Spiritual wealth, ancient traditions, serene ghats and temples, the vibe of Varanasi is unparalleled in comparison to any other travel destinations in the world. It is the oldest inhabited city in the world, which people renown for its spiritual and cultural heritage. It is not wrong to say that Varanasi is a living museum of Indian culture where people still keep traditions alive, nurture rituals, and preserve heritage. Through this blog, we will offer you a complete Varanasi travel guide to plan your trip to this spiritually enchanting city of India.
Varanasi Tourism Essential Information 2026
| Varanasi | Details |
| Varanasi Nick Name | The City of Light |
| Best Time to Visit | Oct- March |
| Local Cuisine | Kachori Sabzi, Chena Dahi Vada, Malaiyyo, Banarasi Paan, Lassi |
| Language | Hindi, Bhojpuri, English |
| Major Attractions | Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (21.4km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Varanasi Cantt Railway Station |
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Peak Tourism Season (October to March)
The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March. These are the best months to plan a wonderful trip to Varanasi with your family. The temperature during this time ranges between 5°C and 25°C. It is the best time for sightseeing and outdoor adventure activities. It is also a time to enjoy vibrant festivals of India in Varanasi, like Dev Deepavali, Diwali, Holi, and Mahashivratri. Due to the peak tourism season, the price of travel tickets and accommodations will be higher.
Off Season (April to June)
These months are not very suitable to plan a Varanasi trip for spiritual sightseeing or any outdoor adventure due to intense heat. The heat of summer will frustrate you, especially if you are travelling with kids and senior citizens. But if you are tolerant of heat, then you can plan your trip and visit places during early mornings and late evenings. The price of tickets and accommodations will reduce, as this is the off-season for Varanasi tourism. The temperature during this time ranges from 30°C to 45°C.
Moderate Tourism Season (July-September)
These are also suitable months if you want to enjoy a spiritual tour of temples and enjoy the scenic beauty and lush vegetation around ghats. The temperature during this time ranges from 25°C to 35°C, which makes the weather pleasant. Occasional rains will rejuvenate your soul. During this time, you will witness Kanwar Yatra. Devotees of Lord Shiva pay their respects at Shiva temples of Varanasi.
Best Places to Visit in Varanasi
Some of the best places in Varanasi you will find delightful for the mind, body and soul are-
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the main landmarks of Varanasi. You must visit this temple; it is one of the 12 holy Shiva temples in the world. The temple of Kashi Vishwanath is very old. It finds its mention in Skanda Purana and Kashi Khand.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Don’t miss this most popular ghat of Varanasi – Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The ghat’s name is rooted in the ancient legend of Lord Brahma. Who once performed a sacred ritual of sacrificing ten horses to welcome Lord Shiva. Which is why its name means Ghat of 10 sacrificed horses.
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats of Varanasi, which you should visit. It is said that Goddess Durga, after killing all the demons, threw her sword, creating a sacred stream, Assi, which is also the name of the Ghat. According to the ancient Skand Purana, Kashi Khand and other Puranas, bathing in Assi Ghat is auspicious, as it is considered equal to having bathed in all sacred tirthas.
Ramnagar Fort
Located on the eastern bank of the sacred river Ganga, Ramnagar Fort was built in 1750 by the king of Kashi, Balwant Singh. It is one of the prominent heritage places to visit in Varanasi. The architecture of Ramnagar Fort is a scenic sight to behold, as it displays a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Indian architecture styles. The fort has expansive courtyards, carved balconies, ornate pavilions, religious shrines, and a museum which has a collection of royal antique cars, palanquins, ancient clocks, weaponry, and traditional costumes.
Bharat Kala Museum
Located within Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Kala Museum is one of the best places to explore while enjoying a Varanasi sightseeing tour. Moreover, it is an art and technology museum built and developed by cultural pioneers such as Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore (the first honorary chairman), and Rai Krishnadasa. You will learn a lot about Indian heritage, art, textiles and Varanasi’s rich history.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is the holiest cremation ground in Varanasi. Cremating the body of your loved ones in this place is auspicious according to Hindu mythology, as the departed soul will be freed from the karmic cycle of birth and death and attain liberation. It is also believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited here, and a sacred well was created for their bath, which today is known as Manikarnika Ghat.
Best Things to Do in Varanasi
If you want to truly discover the essence of India, then a trip to Varanasi is a must, and you must not miss these activities to make your Varanasi sightseeing tour wholesome. Here are the best things to do in Varanasi:
Exploring the Scenic Ghats of Varanasi
Coming to Varanasi and not visiting the soul of Varanasi – its ghats – will not be worth it. You must explore some of the most scenic ghats, like Manikarnaka Ghat, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, etc.
Try Delicious Street Food of Varanasi
Varanasi’s food will delight your soul. Its cuisines are shaped by stories and ancient traditions. Try some sacred offerings from ancient temples, especially the food at Goddess Annapurna Temple. It’s not street food but a must-try nourishing meal/prasad. In street food items you can try Tamatar Chaat, Chena Dahi Vada, Jalebi, Malaiyo, Litti Chokha, Banarasi Paan, Kachodi Sabzi, etc.
Explore the Vibrant Markets in Varanasi
Enjoy a rich shopping experience and buy souvenirs from the colorful markets of Varanasi. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. You can visit Godowlia Market. It is very famous for beautiful silk sarees, handicrafts products, brassware, and home decor items; Next, you can go to Thatheri Bazar for statues and ritual utensils.
Connect with the Divine by Witnessing Ganga Aarti
Attending the Ganga Aarti of Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most sacred rituals to do in Varanasi. Witnessing the sacred aarti will strengthen your bond with God and fine-tune your spirit with positive vibes. The fire lamps, chanting, devotional music fills the air with solace.
Enjoy boating on the Ganges.
Boating is one of the most delightful activities to enjoy in Varanasi with your family. You can do an early morning boat ride or an evening boat ride. See how the beautiful Ganga changes its colors from red and orange to golden in the sacred sunlight. See people performing religious rituals at the riverfront. Capture scenic views of the temples. Boating experience at Ganges is something you will remember for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Varanasi is a destination for nurturing your mind and soul with positive vibes. The spiritual, cultural and religious heritage of Varanasi is precious. Lord Shiva founded the city of Light, Varanasi, and since then, it has been considered His divine abode, where all who visit can attain liberation. Devotees come here to seek spiritual solace and attain Nirvana. This year, if you want to dive deep into the spiritual realm and form a profound connection with both the earthly and the divine, then you must plan your visit to Varanasi.