What to do in Varanasi

Activities, attractions and tours

Varanasi showing a bay or harbour, boating and a coastal town
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Tulsi Ghat featuring general coastal views, religious aspects and a day spa
Varanasi showing boating and a bay or harbour
Varanasi

Places to Visit in Varanasi

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Varanasi attractions from NZ$14, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Varanasi tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 215 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Varanasi. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Varanasi

Tours & day trips

See all 206 activities
Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$82 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

See all 31 activities
Day Tour to Sarnath with Boating & Ganga Aarti

Day Tour to Sarnath with Boating & Ganga Aarti

Activity duration is 11 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$94 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 10 activities
2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from River Cruise Pier

2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from River Cruise Pier

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,797 per adult*
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Shows & concerts

See all 6 activities
9-Day tour of Central India from Varanasi to Khajuraho With Wellness

9-Day tour of Central India from Varanasi to Khajuraho With Wellness

Activity duration is 11 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$4,231 per adult
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Shopping & fashion

See all 3 activities
Photo Tour In Holy Varanasi

Photo Tour In Holy Varanasi

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$87 per adult
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What to do in Varanasi

Discover the most popular places to visit in Varanasi

Dasaswamedh ghat showing markets as well as a large group of people

Dasaswamedh ghat

Observe sadhus conducting rituals, pilgrims bathing in holy water and priests performing the enthralling Ganga aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River.

Dasaswamedh ghat
New Vishwanatha Temple featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Banaras Hindu University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Banaras Hindu University during your travels in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Banaras Hindu University
Tulsi Ghat featuring general coastal views, religious aspects and a day spa

Tulsi Ghat

Watch pilgrims bathe in sacred water, see holy men perform ancient rituals and visit the former home of a great Indian poet.

Tulsi Ghat
Ramnagar Fort which includes a ruin, heritage elements and a house

Ramnagar Fort

Admire the architecture of this 17th-century fort, discover exhibits of armor, jewelry and vintage cars and watch stunning sunsets over the Ganges River.

Ramnagar Fort
Durga Temple which includes markets and religious aspects

Durga Temple

Discover an immaculate image of a revered Hindu god and watch mischievous troops of monkeys at this attractive centuries-old temple.

Durga Temple
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery showing street scenes, religious elements and heritage architecture

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Listen to monks chanting Buddhist sermons and spot interesting artwork at this modern temple, set among picturesque gardens, ruined temples and sacred shrines.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
New Vishwanatha Temple featuring heritage architecture, a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

New Vishwanatha Temple

Spot interesting statues and artwork and relax amid pristine gardens at this serene temple, set within an attractive university campus.

New Vishwanatha Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

After visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Assi Ghat

You can find out about the history of Varanasi with a stop at Assi Ghat. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Assi Ghat

Explore areas of Varanasi

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Lanka

When in Lanka, you can plan a visit to Sant Ravidas Ghat and Assi Ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lanka
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Mahmoorganj

While there might not be top attractions in Mahmoorganj, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Scindia Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
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Sigra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sigra and surrounding area, you can visit Scindia Ghat and Dasaswamedh ghat.

Sigra
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Godaulia

While Godaulia may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Scindia Ghat and JVH Mall.

Godaulia
Varanasi featuring religious aspects as well as an individual male

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

While Varanasi Nagar Nigam may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Scindia Ghat and JVH Mall.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Varanasi

Mirzapur

Mirzapur

Photo by Marquestra

Chandauli

Frequently asked questions

Is Varanasi worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi.
How do I spend a day in Varanasi?
Archaeological Museum and Kashi Vishwanath Temple are two excellent places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Varanasi while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Varanasi?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Varanasi?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat and Hanuman Ghat with a three-day getaway in Varanasi. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Chandauli.
Is Varanasi a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Varanasi, like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Assi Ghat, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Varanasi is Sigra and Mahmoorganj is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Varanasi with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Varanasi with kids.

What to do in Varanasi for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi for adults including Sant Ravidas Ghat and Alamgir Mosque.
Are there free things to do in Varanasi?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Varanasi. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.