Key Takeaways
- Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti, take a sunrise boat ride, and visit iconic ghats such as Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat to experience Varanasi’s most iconic attractions.
- Explore Varanasi’s spiritual heritage by visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, and other important Temples across the city.
- Taste Varanasi’s culinary heritage with local favourites such as Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Banarasi Chaat, Lassi, Rabri, and the seasonal winter specialty Malaiyo.
- Add a visit to Sarnath to the itinerary and discover the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Archaeological Museum at the site where Gautama Buddha first shared his teachings.
- Make your visit more meaningful by respecting local customs by dressing appropriately at temples, refraining from photography at the cremation ghats, and staying alert to common scams near Manikarnika Ghat.
- October to March offers the best time to explore Varanasi, allowing you to comfortably explore the Ghats, temples, narrow lanes, and riverside attractions.
There are few places in the world where life, death, celebration, and devotion exist side by side as naturally as they do in Varanasi.
As the first rays of sunlight touch the River Ganges, pilgrims gather at the ghats for morning prayers, temple bells echo through ancient alleyways, and chai sellers begin serving their first cups of the day. By evening, the riverfront transforms into a sea of light as the famous Ganga Aarti fills the air with chanting, incense, and glowing lamps.
Whether you’re drawn by spirituality, history, photography, or simple curiosity, this Varanasi travel guide will help you discover the city’s most unforgettable experiences. Slow down, wander without a plan, and let India’s spiritual capital reveal itself one unforgettable moment at a time.
Experience the Ghats & the Ganga Aarti
The ghats are the heart of Varanasi, where daily life unfolds from sunrise to sunset. Begin your morning at Assi Ghat, where locals practise yoga, pilgrims offer prayers, and the city slowly comes to life. In the evening, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a synchronised ritual of chanting, fire lamps, and devotion that draws visitors from around the world.
As you explore, you’ll also come across Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism’s most sacred cremation ghats, along with Panchganga Ghat and Raj Ghat, each carrying centuries of history and significance.
Wander the Ancient Alleys & Visit Sacred Temples
Beyond the river lies another side of Varanasi—a maze of narrow lanes lined with flower stalls, hidden shrines, sweet shops, and everyday life.
Among the city’s most important temples are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kal Bhairav Temple, often regarded as the guardian deity of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and the unique Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a marble relief map of India instead of traditional idols.
Rather than rushing between them, consider exploring with a local guide who can share the stories, traditions, and history that often go unnoticed.
Tip: If you want to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple without the crowds, plan your visit in the very early hours — between 3 am and 4 am — as the temple gets busy throughout the rest of the day.
Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges
Watching Varanasi awaken from the water is one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences.
As your boat glides across the Ganges, you’ll see pilgrims bathing, priests performing morning rituals, birds circling overhead, and the first golden light illuminating the ghats. Evening boat rides are equally beautiful, especially during the Ganga Aarti, but sunrise offers a quieter and more peaceful perspective.
Tip: Arrange your boat through your hotel, a trusted guide, or an authorised boat operator rather than accepting the first offer you receive along the ghats.
Taste the Flavours of Banaras
Once you’re back on land and your stomach starts asking questions, Varanasi has answers for that too.
Start your day with Kachori Sabzi (crispy fried pastries served with a spiced potato curry). Don’t miss Tamatar Chaat (a tangy tomato-based street food unique to Varanasi) or the city’s famous Banarasi Chaat (a colourful mix of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours).
Cool off with a glass of Lassi, a creamy yoghurt drink, or indulge in Rabri (a rich dessert made from slow-cooked, sweetened milk). If you’re visiting during winter, try Malaiyo (a delicate saffron-flavoured milk foam) that’s only available during the colder months.
If you’re craving something familiar after a few days of Indian food, Pizzeria Vaatika Café, overlooking Assi Ghat, is a long-time favourite among international travellers for its wood-fired pizzas, homemade apple pie, and riverside views.
If you’re keen to discover more regional flavours during your journey, explore our guide to Indian cuisine to learn about the diverse dishes you’ll encounter across the country.
Visit Sarnath – Where Buddhism Began
Just 10 kilometres from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
A half-day visit takes you to the impressive Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, peaceful monastery grounds, and the Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka—India’s national emblem. For anyone interested in history, religion, or culture, Sarnath is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Note: Sarnath is about a 30- to 45-minute auto-rickshaw or taxi ride from the main ghats area, depending on Varanasi’s famous traffic.
Discover the Art of Banarasi Silk
Varanasi has been famous for its silk weaving for centuries. Behind every authentic Banarasi silk saree is the craftsmanship of skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, visiting a weaving workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into one of India’s finest textile traditions.
Things First-Time Visitors Should Know
The lanes around the ghats are barely wider than a cow standing sideways in them — and that’s not a metaphor; it happens often. Add temple bells, vendors balancing trays of marigolds, and the occasional funeral procession heading toward Manikarnika Ghat, and you’ll understand why locals navigate by instinct rather than maps. Give yourself time to get lost; it’s part of how the city works.
Most temples expect shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off before entering — Kashi Vishwanath and Durga Temple both enforce this strictly, and shoe storage stalls just outside charge a small fee.
The ghats are best explored on foot, and the stone steps get slippery near the water, especially early morning when they’re still damp from the previous night’s rituals. Shoes with grip matter more here than they would almost anywhere else in India.
Cremation ghats — particularly Manikarnika — are sacred, not scenic. Photography is not appropriate there, and it’s worth pausing to observe respectfully rather than reaching for your phone. Also, beware of scams. Near the cremation ghats (especially Manikarnika), aggressive touts may approach you asking for donations to buy “funeral wood for poor families.” This is a well-known scam. Politely but firmly ignore them, avoid eye contact, and keep walking.
Varanasi rewards slowness in a way few cities do. The ghats look different at 6 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm — same stretch of river, completely different city each time.
If you’re planning a longer journey through North India after visiting Varanasi, consider exploring some of the region’s beautiful hill stations for a completely different side of the country.
Practical Tips for Visiting Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the most pleasant weather. If your dates are flexible, visiting during Dev Deepawali (usually in November) is a truly magical experience, when thousands of lamps illuminate the ghats.
How to reach: Varanasi is easily reached by domestic flights via Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or by train from major cities including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
Food & Water: Enjoy the city’s fantastic street food, but choose busy stalls where food is freshly prepared. Drink bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.
Experience the Real Varanasi
Some destinations impress you with monuments. Varanasi stays with you because of moments. Whether you’re visiting for its spirituality, history, food, or culture, Varanasi offers an experience unlike anywhere else in India.
For many travellers, Varanasi sits naturally alongside the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, or a wider, tailor-made route through India — each place adding its own layer to the trip.
