Welcome to the ancient city of Varanasi, where the past and present intersect in a mesmerizing blend of spirituality, culture, and history. Nestled along the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is known for its countless temples, holy ghats, bustling markets, and colorful festivals. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, Varanasi has something unique to offer you. In this article, we’ll share the best attractions and things to do in Varanasi, so you can create unforgettable memories in this vibrant and magical city.

The 5 Best Things to Do in Varanasi

1. 3 Day Varanasi Exclusive Tour
2. 3 Day Varanasi Exclusive Pilgrimage Tour
3. Banaras Tour
4. 08 Hours Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur
5. Agra Local Sightseeing

The 5 Best Things to Do in Varanasi

1. 3 Day Varanasi Exclusive Tour

Explore the top attractions of Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities, with this 3-day exclusive tour. Led by a professional English-speaking guide, travel like a local and discover the city’s most significant Hindu and Buddhist landmarks, including the famous Ganga Ghats. Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of four quality hotels, with daily buffet breakfast and all meals included. Take advantage of stress-free pickup from Varanasi Airport, railway stations or bus terminals. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive overview of Varanasi’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Please note that the tour price includes accommodation, meals, and tips. Book now and discover one of the most fascinating destinations in India!

2. 3 Day Varanasi Exclusive Pilgrimage Tour

Experience the spiritual soul of Varanasi with our 3 Day Varanasi Exclusive Pilgrimage Tour. Begin your journey with a pickup from Varanasi Airport or Banaras/DDU Railway Station at 12:30 PM. You will be transported to your hotel, where you will be accommodated for 2 nights on a double occupancy basis.

Throughout your pilgrimage, a professional licensed English speaking guide will accompany you to ensure a safe and honorable tourism experience. You will be provided with a personal priest ritual, as well as lunch and dinner. Buffet breakfast is also included.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation is provided. Public transportation is conveniently nearby on accessible surfaces. Please keep in mind that a minimum of 2 people per booking is required and there is a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Explore Varanasi and let us guide you through the spiritual essence of this incredible city.

3. Banaras Tour

The ancient city of Benares is a spiritual hub and one of India’s liveliest destinations. With bustling ghats, teeming temples, and top-notch historical sights, exploring the city’s highlights takes serious planning. Luckily, this action-packed tour covers all the main attractions during a single hassle-free outing. You’ll enjoy a sunrise Ganges cruise, fascinating archaeological visits, and stunning temple interiors, ending with a front-row peek at the famous fire prayer. The tour includes transport by private vehicle, bottled water, all taxes, fees, and handling charges. However, any personal expenses, hotel room, air/train fare, video camera charges at monuments, and tips/gratitude to driver/guide are not included in the tour cost. The pickup points are predetermined, and the tour is operated by a third-party company.

4. 08 Hours Private Full Day City Tour of Jaipur

Experience the beauty and grandeur of Jaipur on an exclusive 08 Hours Private Full Day City Tour. Your tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or the airport and a comfortable private transportation for the full day in Jaipur. An English speaking professional guide will accompany you throughout the tour to provide you with insightful information and make sure you make the most of your day in Jaipur.

The tour highlights include a visit to City Palace of Jaipur, where you will spend two fascinating hours admiring the awe-inspiring architecture, artifacts and paintings. You will also get to enjoy an exciting Elephant ride at Amber Fort and visit the other famous monuments. The entrances of the monuments are included in the tour, all you have to bring is your sense of adventure!

Cancellation is hassle-free and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Please note that infant seats are unavailable and pets are not allowed. Also, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beautiful city of Jaipur like never before!

5. Agra Local Sightseeing

This tour takes you on a local sightseeing adventure in Agra, where you’ll discover the best attractions and landmarks in the city. Your experienced guide will accompany you throughout the trip and give you insider information about each stop. The tour includes transport by private vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), lunch, dinner and gratuities.

The meeting point for the tour is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh. Your knowledgeable driver will be waiting for you with a plycard bearing your name. The tour starts at 7:00 AM, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is also available from Varanasi Airport/Railway Stations.

During the tour, you’ll explore Banaras Ghats and Dasaswamedh Ghat for a combined total of seven hours (admission tickets not included). There are also three more stops along the way where you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city.

Please note that confirmation will be received at the time of booking. This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Passport name, number, expiry and country are required at the time of booking for all participants.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the best of Agra’s attractions and learn from a professional guide. Book now for an unforgettable experience!

Varanasi: Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a city of great religious importance for Hindus and attracts millions of tourists every year. If you’re planning a trip to Varanasi, you may have many questions in mind. In this post, we will address the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Varanasi.

1. What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. The temperature ranges between 5°C to 15°C, making it an ideal time to explore the city without any discomfort. However, if you’re planning to attend any festivals like Holi or Diwali, consider visiting during their respective seasons.

2. What are the must-visit places in Varanasi?

Varanasi is full of historical and cultural landmarks that you must visit during your trip. The must-visit places in Varanasi include:

i. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a must-visit for anyone visiting Varanasi, regardless of their religious beliefs.

ii. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi and is located on the banks of the Ganges. It is a spectacular place to see the evening Ganga Aarti and to take a boat ride on the river.

iii. Sarnath

Sarnath is an ancient Buddhist site located just outside Varanasi. It is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar are some of the famous attractions in Sarnath.

iv. Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort is a beautiful fort located on the banks of the Ganges. It was built in the 18th century and today it houses a museum along with a beautiful palace and temple.

3. What are the best things to do in Varanasi?

Apart from visiting the popular tourist destinations, there are many other things you can do in Varanasi. Some of the best things to do in Varanasi are:

i. Attend the Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti, held at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening, is a mesmerizing experience. The ghats are lit up with thousands of diyas and the air is filled with chants and the sound of temple bells.

ii. Take a boat ride on the Ganges

Take a boat ride on the Ganges to see the various ghats and temples from a unique perspective. It’s also an opportunity to witness the daily rituals and life on the river.

iii. Try the street food

Varanasi is known for its street food, where you can taste the local delicacies like chaat, lassi, samosas, and kachoris. Be sure to try the food at popular stalls like Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chaat Bhandar.

iv. Take a walk around the narrow lanes of Varanasi

The narrow lanes or galis of Varanasi are full of surprises. You can explore the local markets, food stalls, traditional shops, and observe the daily life of the locals.

4. What is the best way to reach Varanasi?

Varanasi has excellent connectivity by air, rail, and road. You can choose any of the following modes of transport to reach Varanasi:

i. By Air

The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi has regular flights from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.

ii. By Train

Varanasi Junction is a major railway station with trains connecting it to all parts of the country.

iii. By Road

Varanasi is well-connected by road with major cities in India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, and Patna.

5. What are the local customs and etiquettes to follow in Varanasi?

Varanasi is a religious and cultural hub, and it is essential to follow local customs and etiquettes while visiting the city. Some of the customs to keep in mind are:

i. Dress Code

Due to the religious significance of the city, it is advisable to dress conservatively. Avoid wearing revealing clothes and dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious sites.

ii. Footwear

It is customary to remove your footwear before entering temples or other religious places. Customarily, locals will put their footwear on the side of the road or in a nearby stall that offers the service of storing their footwear.

iii. Photography

While taking photographs, it is essential to respect the privacy of the locals and seek permission before taking their pictures.

iv. Behaviour

Be aware that you are a visitor to a tightly-knit community in Varanasi. Be respectful and polite to the locals and follow basic etiquettes like asking before giving money or things away.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is a city in Northern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage and spirituality. It is called the spiritual capital of India and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Varanasi is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, which is considered to be one of the holiest rivers in the world.If you are planning a visit to Varanasi, you might be wondering how to spend your time in the city. To help you out, we have put together a list of things to do and places to visit in Varanasi.

1. Take a Boat Ride on the Ganges

One of the best ways to experience the spirituality of Varanasi is by taking a boat ride on the Ganges river. You can watch the sunrise or sunset from the boat and see the ghats (the steps leading down to the river) come to life with people performing rituals, bathing, and offering prayers to the river. You can also take a boat ride in the evening to witness the beautiful aarti ceremony, a Hindu fire ritual that takes place on the banks of the river.

2. Explore the Ghats

The ghats in Varanasi are an integral part of the city’s culture and history. There are over 80 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance. Some of the most popular ghats to visit are Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat. You can take a walk along the ghats, watch people performing religious ceremonies, and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

3. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi and is surrounded by narrow lanes and bustling markets. The temple is open to people of all religions, but non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum. The temple is beautifully decorated during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and attracts a large number of devotees.

4. Walk Through the Markets

Varanasi is known for its bustling markets that are a riot of colors and sounds. The main market areas are the Vishwanath Lane, Thatheri Bazaar, Godowlia, and Chowk. You can shop for silk sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and other souvenirs. Make sure to bargain hard to get the best prices.

5. Attend a Classical Music Concert

Varanasi has a rich tradition of classical music and dance, and you can attend a concert or recital to experience this firsthand. Some of the best places to attend these performances are the Sankat Mochan Temple, the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and the Kashi Vidvat Parishad.

6. Take a Food Tour

Varanasi is famous for its delicious street food, and taking a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s culinary culture. You can try local dishes like chaat, lassi, kachori, and paan. Some of the best places to try these dishes are Ram Bhandar, Kashi Chaat Bhandar, and Blue Lassi.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi is a city that is steeped in culture and spirituality, and there is no dearth of things to do here. Whether you want to explore the ghats, visit temples, or try the local food, there is something for everyone in Varanasi. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city.