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Best Things to Do in Varanasi

From the river at dawn to the lanes at night — the experiences that make Varanasi unforgettable.

Travel Guide
Ghats of Varanasi
Sunrise boat ride
Ganga Aarti
Chet Singh fort
Namo Ghat
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Varanasi is best experienced slowly. These are the things most visitors remember long after they leave.

On the River

  1. Sunrise boat ride — the ghats waking up at dawn. Book from ₹2,999.
  2. Ganga Aarti from a boat — front-row view at Dashashwamedh.
  3. 84 ghats boat tour — the whole riverfront.
  4. Subah-e-Banaras — dawn Aarti and music at Assi.
  5. Winter birds — migratory birds over the Ganga.

Temples & History

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple and its corridor
  2. Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon
  3. Ramnagar Fort and its museum
  4. Man Mandir observatory and palace
  5. The Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat

Walks, Food & Culture

  1. Walk the ghats from Assi to Dashashwamedh
  2. Explore the old lanes around Godowlia
  3. Try local street food and Banarasi paan
  4. Shop for Banarasi silk
  5. Celebrate on a decorated boat — birthdays, anniversaries and proposals
Book a private boat in Varanasi Sunrise rides, Ganga Aarti boats and all 84 ghats — from ₹2,999 per boat.
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Things to Do in Varanasi — FAQs

Its ghats on the Ganga, the evening Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and its ancient spiritual traditions.
A boat ride on the Ganga — at sunrise or for the evening Ganga Aarti.

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Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides