What does it feel like visiting one of the oldest cities in the world? Yes, Varanasi has the unique distinction of being the oldest city in the world. What is more amazing is that it has been continuously inhabited since ancient times. You may wonder what it feels like visiting Varanasi!! While this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 is your definitive introduction to the city of Varanasi, it also gives you a tourist viewpoint of Varanasi. You can get to know many fascinating things about Varanasi tourism 2026 in this Varanasi trip guide. Varanasi is also called Banaras or Kashi. This city is perhaps the most sacred city in India. If you want to visit pilgrimage sites in India, then there is no better city to visit than Varanasi.
Why Visit Varanasi in 2026
There are not one but many reasons why you should visit Varanasi. You will be astonished to know about all these reasons. Varanasi is also one of the foremost cities for all Hindus. The most sacred river of India, the Ganga, flows through Varanasi. The city of Varanasi has a rich cultural heritage, and it is revealed through its festivals, performing arts, music, architecture, and cuisine. The top reasons why you should visit Varanasi are shown below:
Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti has been a showstopper and a major event in Varanasi for centuries. It is an aarti or sacred ritual where temple priests hold huge burning lamps and sing Hindu hymns in praise of Goddess Ganga. The ritual is held at Har ki Pauri, the holy river ghat on the Ganga. Thousands of devotees and tourists participate in the Ganga Aarti during the evening. They float lighted diyas in the river and offer prayers in their own ways.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The most famous temple not only in Varanasi, but in the whole of India, is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva in India. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple. This is the same temple that was renovated recently, and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor was completed. The corridor created a direct passageway for devotees, and they could reach the Lalita ghat directly from the temple.
Boat Ride in Varanasi
In Varanasi, you can take boat rides at dawn and evening. In this boat ride, you can boat along the entire stretch of the 84 ghats along the Ganga River. You can view the ghats, the cremation grounds, the temples, and the markets on this boat ride.
Buddhist Culture
Varanasi is primarily a Hindu city. But you can also experience Buddhist culture in Sarnath, which is located close to Varanasi. Sarnath is a Buddhist center, and is the place where Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon to a group of disciples. There are many archaeological places in Sarnath that you can visit on your trip to Varanasi.
Spiritual Liberation
For an eternity, Varanasi has been known to be the place where people want to die. They do this to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. That is the reason why you see many cremation grounds in Varanasi. These cremation grounds are located on the river ghats of the Ganga. People come here from all corners of India to cremate their deceased members, in the hope that their spirits get peace and attain moksha.
Street food in Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for its street food, which is unique in every way. It has the special taste of North Indian cuisine, and a special local touch for that rich flavour and taste. You can relish the street food in the markets, restaurants, mithai shops, and many other places in Varanasi.
Shopping
Varanasi is famous for its shopping experiences. You can get richly embroidered and hand-woven Banarasi silk sarees and dupattas, Rudraksha beads, Gulabi meenakari jewelry, lamps, wooden toys, and much more.
Ghats
You will not believe that Varanasi has more than 80 ghats on the River Ganga. These ghats are places where you can take holy dips and perform pujas and the shraddha ceremony (death rituals). These ghats were built many years back, and some of these ghats, like Manikarnika, Panchganga, and Dashashwamedh, are centuries-old ghats.
Benarasi Silk Saree
There is no doubt that a Banarasi Silk Saree is a fashionable statement. This is a special type of saree, which is hand-woven and crafted with the best quality silk. There are special weaving villages near Varanasi, where weavers weave the silk with delicate artisanship and create the famous Banarasi saree.
Temples in Varanasi
How can Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 be complete without mentioning the temples in Varanasi? Considering Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India, it is not surprising to know that there are so many temples in Varanasi. These temples are spread across Varanasi, and some are situated on the river banks of the Ganga. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is, without doubt, the major temple to visit in Varanasi. You can read about the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide and plan your visit to this famous temple. There are many other Hindu temples in Varanasi which you can visit on your 3 Day Varanasi Tour. These are shown below:
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Maa Annapurna Temple
- Bharat Mata Temple
- New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)
- Shri Durga Temple
- Tulsi Manas Mandir
Museums in Varanasi
Museums are another tourist attraction that you can visit in Varanasi. Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will give you detailed information about the various museums that you should and must visit in Varanasi. There are many museums in Varanasi where you can view ancient artefacts, archaeological discoveries, and historical exhibits. The museums offer you a peek into the history of Indian civilization and world cultures through their galleries and exhibits. You can view Mughal-era paintings, ancient Brass sculptures, British portrait paintings, ancient coins, textiles, weapons, and many other things. Some of the reputed museums that you can visit in Varanasi are shown below.
- Bharat Kala Bhavan (BHU)
- The Archaeological Museum, Sarnath
- Jantar Mantar
- Saraswati Bhawan, Ramnagar Fort
- Virtual Experimental Museum and Observatory, Man Mahal
- Kashi Dham Museum
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Museum
Buddhist Sites near Varanasi
The Buddhist site of Sarnath is near Varanasi are included in this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026. You can reach Sarnath in just about 30 minutes cab ride from Varanasi. Sarnath is immensely important Buddhist cultural site because Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon to a group of disciples at Sarnath. Archaeologists and historians found vast stupas, shrines, monasteries, Ashokan scriptures and ancient relics at Sarnath. These date back to the Buddhist times of about 6th century B.C. Our Sarnath Travel Guide will give you a better idea about visiting Sarnath. Some of the places you can visit in Sarnath are shown below:
- Dhamek Stupa
- Ashokan Pillar
- Chaukhandi Stupa
- Sarnath Archaeological Museum
- The Deer Park
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Thai Temple
- Tibetan Temple
- Japanese Temple
- Digambar Jain Temple
Festivals in Varanasi
There is no doubt that Varanasi celebrates its festivals with a fiery festive spirit and devotional zeal. In fact, you can plan your trip to Varanasi during these festivals to get the best experience of the festivals. The entire city of Varanasi gets transformed into a dazzling multicoloured landscape. The festivals in Varanasi are not just religious occasions but a showcase of culture and spirituality. Buddha Mahotsav is one such festival where the city of Sarnath is lit up with a thousand lights. The authorities organize a huge fair, and Buddhist monks worship and do Buddhist rituals in the temple. Ganga Mahotsav is another spectacular festival in Varanasi. The festival is like a tribute to the River Ganga, which is like the mother goddess to the city of Varanasi. There are music performances by eminent musicians and dance performances. Some of the other festivals which are celebrated in Varanasi are:
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Dev Deepavali
- Makar Sankranti
- Akshaya Tritiya
- Panch Kosi Parikrama
- Chhath Puja
- Bharat Milap
- Nakkatayya
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Dhanteras
- Annakut
Top Places to Visit in Varanasi
Varanasi has so many temples and religious places. The temples in Varanasi are some of the oldest in India. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. You can visit many other temples in Varanasi, like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, and others. Other tourist attractions are famous in Varanasi, like Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This is a reputed, world-famous university in Varanasi. It is one of the largest universities in Asia and has a beautiful campus and museum. You can plan a 3-day Varanasi trip and discover these famous tourist attractions with a tour guide. Our Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will assist you in finding the best places in Varanasi. Some of the top Varanasi tourist attractions are given below:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Assi Ghat
- Ramnagar Fort
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Bharat Kala Bhavan
- Tulsi Manasa Temple
- Banaras Hindu University Temple
- Gyan Vapi Well
Must-Do Experiences in Varanasi
If you are asking the question ‘what to do in Varanasi, then this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will give you your answers. It is not surprising to know that you can do many things on your Varanasi tour. Most of these activities are sacred in nature and spiritual. If you want to do charitable things, then there is no better city than Varanasi. Visiting temples is the top favourite thing to do in Varanasi. In fact, there are many things to do in Varanasi in 3 days. Most visitors want to go on a boat ride in Varanasi. You may be surprised to know about the things to do in Varanasi at night. Participating in the Ganga Aarti is the most preferred thing to do in Varanasi. Here are some of the unique things to do in Varanasi.
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and seek the blessings of the temple deity Lord Shiva.
- Go on a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi and view the ghats and temples.
- Participate in the Ganga Aarti in the ghats and experience the divine vibes.
- Visit Banaras Hindu University and explore its campus and museum.
- Relish delicious street food in Varanasi.
- Discover the Ramnagar Fort and admire its striking architecture.
- Go on a day tour to Sarnath and experience Buddhist culture.
- Marvel at the Ashokan Pillar and the Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath
- Interact with the Buddhist monks and learn about Buddhism.
- View the cremation grounds in Varanasi along the ghats.
- Go shopping for Banarasi silk sarees in the markets in Varanasi.
Suggested Varanasi Itineraries
The best thing about Varanasi is that you can plan different day plans for your trip. You may be surprised to know that there are many places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day. In your itinerary for Varanasi, you can include Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a sunset boat ride in Varanasi as favourite activities. You can also plan a 2 Day Varanasi Itinerary with sightseeing and activities. Varanasi Excursion has designed the 3 Day Varanasi Tour Package, where you can visit the major tourist attractions in Varanasi and get to do the best things. You can explore our other Varanasi trip itinerary on our website https://varanasiexcursion.com/destination/varanasi/.
Best Selling Varanasi Tour Packages
We have not limited our Varanasi trip packages to Varanasi but have included other places in the tour plan. We have done this to give you a complete cultural and spiritual experience of Varanasi and other places. Of course, you can go on a 3 Day Varanasi trip with us and explore the culture and temples of Varanasi. We have made our Kashi Ayodhya Tour Package to facilitate travellers who want to visit Varanasi and Ayodhya in one single trip. On our https://varanasiexcursion.com/destination/varanasi/ webpage, you can explore the other tour packages that we have included with Varanasi. This also includes the 7-day and 10-day Buddhist circuit. You can also plan a Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi.
Places to visit with Varanasi
Along with Varanasi, you can visit many other places and extend your trip. So instead of only visiting Varanasi, you can combine other places like Ayodhya with the Varanasi tour itinerary. In fact, our Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Tour Package is one of the most popular with tourists. You can explore our Golden Triangle Tour Packages, where we offer you visits to Varanasi, Khajuraho, and Rajasthan. The Buddhist Tour Packages consist of a 7 Day Private Buddhist Tour and a 10 Day Buddhist Circuit Pilgrimage Tour. You can visit the following destinations with Varanasi:
- Lucknow
- Rajasthan
- Khajuraho
- Prayagraj
- Ayodhya
- Delhi
- Agra
- Mumbai
- Goa
Where to Stay in Varanasi
Most tourists to Varanasi are confused about where to find decent accommodation in Varanasi. This Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will be handy for you in finding good quality hotels for accommodation in Varanasi. Although they want to find good quality hotels near the ghats, but they are not properly informed about how to find accommodation. Varanasi Ganges is a luxury hotel in Varanasi and it is located at close distance to Varanasi Railway Station. It is one of the best 4 star hotels in Varanasi near railway station. You can get luxury facilities with the basic amenities and meals. Like most of the upscale hotels near the Varanasi Railway Station, Varanasi Ganges is also considered a reputed hotel to stay in Varanasi.
What to Eat in Varanasi
The street food that you get in Varanasi is truly North Indian, but with its own local flavours. The famous street food in Varanasi is something that you can hardly miss having on your Varanasi trip. In this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026, you can get an idea about the Varanasi famous food places. You can always find a restaurant, a mithai shop, paan bhandar, or café to have these street food delicacies.
Chats are a universal favourite with tourists. But nothing can beat the taste and flavours of Kachori and Samosa. You will find chai tapris or tea stalls where you can have piping hot cup of morning tea. The best places to eat in Varanasi are located close to the ghats, near the railway station, and in many other places. You just have to spot the locals and where they eat, or just ask the locals and they will guide you to the street food places in Varanasi.
Shopping in Varanasi
If you are wondering about what is famous in Varanasi for shopping, then this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will reveal many things that are worth shopping for in Varanasi. Banarasi silk sarees are among the many things to buy in Varanasi. But apart from that, stone shivlings and puja items are universal favourites. You can spot Meenakari jewellery and colourful beads in the bazaars. Rudraksha mala is almost every devotee’s personal favourite. If you want home décor items, then you can find them in Varanasi. Carpets, rugs, and wooden toys can be seen in many shops. Puja items and religious books are hugely popular things to buy in Varanasi. The guide to the markets in Varanasi will give you more details about the things to shop for in Varanasi.
Varanasi Trip Cost in 2026
Varanasi is not an expensive city to tour. This is clear from the fact that the Varanasi trip cost for 3 days is just about Rs. 4000/- to Rs. 15000 per person. It includes accommodation, food, and local transport. If you are making a Varanasi trip plan, then you can set aside a budget of at least Rs. 20000 to Rs. 30000. You can get decent 3-star to 4-star hotels in Varanasi at budget rates, and they increase the rates only during peak tourist season. Food also does not cost you that much, and street food is way cheaper in Varanasi. Much of the time, you will be commuting near the ghats or from the railway station to the ghats and back. So that does not amount to much. Overall, the Varanasi itinerary for 3 days is ideal for you, and that too at cheap rates.
Essential Travel Tips for Varanasi
If you are planning to visit Varanasi, then this Varanasi travel guide 2026 will benefit you in many ways. There are some travel tips that can come in handy when visiting Varanasi. These include some dos and don’ts.
- Take time to discover the street food of Varanasi. You may come across some dishes that you may not have heard about.
- Do not take photographs of the cremation grounds or the sadhus without permission.
- Do take time to walk near the ghats, and you will experience the culture of Varanasi first-hand.
- The city has a huge network of lanes and bylanes, crisscrossing the city.
- Stay away from touts and impostors who brag about giving you the best boat tour in Varanasi.
- Stay close to the ghats or the railway station, so it gets easy to take transport and reach the temples and ghats.
- You must participate in the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Go for a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi or the sunset boat ride.
- You must realize that Varanasi is not a city where you can party at night. Instead, take a walking tour of the ghats, do darshan at the temples, interact with the sadhus, or shop around in Varanasi.
- Do not go swimming in the Ganges at Varanasi. Instead, go for a boat ride, and it is an enjoyable experience that way.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi in 2026
If you do not know about the best time to visit Varanasi then it can ruin your trip. This Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 gives you a brief but definite idea about which is the best season to visit Varanasi. You must know about the weather in Varanasi before making your travel plans. Generally, the tourist season in Varanasi is from October to March.
But you can get the best enjoyable weather in Varanasi in October to November. Cool climate and clear air are good for sightseeing and doing most outdoor activities in Varanasi. Festivals like Deepavali happen during this time. December and January is the cold season and you can enjoy kite flying during Makar Sankranti. February and March sees fewer crowds, except during Mahashivratri festival. The worst time to visit Varanasi is during March to June. It is hot weather during this time, but best for budget travel as the hotel rates are very less.
How to Reach Varanasi
Reaching Varanasi is one of the most vital things that you should consider in this Varanasi Travel Guide 2026. Nowadays, with the development of roads and highways, it is easier to reach Varanasi. You can take trains, flights, cabs, buses, and reach Varanasi. It is best to take trains and reach Varanasi, but flights can take you there within just a few hours.
By Air: You can take domestic flights to Varanasi Airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.
By Train: You can board Express trains and superfast trains from major cities of India and reach Varanasi Junction railway station. Varanasi is connected with Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Goa with direct trains.
By Road: National Highways connect Varanasi with major cities and towns of India. You can reach Varanasi by cab, state-owned, and private bus.
Getting around Varanasi
Probably, the best way to explore Varanasi is by walking. This Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 will give you info about getting around Varanasi and the commuting options. You can walk at your own pace along the ghats in Varanasi and discover temples and cultural life. It is best to combine boating with walking so that you can get the best experience of both. Rickshaws are also the best way to travel in Varanasi. But there are many smaller alleys and bylanes, where cabs and rickshaws cannot enter. So it is best to take a walk and explore Varanasi. A boat ride in Varanasi gives you a landscape view of the Ganga and the various ghats in Varanasi.
Excursions from Varanasi
Varanasi is located close to some famous tourist destinations. These destinations are famous in India for their historic monuments, temples, pilgrimages, and architectural marvels. We offer tourists a visit to these destinations in our packages. Some of the places you can visit along with Varanasi are:
Ayodhya
Explore our Varanasi Ayodhya Tour Package to visit Ayodhya.
Bodh Gaya
Our 7 Day Buddhist Tour Package takes you to visit Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Shravasti, the major centers of Buddhism in India.
Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore and Varanasi
You can visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Ranthambore National Park with Varanasi and Fatehpur Sikri with our Golden Triangle Tour with Ranthambore.
Rajasthan Tour with Varanasi and Taj Mahal
You can visit major places in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Shekhawati, Ajmer, Pushkar, the Taj Mahal with our Rajasthan Tour with Taj Mahal.
Golden Triangle Tour with Mumbai and Goa
Visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur together with Mumbai, Goa on this Golden Triangle Tour with Mumbai Goa.
Golden Triangle with Khajuraho and Varanasi
This is a cultural tour of the Golden Triangle with Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi
FAQ
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
You need at least 2-3 days to visit Varanasi.
What is the time of the Ganga Aarti at Varanasi?
The Ganga Aarti is done twice in a day. Evening aarti is at Dashashwamedh Ghat after sunset.
Which ghats are best for Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh Ghat is overall the best ghat for Ganga Aarti. But Assi Ghat is also best for morning aarti and is called “Subah-e-Banaras”.
How many ghats are there in Varanasi?
There are around 84 ghats in Varanasi.
Are there e-Rickshaws in Varanasi?
E-rickshaws are very commonly available for commuting in Varanasi. You can find e-rickshaws near the railway station, the Banaras Hindu University campus, and major roads.
Can I eat meat and fish in Varanasi?
Yes, you can eat meat and fish, but not within a 250-meter radius of the temples, religious sites, and pilgrimage routes.
Conclusion
This Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 is of immense help to you if you are planning to visit Varanasi. The tips that we have given you for Varanasi travel can minimize the difficulties you face when planning a trip to Varanasi. You can do darshan of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the holy dip in the Ganges at Varanasi. Our 3 Day Varanasi tour is a blend of culture, spirituality, religion, and relaxation. You can visit the Buddhist pilgrimage of Sarnath near Varanasi in the same tour. We offer you the best hotel stay in our Varanasi Ganges Hotel, where you will get luxury facilities and delicious meals. If you want to customize the Varanasi travel itinerary, then we can do it for you with our expert assistance and guided tour planning. So pack your bags and embark on a trip to Varanasi with Varanasi Excursion.