Plan Your
Varanasi Journey

The most famous ghat in Varanasi, host to the spectacular daily Ganga Aarti at sunset. Hundreds of pilgrims and travellers gather to watch priests perform the fire ritual with synchronised movements, brass lamps, and chants.

The southernmost ghat at the confluence of the Assi and Ganga rivers. Famous for sunrise Subah-e-Banaras yoga sessions, foreign-traveller hangouts, and proximity to BHU campus.

One of the most sacred cremation ghats in Hinduism. Visiting requires sensitivity — funeral rituals happen 24 hours a day. A profound but heavy experience for those wanting to understand Hindu views on death.

Beautiful ghat with red-and-white striped steps, less crowded and more peaceful than the central ghats. Popular with South Indian pilgrims.

Named after the poet Tulsidas who wrote the Ramcharitmanas here. Quieter, perfect for peaceful morning walks along the river.

One of the oldest ghats, named after the legendary truth-telling king Harishchandra. Also a cremation ghat, though smaller and less crowded than Manikarnika.

The most famous Shiva temple in India and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The recently completed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connects the temple directly to the Ganges. Expect long queues during festivals.

A Hanuman temple founded by Tulsidas. Known for its many monkeys and peaceful atmosphere. Walking distance from BHU campus.

18th century red-coloured temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Also called the Monkey Temple due to the many resident monkeys. Located near Durgakund.

Modern marble temple at the spot where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Walls are inscribed with verses from the epic.

Beautiful white-marble Vishwanath temple inside Banaras Hindu University campus. Open to all faiths and quieter than the main Kashi Vishwanath.

Ancient temple dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Varanasi. Tradition says you must seek his permission before visiting Kashi Vishwanath.

Legendary lassi shop in the old city lanes near Manikarnika Ghat — over 100 flavours including pomegranate, chocolate, and saffron. The walls are covered in photos of celebrities who have visited.

A street near Vishwanath Gali devoted entirely to morning street food — kachori-sabzi, jalebi, chaat, and lassi. Wake up early; the best places run out by 10am.

Famous for tamatar chaat (a Banarasi specialty made with tomatoes and crispy chickpea flour). Located near Lankha bazaar.

Restaurant chain serving traditional UP cuisine — litti-chokha, baati-chokha, sattu paratha — in a rustic village-themed setting.

Evening street food market near the main Godowlia crossing. Try the gol gappa (paani puri), aloo tikki, and palak chaat.

Iconic breakfast spot near Lanka for samosa, kachori, jalebi, and traditional Banarasi sweets like malaiyo (winter only).

The flagship Varanasi experience — the daily evening fire-and-light ritual on the banks of the Ganges. Arrive early or rent a boat for the best view.

Row along the ghats at dawn — magical golden-hour views of the city waking up, bathers descending the steps, mist rising from the river. Non-negotiable Varanasi experience.

Visit Banarasi silk weavers in the Madanpura or Lallapura areas to see the famous saris being woven on traditional handlooms. Many workshops offer demos and direct purchases.

Navigate the narrow ancient lanes — hidden temples, traditional shops, akharas, and the old courtesan quarter. Best done with a knowledgeable guide.

Buddhist pilgrimage site 10km from city centre, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum (housing the Lion Capital of Ashoka), and the various international monasteries.

Join a yoga session by the Ganges as the sun sets. Several centres on Assi Ghat offer drop-in classes for travellers — Subah-e-Banaras runs free morning sessions.