Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India packs a lot into a small area. Here are the experiences that deliver the most, from must-see landmarks to the quieter choices that make a trip memorable.
Varanasi, also called Kashi or Benares, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the holiest place in Hinduism. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges and perform rituals at the ghats, and visitors come to witness a living tradition that is intense, spiritual and unforgettable.
1. Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges
Boats at sunrise offer views of the ghats, rituals and bathers, with soft light across the water and bells from the temples.
2. Watch the evening Ganga Aarti
A nightly ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat with fire, chants and music, a deeply moving spectacle.
3. Walk through the old city lanes
Narrow lanes lead past small shrines, silk shops, sweet stalls and cows, a lively maze.
4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva. Security is tight, and non-Hindu entry rules vary.
5. See Sarnath
A nearby Buddhist site where the Buddha gave his first sermon, with a museum, stupas and a peaceful park.
6. Learn about silk weaving
Varanasi is famous for silk brocade saris, and workshops show how they are made.
7. Try street food and lassi
Local specialties include kachori, chaat, malaiyo and thick lassi. Choose busy stalls with fresh food.
8. Attend a music or yoga session
Varanasi has a strong tradition of classical music, and many studios offer lessons.
Varanasi Quick Facts
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Type of place: Sacred city on the Ganges.
- Best time to visit: Visit from October to March for cooler, drier weather, with December and January often foggy and cold in the mornings. April to June is extremely hot, often above 40 °C (104 °F), and the monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain and high river levels that can close ghats. Festival times such as Dev Deepawali are spectacular but crowded.
- Suggested time: 2 to 3 days, or 1 day if you are short on time.
- Busiest: Dev Deepawali, Maha Shivaratri and winter weekends. Quietest: July and August.
What to Eat in Varanasi
Try kachori sabzi for breakfast, chaat, thandai, malaiyo (a winter foam dessert), lassi and Banarasi paan. Many restaurants serve vegetarian food, and non-vegetarian options are limited in the old city.
Getting Around
Varanasi has an airport with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities, about 45 minutes from the center. Trains connect the city to major hubs, and auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and walking are the main ways to get around the old town.
Money-Saving Tips
Varanasi is inexpensive. Boat rides, local meals and guesthouses cost little, but agree prices ahead. Temple entry is mostly free, though donations are welcome.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Photographing cremation ceremonies or people without permission.
- Hiring unofficial guides without agreeing prices.
- Drinking tap water or swimming in the river.
- Skipping an early start and missing the soft morning light.
Best Time to Do These Things
Visit from October to March for cooler, drier weather, with December and January often foggy and cold in the mornings. April to June is extremely hot, often above 40 °C (104 °F), and the monsoon from July to September brings heavy rain and high river levels that can close ghats. Festival times such as Dev Deepawali are spectacular but crowded. Varanasi is a deeply religious city, and cremation ghats are sacred sites where photography is not allowed. Be respectful, dress modestly and follow guides’ advice about where to stand during ceremonies.
Top-Rated Tours in Varanasi
These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Varanasi, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.
- Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour) — rated 5.0 from 472 reviews, from $18.
- Banaras Wala Tours — rated 4.9 from 351 reviews, from $30.
- The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi – How to Spend 13 Hours – Private Guided Tour — rated 4.9 from 334 reviews, from $40.
- Varanasi full day guided tour | Ranked 1 Tour Operator on Viator — rated 5.0 from 281 reviews, from $80.
How to Fit It All In
Most visitors need 2 to 3 days to cover the highlights without rushing, and 1 day is enough for the essentials. Our Varanasi trip-length guide shows how to split the days, and the best time to visit page helps you choose the season. Varanasi is a deeply religious city, and cremation ghats are sacred sites where photography is not allowed. Be respectful, dress modestly and follow guides’ advice about where to stand during ceremonies.
Plan Your Trip
More Varanasi planning help: best tours and experiences in Varanasi, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one thing to do in Varanasi?
Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges tops most lists. Boats at sunrise offer views of the ghats, rituals and bathers, with soft light across the water and bells from the temples..
What can I do in Varanasi in one day?
Take a boat ride at dawn and walk along the ghats.
Is it worth booking a guided tour in Varanasi?
Tours save time on logistics and often include entry or transport. Listed tours start around $13 with a typical price near $30. The most-reviewed option we list is Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour), rated 5.0 from 472 reviews and starting around $18.
Are there good day trips from Varanasi?
Try street food and lassi and Attend a music or yoga session are popular add-ons. See our trip-length guide for how to fit them in.
Plan Your Tours in Varanasi
Ready to book? See our full roundup of the best tours and experiences in Varanasi for guided options, skip-the-line tickets, and day trips.
