Things to Do in Varanasi: Complete Guide to the City of Light

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Things to Do in Varanasi: Complete Guide to the City of Light

Varanasi is not just a city. It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi or Kashi as it has been known for centuries sits on the banks of the sacred Ganga river and draws millions of pilgrims, travellers, philosophers and curious souls every year.

If you are planning a visit and wondering about things to do in Varanasi that go beyond just the Ganga Aarti, this guide breaks it all down for you. From temple trails to local street food, boat rides and nearby day trips, here is everything you need to know.

Top Things to Do in Varanasi

1. Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

1. Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

No visit to Varanasi is complete without experiencing the Ganga Aarti. Every evening as the sun sets priests perform a synchronized fire ritual on the ghats with large brass lamps, incense and chanting. The atmosphere is electric and deeply moving. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the aarti begins to find a good viewing spot. You can watch from the ghat steps or hire a boat to watch from the river for a completely different perspective.

2. Take a Dawn Boat Ride on the Ganga

One of the most beautiful things to do in Varanasi is taking a boat ride at sunrise. As the mist lifts over the river you get to see the entire stretch of ghats slowly coming alive with bathers, priests, flower offerings and the orange glow of the morning sky. The boat ride typically covers the main ghats from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Negotiate the boat fare in advance.

3. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most sacred temple in Varanasi and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor built in recent years has transformed the area around the temple making access much easier. The temple sees huge crowds particularly on Mondays and during festivals like Mahashivaratri. Go early in the morning if you want a relatively quieter darshan.

4. Explore the Ghats on Foot

Varanasi has 88 ghats along the Ganga and walking from one to another is one of the best ways to absorb the city. Each ghat has its own character. Assi Ghat is popular with students and yoga practitioners. Harishchandra Ghat is one of two cremation ghats and observing the rituals there in a respectful manner is a solemn reminder of the cycle of life that Varanasi embodies.

5. Visit Sarnath

Just 10 km from Varanasi is Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar here are significant Buddhist heritage sites. The Sarnath Museum houses some of the finest Buddhist sculptures including the famous Ashoka Lion Capital. Sarnath is peaceful and relatively uncrowded compared to Varanasi city. A half day trip is enough to cover the key sites.

6. Sample Banarasi Street Food

Food is a massive part of the Varanasi experience. Start your morning with malaiyo, a light frothy sweet milk preparation available only in winter months. Try tamatar chaat at Kachori Gali, kachori sabzi for breakfast, and the famous Banarasi paan as a post meal ritual. Lassi at Blue Lassi shop is legendary among travellers. Thick creamy and served in clay pots it is the kind of lassi you talk about long after you get home.

7. Attend a Classical Music Performance

Varanasi is the epicenter of North Indian classical music. The Banaras Gharana has produced some of India's greatest musicians. Many cultural organizations and music schools host evening concerts and performances which are open to visitors. Check with your hotel or local guides for current schedules.

8. Shop for Banarasi Silk and Handicrafts

Banarasi silk sarees are world famous for their intricate brocade work and richness of fabric. If you want an authentic purchase head to the weaving workshops in Varanasi rather than tourist-facing shops. You can watch the weavers at work and buy directly. Also look for wooden toys, clay figurines and brass items which are traditional crafts of the region.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

October to March is the best time. The weather is cool and pleasant and major festivals like Dev Deepawali in November transform the ghats into a sea of thousands of diyas which is an unforgettable sight. Avoid the peak summer months of April to June when temperatures can exceed 45 degrees Celsius.

How to Reach Varanasi

Varanasi has its own airport with regular flights from major cities. It is also well connected by train. If you are travelling from Jaipur, Delhi or nearby North Indian cities a comfortable road trip or a cab to the nearest railhead and then a connecting journey works very well for groups and families.

Why Choose Raj Travels for Your Varanasi Journey

For a trip as spiritually significant as Varanasi you want transportation that is reliable and stress free. Raj Travels provides well-maintained cabs with professional drivers for outstation journeys from Jaipur, Delhi and other North Indian cities.

Whether you want an AC Sedan for a couple or a spacious Innova for a family pilgrimage Raj Travels has the fleet and experience to make your Varanasi trip comfortable from start to finish. .