There’s something about Varanasi that’s hard to explain. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, yet it feels completely alive. From the riverfront ghats to the chaos of the streets, from quiet morning prayers to the sound of temple bells, Varanasi wraps you in a world that hasn’t changed in centuries, yet still surprises you at every turn.
If you’re planning to visit this city steeped in history and faith, here are some places you simply shouldn’t miss.
At the heart of Varanasi lies this sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s always busy, always buzzing. Pilgrims from across India come here with prayers and hopes. The lanes leading up to the temple are narrow and full of life. There are tiny shops, marigold sellers, drifting incense, and the sound of soft chants in the air. Your first walk to Kashi Vishwanath is something you won’t forget.
Every evening, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat turns into something magical. Priests in saffron robes light lamps and perform rituals while hundreds of people gather to watch from the steps or from boats floating nearby. The flames rise, the music echoes, and there’s quiet devotion all around. It doesn’t feel like a performance. It feels like something you truly experience.
Not all ghats are crowded. Assi Ghat is where people come for quiet mornings, yoga by the river, and simple chai. Locals gather here at sunrise, and in the evenings, there’s usually light music or poetry. It’s the kind of place that slows you down, in the best way.
Just a short ride from Varanasi, Sarnath is calm and green. This is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The stupa, the ruins, and the museum here offer a change of pace. There is less noise and more space to reflect. If Varanasi speaks of devotion, Sarnath quietly offers silence.
This massive campus is more than a university. With leafy roads, museums, and the newer Vishwanath temple, BHU adds a modern touch to an ancient city. Students bike past temples and libraries while visitors explore its peaceful open spaces.
On the other side of the river sits this 18th-century fort. The building is weathered but beautiful, with carved balconies and a museum inside that displays royal Armour, vintage cars, and old manuscripts. It feels like stepping into the past.
If there’s one thing Banaras does as well as temples, it’s food. Hot kachoris in the morning, tangy Tamatarchaat in the afternoon, and that fluffy winter dessert called Malaiyyo. In Varanasi, you’re never left hungry. If you’re looking to shop, the narrow alleys are filled with Banarasi sarees, wooden toys, and handmade souvenirs.
Many people visit Varanasi in groups, whether it’s for weddings, religious tours, college trips, or simply with family. If you're coming by train, one thing that can get tricky is managing food for everyone. Carrying packed meals for a large group isn’t easy. And getting down at stations during short halts can be risky or rushed.
That’s where services like bulk food order in train come in handy. You can pre-book meals for your entire group and have them delivered right to your train seats at your selected station. When you’re travelling with elders, kids, or just a bunch of hungry people, figuring out food can get stressful fast. Some want snacks, some want full meals, and no one wants to get down at stations.
That’s why it helps to plan ahead. If you place a group food order in train, things just feel easier. Everyone eats together, meals come to your seat, and you’re not worrying about who’s going to eat what or where to find it. It takes one big thing off your mind and lets you actually enjoy the ride to Banaras.
Varanasi isn’t just a city. It becomes an emotion, carries a memory, and flows with a rhythm that never really leaves you. You don’t just visit it. You feel it. And whether you’re going there for a few days or passing through, the city has a way of giving you something to carry back.
And if you’re travelling by train with others, a little planning can make a big difference. When you use simple services like group food order in train, you get to enjoy both the journey and the destination without having to worry about meals along the way.