Varanasi is the most sacred city in India and perhaps in the world. This eternal city, also known as Benares or Kashi, is located on the banks of the Ganges river and has been an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus for thousands of years. Countless believers come here every day to take a holy bath in the Ganges, honor gods, die peacefully, attend ceremonies, or have their loved ones cremated. A visit to Varanasi is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life. But a visit can also be overwhelming. Do you want to know how to get the most out of your Varanasi visit? In this travel blog you will find everything you want to know, including tips for things to do, how to get around, tours, restaurants and hotels in Varanasi India.
Welcome to Varanasi India
Varanasi is a unique city that you will need to take your time for, to get used to the life around you and understand its culture an traditions, especially upon arrival. The streets around the Ganges are a maze and getting lost is rather the rule than the exception. And not to mention the flow of people and traffic rushing through the narrow alleys. Scooters, covered wagons, heavily loaded workers, priests, beggars, animals, and a variety of colorful people flow through here in large numbers.
On every corner you will find a shrine, where you have to take off your shoes and certainly not stand on the top step of the stairs. The monkeys that walk around the city are peaceful animals, but do not look them in the eyes, because that provokes aggression. It is also recommended to look at the ground every now and then and ensure that you do not step into the cow poop. Just like in the rest of India, cows are sacred in Varanasi and roam freely. And at the same time the city is so accessible. Everyone lives here piecefully together. And as a visitor you are welcome to immerse yourself in the daily life of Varanasi.
Things to do in Varanasi in India – tips
Upon arrival in Varanasi, I recommend you to head out with a private guide, visit a number of sights and understand how this city works. And not only in terms of logistics, but especially the culture, religion and thoughts. Because there is so much happening in Varanasi, you will absolutely be overwhelmed. But at the same time, I quickly felt at ease in this city after a day. In this travel blog you will find my tips for discovering the sights and things to do in Varanasi in India with or without a guide.
Looking for a private guide in Varanasi to learn more about the city, its culture and things to do? You can book a tour here.
Aarti Ceremony – top things to do in Varanasi India
One of the most special things to do and absolute highlights when you visit Varanasi in India is to attend the Aarti ceremony. These ceremonies take place twice a day on the banks of the Ganges River, at the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat. Before sunrise and just before sunset, countless locals and visitors gather here, to watch priests dressed in traditional clothing perform their rituals.
The young priests light copper lamps and move them in perfect harmony to the sounds of music and song and the rhythms of temple bells. In addition, there are flowers, fire, incense and countless devoted people who view it from the water and the stairs. The Aarti ceremony is a tribute to Ganga, the god of the river and goddess of purification and forgiveness. It is a unique experience that you should not miss in Varanasi. Moreover, it provides a glimpse into the spiritual heart of India.
Do you want to attend an Aarti ceremony and learn more? You can book an Aarti experience here.
Visit the hidden temples
The number of temples and sacred sites in Varanasi India are countless. According to our guide there are more than 20,000. The official shrines are registered, but behind every door a small temple can be hidden. Varanasi has well-known temples such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Mandir and Hanuman Temple and these are good to visit on your own. But do you want to see more of the city? Then you want to take a look at temples where you will only meet a handful of other people and these are not easy to find.
These temples are managed by local families who take care of the gods, as if they were people. They are given food, drinks, clean clothes every day, stand in the charred room with air conditioning and are even washed. However, many of these temples have special opening hours, often closing between 12 noon and 6 pm. You can search for yourself, but the best way is to discover new places with a local guide. In any case, look for Gautameshver Mahadev Temple, Tripura Sundari Mandir and Tara Pith.
Do you want to discover Varanasi in India and its things to do with a local guide? Have a look in my Viator store to find different tours.
Ghats
Varanasi is known for its ghats, steps that lead to the Ganges. As many as eighty-four ghats can be found along the 5.5 km waterfront. In the dry period, you can walk all along the water and the ghats, marveling at everything along the way. There is so much to see – a world that is so far away for us as Westerners. You will find people taking a holy bath while singing, cows walking into the water, priests, children playing, and sellers offering sacrificial pictures. Ashes are thrown into the river, offerings with candles are lowered into the river, teeth are brushed, hair is cut and cricket matches are played. Each ghat has its own meaning and function. A number of ghats play a very special role, more about which below.
Burning ghat
One of the sights and things to do in Varanasi that will remain in your memory forever is a visit to the burning ghats. These are sacred places where the deceased are cremated in the open air under the watchful eye of their loved ones and the ashes are scattered in the Ganges. Hindus believe that during these final rituals the soul is freed from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Manikarnika Ghat is the central cremation ground that runs 24 hours a day. The other burning ghat is Harishchandra. In the surrounding streets, you can smell the burning smell and see the stacked wood that is used for burning. It is remarkable that only men walk around here. Women are said to be too emotional and their presence is therefore not common. For some visitors it might be intense to experience this up close. Yet you will notice that the atmosphere here is peaceful and relaxed. In the Hindu believe death goes together with something beautiful and there is a form of acceptance.
It is recommended to visit the burning ghats accompanied by a local guide. Even though you are welcome as a visitor, there are rules and labels that only the locals can tell you. In many places you read that it is forbidden to take photographs. Of course you need to ask yourself if you want to take a picture, but it is officially not the case. There are all kinds of ways and tricks to earn money from you as a tourist. A local guide can not only help you create a deeper understanding, but also protect you a bit during this unique experience. It is also possible to observe the burning ghats from a boat during a sunset or sunrise cruise.
Pay tribute to the Ganges
People from all over the world come to Varanasi to worship the Ganges and experience its holy water. Hindus believe that bathing in the river takes away sins and eases the path to liberation. You can take a holy bath yourself. Something that I do not recommend given the pollution of the river. What you can do as a visitor in an accessible and nice way is to take a container, with a burning candle and many flowers, up the river. Whatever you belief, it is a beautiful way to experience the spirituality of Varanasi.
Take a cruise – things to do in Varanasi India
One of the top things to do that you should not miss when you are in Varanasi India is a boat trip on the most sacred river in the world, the Ganges. From the boat you sail along the water front and get a good idea of the different ghats, palaces, temples and monuments in Varanasi. Even though the river is quite polluted, none of this matters to the local people. Children swim in the water, people take a holy bath, cows cool off, cricket is played and women are busy doing the laundry.
The best times for a cruise are during sunrise and sunset. In the morning you see Varanasi waking up and countless morning rituals take place along the river. In addition, the city takes on a beautiful glow. During sunset the city takes on different colors and you can admire the Aarti ceremonies from the water.
Do you also want to cruise the Ganges river in Varanasi? This is an overview of tours.
Visit the rooftops
You will find countless rooftops in Varanasi. It is nice to follow one of the many arrows and colored signs that always take you to a new rooftop. I personally thought Aadha Aadha was a great place for drinks, lunch and dinner. This place is run by a couple of Indian and Breton descent and not only has an extensive menu, but also a relaxed atmosphere in chaotic Varanasi.
Blue Lassi shop
You can drink a lassi anywhere in Varanasi in India, but there is only 1 place that serves more than 120 varieties. And that is the Blue Lassi Shop. A favorite for both visitors and locals for years. The basis of lassi consists of a mix of yogurt, water and herbs that is stirred for a long time until it becomes whole. Then ingredients are added. Lassis are not only tasty, but also healthy. It is said that drinking lassi also helps with digestion.
The lassis are freshly prepared in front of you, so you have to be patient, especially when it’s busy. But you’ll find it’s well worth the wait. And no worries about tummy problems. They are prepared here with care for foreign bellies. Tip: Try the mango or mixed fruit lassi.
Taste the chai
I’m an absolute tea lover but I’ve never been a fan of chai flavored tea bags. But for a fresh chai in India you can wake me up early in the morning. In India, people drink a cup of chai several times a day, which consists of black tea, milk, water and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, anise, pepper, cloves and nutmeg. Depending on where you are and what the local specialty is. It helps against sweating, something that is welcome in Varanasi in the summer. It is also a moment for locals to take a break and talk about daily life. Everywhere you see the water for the chai boiling in large pots.
In Varanasi you will want to drink a cup of chai at Nandey Tea & Coffee Shop. Fortunately, this little place was right around the corner from our hotel so we were able to go there several times. Delicious!
Exclusive saris
Varanasi is known for its silk and sari production. The high quality and special designs ensure that saris from Varanasi are much sought after items throughout India. I thought it was special to hear that saris in Varanasi are mainly produced in the Islamic district of Bhadaini. Two beliefs that can coexist so close together, on the banks of the Ganges. If you walk through the Bhadaini neighborhood, you will see people at work in a traditional way. In most places you are welcome to take a look and learn more about the processes. According to our guide, one exclusive sari sometimes takes 15 to 20 days to make.
Visit the main temples
Attractions and things to do in Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Just outside the central part of the city are the Durga Mandir and Hanuman Temple temples. The Durga Mandir is a red temple that is also known as a monkey temple, because of the many monkeys that used to roam here. Hanuman temple, which is located near here, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Here too there is always a crowd.
Do you have more time? Then try to also visit the New Vishwanath Temple, located on the grounds of the Banaras Hindu University, which is a modern replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple and therefore very interesting. Each temple visit teaches you more about the Hindu faith, the spiritual significance of the city and the vibrant life that takes place around these temples.
Do you want to discover Varanasi in India and its things to do with a local guide? Have a look in my Viator store to find different tours.
Mini Travel Guide + tips Varanasi India
Tips for tours in Varanasi India
Looking for more tips and things to do in Varanasi in India? This is an overview with different tours.
Hotel tips Varanasi
Varanasi is a city that has become a popular destination to visit in India, but the amount of hotels is growing steadily because of the limited expansion opportunities. Especially in the city part around the Ganges. And this is of course the place where you want to spend the night, so that you have all the sights of Varanasi within walking distance. It is therefore important to book your stay on time. These are my tips for hotels in Varanasi India.
Shiva Ganges View Hotel
We stayed at the Shiva Ganges View Hotel, located on the sacred river, a small-scale family business that does everything it can to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The rooms are simple but very well maintained. Make sure you book one of the suites, which have a balcony overlooking the Ganges, where there is so much to see at any time of the day. Take a look at the roof terrace and don’t forget to order one of the home cooked meals. They are delicious!
BrijRama Palace
Are you looking for a luxury stay in Varanasi? Then book a room in BrijRama Palace, located directly on the Ganges, a former palace that has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel
Looking for more hotels in Varanasi India? This is an overview.
Restaurant tips Varanasi India
- Aadha Aadha Roof Terrace is a nice place run by a couple of Indian and Breton descent. Here you have tasty dishes for a good price, while enjoying the roofterrace.
- Are you looking for an upscale restaurant in Varanasi? Darbhanga, which is part of the Brijrama Palace, is one of the best restaurants in Varanasi. Make sure to order the Banarsari Thaali here, a three-course menu inspired by the traditional thali.
- Enjoy the best lassi at the Blue Lassi Shop.
- For a great cup of chai, head to Nandey Tea & Coffee Shop.
Best time to visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is in the cooler months, between October and March. The temperatures are then pleasant, allowing you to visit many of the sights, temples and ghats along the Ganges. I personally visited Varanasi in August and the heat I experienced here was indescribable, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees.
Tips for Varanasi
- You can’t take photographs everywhere, so look at the signs around you or ask a guide or local for advice.
- Never look monkeys in the eyes, because they can become aggressive.
- In temples you have to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders.
- Book a guide on the first day so that you become familiar with the traditions, customs and sights of Varanasi India.
- Keep in mind that there is no alcohol being served around the holy river Ganges.
How to reach Varanasi in India
About an hour’s drive away is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which connects Varanasi with several cities in India. Well-known airlines include Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Varanasi also has two train stations; Varanasi Cantt railway station, located directly in Varanasi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, 50 minutes outside the city, with connections to various cities. Once you arrive in Varanasi India, most sights and things to do are within walking distance of each other or you can take a tuk tuk to get around. Looking for private transport to and from Varanasi? In my viator shop you will find different options.
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