Things to do in Varanasi

Activities, attractions and tours

Varanasi showing a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Tulsi Ghat featuring a day spa, general coastal views and religious elements
Varanasi featuring a bay or harbour and boating
Varanasi
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What to do in Varanasi

Popular places to visit

Dasaswamedh ghat which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Dasaswamedh ghat

Observe sadhus conducting rituals, pilgrims bathing in holy water and priests performing the enthralling Ganga aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River.

Dasaswamedh ghat
New Vishwanatha Temple featuring a temple or place of worship, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Banaras Hindu University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Banaras Hindu University during your travels in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Banaras Hindu University
Tulsi Ghat featuring a day spa, general coastal views and religious elements

Tulsi Ghat

Watch pilgrims bathe in sacred water, see holy men perform ancient rituals and visit the former home of a great Indian poet.

Tulsi Ghat
Ramnagar Fort showing heritage architecture, a ruin and heritage elements

Ramnagar Fort

Admire the architecture of this 17th-century fort, discover exhibits of armor, jewelry and vintage cars and watch stunning sunsets over the Ganges River.

Ramnagar Fort
Durga Temple showing markets and religious aspects

Durga Temple

Discover an immaculate image of a revered Hindu god and watch mischievous troops of monkeys at this attractive centuries-old temple.

Durga Temple
New Vishwanatha Temple which includes religious elements, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

New Vishwanatha Temple

Spot interesting statues and artwork and relax amid pristine gardens at this serene temple, set within an attractive university campus.

New Vishwanatha Temple
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery which includes religious aspects, street scenes and heritage architecture

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Listen to monks chanting Buddhist sermons and spot interesting artwork at this modern temple, set among picturesque gardens, ruined temples and sacred shrines.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

After visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Assi Ghat

You can find out about the history of Varanasi with a stop at Assi Ghat. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Assi Ghat

Areas of Varanasi

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Lanka

When in Lanka, you can plan a visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Sant Ravidas Ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lanka
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Sigra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sigra and surrounding area, you can visit Bharat Mata and Scindia Ghat.

Sigra
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Mahmoorganj

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Mahmoorganj, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Scindia Ghat and Hanuman Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
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Godaulia

While Godaulia may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Scindia Ghat and Bharat Mata.

Godaulia
Varanasi featuring religious elements as well as an individual male

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

While Varanasi Nagar Nigam may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Scindia Ghat and Bharat Mata.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

Frequently asked questions

Is Varanasi worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi.
How do I spend a day in Varanasi?
Archaeological Museum and Kashi Vishwanath Temple are two excellent places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Varanasi while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Varanasi?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Varanasi?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat and Hanuman Ghat with a three-day getaway in Varanasi. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Chandauli.
Is Varanasi a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Varanasi, like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Assi Ghat, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Varanasi is Sigra and Mahmoorganj is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Varanasi with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Varanasi with kids.

What to do in Varanasi for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi for adults including Sant Ravidas Ghat and Alamgir Mosque.
Are there free things to do in Varanasi?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Varanasi. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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