so arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for a good spot.

Travel tip: the aarti starts around sunset, so the time changes with the season. Respect worshippers during the ceremony. Read more in our Varanasi travel guide.

2. Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganga

A sunrise boat ride is the classic first experience in Varanasi. As the city wakes up, you see temple bells, morning prayers, bathing rituals and historic buildings in soft morning light, and every ghat from the river.

Choose an authorised boat, agree the price, route and duration before boarding, wear the life jacket offered and follow safety instructions.

Best time: around sunrise.

3. Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and among India's most important spiritual landmarks. It sits in the historic heart of Kashi, reached through the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor.

Check the temple trust's official website for darshan timings, entry rules and festival arrangements. Phones and bags are usually not allowed inside, so carry only permitted items and use the lockers. Staying close by? See hotels near Kashi Vishwanath.

4. Walk the historic ghats

The ghats are the soul of Varanasi: places of prayer, ritual, community life, photography and quiet reflection. Dashashwamedh is famous for the evening aarti, Assi for its mornings, and others for their old architecture.

Walking the ghats at your own pace is one of the most rewarding things to do in Kashi. Cremation ghats (Manikarnika and Harishchandra) are sacred spaces: observe respectfully and do not photograph cremations.

5. Discover Buddhist heritage at Sarnath

About 10 km from the city, Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamekh Stupa, the archaeological site, monasteries and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. Its calm setting is a striking contrast to the busy riverfront.

Travel tip: plan a half-day trip and check the museum's opening days before you go. Our travel desk can arrange a car with driver.

6. Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Sankat Mochan, near BHU, is one of the city's most loved temples, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is busiest on Tuesdays, Saturdays and festivals. Dress respectfully, follow temple instructions and allow extra time at peak hours. Combine it with Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas Mandir nearby.

7. Explore the Banaras Hindu University campus

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of India's leading universities and a big part of Varanasi's cultural identity. The green campus is home to the New Vishwanath Temple (Shri Vishwanath Mandir) and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum. Some areas may have visitor restrictions, so check before you go.

8. See Ramnagar Fort

Across the Ganga, Ramnagar Fort was the seat of the former Banaras royal family. Its museum displays vintage cars, royal furnishings, arms and artefacts, and the riverside views are excellent for photographs. Visit in the daytime and confirm opening hours first.

9. Taste authentic Banarasi street food

A trip to Varanasi is incomplete without its food. Try:

• Kachori sabzi: the classic Banarasi breakfast
• Tamatar chaat: a tangy local speciality
• Banarasi lassi: thick yoghurt drink served in kulhads
• Malaiyyo: a light, frothy winter-only dessert
• Banarasi paan: the city's best-known after-meal tradition

Choose clean, busy stalls and ask about ingredients if you have dietary needs.

10. Shop for Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts

Varanasi is world-famous for Banarasi silk sarees and brocades, which carry a GI tag. Shops around Godowlia, Chowk and Thatheri Bazar sell sarees, fabrics and handicrafts. For costly pieces, ask about fabric, weaving and zari type, and get a proper bill. Read our Banarasi silk saree buying guide.

11. Spend a peaceful morning at Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is known for its calm mornings, the Subah-e-Banaras programme with music and prayers, yoga sessions and cafés. It is a pleasant place for a slow walk and to watch daily life on the river. Keep the riverfront clean and avoid entering the water where it is unsafe.

12. Attend a classical music or cultural performance

Banaras has a rich musical heritage, closely tied to Hindustani classical music, devotional singing and the performing arts. Depending on the season you may find concerts, music gatherings and festivals around the city. Check local listings, and book ahead for popular events.

13. Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple is unusual: instead of a deity, it has a large marble relief map of undivided India. It is a short stop that fits well into a city sightseeing route.

14. Take a heritage walk in the old city

The narrow lanes of old Varanasi are full of small shrines, traditional shops, historic buildings and food stalls. A guided heritage walk explains the history behind the lanes and makes the crowded streets easier to navigate. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and do not rush; many lanes are too narrow for vehicles.

15. Plan your trip around a festival

Festivals add something special. Mahashivratri is the biggest day for devotees of Lord Shiva, and Dev Deepawali, about two weeks after Diwali, lights up every ghat with lamps. Dates, crowds and hotel demand change a lot, so confirm the calendar and book hotels well in advance.

Best time to visit Varanasi

• October to March: the most comfortable months for walking, boat rides and sightseeing; winter mornings can be cold and foggy
• April to June: very hot; plan outdoor activities for early morning and evening
• July to September: monsoon; river activities may be limited when the Ganga is high

Suggested 2-day Varanasi itinerary

Day 1: Spiritual Varanasi
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga
- Walk along the main ghats
- Darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Food lanes and markets of the old city
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Day 2: Culture and heritage
- Banarasi breakfast of kachori sabzi
- Half-day trip to Sarnath
- BHU, Sankat Mochan and Durga Kund
- Silk shopping or a cultural performance in the evening

With more time, add Ramnagar Fort and Chunar. Adjust for traffic, opening hours and your interests.

Getting to and around Varanasi

• By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur. See the daily flight schedule.
• By train: Varanasi Junction, Banaras and Pt. DDU Junction. See trains from Varanasi.
• Around the city: walk the ghats and lanes, use e-rickshaws for short hops, and a car with driver for Sarnath and full-day sightseeing. Check distances on our Varanasi map.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Choose by purpose and budget. For temple visits, stay near the old city and the ghats; for a quieter stay with parking, choose Godowlia, Bhelupur, Sigra or the Cantonment. Families and business travellers should compare room facilities, parking and transport. Compare options and book with airport pickup on our hotels page, or call +91-9711593877.

Key takeaways

• Don't miss the evening Ganga Aarti, a sunrise boat ride and Kashi Vishwanath.
• Add Sarnath, BHU, Sankat Mochan and Ramnagar Fort for culture and history.
• Eat kachori sabzi, lassi and malaiyyo, and shop for GI-tagged Banarasi silk.
• Visit between October and March, and book early for Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Varanasi?

Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, take a sunrise boat ride, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, walk the ghats, visit Sarnath, Sankat Mochan and BHU, see Ramnagar Fort, try Banarasi street food and shop for Banarasi silk.

How many days do I need in Varanasi?

Two days cover the main ghats, temples, Ganga Aarti and Sarnath. Three to four days allow a relaxed pace with Ramnagar Fort, a heritage walk and a cultural performance.

What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

October to March is the most comfortable time for sightseeing. Summers (April to June) are very hot, and the monsoon (July to September) can limit boat rides.

How far is Sarnath from Varanasi?

Sarnath is about 10 km from the city centre, a half-day trip by car or auto.

What food should I try in Varanasi?

Kachori sabzi for breakfast, tamatar chaat, Banarasi lassi, malaiyyo in winter and Banarasi paan.

Is Varanasi good for families?

Yes. Families enjoy the boat rides, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath, BHU and Ramnagar Fort. Stay in a hotel with car access and plan walking in the old city for cooler parts of the day.