Varanasi is a place in India that has always caught people’s attention. People spend their days in this city, which is considered to be among the most sacred in the nation. Hindu pilgrims travel here to worship and wash off their sins. The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is home to the stunning city of Varanasi. There are so many things to do in Varanasi and that will leave you amazed and might make you want to stay forever. From praying at the temples to taking a bath in the holy Ganges River, there is a lot to experience in this special city. So let’s dive straight in and explore what activities you can undertake in this beautiful city of India.
List of the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities on Earth and is also one of the liveliest places you can visit. If you want to have an exciting and meaningful experience, Varanasi is the place to be. Below is a list of the best things to do in Varanasi that will make your visit special and peaceful.
1. Watch Evening Aarti
One of the top spiritual activities to witness in Varanasi is the evening aarti at the Ghats. People might have seen something similar in Rishikesh or Haridwar, so they already know how magical this experience will be in Varanasi. The ghats become crowded during the aarti, so make sure to reach on time. Make sure to buy an aarti thali. This will elevate your experience even more. When you hear the beautiful sound of the aarti, it will make you feel very peaceful and happy. To have the aarti experience, you can visit Dasaswamedh Ghat.
| Activity | Evening Aarti at the Ghats |
| Location | Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi |
| Best Time to Visit | Evening (after sunset) |
| Experience Level | Spiritual & Cultural |
| Crowd | Very crowded, arrive early |
| What to Expect | Chanting, fire rituals, devotional music |
| Tip | Buy an aarti thali for an enhanced experience |
| Similar Experiences | Rishikesh, Haridwar Aarti |
| Emotions Felt | Peaceful, mesmerizing, divine connection |
2. Explore The Ghats
One of Varanasi’s most significant ghats, Dashashwamedh Ghat, is situated beside the Ganges River. The well-known Vishwanath Temple is nearby. This ghat has a captivating history. According to legend, Lord Brahma created the ghat to greet Lord Shiva. Some people also believe that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses here during a special Yajna. The ghats are also the places where Varanasi festivals are celebrated, so you should definitely join them. Hence, visiting these ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
| Attribute | Details |
| Ghat Name | Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Location | Beside the Ganges River, Varanasi |
| Nearby Attraction | Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
| Historical Significance | Created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva |
| Mythological Belief | Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a special Yajna |
| Festivals & Events | Various Varanasi festivals are celebrated here |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or evening (especially during aarti) |
| Experience Level | Cultural, spiritual, and historical |
| Why Visit? | Rich history, divine experience, and vibrant atmosphere |
3. Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple was built in 1964 by the Thakur Surekha Das family and is famous for its beautiful architecture. It is believed that this is the place where the poet Tulsidas wrote the famous holy book Ramcharitmanas. The story of Lord Rama and his partner, Goddess Sita, is narrated in this temple. Lively artwork showing scenes from the Ramayana may be found inside the temple. During the time of festivals, puppets are used by local performers and artists to depict stories from Ramcharitmanas.
| Attribute | Details |
| Temple Name | Tulsi Manas Temple |
| Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Year Built | 1964 |
| Built By | Thakur Surekha Das family |
| Significance | Believed to be the place where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas |
| Main Deities | Lord Rama & Goddess Sita |
| Architectural Style | Beautiful carvings with artwork from the Ramayana |
| Special Features | Ramayana scenes depicted inside the temple |
| Festival Activities | Puppet shows narrating Ramcharitmanas stories |
| Best Time to Visit | During festivals or religious events |
4. Sunrise Boat Ride
It is definitely worth getting up early and taking a boat ride on the River Ganges to watch the sunrise. As hundreds of people arrive to pray, practice yoga, and present food and flowers to the goddess Ganga, the ghats come alive. Some people bathe in the holy river, and monks also wash themselves before the sun rises. You will even see people filling plastic bottles with water from the Ganges, as it is believed to be holy and people take it home to family members who cannot visit Varanasi.
| Attribute | Details |
| Activity | Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges |
| Location | River Ganges, Varanasi |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning (before sunrise) |
| Experience Type | Spiritual, cultural, and scenic |
| What to Expect | Prayers, yoga, offerings, and bathing rituals |
| Significance | The Ganges is considered sacred in Hinduism |
| Who Participates? | Pilgrims, monks, tourists, and locals |
| Special Sightings | People collecting holy water in bottles |
| Why Visit? | Peaceful experience, breathtaking sunrise views, and spiritual ambiance |
5. Witness The Buddhist Intervention
The Dhamek Stupa is a huge ancient structure located in Sarnath, about 13 km away from Varanasi. After Buddha’s death, his ashes were divided and buried in these stupas. The Dhamek Stupa was built in 500 CE and replaced an older structure built by the famous Mauryan King Ashoka. This is a very holy place for Buddhists, and you can visit it to learn more about Buddha’s life and history.
| Attribute | Details |
| Monument Name | Dhamek Stupa |
| Location | Sarnath, 13 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Historical Significance | Contains Buddha’s ashes; an important Buddhist pilgrimage site |
| Year Built | 500 CE (replacing an older structure) |
| Built By | Originally by Mauryan King Ashoka |
| Architectural Style | Cylindrical stone structure with intricate carvings |
| Religious Importance | A sacred place for Buddhists, linked to Buddha’s teachings |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience |
| Why Visit? | Learn about Buddha’s life and explore ancient Buddhist heritage |
6. Take A Tour of Sarnath
Just 10 km from Varanasi is Sarnath. Sarnath is a famous Buddhist site. After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha delivered his initial teachings here. If you are looking for spiritual peace near Varanasi, Sarnath is the best place to visit. Many stupas and buildings were built here by kings who followed Buddhism. Sarnath is not only a spiritual place but also a nice picnic spot near Varanasi. Hence, taking a tour of Sarnath is one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
| Attribute | Details |
| Place Name | Sarnath |
| Location | 10 km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Historical Significance | Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here after enlightenment |
| Religious Importance | One of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites |
| Main Attractions | Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Sarnath Museum |
| Who Built It? | Various Buddhist kings, including Emperor Ashoka |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter season (October to March) for a pleasant experience |
| Experience Type | Spiritual, historical, and cultural |
| Why Visit? | Peaceful environment, ancient Buddhist heritage, and a great picnic spot |
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the oldest and holiest temples in India is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas which are holy places. Thousands of people visit this temple to pray and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple has beautiful golden domes and towers that shine in the sunlight. Inside the temple, you will see a silver platform with the statue of Lord Shiva. This temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, but it is still a very important place for both religious and historical reasons.
| Attribute | Details |
| Temple Name | Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
| Location | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Religious Significance | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, a highly sacred site in Hinduism |
| Historical Background | Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times |
| Architecture | Features golden domes, towering spires, and a silver platform inside |
| Main Attraction | Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva |
| Pilgrimage Importance | Thousands of devotees visit daily for blessings |
| Best Time to Visit | Maha Shivaratri, Sawan month, and early morning for a peaceful experience |
| Why Visit? | Spiritual experience, divine blessings, and historical significance |
8. Ramnagar Fort & Museum
The Ramnagar Fort is a historical fort near the River Ganges. It was built by Raja Balwant Singh and is made of Chunar sandstone. The fort is still home to the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort has beautiful gardens, fountains, halls, and balconies with intricate carvings. The Durbar Hall has been turned into a museum called Saraswati Bhawan, where you can see interesting items like old weapons, vintage cars, royal palanquins, and colorful paintings of the Maharajas. To know more about the history of this spiritual city, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Varanasi.
| Attribute | Details |
| Fort Name | Ramnagar Fort |
| Location | Near River Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Built By | Raja Balwant Singh |
| Year Built | 18th Century |
| Material Used | Chunar Sandstone |
| Current Owner | Maharaja of Varanasi |
| Architectural Features | Beautiful gardens, fountains, halls, balconies with intricate carvings |
| Main Attraction | Saraswati Bhawan Museum (Durbar Hall) |
| Museum Exhibits | Old weapons, vintage cars, royal palanquins, paintings of Maharajas |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March for pleasant weather |
| Why Visit? | Explore royal heritage, ancient artifacts, and scenic beauty |
9. Taste Street Food
For foodies, Varanasi’s ghats are the best place. The streets are filled with a variety of mouthwatering authentic street cuisine. You can savor mouthwatering dishes prepared with love, such as spicy aloo puri and crispy kachoris. The best thing is how cheap the food is. You can get a plate of puri aloo for just ten rupees. You will never go hungry in Varanasi.
| Attribute | Details |
| Food Scene | Vibrant street food culture at Varanasi’s ghats |
| Popular Dishes | Aloo Puri, Kachori, Chaat, Tamatar Chaat, Lassi, Malaiyyo, Banarasi Paan |
| Taste Profile | Spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors |
| Best Places to Try | Vishwanath Gali, Kachori Gali, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Godowlia |
| Approx. Cost | As low as ₹10 for a plate of Aloo Puri |
| Street Food Specialty | Freshly prepared, authentic, and budget-friendly |
| Why Try? | Experience local flavors, cultural essence, and affordable pricing |
| Best Time to Eat | Morning for kachoris & puris, evening for chaats & lassi |
10. Take a Bath in the Ganges
The Ganges River is very important in Hinduism and is believed to wash away sins just by taking a bath in its water. People come from all over the world to Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges to get free from the cycle of birth and death. You will see pilgrims doing this early in the morning.
| Attribute | Details |
| River Name | Ganges River |
| Religious Significance | Sacred in Hinduism, believed to wash away sins |
| Why People Bathe? | To attain spiritual purification and liberation from the cycle of birth & death |
| Best Time for Bathing | Early morning |
| Popular Bathing Ghats | Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Panchganga Ghat |
| Who Visits? | Pilgrims, sadhus, tourists, and spiritual seekers |
| Cultural Importance | Integral to Hindu rituals, festivals, and religious ceremonies |
| Additional Rituals | Offering flowers, diyas, and prayers to Goddess Ganga |
Conclusion
Varanasi is indeed one of the most captivating tourist destinations. Apart from its spiritual significance, the city is known for its remarkable diversity and beauty. When planning a trip to Varanasi, make sure to explore all the wonderful things to do in Varanasi that make this city truly special.
For an unforgettable experience, trust Luxury Trails of India to provide the best and most affordable Varanasi tour packages tailored to your requirements. Our expert guides will help you discover each element of the city. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime with our expertly curated tours and exceptional travel service. Book your trip with us today.
Also Read – Top 10 Places to Visit in Ahmedabad