Varanasi: Complete Travel And Culture Guide

Sunrise at Varanasi Ghats with priests performing rituals on the steps of the Ganges River.png

Welcome to Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, a city older than history, older than tradition. If you’re excited to know what makes this place so special, you’re in the right spot. If you’re coming to Varanasi or planning to visit, you’ll often hear the city’s famous chant
(ॐ नमः पार्वती पतये, हर-हर महादेव).

What is Varanasi Famous For?

Collage of Varanasi experiences: boat ride at dawn, Ganga Aarti ceremony, narrow lanes, and silk saree weaving.

Varanasi is famous for its ancient temples, ghats, Varanasi sarees, street food, and the holy Ganga River.
People love to visit this ancient city to:

  • Take a boat ride during sunrise and sunset
  • Witness the magical Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat
  • Explore narrow lanes (gullies) filled with history and heritage
  • Experience Hindu rituals and cremation ceremonies on the ghats

Pilgrims, tourists, seekers, and photographers – all come here to feel something deep and unforgettable.

History of Varanasi (Kashi) – One of the World’s Oldest Cities

Illustration of Lord Shiva overlooking ancient Varanasi along the Ganges River.

Did you know Varanasi is said to be more than 3,000 years old?

According to our ancestors, Lord Shiva is said to have founded the city himself. That’s why it’s called “City of Shiva.”

In our ancient texts, such as the Rigveda, it is mentioned that over the centuries, Varanasi has grown into a hub for learning, trade, and religion.
Great scholars like Tulsidas and Kabir lived in this region. It even survived invasions and changes in rule – yet it kept its soul alive.

Why Is Varanasi Called the Spiritual Capital of India?

Simple answer: because it is.

People believe that dying in Varanasi frees the soul from the cycle of rebirth. That’s why many elderly people come here to spend their final days.
The city is dotted with over 2,000 temples.

A vibrant artistic collage of Varanasi’s top 10 tourist destinations, including temples, ghats, forts, museums, and Sarnath, with the Ganges River flowing through the center, representing the city's spiritual and cultural essence.

 

Every year, millions of devotees arrive in Kashi with hopes, prayers, and deep devotion. Here’s what most of them do:

  • Visit Sacred Temples
  • Take a Holy Dip in the Ganga
  • Perform Pind Daan & Cremation Rites
  • Witness the Ganga Aarti
  • ​​Make Offerings & Light Diyas
  • Chant, Meditate & Listen to Bhajans

Top 10 Places to Visit in Varanasi:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple with golden towers and devotees performing rituals.

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
  3. Assi Ghat
  4. Manikarnika Ghat
  5. Sarnath
  6. Bharat Kala Bhavan
  7. Ramnagar Fort
  8. Tulsi Manas Mandir
  9. Sankat Mochan Temple
  10. Nepali Temple

Best Time to Visit Varanasi (Seasonal Guide)

October to March-Ideal Weather

  • Pleasant weather
  • Festivals like Dev Deepawali and Diwali
  • Winter food like Malaiyo

April to June-Hot Summer

  • Fewer tourists, but very hot
  • Early morning visits recommended

July to September-Monsoon

  • Ganga rises, ghats may flood
  • Still beautiful, off-season rates

Top Attractions in Varanasi – Places You Must Visit

Varanasi is not only about temples and rituals – when you walk in Varanasi’s narrow lanes (gullies), then you realise it’s a living museum of India’s spiritual heritage, ancient history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, the city never runs out of wonders to offer.

From sacred ghats along the Ganga to centuries-old temples, peaceful ruins of Sarnath, and regal forts on the riverbank, every corner of Varanasi tells a story.

Here’s a quick look at the top attractions that define the soul of this ancient city:

  • Ghats of Varanasi
  • Temples That Define the Divine
  • Sarnath – Where Buddha Walked
  • Ramnagar Fort – Glimpse of Royal Banaras
  • Bharat Mata Mandir – A Temple for the Nation

Varanasi: Complete Travel And Culture Guide

Varanasi street food highlights with iconic spots like Deena Chat, Blue Lassi, Ram Bhandar, and Baba Thandai in a lively gully scene.

When you are in Banaras, then you don’t have to think about what to eat. In every narrow lane (gully) of Varanasi, you find a new taste and new dishes. Here are some of the local legends of the Banarasi food world:

  • Deena Chat Bhandar
  • Kashi Chat Bhandar
  • Blue Lassi Shop (near Manikarnika Ghat)
  • Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar)
  • Baba Thandai

Shopping in Varanasi-Where and What to Buy

What to Shop For

  • Banarasi Silk Sarees
  • Wooden toys and idols
  • Brass utensils and lamps
  • Rudraksha, religious items
  • Classical music CDs and instruments

Best Markets to Visit

  • Godowlia Market
  • Vishwanath Gali
  • Thatheri Bazaar
  • Chowk
  • Lahurabir (for handloom)

Where to Stay in Varanasi-Hotel Guide

Best Areas to Stay

  • Assi Ghat – peaceful, cultural vibe
  • Godowlia – close to temples/ghats
  • Cantonment Area – modern hotels, quieter

Hotel Suggestions (Optional)

  • Taj Ganges (luxury)
  • BrijRama Palace (on the Ghat)
  • Hotel Alka (budget, ghat view)
  • Zostel Varanasi (backpacker-friendly)

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for Varanasi

Day 1

  • Sunrise boat ride from Assi to Dashashwamedh
  • Breakfast at local café
  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • Explore ghats and gullies
  • Attend Ganga Aarti in the evening

Day 2

  • Visit Sarnath in the morning
  • Ramnagar Fort or local shopping
  • Enjoy street food
  • Walk around Assi Ghat at sunset

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) – domestic and some international flights

By Train

  • Varanasi Junction (BSB)
  • Manduadih (Banaras)
  • Kashi Station
  • Mughal Sarai (Pt Deen Dayal Upadhayay junction)

By Road

  • Connected to Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, and Bodh Gaya. 

Getting Around Varanasi-Local Transport Tips

  • Auto-rickshaws
  • E-rickshaws
  • Walking is best in gullies
  • Cycle rickshaws for short distances
  • Avoid big taxis inside the old city

Major Festivals Celebrated in Varanasi

      • Dev Deepawali – Ganga lit with a million lamps
      • Mahashivratri – Shiva processions and night-long worship
      • Ganga Dussehra – Celebrating Ganga’s descent
      • Holi – Played with great joy
      • Makar Sankranti – Kite flying & sweets

Vibrant collage of Varanasi’s major festivals—Dev Deepawali’s glowing lamps on the Ganga, Shiva processions of Mahashivratri, joyful Holi colors, Makar Sankranti kites, and Ganga Dussehra rituals.

Hidden Gems and Offbeat Experiences

  • Subah-e-Banaras (Assi Ghat morning program)
  • Visit a silk weaving workshop
  • Explore Akhadas and ancient maths
  • Attend a classical music concert
  • Try Ghat-side rooftop cafés at sunrise/sunset

Facts and Myths About Varanasi

Let’s break down a few common beliefs:

S/NO

FACT

MYTH

1.

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Only Hindus can visit. In truth, people of all faiths come to explore and admire the city.

2.

The Ganga is considered holy and believed to wash away all your sins.

Varanasi is only about religion. 

A street in Varanasi with people of different backgrounds interacting among shops and temples.

Local Tips And Etiquette for Tourists

  • Dress modestly at temples
  • Take shoes off before entering temples
  • Be respectful during cremation ceremonies
  • Don’t point camera directly at people without permission
  • Bargain gently in markets
  • Say “Namaste” with a smile – people love it!

Varanasi Map and Geography Explained

Illustrated map of Varanasi with the river, ghats, temples, and cultural zones marked.

Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the left bank of the Ganga River.
It’s well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Varanasi Junction and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport serve both domestic and international travellers.

The city is shaped by:

  • Ghats (riverfront steps) – like Assi, Dashashwamedh, and Manikarnika
  • Narrow alleyways – full of local shops, food stalls, and hidden temples
  • Cultural zones – areas dedicated to weaving, silk sarees, and classical music

When you walk in the narrow lanes of Varanasi, it feels like a living museum. 

Final Thought

Why visit Varanasi?
 Because it’s not just a place – it’s a feeling.
 Come for the temples, stay for the stories.
 Come as a tourist, leave as a seeker.

Ganga Aarti ceremony with priests holding lamps and crowds gathered on the steps.

FAQs About Varanasi

Q: When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
 A: The best time is between October and March. The weather is cooler, ideal for sightseeing and boat rides. Avoid peak summer if you’re not used to the heat.

Q: How many days are enough to explore Varanasi?
 A: You need at least 2 to 3 days to experience the major attractions – the ghats, temples, local food, and a sunrise boat ride.

Q: Is Varanasi safe for solo travellers?
 A: Yes, Varanasi is generally safe. Just take normal precautions -avoid isolated areas late at night and keep your belongings secure.

Q: Can non-Hindus enter temples in Varanasi?
 A: Some temples allow everyone. Others, like Kashi Vishwanath, may have restrictions. Always check signs or ask locals politely.

Q: What should I wear in Varanasi?
 A: Wear comfortable clothes. Cotton is best for the weather. When you are visiting temples, avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Q: What is the meaning of the chant “Namoh Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev”?
 A: It means “Salutations to Lord Shiva, the consort of Goddess Parvati. Hail Mahadev!” When you are in Varanasi, you’ll hear it across the city – it carries deep spiritual meaning.

AUTHOR: Sumit Singh is an SEO professional and a proud son of Varanasi. Born and raised in the spiritual heart of India, he brings local insight, cultural depth, and lived experience to every word he writes.

 

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