15 Unmissable Things to Do in Varanasi for First-Time Visitors

Things to Do in Varanasi for First-Time Visitors

If there’s one place in India that beautifully captures spirituality, history, and cultural depth all at once—it’s Varanasi. Often called the “Spiritual Heart of India,” this ancient city on the banks of the Ganges is a vibrant tapestry of life and death, rituals and rhythms, temples and travelers. If you’re planning your first visit, buckle up for an unforgettable journey. Here are the 15 unmissable things to do in Varanasi, specially curated by Tripcosmos.co to help you experience the soul of this sacred city.

1. Witness the Magical Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Spiritual Significance and Atmosphere

No experience in Varanasi is quite as breathtaking as witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As the sun dips below the horizon and the lamps begin to glow, this ancient ritual turns into a celestial celebration. The rhythmic chants of mantras, the synchronized movements of the priests, and the aroma of incense create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Thousands gather every evening to watch this spiritual symphony unfold—a ritual dedicated to the goddess Ganga, the lifeline of Varanasi.

The aarti isn’t just a performance—it’s an expression of devotion. The conch shells, bells, and flamed lamps carry the city’s spirit, echoing centuries of continuous worship. You’ll feel the energy rise as the flames rise high, reflecting on the holy river. It’s surreal, intense, and deeply moving.

Best Time and Tips for First-Time Visitors

The Ganga Aarti starts around 6:45 PM during winter and 7:15 PM during summer, but we recommend arriving at least an hour early to secure a good spot. For the best view, opt for a boat ride facing the ghat. Tripcosmos.co offers premium boat ride packages that include a guided spiritual experience and front-row seating on the river.

Pro Tip: Carry a light shawl or jacket in winter, and keep your camera ready—just be mindful and respectful during the ceremony. You’re not just watching a show; you’re part of a centuries-old sacred ritual.

2. Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Experience the Soul of Varanasi from the Water

Imagine the stillness of dawn, with the pink and orange hues of sunrise slowly kissing the ancient city awake. Now picture floating gently down the Ganges, with chants echoing from the ghats and the smell of incense filling the air. That’s what a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi offers—a front-row seat to the most mystical side of this sacred city.

This is where you’ll see life unfold along the river—pilgrims taking their morning dips, sadhus meditating, laundry being beaten on the steps, and prayers floating in tiny diya boats. It’s a soulful, serene, and deeply personal experience.

Booking Options through Tripcosmos.co

Tripcosmos.co provides customized sunrise boat tours complete with English-speaking guides who explain the history and significance of the ghats you pass by. Choose from traditional hand-rowed boats or motorboats, depending on your comfort and group size. You can also combine this ride with a visit to the morning rituals at Assi Ghat for a full spiritual immersion.

Why it’s unmissable: Because this one hour on the Ganges might just change the way you see the world.

3. Explore the Sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple

History and Importance of the Temple

This iconic temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and arguably the most revered. Walking through the narrow lanes of Varanasi to reach the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an experience in itself—surrounded by tiny shops, ringing bells, and the constant hum of prayer.

The temple has stood for centuries, destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during India’s turbulent history. What remains today is not just a structure of stone and gold, but a living, breathing symbol of resilience and devotion. The golden spire of the temple, its mesmerizing shikhar, and the energy inside the sanctum sanctorum are beyond words.

Dress Code and Guidelines for Devotees

Before visiting, ensure you’re dressed modestly—men typically wear traditional dhotis, and women opt for sarees or salwar suits. Leather items, cameras, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Tripcosmos.co offers guided spiritual tours that help first-time visitors with locker facilities, pooja arrangements, and quick darshan access, making your visit seamless and sacred.

Traveler Tip: Avoid peak times like Mondays or Shivratri if you prefer smaller crowds. Opt for early morning hours for a calmer experience.

4. Stroll Through the Ghats of Varanasi

Top Ghats to Visit: Assi, Manikarnika, and More

Varanasi has over 80 ghats, and each one has its own story. While Dashashwamedh is the most famous, don’t miss exploring others:

• Assi Ghat: Perfect for witnessing morning yoga sessions, cultural performances, and sunrise chants.
• Manikarnika Ghat: Known as the main cremation ghat—while heavy for some, it offers a profound perspective on life and death.
• Harishchandra Ghat: Another cremation site steeped in myth and solemnity.
• Panchganga and Tulsi Ghat: Lesser-known but perfect for quiet reflection and photography.

These ghats are the veins through which Varanasi’s spiritual lifeblood flows. Sitting on the steps with a cup of chai in hand, watching the river flow, is an experience that defies time.

Cultural Insights and Hidden Stories

Every ghat has its legends—from saints attaining moksha to kings performing rituals for salvation. Tripcosmos.co offers walking tours of the ghats with expert local guides who weave captivating stories of mythology, royalty, and real-life miracles. You’ll walk away with not just memories, but meaning.

Don’t Miss: The evening Subah-e-Banaras program at Assi Ghat—a lesser-known gem with live classical music, yoga, and meditation sessions.

5. Visit Sarnath – The Land of Buddha’s First Sermon

Must-See Attractions in Sarnath

Just a short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It’s peaceful, well-maintained, and deeply spiritual. Some must-visit sites here include:

• Dhamek Stupa: The towering structure marking the exact spot of Buddha’s sermon.
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern temple adorned with beautiful murals.
• Ashoka Pillar: Symbolizing India’s national emblem, located near the ruins.
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Home to many relics and the original lion capital.

Combine with Nearby Tours from Tripcosmos.co

Tripcosmos.co offers day trips that combine Sarnath with visits to nearby Buddhist and Hindu heritage sites, complete with air-conditioned transport and knowledgeable guides. It’s the perfect half-day getaway that balances history, philosophy, and peace.

Why Go: It offers a calm counterpoint to the intensity of Varanasi—perfect for reflection and learning.

6. Discover Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Bharat Kala Bhavan

BHU Campus: A Blend of Culture, Learning, and Architecture

Banaras Hindu University, one of Asia’s largest and most prestigious residential universities, is more than just an academic institution—it’s a cultural landmark of Varanasi. Founded by the great Indian nationalist Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, the campus is a tranquil escape from the hustle of the city, sprawling over 1,300 acres of lush greenery, historical buildings, and spiritual energy.

Take a slow walk around the campus. You’ll come across the New Vishwanath Temple, a beautiful replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, but with a more modern touch and less crowd. This temple is open to people of all religions and offers a serene space for quiet reflection.

Tripcosmos.co includes BHU in its educational and heritage tours, providing historical background, anecdotes, and key points of interest across the campus.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: A Hidden Cultural Treasure

Inside the BHU premises, you’ll find the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum that holds over 100,000 artifacts spanning centuries of Indian history. From miniature paintings and sculptures to textiles, rare manuscripts, and ancient coins, this museum is a goldmine for art and history lovers.

If you’re fascinated by the cultural layers of India, this place will speak to your soul. It’s a quiet retreat that tells powerful stories of India’s evolution—from mythology to Mughal rule and modern times.

Good to Know: The museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays, so plan accordingly.

7. Try Local Varanasi Street Food

Flavors of the Holy City: What to Eat and Where

Varanasi is a paradise for foodies, especially if you’re into bold flavors, local traditions, and sweet indulgences. Whether it’s a spicy bite or a sugary treat, the city’s street food will leave you wanting more.

Start your culinary journey with:

• Kachori Sabzi: A traditional breakfast item made with puffed kachoris and spicy potato curry.
• Tamatar Chaat: A tangy and spicy Varanasi specialty that’s bursting with flavor.
• Baati Chokha: A classic from nearby regions, it’s served with ghee and chokha (mashed potatoes, brinjal, or tomatoes).
• Malaiyo (Winter Exclusive): A frothy, saffron-laced dessert that melts in your mouth. Only available during winter mornings.
• Banarasi Paan: No food tour is complete without this iconic mouth freshener made of betel leaf and sweet fillings.

Tripcosmos.co’s Varanasi Food Walk Tour takes you through hidden alleys and local favorites, offering a safe and authentic experience for first-time food explorers.

Top Food Spots to Visit

Don’t miss these iconic eateries:

• Kashi Chaat Bhandar
• Blue Lassi Shop
• Deena Chaat
• Baba Thandai

Pro Tip: Avoid tap water and always eat fresh, hot food from popular vendors to stay safe.

8. Visit Ramnagar Fort and Museum

A Glimpse into Royal Life Along the Ganges

Located on the opposite bank of the Ganges, the Ramnagar Fort is an 18th-century sandstone marvel built by the King of Varanasi. Unlike the chaotic energy of the ghats, this fort exudes a regal calm, offering panoramic river views and a peek into royal history.

As you walk through its sprawling courtyard and vintage corridors, you’ll see fading but fascinating elements of past grandeur. This isn’t just an old fort—it’s a storyteller with stories of battles, festivals, and royal customs.

Inside the Museum: Vintage Cars, Weapons & Royal Relics

The museum inside the fort houses a curious collection of artifacts. From antique swords and vintage cars to old manuscripts, astronomical clocks, and ceremonial costumes, each display offers insight into the lifestyle of Kashi Naresh (King of Varanasi).

Tripcosmos.co includes guided fort tours in its heritage packages, often clubbing it with sunset boat rides back to the main ghats for a dramatic close to the day.

Fun Fact: The fort becomes the epicenter of Dussehra celebrations in Varanasi, re-enacting the Ramayana in a month-long spectacle.

9. Shop for Handloom Sarees and Local Crafts

Explore the World-Famous Banarasi Sarees

Varanasi is globally renowned for its luxurious Banarasi silk sarees—intricately woven with zari (gold and silver threads) and prized for weddings and special occasions. Buying a Banarasi saree from its source is an experience in itself.

Visit local weaving communities in areas like Madanpura, Lahurabir, and Godowlia to see artisans at work. These weavers, often from generations-old families, use handlooms and age-old techniques passed down through time.

Tripcosmos.co offers craft tours that take you directly into these artisan homes and cooperatives, helping support local craftsmanship and ensure authenticity.

Other Popular Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Aside from sarees, Varanasi is a great place to shop for:

• Wooden toys
• Brassware idols and lamps
• Bead jewelry
• Stone-carved sculptures
• Religious books and pooja samagri

Tip for Buyers: Always bargain, but respectfully. And look for GI (Geographical Indication) tags for original Banarasi silk products.

10. Attend a Classical Music or Dance Performance

The Melodic Soul of Varanasi

Varanasi isn’t just a city of temples and rituals—it’s also a city of music and dance. Many legends in Indian classical music, like Ravi Shankar and Bismillah Khan, hail from this cultural cradle. The air of the city carries the sound of sitars, tabla, and vocal ragas, especially in old neighborhoods and music schools.

You can attend live performances at:

• Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (Annual Festival)
• Subah-e-Banaras (Morning concert at Assi Ghat)
• Academy of Indian Classical Music
• Small baithaks (intimate gatherings) organized by Tripcosmos.co

Best Time and Where to Go

Most performances take place in the evening or early mornings and are free or nominally priced. Tripcosmos.co curates cultural evenings with traditional music, dance, and storytelling—perfect for travelers who want to dive deeper into Banaras’s artistic roots.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s soothing, soulful, and gives you a rare glimpse into the classical heart of India.

11. Experience the Spirituality of a Traditional Varanasi Puja Ceremony

Participate in Rituals Beyond Observation

While watching the Ganga Aarti is mesmerizing, actively participating in a Varanasi puja takes your spiritual experience to another level. From offering personal prayers at a temple to performing rituals for ancestors on the ghats, you can deeply connect with the spiritual core of this sacred city.

Tripcosmos.co offers customizable puja packages where visitors can perform Ganga puja, Rudrabhishek, or Shraddha rituals with the help of experienced priests. These ceremonies, performed according to Vedic traditions, bring peace, clarity, and emotional cleansing—many visitors describe them as transformative.

Types of Pujas and Their Meanings

• Ganga Puja: Offering flowers and diyas to the Ganges for blessings and purification.
• Rudrabhishek: A powerful ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to wash away sins and bring prosperity.
• Pind Daan: A sacred ritual for the peace of ancestral souls, often performed at Manikarnika Ghat.

Tripcosmos.co guides you through the entire process, from booking to puja performance, offering translations and context so you can truly understand and appreciate the moment.

Important Tip: Dress modestly and approach these experiences with humility and openness—it’s not just a ritual, but a gateway into India’s ancient spiritual wisdom.

12. Take a Day Trip to Prayagraj for Triveni Sangam

A Sacred Confluence Worth the Journey

Just 120 km from Varanasi lies Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers merge—this confluence is called the Triveni Sangam and is considered one of the holiest spots in Hinduism.

Standing at the Sangam, you’ll see boats floating over three visibly distinct colors of water—each river said to hold unique spiritual powers. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to take a dip in hopes of cleansing their sins and achieving salvation.

Tripcosmos.co offers full-day guided tours to Prayagraj including boat rides to the Sangam, visits to Akbar’s Fort, Hanuman Mandir, and the beautiful All Saints Cathedral.

Best Time to Visit and What to Expect

If you’re traveling during the Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years), the city transforms into a spiritual festival with millions of visitors. However, any time of the year offers a peaceful experience, especially during sunrise or sunset when the river shimmers in gold.

Pro Tip: Carry a change of clothes if you plan on taking a dip, and consult Tripcosmos.co’s tour planner for weather and seasonal recommendations.

13. Marvel at the Architecture of Ancient Temples

Explore the Diversity of Faith Through Temple Designs

Beyond Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi is dotted with hundreds of ancient temples, each dedicated to different deities and philosophies. Walking through the narrow alleys, you’ll stumble upon both well-known shrines and hidden gems, where locals worship daily and legends come alive.

Must-visit temples include:

• Durga Kund Mandir: Known for its striking red façade and a tank (kund) with religious significance.
• Tulsi Manas Temple: Built where Tulsidas penned the Ramcharitmanas, it’s adorned with verses on white marble walls.
• Annapurna Devi Temple: Right next to Kashi Vishwanath, this temple is dedicated to the goddess of nourishment.
• Bharat Mata Temple: Unique for having a map of India in marble rather than an idol.

Tripcosmos.co’s temple trails are designed to blend mythology with architecture, giving travelers both spiritual insight and aesthetic appreciation.

Tips for Temple Tours

• Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable footwear (you’ll be removing them often).
• Always ask before taking photos, especially inside temple premises.

Bonus Insight: Each temple is like a puzzle piece in Varanasi’s spiritual mosaic—together, they form a complete picture of devotion, diversity, and timelessness.

14. Unwind with Yoga and Meditation at the Ghats

Rebalance Your Body and Mind

Varanasi isn’t just about outward rituals—it’s also about inner awakening. Practicing yoga and meditation by the Ganges can bring a sense of peace and balance that’s hard to describe but easy to feel.

Early mornings at Assi Ghat often feature public yoga sessions, open to all, blending physical postures with chanting and breathwork. The sound of temple bells in the background, the rising sun, and the flow of the river create a natural energy field that’s ideal for spiritual practice.

Tripcosmos.co offers guided yoga and wellness experiences, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi. You can also book personalized meditation sessions, wellness walks, and chakra-balancing retreats across the city.

Best Places for Yoga and Meditation

• Assi Ghat: Morning yoga sessions and cultural programs.
• Sankat Mochan Foundation: Offers yoga with a focus on environmental mindfulness.
• Sarnath: Perfect for peaceful meditation in Buddhist surroundings.

Why It’s Worth It: Because amidst the noise of travel, finding a moment of stillness becomes the most powerful experience.

15. Take a Spiritual Trail Across North India with Tripcosmos.co

Expand Your Journey Beyond Varanasi

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the essence of Varanasi, why stop there? Tripcosmos.co offers extended spiritual tour packages covering nearby sacred destinations like:

• Ayodhya: Birthplace of Lord Rama.
• Lucknow: Nawabi elegance and Shia heritage.
• Chitrakoot: Linked to the Ramayana and a perfect place for forest retreats.
• Naimisharanya: A lesser-known but highly sacred forest mentioned in the Puranas.
• Bodhgaya: Where Buddha attained enlightenment—just a few hours from Varanasi.

These trips are designed with spiritual seekers in mind, providing a smooth journey, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local experiences.

Why Choose Tripcosmos.co?

• Local expertise, trusted guides, and curated itineraries.
• Seamless transport, accommodation, and personalized experiences.
• Spiritual and cultural immersion—crafted by people who live in the places they promote.

Final Thought: When you travel with Tripcosmos.co, you don’t just visit temples—you experience transformation.

Conclusion: Let Varanasi Touch Your Soul

Varanasi isn’t a destination—it’s a state of mind. Whether it’s the mesmerizing aarti, the boat rides, the sacred rituals, or the taste of street food—it all comes together in a beautiful chaos that leaves you spiritually full and emotionally moved.

From the moment you arrive, Varanasi challenges your senses, expands your heart, and pulls you into its divine rhythm. And with Tripcosmos.co by your side, every step becomes not just a memory, but a soulful experience.

So pack your bags, keep an open heart, and prepare to be transformed by the magic of Varanasi.

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