Varanasi Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The sacred Ganges River flows through the city and gives Varanasi its unique spiritual character.

The city attracts travellers with its ancient temples, colourful ghats, peaceful boat rides, religious ceremonies, narrow lanes, Banarasi silk, music, and delicious street food. For international travellers, Varanasi offers a memorable way to experience India’s culture, history, and living traditions.

Best Things to Do in Varanasi

Experience the Ghats and Ganga Aarti

The ghats of Varanasi form the centre of the city’s spiritual life. Start your morning at Assi Ghat, where locals gather for prayers, yoga, and rituals beside the Ganges.

Later in the day, visit Dashashwamedh Ghat for the famous Ganga Aarti. Priests perform the ceremony with lamps, incense, music, and prayers. For an even better view, take a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges and watch the city come alive.

Visit Varanasi’s Sacred Temples

Varanasi is often called the City of Temples. Throughout the city, you will find important shrines with centuries of history and religious significance.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple ranks among India’s most sacred Shiva temples. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and attracts devotees from across the world. The present temple dates to 1780, when Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt it.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple honours Lord Hanuman. Tradition links the temple with the famous saint and poet Tulsidas, who is also associated with the Ramcharitmanas. Today, devotees visit the temple to pray and experience its peaceful atmosphere.

Kal Bhairav Temple

Kal Bhairav Temple honours Kal Bhairav, whom devotees regard as the guardian of Varanasi. According to local belief, Lord Shiva appointed Bhairav to protect the sacred city. The temple remains an important part of Varanasi’s religious traditions.

Durga Temple

The Durga Temple dates to the 18th century and honours Goddess Durga. Its striking red exterior and traditional architecture make it one of the city’s well-known temples. Locals also call it the Monkey Temple because many monkeys live around the shrine.

Tulsi Manas Temple

Built in 1964, the Tulsi Manas Temple honours Lord Rama. The temple also celebrates the legacy of Tulsidas, the famous poet and devotee of Rama. Its white marble walls feature verses from the Ramcharitmanas.

Bharat Mata Temple

The Bharat Mata Temple opened in 1936 with the support of Mahatma Gandhi. Instead of a traditional idol, the temple features a large marble relief map of undivided India. The map represents India’s unity and cultural heritage.

When visiting any temple, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Also, follow the local customs and instructions.

Explore the Ancient Lanes of Banaras

The narrow galis of Varanasi reveal another side of the city. As you walk through these lanes, you will find small temples, flower stalls, sweet shops, chai vendors, silk workshops, and historic homes.

However, the lanes can feel confusing for first-time visitors. Therefore, a local guide can help you discover hidden places and understand the stories behind them.

Visit Sarnath

Just 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath offers a peaceful contrast to the busy city. Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment.

During your visit, explore Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the area’s international monasteries. A half-day Sarnath tour works well for most visitors.

Discover Banarasi Silk

Varanasi has a long tradition of producing beautiful Banarasi silk. Local artisans continue to use traditional weaving skills passed down through generations.

Visit weaving areas such as Madanpura and Peeli Kothi to see the craft up close. If you plan to buy silk, choose a trusted seller and check for genuine handloom certification.

Explore Ramnagar Fort and BHU

For a different experience, cross the Ganges and visit Ramnagar Fort. The historic fort offers an insight into the royal heritage of Varanasi.

You can also explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Bharat Kala Bhavan. Together, these attractions offer a quieter look at the city’s art, education, and cultural heritage.

What to Eat in Varanasi

Food plays an important role in the Banaras experience. During your trip, try these popular local favourites:

• Kachori Sabzi
• Tamatar Chaat
• Banarasi Chaat
• Banarasi Lassi
• Malaiyyo in winter
• Rabri
• Banarasi Paan

For a better food experience, choose busy stalls where vendors prepare food fresh. In addition, drink bottled or filtered water throughout your stay.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March. The pleasant weather makes it easier to walk through the Old City, explore the ghats, take boat rides, and visit temples.

In contrast, April to June can bring temperatures of 40–45°C, which makes outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Meanwhile, the July to September monsoon season brings heavy rain and higher water levels in the Ganges. As a result, rain can affect access to some ghats and boating activities.

For a spectacular cultural experience, plan your visit around Dev Deepawali. During this festival, thousands of lamps illuminate the ghats along the Ganges.

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) sits around 25 km from central Varanasi. Most international visitors reach the city through connections from major Indian cities such as Delhi or Mumbai.

By Train

Varanasi has strong railway connections with major Indian cities, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Kolkata. Therefore, travelling by train works well for visitors exploring North India.

By Road

Taxis, buses, and private cars connect Varanasi with nearby destinations such as Sarnath, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Bodhgaya.

For international visitors, a pre-arranged private airport transfer can provide a smoother and more comfortable arrival.

Getting Around Varanasi

The Old City is best explored on foot because many lanes are too narrow for cars. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws can help with short journeys outside the narrow lanes.

For airport transfers, Sarnath visits, and longer day trips, a private car with a driver offers greater comfort. If you use an auto-rickshaw or book a boat, agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Varanasi Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists

First-time visitors can enjoy Varanasi more easily by following a few simple tips:

• Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious places.
• Cover your shoulders and knees inside temples.
• Carry small Indian currency notes for local purchases and transport.
• Drink bottled or filtered water.
• Ask permission before photographing local people.
• Never photograph cremation ceremonies at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghat.
• Remove your shoes before entering temples.
• Be careful with unsolicited guides and donation requests.
• Keep valuables secure in busy areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip when exploring the ghats.
• If you do not want bhang, ask clearly whether food or drinks contain it.

How Many Days Do You Need in Varanasi?

For most travellers, 3 days in Varanasi provides enough time to experience the city’s main attractions without rushing.

If you have extra time, add Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, or Bodhgaya to your India itinerary.

Experience the Spiritual Heart of India

Varanasi offers much more than traditional tourist attractions. Instead, it invites visitors to slow down and experience the city at their own pace.

Watch the sunrise from a boat, listen to temple bells, explore the ancient lanes, meet local artisans, and taste the flavours of Banaras. Each experience reveals another part of this remarkable city.

From the sacred Ganges and historic temples to Sarnath, Banarasi silk, local food, and colourful traditions, Varanasi offers an unforgettable experience for travellers interested in Indian culture, spirituality, and history.

Add Varanasi to your India itinerary and discover one of India’s most fascinating destinations.

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