10 Things to Do in Varanasi
Varanasi (Kashi), one of the world’s oldest living cities, lines the western bank of the sacred Ganges and is the spiritual heart of Hinduism, drawing pilgrims and travellers to its ghats, temples and rituals. It is well connected by road across Uttar Pradesh and the wider region.
The best way to experience Varanasi and the attractions around it is without the stress of driving, parking or directions. With a chauffeur-driven car from Sudarshan Cars, you get a local driver who doubles as a guide, so you can focus on the sights while we handle the road. Here are the top 10 things to do in Varanasi.
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
The most famous and lively of Varanasi’s riverfront steps, host to the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony every evening with lamps, chanting and crowds.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and Varanasi’s holiest temple, recently expanded with a grand corridor to the river.
3. Ganga Aarti
A spectacular nightly fire ritual performed by priests with large brass lamps to honour the river Ganga, often watched from boats on the water.
4. Manikarnika Ghat
One of the oldest and most revered ghats, the main cremation ground where Hindus believe the departed attain liberation.
5. Assi Ghat
A relaxed ghat at the southern end of the riverfront, popular for sunrise visits, morning yoga and a calmer atmosphere.
6. Sarnath
A major Buddhist pilgrimage site about 10 km away where Buddha delivered his first sermon, home to the Dhamek Stupa, ruins and a museum.
7. Ramnagar Fort
An 18th-century sandstone fort on the eastern bank of the Ganges, the seat of the Maharaja of Varanasi, with a museum of vintage cars and royal artefacts.
8. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges
A classic Varanasi experience, gliding past the ghats at dawn as the city comes alive with bathers and prayers.
9. Banaras Hindu University
One of Asia’s largest residential universities, with a green campus, the marble New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
10. Vishwanath Gali
A maze of narrow lanes near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, packed with shops selling Banarasi silk, sweets, brassware and street food.
Explore Varanasi with a Chauffeur-Driven Car
From temple visits and sightseeing to comfortable day trips, a professional chauffeur from Sudarshan Cars makes exploring Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh easy and relaxed. We offer clean, well-maintained cars with experienced local drivers across 120+ cities in India. Call 022 695 84100, message us on WhatsApp, or view our services to book your ride. Planning more travel? Browse our full Things to Do guides.