Best Places to Visit in Varanasi: An Insider’s Guide for Your Varanasi Trip

Varanasi isn’t just a destination—it’s an immersive journey into a living tapestry of history, spirituality, and vibrant street life. Whether you’re planning your first Varanasi trip or seeking a deeper Varanasi tour experience, this guide offers an insider’s perspective gleaned from over a decade of conducting walking tours in the city. Explore the iconic ghats, ancient temples, narrow alleys, and hidden gems that make Varanasi one of the world’s most enchanting cities.

The Ghats: Varanasi’s Ever-Pulsing Heart

Unlike other river cities with limited river access, Varanasi boasts over 100 access points along its 7 km riverfront, spread across 87 ghats. This unique devotion to the Ganga sets the stage for an unforgettable Varanasi tour.

Dashashwamedha Ghat

• Experience the Culture:
  Witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti—a ritual of flickering lamps, resonant chants, and temple bells that encapsulate centuries of devotion. Enjoy a sacred dip (dubki) and stroll the 500-meter stretch from Man Mandir to Digpatiya Ghat, where palatial structures echo the legacy of royal families from Jaipur, Darbhanga, Udaipur, and beyond.
• Insider Note:
  Our photography walk captures the myriad colors of Dashashwamedha, while our sunset boat tour offers a captivating vantage view of the Ganga Aarti.

Assi Ghat

• Morning Vibes:
  Experience the lively ambiance of Subah-e-Banaras, where Ganga Aarti, havan rituals, classical music, and community yoga sessions blend into one inspiring event.
• Local Flavor:
  Enjoy the refreshing taste of lemon chai—a favorite among residents—and absorb the contemporary pulse of Varanasi life.
• In Context:
  Our “City of Good Life Walk” in Varanasi offers an intimate look at Assi Ghat and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Panchganga Ghat

• Cultural Immersion:
  Time seems to have stood still here as locals perform age-old riverside rituals in traditional attire and exercise using heritage gym equipment (Mugdal feri). Nearby, you can even see Kabir’s 15th-century school—a testament to the city’s enduring legacy.
• Elevated Perspective:
  Climb the steps to the Dharhara Alamgir Mosque from the 17th century for an aerial view that captures the vast expanse of the Ganga and its numerous ghats.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Our Essential Varanasi Walk delves deep into the stories and traditions at Panchganga Ghat, enriching your Varanasi tour experience.

Tulsi Ghat

• Historic Resonance:
  Visit the 16th-century house of Tulsidas—now a living museum—where local devotees still sing chaupaiyan from the Ramcharitmanas and recite the Hanuman Chalisa after their morning Ganga snaan.
• Unique Finds:
  Ask locals to help you spot relics such as Tulsidas’s wooden sandals, parts of his boat, and his cot. Then, explore the nearby kushti akhada with its traditional wrestling mud pit and discover Lolark Kund, a stepwell with a fascinating history that spans from ancient meteor strikes to solar worship.
• Tour Experience:
  Our City of Good Life (South) Walk takes you through Tulsi Ghat and its cultural surroundings with unparalleled depth.

Manikarnika Ghat

• Transformative Encounter:
  Witnessing the burning pyres at Manikarnika is a humbling, transformative experience that teaches you to embrace life and death as intertwined parts of the journey toward moksha.
• Respectful Reflection:
  Remember, this is a deeply sacred space; photography is not permitted as a mark of respect.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Our Essential Varanasi Walk guides you through the spiritual layers of Manikarnika, enhancing your Varanasi trip with reflective insight.

Unique Varanasi Experiences: Beyond the Riverfront

Ganga Boat Ride

A boat ride on the Ganga is an essential part of any Varanasi tour. Whether at sunrise or sunset, a hand-rowed boat offers breathtaking views of the ghats, temples, akhadas, and even a mosque—each contributing to the city’s mesmerizing skyline.

• Experience the Flow:
  As you glide along the river, absorb the juxtaposition of ancient architecture with the vibrant energy of daily life—a reminder of why a Varanasi trip is a truly transformational journey.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Our Sunrise and Sunset Boat Tours are designed to reveal these ever-changing perspectives in an intimate, authentic way.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

A cornerstone of any Varanasi tour, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and a beacon of spiritual energy.

• Architectural Grandeur:
  Admire the temple’s golden spires—adorned with 1,000 kg of real gold—that stand as a testament to centuries of devotion and architectural brilliance.
• Spiritual Insight:
  For an intimate darshan, attend the Mangala Aarti for Sparsha darshan, an experience that immerses you in the temple’s ancient rhythms.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Enhance your Varanasi tour by exploring our comprehensive Temple Tour, which offers exclusive insights into the rich heritage of Kashi Vishwanath.

The Gallis of Chowk: Where Philosophy and Life Converge

The vibrant alleys around Chowk, the iconic square north of Kashi Vishwanath, serve as a microcosm of Varanasi’s soul. Here, the four tenets of Hindu philosophy—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha—unfold in real time:

• Dharma:
  Numerous shrines, wandering sadhus, and Sanskrit schools uphold age-old traditions of righteousness and purpose.
• Artha:
  Bustling markets where commerce and craft intertwine have long been the lifeblood of the city.
• Kama:
  Elegant havelis of Dalmandi, once home to famed Kothas where courtesans and musicians elevated art and pleasure, now give way to legendary eateries offering exquisite gastronomical delights.
• Moksha:
  To the east of Chowk lies Manikarnika Ghat—the gateway to salvation—while quiet lanes and small temples offer sanctuaries for reflection.
• Local Culinary Delights:
  Savor the Malai & Makkhan Toast at Laxmi Chai, Thandai at Pathak Ji’s, Kachori Sabzi and Jalebi at Ram Bhandar, Laal Peda at Rasvanti, and the winter delicacy Malaiyo at Shreeji’s.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Our Food Walk and Essential Varanasi Walk explore Chowk’s labyrinthine alleys and vibrant markets, enriching your Varanasi trip with deep cultural insights.

Banarasi Sarees: The Woven Legacy

No Varanasi trip is complete without exploring the legacy of Banarasi sarees—heirloom pieces celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship.

• What to Expect:
  The brocade of Varanasi, with its intricate gold and silver zari work and bold floral patterns, represents a tradition passed down through generations.
• Where to Shop:
  For authentic finds, explore the Chowk markets at Rastogi Sarees and Raj Lakshmi Sarees; for premium heritage designs, trusted names like Stuti Weaves are highly recommended.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  The Textile Trail tour in Varanasi offers an immersive journey into the art and history behind these timeless creations.

Sarnath: The Spiritual Cradle of Buddhism

A short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon over 2,500 years ago.

• What to Experience:
  Explore ancient monastery ruins, marvel at the Dhamek Stupa, and visit the Sarnath Museum, which houses the national emblem of India—a symbol of peace and wisdom.
• Explore it on our Varanasi tours:
  Our Sarnath Tour provides an in-depth exploration of this sacred site, deepening your overall Varanasi tour experience.

Conclusion

Varanasi captivates the senses and nourishes the soul with every step. Its vibrant ghats, timeless temples, bustling gallis, and cultural treasures offer a Varanasi trip experience that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing. Whether you wander on your own or join us for a deeper dive, we hope this city leaves you with stories to tell, landscapes to remember, and memories to keep.