Things to Do and Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. it's famous for its ancient temples, sacred ghats, spiritual rituals, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit pilgrimage and cultural destination.

Sampurnanand Sanskrit University Archaeological Museum Varanasi

Why Varanasi ??

Experience Hindu spirituality and rituals on the ghats of the Ganges.
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Explore the city's narrow lanes, bustling markets, and historical sites.
Visit iconic temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, and Durga Temple.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise for a breathtaking experience.
Indulge in Banarasi street food, including kachori, chaat, and Malaiyo.
Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, wooden toys, and handmade brassware.
Explore Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site near Varanasi.

Varanasi is one of the most sacred cities in India, believed to be established by Lord Shiva himself. It is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus, where devotees from all over the world come to take a holy dip in the Ganges, perform religious rituals, and seek blessings. The city's vibrant ghats, ancient temples, and narrow alleys reflect centuries of tradition and devotion.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti, a grand spiritual ritual held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests chant Vedic hymns and perform synchronized fire offerings to the Ganges. The city is also home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Varanasi is a hub of culture, learning, and arts. The city is famous for its Banarasi silk sarees, classical music, and age-old traditions. Food lovers can enjoy local delicacies like Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, Malaiyo, and Banarasi Paan. Varanasi is also close to Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, making it an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

Following are some of many places to visit in Varanasi...

Spiritual & Religious Sites:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – A famous Hanuman temple, known for its monkey population.
Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) – A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Annapurna Devi Mandir – A temple dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment.

Ghats & Cultural Landmarks:

Dashashwamedh Ghat – The main ghat, famous for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Manikarnika Ghat – The most sacred cremation ghat in Hinduism.
Assi Ghat – A peaceful ghat popular among travelers and spiritual seekers.
Harishchandra Ghat – Another prominent cremation ghat with deep religious significance.

Museums & Historical Places:

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – A museum with a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.
Ramnagar Fort – A 17th-century Mughal-style fort overlooking the Ganges.
Tulsi Manas Mandir – A temple with Ramcharitmanas inscriptions.
Sarnath – A major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Chunar Fort – A historic fort with breathtaking views.

Shopping & Local Experiences:

Vishwanath Gali – A bustling market famous for Banarasi sarees, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Thatheri Bazaar – Known for brassware and wooden crafts.
Banarasi Silk Saree Shops – Explore authentic handwoven silk sarees.

Things to Do in Varanasi:

Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges for a magical experience.
Walk through Varanasi’s old lanes to experience local culture.
Visit Sarnath for Buddhist history and spiritual significance.
Explore Ramnagar Fort and learn about Varanasi’s royal past.
Enjoy Banarasi street food, including Kachori Sabzi, Lassi, and Rabri.
Try the famous Banarasi Paan, an iconic cultural experience.
Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts, and brassware.

How to Reach Varanasi

Location	Google Maps
District	Varanasi
State/UT	Uttar Pradesh
By Air	Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 25 km from the city and has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and other major cities.
By Train	Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) are major railheads with excellent connectivity across India.
By Road	Well connected by national highways and state roads; frequent buses and taxis operate from Prayagraj, Lucknow, Patna, and nearby cities.
Local Transportation	Cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws for short distances Auto-rickshaws for medium routes (fare bargaining common) Walking is best for old city and ghats Boats for ghat-to-ghat movement on the river

Season & Weather Details

Peak Season	October to March – Pleasant weather for sightseeing.
Off Season	April to June – Extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Weather Conditions	Summer (April-June): Very hot, 35-45°C. Monsoon (July-September): Humid, occasional rain. Winter (November-March): Cool and ideal, 5-20°C.

Peak Season

October to March – Pleasant weather for sightseeing.

Off Season

April to June – Extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Weather Conditions

Summer (April-June): Very hot, 35-45°C.

Monsoon (July-September): Humid, occasional rain.

Winter (November-March): Cool and ideal, 5-20°C.

Other Helpful Information

Recommended Days	2-3 Days Day 1: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, take a boat ride on the Ganges, and attend the Ganga Aarti. Day 2: Explore Sarnath, visit Ramnagar Fort, and enjoy Banarasi food. Day 3: Walk through the old city lanes, shop for Banarasi silk, and explore local markets.
Budget Estimate	₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per person per day Budget Travelers: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (hostels, street food, public transport). Luxury Travelers: ₹7,000 – ₹10,000+ (heritage stays, guided tours, fine dining).
Languages Spoken	Hindi is widely spoken, and English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
Common Scams	Overcharging by boatmen and auto-rickshaw drivers Fake priests asking for donations at ghats Shops selling overpriced ritual items to tourists Unauthorized guides claiming “special temple access”