Varanasi travel guide

Things to do in Varanasi

1. Sunrise boat ride

   2 h · ₹300 entry

   Row past the ghats as the city wakes. This peaceful river journey lets you watch daily rituals unfold along the banks.

   Tip: Wear warm clothes as the breeze on the water can feel chilly before the sun fully rises.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti

   2 h · Free

   Dashashwamedh Ghat is a main ghat on the Ganges River in Varanasi, close to Vishwanath Temple. It is famous for the grand evening aarti, an immersive experience where priests perform synchronized rituals with massive brass lamps.

   Tip: Arrive well before the ceremony to secure a good viewing spot on the steps or from a boat on the river.

3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   2 h · Free

   One of the twelve revered Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Varanasi. The current structure was built by Ahilyabai Holkar and recently connected to the Ganga river through a major corridor development.

   Tip: Follow local guidelines regarding footwear and belongings before entering the security area.

4. Assi Ghat

   1 h · Free

   Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi, serving as a popular residential area for long-term foreign students, researchers, and tourists. The location hosts the cultural and spiritual event known as Subah-e-Banaras.

5. Manikarnika Ghat

   30 min · Free

   Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi. It serves as the principal cremation ground and a revered pilgrimage site where Hindus perform sacred rituals. Hindus believe that a human soul attains moksha when cremated here.

   Tip: Be respectful at all times and do not take photographs.

6. Sarnath

   3 h · ₹25 entry

   Sarnath is a peaceful town near Varanasi where the Buddha gave his first sermon. It holds immense historical importance as one of the key pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and features ancient monuments like the pillar bearing the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

   Tip: Hire a local guide near the entrance to learn about the deep history of the ancient ruins and stupas.

7. Ramnagar Fort

   1 h · ₹75 entry

   Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, this historic sandstone structure was built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Maharaja Balwant Singh. It serves as the residence of the current Maharaja of Benares and houses a fascinating vintage car museum.

Where to stay in Varanasi

• Assi Ghat

  ₹800–3,000

  Cafes, morning aarti and quieter ghats.

• Dashashwamedh / Godowlia

  ₹1,500–5,000

  At the heart of the aarti and the temple lanes.

• Cantonment

  ₹5,000–12,000

  Big hotels with easy parking.

What to eat

• Kachori sabzi

  street food · veg

  Breakfast in the Thatheri Bazaar lanes.

• Kashi Chat Bhandar

  street food · veg

  Tamatar chaat — a Banaras special.

• Blue Lassi

  sweets · veg

  Fruit lassis in a tiny old shop.

• Banarasi paan

  street food · veg

  End a meal the local way.