Varanasi Attractions and Sightseeing Packages

Explore the Best Attractions in Varanasi

Varanasi offers a wide mix of temples, ghats, museums, and cultural sites. Each attraction holds a story, and visiting them in a proper sequence makes the trip efficient and enjoyable. The following list highlights the major attractions that are usually included in sightseeing itineraries.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is the heart of Varanasi’s riverfront. The evening Ganga Aarti performed here draws large crowds every day. Watching hundreds of lamps reflected on the Ganga River is an unforgettable sight. Visitors often reach one hour before the ceremony to secure a good spot or take a boat for a better view. Early morning visits provide a peaceful experience and allow quiet boat rides along nearby ghats.

Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is famous for its sunrise ritual known as Subah-e-Banaras, where devotional songs and yoga sessions start before dawn. This ghat feels less crowded and ideal for families and elderly travellers. Cafés around Assi Ghat make it a convenient place to relax after morning prayers or boat rides.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most sacred places in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts devotees throughout the year. The newly built corridor around the temple has improved accessibility and reduced waiting time. Visitors should carry a valid ID and avoid bringing large bags or electronic items inside the premises.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is known as the main cremation ghat of Varanasi. Visitors observe this site with respect and quiet understanding. Photography is not permitted here. The visit gives insight into the city’s spiritual belief that life and death are both part of liberation.

Sarnath

Located about ten kilometres from the city, Sarnath is an essential stop in any sightseeing plan. It is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum are the key attractions here. The calm atmosphere provides a clear contrast to the busy streets of Varanasi.

Tulsi Manas Temple

Tulsi Manas Temple is built at the place where the saint Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas. The temple’s marble walls have verses from the scripture carved beautifully, making it an important cultural stop for visitors exploring the southern part of the city.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

This temple is one of the most respected shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Pilgrims visit it regularly to seek blessings for strength and protection. Evenings remain busy, but mornings are calm and ideal for a short stop during the local temple route.

Durga Kund Temple

Durga Kund Temple, located near BHU, stands beside a rectangular pond that adds to its charm. The temple’s bright red structure is easily recognizable. It is often combined with visits to Tulsi Manas Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple during a half-day temple circuit.

Banaras Hindu University & Bharat Kala Bhavan

The Banaras Hindu University campus offers greenery and peace in contrast to the dense old city. The Bharat Kala Bhavan museum inside the campus displays sculptures, ancient coins, textiles, and paintings that help visitors understand Varanasi’s deep artistic past.

Ramnagar Fort

Across the river stands the Ramnagar Fort, which showcases royal artefacts, old weapons, and vintage cars from the former Maharaja of Banaras. The fort’s location provides a wide view of the river and sunset, making it a good addition to the evening sightseeing circuit.

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Suggested Sightseeing Circuits in Varanasi

A sightseeing plan made by circuit is an efficient use of time and reduces delays during times of traffic. The following are the best combinations for day-based itineraries.

Morning Heritage Circuit (4–5 Hours)

Assi Ghat for rituals at sunrise, taking a boat trip along the ghats, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Temple, and stopping for breakfast at a café near Godowlia.

Southern Temple Circuit (3–4 Hours)

The plan involves visiting the Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Kund, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the BHU campus, as well as making a short stop at a museum.

Sarnath Circuit (3 Hours)

The plan involves visiting Dhamek Stupa, the Archaeological Museum, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which all hold importance as places for seekers of Buddhist heritage.

Evening Circuit (3 Hours)

Ramnagar Fort, river drive, and Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Full-Day Classic Circuit (8–10 Hours)

Morning boat ride, major temple visits, and Sarnath exploration during the day and return to the ghats in the evening for aarti – inclusive of short shopping breaks at various times depending on transit.

Sample Sightseeing Plans

One-Day Sightseeing

A full day at Varanasi usually involves visiting Assi Ghat , Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Annapurna Temple and also stopping by the Sarnath Museum. To round out the day you'll want to catch the evening aarti. This type of one-day itinerary works out pretty well for those weekend break travellers.

Two-Day Sightseeing

The first day of your trip will cover the temples down in the south and a visit to the BHU campus & Ramnagar Fort. The second day is all about Kashi Vishwanath, Sarnath and maybe doing some exploring around the old city markets.

Three-Day Sightseeing

If you've got a week or so to spare then you can break the trip down into manageable chunks - day one the ghats & temples, day two you can dive deeper into the Buddhist heritage and local crafts, and day three can be all about doing the relaxing stuff - like shopping, taking some snaps or simply wandering around.

Tour Packages – From Budget to Luxury

When traveling, individuals can have significantly different lists of what they want to spend on budget and comfort. To help reduce some of that planning stress, Tempo Traveller Hire has designed a few ready-made categories for their tour packages.

Budget Tour Packages

Budget packages are ideal for small groups who want to cover the main attractions in one or two days. These packages include a non-AC or standard AC tempo traveller, driver assistance, and basic sightseeing covering temples and ghats. Meals and entry tickets are excluded to keep the cost flexible.

Standard Tour Packages

Standard packages suit most families and pilgrim groups. They include an AC tempo traveller, pickup and drop at hotel or airport, assistance with darshan at temples, and a short boat ride. The plan usually covers all major attractions and allows light customization.

Luxury Tour Packages

Luxury packages include high-end tempo travellers with pushback seats, charging ports, and experienced drivers familiar with premium routes. Accommodation is arranged in four- or five-star hotels, and visitors can include private aarti viewing, exclusive guides, and extended Sarnath tours. These packages focus on comfort and personalized service.

All packages are customizable. Travellers can extend routes, add nearby destinations, or adjust pickup timings according to their schedule.

Hotels in Varanasi – Stay Options for Every Traveller

Varanasi has accommodation for all budgets. Choosing the right location saves travel time between attractions.

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels near Assi Ghat and Godowlia provide convenience at a low price. Options such as Hotel Alka and Ganga Fuji Home offer basic rooms and river views. These stays are suitable for solo travellers and backpackers.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotels in the mid-price range, like Hotel Surya and The Amayaa, offer a good balance of comfort and value. They provide air-conditioned rooms, in-hotel restaurants, and parking. Families often prefer to stay at these types of hotels because of the reviews and access to service.

Luxury Hotels

Luxury travelers have a trio of top-notch options in BrijRama Palace, Taj Ganges, and Radisson Hotel Varanasi - all three delivering the high-end amenities and fine dining you'd expect, plus a level of service that's hard to match. And if you're feeling fancy, BrijRama Palace lets you stay right on a ghat - quite a rare treat.

When planning your temple visits and boat rides, staying close to either Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat really does save you a ton on travel time. If you're looking for a more laid back vibe, the BHU and Cantonment areas are probably the way to go.

Tempo Traveller Hire – Your Transport Partner in Varanasi

Tempo Traveller Hire has made some really comfortable cars that are great for getting around Varanasi and the nearby areas. Every traveller gets their own private driver - and they're not just any drivers, they know the local area like the back of their hand, which means they know where to park and when the temples are open. The vehicles themselves are air-conditioned, super clean, and get looked after regularly.

Vehicle Options

• 9 Seater Tempo Traveller: Compact option for small families.
• 12 Seater Tempo Traveller: Balanced space for families or small groups.
• 14 Seater Tempo Traveller: Suitable for medium-sized tour groups.
• 17 Seater Tempo Traveller: Ideal for larger gatherings or corporate visits.

Inclusions

• Private vehicle with driver
• Pickup and drop from airport, hotel, or station
• Fuel and standard parking charges
• Flexible sightseeing plan

Exclusions

• Boat ride charges
• Temple VIP tickets and entry fees
• Meals and personal expenses

Your drivers will keep in touch throughout the whole trip - and they'll be happy to drop and pick you up near the ghats - which is great for keeping everyone safe and happy.

Local Food and Shopping Tips

Varanasi’s local cuisine adds flavour to every trip. Popular breakfast items include kachori sabzi, jalebi, and chai from roadside stalls. During sightseeing, travellers can try lassi at Assi Ghat or thandai near Godowlia.

Shopping in Varanasi centres on Banarasi silk sarees, brass idols, wooden toys, and decorative lamps. The best markets include Chowk, Vishwanath Lane, and Thatheri Bazaar. Buying directly from local artisans supports traditional crafts and ensures authentic quality.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips

The ideal months to visit Varanasi are from October to March when the weather stays pleasant. Summer months become warm, but early morning visits remain comfortable. During the monsoon season, boat rides continue with limited schedules depending on water levels.

Festival periods like Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Purnima attract heavy crowds. Travellers should book vehicles and hotels in advance to avoid last-minute price changes. Carry light cotton clothes, comfortable footwear, and identification cards for temple entry.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Varanasi is a city that's very much alive, but it's also a sacred place. People visiting can give a bit back by just following a few simple rules:

• Wear modest clothing when around temples and ghats. 
• Try not to use or bring any single-use plastic with you, and dispose waste/recycling properly.
• Stay silent while prayers or rituals are taking place.
• Always ask for permission before taking a photo of someone or a ceremony.
• Respect the local customs and traditions, and listen to your guide or driver.

Responsible travel keeps Varanasi clean and welcoming for everyone.

Plan Your Varanasi Sightseeing With Temp Traveller Hire

Exploring Varanasi becomes a hell of a lot easier when everything is totally sorted out for you in one go. Tempo Traveller Hire makes booking a vehicle, mapping out routes & arranging pickups a breeze - no more confusion either. Whether you're after a half-day whip around the temples or a full day taking in the heritage of the place, just one phone call gets you hooked up with their support team.

Get in touch & book your tempo traveller in Varanasi already to start enjoying:

• Private vehicles - come when you want.
• Picked up from the airport, railway station or your hotel - wherever suits you best.
• The drivers have years of experience and know the routes like the back of their hand.
• Custom tour plans with no hidden costs - all prices are clear and upfront.

Give Tempo Traveller Hire a call or WhatsApp today for a quote on the spot & same-day confirmation - easy peasy.