Looking at things to do in Varanasi and wondering what awaits you? Everything about the city is concentrated, intense and palpable. Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities and one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
It is the India you imagine.
The public cremation rituals are the main attraction of this city for – pilgrims and tourists – but there are many more things to do in Varanasi.
There are colours and crowds, culture, history, rituals and spiritual traditions. And amidst all the bustle there is an unlikely atmosphere of tranquillity from the flowing Ganges River.
We have visited Varanasi many times over the last years of traveling in India and have explored much of this incredible city. Here are the best things to do in Varanasi and everything you need to know to make the most of your Varanasi experience.
- About Varanasi
- Best time to visit
- Do you recommend a guide for Varanasi?
- Things to do in Varanasi
– River Ganges
– Ghats
– Burning Ghats
– Sunset Ganga Aarti
– Sunrise Ganga Aarti
– Boat ride on the River Ganges
– Vishwanath Temple
– Lolark Kund
– Kushti Akhara
– Vishwanath Gali Bazar - Getting to Varanasi
- Getting around in Varanasi
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
Things to know about Varanasi before you visit
The city of Varanasi (also known as Banaras or Benares) is one of the most fascinating cities to visit in India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and for Hindus, it is considered exceedingly sacred. The city is most famous for its open-air cremations that take place 24/7, 365 days a year.
For Hindus, it is believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi attains instant Moksha, or enlightenment. And so, widows and elderly Hindus come to Varanasi to live out their final days, assisted by donations and offerings from devotees, dreaming to die and be cremated in the holy city.
As a visitor, there is an all-consuming proximity of death. It isn’t all pretty. Some is eery and justly unfathomable as a stranger.
But the atmosphere in Varanasi is intense and palpable. There is a strangeness to the rituals and the city itself that really must be experienced to digest and describe.
What is the best time of year to visit Varanasi?
In summer and the rainy season from May and June to July and August it can be unbearably hot and with rainfall in the monsoon season. The best time to visit Varanasi is during the cooler months, typically from October to March when the temperature is pleasant.
- May – June: High summer temperatures during the days and nights often reaching 40°C/104°F.
- July – August: This is the monsoon season with high rainfall in July.
- November – February: The winter months have a comfortable daytime temperature but with cool evenings and cold overnights. However, this is the busiest and most crowded tourist season.
- Mid-September – October and March – April: This is the best time of year to visit Varanasi in the shoulder seasons with pleasant temperatures and lesser crowds.
Do you recommend a guide for the things to do in Varanasi?
Most of the things to do in Varanasi can be explored independently. But it truly is a city with such depth of culture, religion and history that it just makes more sense with a guide.
We have visited Varanasi many times and still each time we spend a day first with Ravi.
- Tip: It is important to choose and book a registered guide in Varanasi. Otherwise not only will you miss the amazing things to see in Varanasi but instead you will spend your time shopping! Don’t be mistaken.
We highly recommend Ravi Gaur. He is a registered guide and a born and raised local in Varanasi with an incredible passion for his city and culture.
- Ravi Gaur
+91 85769 16590
Give Ravi a message on WhatsApp with your proposed dates for Varanasi and he can arrange a pick-up from the airport or train station and a truly amazing morning or day tour of the best things to see in Varanasi.
10 Obscure and incredible things to do in Varanasi
There is a lot to take in visiting this historic city, but here are 10 things to do in Varanasi that should absolutely be on your Varanasi itinerary.
1. River Ganges
The Ganges River is one of the world’s most sacred waterways and Varanasi is the most popular place to see it. The city is situated on the banks of the River Ganges, making it the ultimate destination for all Hindu pilgrims, and for visitors, seeing the Ganges is the most important of things to do in Varanasi.
Wherever you are staying in Varanasi you won’t be far from the river.
2. The Ghats – Things to do in Varanasi
Ghats are the points along a water source where there are a set of stairs. In Varanasi, there are more than 80 Ghats along the River Ganges.
- Assi Ghat: This is the furthest south of the main Ghats and is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here. There is a morning and evening Ganga Aarti ceremony performed daily at Assi Ghat.
- Bachraj Ghat: This is a small Ghat with three Jain temples.
- Kedar Ghat: This is a small Ghat where a fire Aarti is performed every evening.
- Shivala Ghat: Dedicated to Shiva with a small Shiva temple.
- Manikarnika Ghat: This is the main burning Ghat.
- Harishchandra Ghat: The second cremation Ghat and one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is the main Ghat where the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony is held.
Walking along the different ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
3. Varanasi Burning Ghats / Cremation Ghats
Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi liberates the soul from the cycle of birth and death. And as such, there are specific Ghats designated for cremation ceremonies that operate around the clock on the banks of the Ganges.
- Manikarnika Ghat: This is the main burning Ghat and the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Huge piles of firewood are stacked along the top of the Ghat, and every piece of wood is weighed and calculated to give the price of each cremation. It is inexplicably fascinating to observe.
- Harishchandra Ghat: This is the second and smaller burning Ghat and one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi.
As a visitor, witnessing the open-air cremations is one of the most important things to do in Varanasi, to understand the significance of this holy city.
4. Sunset Ganga Aarti Ceremony – Things to do in Varanasi
Ganga Aarti is a ritual for worshipping the river Ganges. One of the most famous things to do in Varanasi is to attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
In Varanasi, the Aarti ceremony is performed daily at sunrise and sunset on the Ghats offering prayers and gratitude to God to remove evil.
It is an intense and breathtaking ritual to witness, performed with great dedication by Sadhus (Hindu monks) and pujaris (temple attendants) dressed in traditional clothing. There is swirling oil lamps and chanting, with incense, fire and candles burning while the crowd sings devotional songs and repeats prayers.
In Varanasi, the two main evening Aarti ceremonies take place at the Ghats.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is the main evening Aarti ceremony and undoubtedly the most popular thing to do in Varanasi. The best way to experience this amazing event is from a boat ride on the river.
- Assi Ghat: This is a smaller evening Ganga Aarti though equally as impressive. It is easier to watch the ceremony here from the Ghats.
If you are visiting Varanasi for the first time, this is one of the must-do things to see.
- Entry Fee: Prices for a boat ride to see the Ganga Aarti vary, from INR 200/PP (with 30+ more people in the boat) or 3000 INR for a private boat (recommended).
5. Sunrise Ganga Arti Ceremony
There is a daily morning Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat. The dawn ceremony was originally only performed at Assi Ghat, but there are now some smaller morning Aarti ceremonies at other ghats along the river too.
The morning ceremony is performed similarly to the evening Aarti with lamps lit with burning oils, candles and incense. Though there is a different feel in the morning with the lightening sky and mist above the Ganges.
After the morning prayer ritual devotees stay for yoga on the Ghat.
Fewer people attend the morning Aarti, so you can get a close look at the rituals. It is a wide, open space that can fit a lot of people and is much less crowded.
If you are an early riser, this is one of the less crowded and peaceful, spiritual things to do in Varanasi. The morning Aarti starts early – before sunrise – and lasts only around 20 minutes.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Timing: Before sunrise
- Location: Assi Ghat
6. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most famous temple in Varanasi and is widely recognised as one of the most important places of worship in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Shiva as the Hindu lord of the universe.
For devotees, a visit to Vishwanath Temple and a bath in the river Ganges is believed to grant liberation from the cycle of birth and death and visiting is considered a way to attain spiritual enlightenment.
We heard mixed things about visiting as non-Hindu. However, it is possible to enter the complex. There is strict security screening with a bag check and lockers to deposit any electronic items (including cameras).
It is a busy atmosphere inside and possible to peak at the golden dome of the tower. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter further into the temple or the sacred Gyan Kupor Well.
- Cost: Free
- Timing: Sunrise – sunset
- Location: Vishwanath Ghat
7. Boat ride on the River Ganges
It is incredible to see the happenings on the river Ganges, at any time during the day. But in the morning, it is a quiet and mystical experience, which we recommend as a priority to experience in Varanasi.
A sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges will float you past all the different Ghats, temples and pilgrims going about their morning rituals. Devotees perform their morning ablutions in the river, offer prayers, and the air is still with early morning light and the sound of temple bells.
- Cost: Prices vary for a boat ride on the river Ganges from 1000 INR per boat (without motor) to 3000+ INR per boat (motor) for 1-4 people.
- Timing: Sunrise
- Location: Boats depart from all along the Ghats however the most popular place to get a boat from is Assi Ghat.
8. Lolark Kund – Things to do in Varanasi
Lolark Kund is one of the oldest sacred sites of Varanasi. It is a historic stepwell descending 15m in height from below the ground level and it is another of the fascinating sites of worship in the sacred city.
The word Lolark means ‘trembling sun’ and denotes the wavering image of Lord Surya, the sun god, in the water of the tank.
Legends have it that the water here has a special power of fertility and the couples who bathe here are to be blessed with a child.
- Cost: Free.
- Timings: Sunrise – sunset
- Location: Tulsi Ghat
9. Kushti Akhara / Kushti Wrestlers of Varanasi
Another of the curious things to do in Varanasi (that we would never have found on our own) that we found particularly interesting was seeing an Akhara in action.
This is a local gym, where Kushti wrestlers train themselves using traditional methods and routines. They weight train using heavy clubs of different shapes and sizes, each having its own specific purpose. The sport is seen as sacred and a part of the Hindu religion.
The wrestlers are followers of Hanuman, the monkey god and Hindu god of might.
- Cost: Free, though best visited with a guide.
- Timing: Morning and evening sessions
- Location: Tulsi Ghat
10. Vishwanath Galli Bazar
Vishwanath Gali is one of the famous markets in Varanasi. The marketplace spills out from a central Chowk (square) into the narrow surrounding lanes selling everything from religious offerings and garlands to tourist souvenirs, bangles, dupattas, and sarees.
What is the best way to get to Varanasi?
Varanasi is easy to reach by air, train and road.
There are daily flights to Delhi, Agra, Kolkata and Mumbai.
The railway station, Varanasi Junction (BSB), is not far from the city, and it is well connected also with all the other major cities in north India.
There are daily trains departing regularly from Delhi to Varanasi. The fastest train from Delhi is the Vande Bharat Special which departs Delhi (NDLS) at 06:00am arriving to Varanasi (BSB) at 14:00h taking 8 hours for the journey.
- SUGGESTED TRAIN
Delhi to Varanasi
#02436 VANDE BHARAT SPECIAL
Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun*
Departs 06:00h from Delhi (NDLS)
Arrives 14:00h to Varanasi (BSB)
*Note the Vande Bharat Special does not operate on Monday or Thursday.
The best way to get from Agra to Varanasi is either by overnight train or bus. The train takes approximately 9-10 hours.
- Book tickets for the trains in India easily online in advance through 12GoAsia.com.
What is the best way to get around in Varanasi?
A walk along the Ghats and through the labyrinth of narrow back streets is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. Outside of the Ghats and old city it is easy to get around by auto rickshaw. Or of course, there is transport by boat on the river Ganges.
- Tip: To go further, to the train station, airport, or on a day trip to Sarnath it is easy to book a taxi through your accommodation.
Where to eat / Cafes in Varanasi
Sampling the local street food and finding a nook to sip masala chai and watch the world go by is part of the quintessential Varanasi experience. There are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer a range of cuisines, vegan and vegetarian foods.
- Blue Lassi: A tiny, hole-in-the-wall yoghurt shop famous for churning out sought after Lassis and cold yoghurt since 1925.
- Mona Lisa Café: A casual café with low tables, a solid menu and usually filled with foreigners. This was our regular go-to for breakfast and lunch in Varanasi.
- Bhumi French Bakers: An old bakery and casual café famous for its pastries and croissants.
- Brown Bread Bakery: Awesome for breakfast and lunch boasting European-quality cheeses and breads along with excellent pastas, pizzas and more.
- Ashish Café: A great breakfast aloo paratha and vegetarian Thali.
Final thoughts?
Everything about Varanasi is intense. Witnessing the age-old traditions and rituals is a highlight. And even a walk on the Ghats offers a glimpse into the heart of India’s spiritual culture.
Whether or not Varanasi turns out to be your favourite place in India; it really is incredible. And certainly, one you’ll never forget.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the unique things to do in Varanasi and have a great journey onwards in India.
Where to stay in Varanasi
There are lots of options for accommodation in Varanasi. We recommend staying near Assi Ghat which is close to everything to do in Varanasi.
- Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
- Budget-Mid: Shree Yoga Mandir
Simple and reasonably priced double and family rooms close to Assi Ghat.
- Budget: Moustache Varanasi
Hostel accommodation close to Assi Ghat.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
