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Top 25 Things to Do in Varanasi: Travel Bloggers’ Picks

Varanasi attracts travellers for spiritual journeys, blessings, unique experiences, and street food delights. As one of the world’s oldest cities, continuously inhabited since the 12th century BC, it’s rich in history and culture.

From serene Ganga river views to bustling markets, narrow alleys lined with havelis, and the solemn burning ghats, Varanasi has it all.

I’ve visited Varanasi three times, and during my last 7-day trip, I truly fell in love with the city. It’s now my favourite place in India!

The charm, life, and amazing food make me want to come back again and again.

My spouse, Ashrith, a photographer, believes Varanasi is the best place in India to capture stunning landscapes and portraits.

In our Varanasi travel guide, we share the best things to do over 7 days. Whether it’s 3 days or more, this guide will help you craft a perfect Varanasi itinerary without rushing through clichéd tour packages.

Collage of Varanasi street views including a temple, a woman walking by a yellow mustard field, and a boat on the Ganges. With text overlay:
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1. Explore the Ghats of Varanasi.

The first thing to do in Varanasi is to experience the Ghats. “Ghats” means a series of steps leading to a waterbody. In Varanasi, the ghats along the west bank of the Ganges are where the city developed.

They are the heart of Varanasi, buzzing with life and spirituality. They’re serene in the morning, lively by afternoon, divine by evening, and peaceful at night. You’ll find priests, worshippers, wanderers, barbers, masseurs, , chai sellers, and Babas.

A priest sits under a large colourful umbrella by the riverside with offerings placed in front of him at varanasi ghat
Priests and Puja

Boatmen evel play cricket on Varanasi ghats when there are no visitors – All happen with glittering sacred Ganges river with dozens of boats docked or rowing.

There are over 80 ghats in Varanasi, each named after the kings, queens, or even politicians who built them. Some are historically significant, while others hold religious importance.

A person in orange traditional attire walks up a set of old stone stairs by the river in Varanasi.
It isn’t a painting

Which are the famous Ghats to visit in Varanasi

The best ghats in Varanasi are Assi, Dashashwamedh (the main ghat), Munshi, Lalita, and the well-known burning ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra.

Each of these has its own unique story and significance. For example, not all ghats are burning Ghats. Or you can offer flowers only at a few places- In fact you can list at least 10 things to do alone at various Varanasi things

Sahana in yellow and green salwar kameez stands on the ghats of Varanasi, facing a historic building in the early morning mist.
I love those foggy mornings at Ghats

2. Take Sunrise Boat Tour

Life in Varanasi revolves around the Ganga and its boats. Walking the ghats and alleys gives you one perspective, but sunrise boat ride in Varanasi show you a different view.

A boat with two people rows on the river at sunrise in Varanasi.
The calmest scenes of Varanasi

Sunrise is the best time for boating, as the Ganga turns bronze and the riverfront comes alive. Pilgrims take dips, people meditate, sell, or even smoke marijuana on the busy ghat steps, ending with historical buildings and temples.

Larger boats with Indian group travellers are a treat to watch?women in colourful sarees, excited kids, and men in white kurtas praying with songs and flowers. You hear not just water splashing but also music passing by.

How to book boat tour in varanasi?

To book a boat ride, ask your host to arrange one?they always know a nearby boatman. Alternatively, head to any ghat, and at least three boatmen will offer you a ride. Bargain a bit, and hop on.

The rides usually start at Assi Ghat and end after Manikarnika Ghat, but you can begin from any ghat along the river.

Prices vary by group size, but a one-hour private boat ride generally costs around 2000 Rs.

The ghats are so lively and change throughout the day, so take multiple rides, not just in the morning. Sunset boat ride is great for the east bank’s madness, photographers prefer early afternoons, and spiritual seekers enjoy dusk. I recommend experiencing it all, just like we did!

A woman in a red dress sits on a boat, watching another boat filled with people and surrounded by birds on the river in Varanasi during afternoon
The afternoon rides with seagulls in December

3. Taste Varanasi Street Food

One of the many reasons why Varanasi is our favourite place in India is it’s food. There’s so much variety and flavour that you won’t even miss non-veg food?Old Banaras is all about amazing vegetarian cuisine.

(My mouth is watering as I remember Kachori Sabzi and Malaiyo of Varanasi)

The food in Varanasi is influenced by nearby states like Bihar and West Bengal, but the locals give it a unique twist. Your trip to Banaras isn’t complete without tasting the local culinary delights.

Food is a key part of Varanasi’s culture – Especially street food. Lasshi, Thandai with bhang are Varanasi’s traditional drinks.

Street vendors serve large pots of dessert malaiyo in clay cups to customers in Varanasi.
The best of Varanasi in December – Malaiyo

Where can I find the best street food in Varanasi

Godowlia, Bangali Tola, and Chowk are the best spots for street food in Varanasi. From Jalebi to Tamatar chaat, malai Malai toast and Pani Puri, you’ll find it all here. Famous Varanasi Bhang shops are also located here.

It’s best to take a food tour with a local guide to ensure you eat at the best, authentic and most hygienic places in these areas. And not all food joints are open at the same time. Breakfast in Varanasi is usually Kachori Sabzi (which is actually a snack in other Indian states) and they open early in the morning. While Paratha places may open later.


4. Attend Ganga Aarti at evenings.

One of the most magical things to see in Varanasi is, ritual of Lights “Ganga Aarti” at Dashashwamedh ghat. Irrespective of your religion and your belief, the aarti ceremony evokes some kind of positive vibration in you.

five priests perform the Ganga Aarti ceremony with lit lamps during the night in Varanasi.

The Aarti starts daily at 6:00 PM in winter and 7:00 PM in summer – And is absolutely free to watch.

Thirty minutes before Aarti, five scholarly priests in almond-coloured silk dhotis and shirts with shalya prep for Puja facing the Ganga.

The ritual lasts over an hour, starting with a simple Bhajan that spectators join in singing. It then moves to Dhoop and various types of Aaratis with lamps, featuring fire circling and flowers in a synchronised, rhythmic manner.

We both got soaked in this magical ritual so much that we attended it thrice during our one week trip to Varanasi.

We missed on other days only because we were in some other corner of the town and couldn’t make it on time.

You may have heard that the Varanasi Aarti ceremony isn’t as charming as it’s hyped up to be.

Those who say that probably watched from a distance. Sitting far away on the ghat or from a boat doesn’t do it justice – There ways to enjoy the Ganga Aarti at it’s best.


5. Go to the “Chowk” early in the morning.

Chowk means a square where four roads join. There are many chowks in Varanasi, but the most important one is the “Chowk.” The four roads that meet at this point represent four principles.

  • Dharma (Rightfulness): The road to Vishwanatha Temple.
  • Artha (Money): Thatheri Bazar, where brass smiths and utensil sellers are located
  • Kaama (Pleasure/Enjoyment): The road with most music schools, including Shehnai musician Bismillah Khan’s house, and historically, brothels.
  • Moksha (Salvation): The road to the burning Manikarnika Ghat.

Isn’t ancient Indian town planning so thoughtful? That’s why people say everything in Old Varanasi is spiritual and has a deeper meaning. Watching modern Banaras life unfold?cycle rickshaws ringing their bells, chai sellers boiling tea and cutting ginger at corners, and four men carrying a dead body to the Ghat?is an otherworldly experience.

 bustling street scene with people and vendors near the chowk in Varanasi.

6. Walk through Shitala Gali to the Burning Ghat

One of the unique things to do in Varanasi is to walk from Chowk to the main Varanasi burning ghat, Manikarnika, via Shitala Gali.

Most see the burning ghat from a boat, but few take this path to the cremation ground. It’s definitely worth it if you’re looking to for an offbeat experience in varanasi

The shift from lively Chowk to the solemn burning ghat is surreal. One turn into Shitala Gali, and you leave behind Malaiyo and Paan kiosks, finding small shrines and shops selling cremation materials.

Stacks of wood piled high along a narrow alley SHITALA gALIleading to a temple in the distance
The firewood stacked for cremation on the way to Manikarnika ghat at Shitala Gali

The streets grow eerier with piles of firewood, believed to bring good virtue when donated. At the end, the tilted Gopuram of Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple peeks out, surrounded by burning pyres.

Standing beside a burning pyre is spine-chilling?a weird feeling where you surely question, “what is life if everything ends in just ashes at the end?”

As we stood there in shock, a few priests approached, offering assistance with rituals.

Some might find this offensive since the rituals relate to death, which can feel awkward. However, the priests don’t pester you and leave you alone if you decline.

Though this is where final goodbyes are said, you don’t hear loud crying. Priests say, “Why cry when your loved ones are on the way to reach God and salvation?”

You’ll also see the Dom community managing the burning pyres. They collect ashes to wash away in the river and search for gold or silver valuables to make their livelihood. It’s a raw moment that shows how someone’s death can be a source of life for another.

Men from the Dom community wash trays with burnt body ashes, searching for precious jewels beside a funeral pyre on the ghats in Varanasi.
Dom men washing away the ashes in search of coins and valuables

7. Go cafe hopping.

Cafe culture in Varanasi is as vibrant as in Fort Kochi. With many foreign travellers flocking to the town, the areas near the southern parts have embraced cafe culture – with Banarasi touch either from the rooftop or the Galis.

The best part is most cafes add a local touch to the international food,l ambience, even in their menu cards. You’ll see an Indian version of the Mona Lisa, wearing a ghagra choli, a ghoonghat, and a nose ring! Varanasi cafes are witty and perfect for relaxing.

A menu cover from the Mona Lisa Café & German Bakery in Varanasi, featuring a Mona Lisa image wearing ghoonghat, ghagra choli and nose ring
How about Indian Monalisa?

From Korean Kimchi to Israeli Shakshuka, pizza to cinnamon rolls, you can find many foreign things in Varanasi cafes.

We tried many cafes including Bowl of Compassion, Filo Cafe. While Chuda Mattar and Palak Chaat offer a true Varanasi culinary experience, I highly recommend relaxing in these cafes, especially after your walk through Shitala Gali to Manikarnika.


8. Wander in the Gali of Bangali Tola

One of the best things to do in Varanasi is to get lost in the narrow Galis AKA alleys of Bangali Tola. Since 1757, the Bengali community has settled here, mastering compact housing while keeping their havelis charming.

Bangali Tola is the safest and liveliest maze of shaded alleys, full of surprises. You’ll find bajji and malai shops, paan sellers, locals chatting, ornate cornices, cows, bikes, khadi shops, and music schools.

A narrow alleyway of Bangali Tola in Varanasi with a man walking towards the end below a jharoka of an ancient haveli, lined with shops and motorbikes.

In the early morning, you’ll see people sleeping in wall niches. Later, priests and pilgrims returning from the river in wet clothes pass this Gali.

Cows stand at many house entrances, waiting for breakfast?some even knock on the doors. Civil workers come to clean the streets, skillfully navigating around the cows and dogs.

Three colourful traditional doors with intricate designs in Varanasi.
And don’t forget to observe the doors in Bangali Tola

You’ll spot cafe boards written in Hebrew, Telugu, Russian, and German. Bangali Tola is truly a must-visit place in Varanasi.


9. Get a massage from the streetside barber.

Streetside barbers are a common sight throughout India. In the old parts of Varanasi, they are everywhere. So one of the fun things to do in Varanasi is to spend 30 or 60 minutes getting a haircut or massage from a local barber.

A makeshift massage stall with the number

The barbers on the ghats take it a step further, setting up wooden chairs right by the river – Massage with a view.

They have a knack for catching the attention of tourists sitting and watching the Ganga. Somehow, they convinced Ashrith to sit in one of the chairs.

His 30-minute oil massage included lots of head tapping, gentle finger movements through his hair, and strong shoulder pressing.

The massage was so relaxing that Ashrith fell asleep on my lap as we sat on the ghats afterward.


10. Visit Kashi Vishwanath temple

Varanasi is all about Lord Shiva. A priest I met said, almost every house in the oldest part of the town has a Shiva lingam.

So visiting the main temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple is really essential to be at the heart of the town and a must visit place in Varanasi.

A makeshift massage stall with the number
The only photo you are allowed to take is from the Gates

The original temple was destroyed by Muslim invaders in 1669 and built a mosque. In 1780s Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar of Madhya Pradesh built another temple a few metres away from the previous location.

With urbanization, the area around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple became packed with houses and chai shops, losing the airy courtyard vibe found in temple cities like Madurai.

During my 2017 visit, it felt nothing like a spiritual place?it was cramped, crowded, and not-so-clean, filled with tacky shops.

But, fast forward to 2022, and Vishwanath Temple is a different place.

Now, when you walk through the lanes and step into the courtyard, there’s this beautiful tree-filled space with a stunning Shikhara-style temple that reminds me of the ones in Khajuraho, standing proudly.

Serenity, positive vibrations is what you find now despite being crowded.

The best time to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is early in the morning, between 5:30 and 7:00. Of its four gates, Gate 2 is the least crowded entrance.

Keep your electronic devices in the lockers available at shops outside the temple.

A narrow alleyway leading to vishwanatha temple gate 2 in Varanasi with flower vendors and motorcycles, covered with a yellow tarp.
On the way to Gate 2

11. Visit a Secret Temple of Varanasi

Varanasi, the holiest place in India, has many temples. Unlike Hampi, Khajuraho, or Madurai, the temples here aren’t architecturally marvellous?but they are special.

However, there is one stone temple that is architecturally stunning and not widely known- The Kashiraj Kali Mandir is truly one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.

Located on the busy Bansphatak Road near Godowlia Chowk, Kashiraj Kali temple plays hide and seek?it is easily accessible from the main road but hard to locate.

The carved archway at the main road has hoardings of cafes inside its complex but doesn’t indicate there is a temple.

Once you enter, you see saree shops and a hippie cafe, “Phulwari Restaurant & Sami Cafe”.

A left turn after the cafe takes you to the unexpected -A a majestic 200-year-old stone temple with exquisite carvings. The transition from the noise of the main road to the 100% silence in this temple complex is unbelievable.

An ornate, historical Kshiraj Kali temple with detailed carvings on its exterior in Varanasi.
Isn’t she a beauty

It’s pretty unique?a beautiful stone temple just sitting there in an open space, surrounded by concrete houses with cows chilling around it! It’s a small temple, but we ended up spending about two hours there, just hanging out. Besides us, it was pretty much just a few cows for company the whole time.

Locals live with cows beside Kashiraj Kali temple. As it is the Kashi king’s private property, it is well-maintained. Don’t forget to observe the carvings on the columns and the beautiful Nandi statue.

A close-up of a finely carved pillar in an ancient Kashiraj Kali temple in varanasi

Which are the other famous temples to visit in Varanasi

  • Kala Bhairava Temple: Shiva’s fiercest form, Kala Bhairava, is worshipped here as Varanasi’s guardian. Located in Bhat ki Gali, locals visit for blessings before leaving the city.
  • Annapurna Temple: Dedicated to Annapurna, an avatar of Goddess Parvathi. Close to the main Kashi temple, it offers free, healthy meals daily. Perfect for experiencing temple meals in India.
  • Nepali Hindu Temple: Also known as Kantawala Temple, a replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Built by Nepal’s exiled king, it got unique Nepali architecture and stunning wooden pagodas – different from all the temples of Varanasi.
The Nepali Temple with a wooden roof at Lalita Ghat, beside a huge tree in Varanasi.
Nepali Temple

12. Make a day trip to Bhadohi carpet village.

Perhaps the Bhadohi artists are India’s least celebrated craftsmen. About 90% of India’s handmade carpets are made here in Bhadohi village, 40 km from Varanasi, yet the village remains relatively unknown.

It was fascinating to learn that Iran’s carpet masters traveled to King Akbar’s court in India in the 1590s to teach the villagers the art of carpet making. Watching weavers hands move swiftly and delicately, weaving thread by thread to create intricate carpet designs, is mesmerizing.

sahana interacting with bhadohi carpet makers holding carpet threads

Nearly every house in Bhadohi is involved in carpet making. An 8’x10′ carpet that costs you 3500 Rs in a branded store can be bought in Bhadohi for just 600 Rs.

If you really want to see how these carpets are handmade and experience the life of these artists, visiting Bhadohi village is truly an offbeat experience of Varanasi.


13 . Visit Banaras Saree Weaving Centres.

India is a shopper’s paradise, especially for fabric lovers. Banarasi silk, one of the famous things of Varanasi, is among the finest fabric, filled with grandeur?perfect for sarees, dupattas, and men’s kurtas.

I love Banarasi silk for its floral and paisley motifs in gold thread on dark colours. While you can buy these in shops, visiting a weaving centre and watching master weavers at work is a unique experience –

Their fingers fly so fast, and the patterns they create are just gorgeous.

When buying a Banarasi silk dupatta or saree, look for traditional prints and lighter weights.

Sarees usually start around 10,000 Rs, with finer, lighter ones costing more. The best dupattas can go up to 3000 Rs.

There are many silk weaving centres in Banaras, but it’s best to go with a local as not all are open to the public.

We visited Mehta’s Silk Weaving Centre near Sarnath, where you can meet and chat with the weavers. Their work is incredible?so genuine and detailed. We loved it so much we bought four Banarasi silk sarees and two grand kurtas!


14. Explore Saree Gaddi markets at Kunj Gali.

When you walk in Kunj Gali, you notice small shops approximately 4-5 sqm, perched on a metre-high plinth.

There will be nothing except a mattress with a white bedspread on it. The walls won’t have any shelves – zero display of products. Yet, the shop bears a name like: “Amba Saadi”.

A simple room with floor bedding, a ceiling fan, and a sheer curtain separating the space as saree gaddi shop.
No shelves and no display

With no stacked shelves, mannequins, or display items, these are saree shops.

Puzzled, we interrupted the owner of Amba Sarees, who was busy maintaining his accounts, and asked where his sarees were.

What he explained shocked us. These shops, devoid of display shelves and goods, are called “Saree Gaddi”. “Gaddi” means beds. So, the literal meaning of these shops is “Beds for Displaying Sarees”.

Varanasi has always faced space constraints. About 100 years ago, clever saree merchants found a way to keep compact shops without stacking items.

When a customer arrives, the owner calls the warehouse, and weavers deliver the requested sarees within 5 minutes?like an old-school Amazon or Flipkart!

So, it is a common sight in Kunj Gali to see men carrying bundles of sarees on their shoulders.

These “Saree Gaddi” shops offer not just Banarasi sarees but other types as well, all at the cheapest prices.


15. Buy Bangles at Vishwanath Gali

Shopping for bangles at Vishwanath Gali in Banaras is an experience like no other. The narrow lanes, with old buildings creating a canopy overhead, reminded me of Egypt’s Khan-el Khalili bazaar.

You’ll find shops filled with thousands of colourful bangles. The thick, strong glass bangles with enamel painting are affordable and the signature style. For something fancier, check out the vibrant Silver Meenakari bangles.

Colourful rows of traditional bangles displayed in a shop at Vishwanath ki gali.

It’s not just the sound of bangles clinking here, but the music of how the shopkeepers call out to customers that creates a real symphony.

Bargaining is definitely a thing when you’re buying. Don’t rush, take your time to choose the perfect set?it’s a great souvenir from the spiritual heart of India!


16. Get Soaked in Varanasi Street Art

There are many things we love about Varanasi, and one is the street art that brings spirituality to life.

Unlike other places in India where mythology is presented through traditional paintings, Varanasi uses contemporary art to depict Indian mythology?from Shiva to Kali and modern sadhus.

A vibrant mural of a bearded man with a colourful headdress and painted face on a wall.

The old parts of the city are true canvases, with bright paintings on century-old havelis lighting up the dark alleys.

For photographers, these street art walls make stunning backdrops. The best lanes to explore street art in Varanasi are near Munshi Ghat, Bhandari Gali, and Shitala Gali.


17. Enjoy the Bhajans and music classes run by locals.

If you’re wondering what is there to do in Varanasi beyond temples, ghats, and markets, try going near a music school and sit nearby.

It might sound unusual, but it’s one of the free activities to do in Varanasi where you can enjoy soulful traditional Indian music at no cost.

Hindustani music, ghazals, and bhajans are deeply rooted in Varanasi’s culture. Famous musicians like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar hail from here, and even the Beatles came to learn from Ravi Shankar.

In old Varanasi, you’ll hear music, especially early mornings and late evenings. Walking through Old Varanasi northern alleys, you’ll hear bhajans, and locals might invite you to join.

Next to the guesthouse where we stayed in Meer Ghat, there was a music school. On two evenings, we were blessed with the music of Tabla when students and masters practised.

An elevated view of the Baba School of Music, with plants on the terrace and a red building facade.
We could listen Baba Music School from our terrace

18. Take Cycle Rickshaw rides.

Cycle rickshaws really are the go-to transport in Varanasi, not just in the old lanes of Banaras but in the newer parts of town too.

Honestly, I think you get a real feel for a place when you travel the way the locals do. In Varanasi, hopping on a cycle rickshaw whenever you can lets you take in the city slowly, really soaking it all in.

It’s also a great way to support the local economy. You’ll need to do a bit of bargaining and make sure they know where to drop you off before you start.

A cycle rickshaw driver pedals through a busy street lined with old, ornate buildings
Outside of Old Banaras

The drivers are chatty, point out at landmarks while sharing stories. Instead of ringing bells, they shout “Har Har Mahadev” or “Jai Bolenath” to clear the path, which is quite charming.

You’ll zip through vegetable markets and ancient alleys lined with grand old havelis, hearing the clatter of saree handlooms. It’s a fantastic way to soak in the city’s vibe.


19. Go cycling at Banaras Hindu University.

If you ever feel like the buzz of old Varanasi is getting a bit much, there’s a perfect escape to the Banaras Hindu University area. It’s seriously the cleanest, calmest, and greenest spot in town.

Banaras Hindu University, or BHU, isn’t just massive?it’s the largest residential university in Asia, set up back in 1916.

The place is sprawling with wide roads, towering trees, and cool old buildings dotted around.

You’ll see lots of students just biking around, which adds to the chill vibe. Honestly, you can start a morning walk there and not even realise how quickly the time goes?you could be wandering till the afternoon in what feels like a green paradise.

We ended up sitting beside a group of students and their teacher, who were learning Sanskrit outdoors.

We listened in for quite a while?it was really interesting! Later on, we took a stroll, walking around for about 2km, until the irresistible smell of jalebis from a nearby shop grabbed our attention.


20. Visit mustard fields in nearby villages. 

The moment you leave Varanasi’s airport or railway station between September and March, you’re greeted with fields of yellow mustard flowers.

It’s the kind of scene that gives any Indian that “DDLJ feeling,” while foreigners get why India is known as the country of colours.

These fields wrap around the main town, perfect for a quick photo op or a 30-minute leg stretch during a day trip.

If you’re lucky, you might even get offered some fresh malai or buffalo milk by the local farmers, and trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!

sahana walking through a mustard field under a large power pylon on a foggy day
Kashi’s mustard fields are beauty

21. Visit Vegetable Markets

Shopping in Varanasi Local Market is always fun, especially when it is a vegetable market. You get a true snapshot of daily life in Varanasi.

Being a predominantly vegetarian town, Kashi naturally has plenty of vegetables. A visit to the local market reveals what the folks in Varanasi use in their delicious food. From fresh greens to exotic spices, the colours and scents are incredible.

A woman sits beside her vegetable stall with a colourful mural in the background at gopal mandir road in varanasi

Most vegetable sellers just put a blanket or a tarpaulin on the ground by the roadside and make a heap. A few maintain hygiene, and the rest, well, shouldn’t be questioned.

One thing all of them have in common is a smile on their face. The moment they see travellers or visitors, they recognise them and proudly showcase their skills in calling out to customers in various shouting tones.

The market isn’t just about vegetables; you might even see snake charmers in action!

Many people abroad might think snake charming is common in India, but it’s actually quite rare these days. Seeing them in Varanasi is special even for us Indian.

A man in traditional attire holds a basket with a cobra on a busy street at varanasi
Cool or scary to find this in a vegetable market?

Gopal Mandir Road and Bhuteshwar Gali are the best streetside vegetable markets to visit in Varanasi.


22. Make “Pet friends” in Kashi.

Varanasi totally surprised me with how pet-friendly it is! While cows and bulls casually roam the streets, loads of cafes have their own dogs. As a dog mom, chilling with these cafe pups was definitely a highlight of my time in Varanasi?they just walk towards you as you sip lass, hoping for some pats.

Ashrith stands in an alley as a dog playfully stretches.
Don’t say no to this love – But be cautious

And it’s not just dogs?the locals here have a soft spot for goats too. In the chilly January weather, you’ll see goats sporting sweaters, looking ridiculously cute and always up for some affection. It’s just one of those quirky, heartwarming things that makes Varanasi so special.

Ashrith faces a goat wearing a brown jacket on a street in varanasi.
The sweater Goat in Varanasi

23. Watch local life unfolding at Godiwala chowk at 5 pm.

Okay, if you want to witness the real madness of Varanasi or understand what a “busy street” really means, head to Godowlia Chowk between 4–6 pm.

A busy street scene with rickshaws, cows, and people in Godowlia chowk Varanasi.
Accept the adventure of making your way through this crowd

As Indians who have lived in the country since the 1990s, we’ve never seen anywhere as insanely crowded as this.

The mornings and noons are typical, but from 4 to 6 pm, that’s when locals head out for their daily routines and munch on chaats.

From dupatta sellers to cycle rickshaw drivers, cows to snake charmers, everyone converges on this square by five, and the crowd movement is phenomenal – You deserve a pat if you make through this crowd to reach your destination.


24. Try Talking to Sadhus

The most common photographs of Varanasi often feature Sadhus. Indeed, as the holiest place in India, it’s where many saints aim to attain Nirvana.

Interacting with sadhus in Varanasi is a unique but challenging experience. Sadhus from various sects live and visit here, and not all are open to chatting with strangers or visitors.

You’ll mostly find them near the ghats. Some are only seen at night, while others live there permanently.

A sadhu, covered in ashes, sits by a small fire with sleeping dogs nearby.
This Sadhu, was high on Marijuana when we met him

What can you ask a Sadhu in Varanasi?

You can try talking to Sadhus in Varanasi, but it’s best to keep the conversation as spiritual as possible or ask about their lifestyle.

Just be prepared?you might get scolded if they don’t like what you ask!

I once tried chatting with a Sadhu who had the longest and strangest hair I’d ever seen. After a bit of talk, I asked about his hair.

He got really angry, called me stupid, and said, “I am a Sadhu on the way to becoming Shiva. You don’t call it hair, it is ‘Jata,’ just like Shiva’s matted hair.”

Types of Sadhus in Varanasi

Naga Sadhus, who follow Shiva’s philosophy, cover their chests with ashes and are reclusive but sometimes predict futures.

Aghori Sadhus in Varanasi worship Shiva intensely, living in cremation grounds, using skulls as bowls, and even eating from corpses. Mostly nocturnal, they rarely interact with the public.

Approachable saints in saffron robes are often on pilgrimages and open to chatting about spirituality.

Many sadhus, or those dressed as sadhus, hang out on the ghats, often making a living by being photographed, though some may just be posing.

Sadhus dressed in orange rest on the steps of a ghat.
I don’t know if they are real or not!

25. Make day trip to Ramnagar

On the east bank of the Ganga in Varanasi lies a small town called “Ramnagar.” Although it’s just the width of the river away from Varanasi, by road it’s about 7km.

Ramnagar is known for a few things?a fort with a vintage car museum, and as the birthplace of one of India’s greatest freedom fighters and Independent India’s second Prime Minister, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose humble house has been converted into a museum.

The exterior of Ram Nagar old fort  with a central fountain in the courtyard.

You can’t expect Ramnagar Fort to be as grand as those in Rajasthan, but it’s a nice place to visit and is popular among local folks. But what really makes Ramnagar one of the most important tourist places around Varanasi is its lassi.

Lassi is a famous drink in Varanasi, but in my opinion, you get the best lassi in Ramnagar at Shiv Prasad Lassi at Shastri Chowk.

You can rent a cab with a driver for half a day to explore Ramnagar and come back post-lunch if you leave in the morning.


Three Things not to do in Varanasi

  1. Newer temples like Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and Birla Temple lack architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance and are often overcrowded. Don’t visit them (we both did, and it was a waste of time).
  2. Sarnath was a beautiful and quiet Buddhist place when I visited in 2017. But by 2022, it had become a hub of mass tourism. Although it’s a holy place for Buddhists, there’s nothing peaceful about it anymore amid the selfie-stick tourists. Rethink visiting it.
  3. You’ll find dozens of fortune tellers in Varanasi, but many of them are phony and scammy. Don’t just randomly head to these scammers and lose money.

FAQ

How many days are sufficient for Varanasi trip?

You need at least 3 days to explore the basics of Varanasi. Varanasi offers more than just ghats and boats. You have to try cafes, street food and go on a few day trips. Seven days is an ideal time to spend in Varanasi.

Which month is best for Varanasi?

December to February is the ideal time to visit Varanasi as the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. October to November is also good due to nice weather and festivals like Diwali, but expect higher prices and larger crowds during this period.

Is Varanasi and Kashi same?

Varanasi, Kashi, and Banaras are different names for the same city. Varanasi derives its name from the land between the Varuna and Assi rivers. Kashi, meaning “city of lights” in Sanskrit, reflects its ancient and spiritual significance. Banaras is another historical name with various theories, including a possible link to King Banara.

Things to do in Varanasi at night

The best thing to do in Varanasi at night is to walk along Darbhanga, Munshi, and Dashashwamedh Ghats. These are the safest place to enjoy the cool breeze, watch sadhus performing rituals, and admire the river Ganga. For food, visit Godowlia Chowk for some tasty delights. Avoid exploring empty and isolated alleys.

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Row of colourful boats docked at the Ganges River in misty weather. With text overlay:
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