1. Attend the iconic Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat 🌅
Arguably the most powerful ritual in Varanasi, the evening Ganga Aarti features synchronised fire offerings by priests, a chorus of hymns, and a rapt audience. Dashashwamedh Ghat is undisputedly the heart of this ceremony, which draws both pilgrims and travellers alike
2. Early‑morning Dawn Boat Ride on the Ganges
Begin your day floating gently along the misted waters of the Ganga. The stillness, the sunrise glow, and sacred ghats coming to life offer an intensely spiritual experience that's at the core of every visitor’s journey
3. Subah‑e‑Banaras at Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat offers a more casual, upbeat vibe—yoga, music, local worship and vibrant crowds at dawn. It’s the best spot to absorb daily Banarasi life before mainstream tourist crowds arrive
4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple & New Vishwanath at BHU
The ancient temple of Lord Shiva—Kashi Vishwanath—is the ultimate pilgrimage. The newer temple on the Banaras Hindu University campus (New Vishwanath) combines modern aesthetics and spirituality—both are must‑sees
5. Stroll through the ghats and witness cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat
This ghat is sacred for Hindus and is one of the oldest cremation sites, where rituals symbolise the cycle of life and death. The poignant sights and sacred smoke make for a profound and eternal memory
6. Explore Sarnath: birthplace of Buddha’s first sermon
Just a short ride from Varanasi, Sarnath offers serene ruins, the Dhamekh Stupa, and an archaeological museum. It’s a contemplative contrast to Varanasi’s energy, while essential to any spiritual itinerary
7. Wander old alleys and heritage food walks
Rhythmic alleys lined with sari shops, spice vendors, and street‑food carts offer deep insights into Banarasi culture. Chaats like tamatar, aloo kachori, jalebi and saffron lassi delight every sense
8. Heritage walking tours through narrow lanes and ghats
Several guided heritage walks showcase Kashi’s layered stories—from temples and ghats to saints and street art. These immersive quests are led by local historians who bring Banaras alive
9. Visit Ramnagar Fort and its museum
Ramnagar Fort, on the eastern bank of the Ganges, houses vintage classic cars, royal artefacts, and a panoramic terrace overlooking the river. It’s a regal contrast to the densely spiritual West Bank ghats
10. Stop at Tulsi Manas & Bharat Mata temples
Dedicated to Lord Rama and Mother India, respectively, these sites carry historical, cultural, and literary significance. The walls of Tulsi Manas bear passages from the Ramcharitmanas—visually striking and deeply stirring
11. Sunset at Scindia or Tulsi Ghat aboard a boat
Watching evening descend over Varanasi from the river, with reflections, chants drifting, local lamps flickering—is nothing short of magical, especially during festive seasons like Dev Deepawali
12. Shop for Banarasi silk, brassware & handicrafts
From looms weaving silk sarees to stalls selling brass lamps, wooden lacquer toys, and Gulabi meenakari, Varanasi’s markets are a treasure trove. Recent redevelopment of the Cantt cultural corridor now highlights GI‑tag items and ODOP crafts
13. Attend Dev Deepawali if visiting in November
Every November, Banaras lights up during Dev Deepawali, when ghats brim with thousands of diyas and fireworks—an unforgettable spiritual spectacle unique to Varanasi
14. Experience local music and classical concerts
Vocal and instrumental music workshops or evening performances in small auditoriums or on ghats connect you to Banaras’s classical legacy, ranging from Hindustani vocals to tabla gharanas.
15. Savour Banarasi cuisine on food tours
Participate in street‑food walking tours, sampling iconic dishes: tamatar‑palak chaat, kachoris, jalebi, lassi, paan. These culinary experiences bring alive the soul‑flavor of Banaras
How This Fits with “Royal Rajasthan With Varanasi, 15 Nights 16 Days” Package
After exploring Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Agra, the final leg lands in Varanasi (Day 15 in most packages). Sightseeing includes the golden temple, ghats, Sarnath, heritage markets and river rituals
This pilgrimage‑cum‑luxury journey gives travellers an ideal culmination, fusing opulent Mughal‑Rajput experiences with profound ancient spirituality in Banaras.
For guests booking via indiatripplanners.com, this means your 15‑night, 16‑day Royal Rajasthan With Varanasi package perfectly funnels into the immersive Varanasi experiences detailed above
Why Choose This Rajasthan + Varanasi Package?
✔️ Expertly curated to balance palatial heritage (forts, palaces, desert camps) with the deep spiritual soul of Varanasi
✔️ Deluxe/trusted accommodations, private guides, rail or flights, and seamless city‑to‑city transitions
✔️ High‑trust reviews: average 4.8‑5.0 stars on multi‑day offerings like “RAJASTHAN WITH VARANASI TOUR (15 Nights / 16 Days)” via Indian Travel Online or Payless Tours
✔️ Final leg (Varanasi) integrates unforgettable sensory experiences: boat rides, rituals, food tours, ghats & markets
Tips for Visitors (2025)
Best time to visit Varanasi: September to March for cooler weather and the Dev Deepawali festival season
Cover transport: Hotels now connect with widened roads like Dalmandi, Bhadohi highway, and newly developed infrastructure, improving pilgrim access
Stay connected with culture: Explore walking tours, heritage corridors, and local artisan pop‑ups along redeveloped shopping stretches like Mall Road’s cultural corridor
In Summary
The 15 best things to do in Varanasi in 2025 combine spiritual depth, cultural immersion, and sensory enchantment—from the moving Ganga Aarti and sunlit boat rides, to ancient temples, cremation ghats, Sarnath, food walks and heritage markets. When woven into the Royal Rajasthan With Varanasi, 15 Nights 16 Days itinerary, this journey takes travellers from royal palaces across Rajasthan to the soul of India in Banaras, offering a deeply transformative endpoint that elevates both the trip and the traveller’s experience.
Booking through indiatripplanners.com ensures trusted guidance, luxury comfort, and meaningful immersion across this rich 16‑day odyssey.
Safe travels! Let me know if you’d like a customizable itinerary, highlights or suggestions for seasonal experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best time to visit Varanasi in 2025?
The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, and festivals like Dev Deepawali enhance the spiritual charm of the city.
2. Is Varanasi included in the 15 Nights 16 Days Royal Rajasthan With Varanasi tour?
Yes, the tour includes a comprehensive visit to Varanasi covering key sites like the Ganga Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Sarnath, along with the majestic cities of Rajasthan.
3. What are the must-do experiences in Varanasi?
Top experiences include:
Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
Exploring the narrow alleys of the Old City
Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Exploring the Buddhist heritage at Sarnath
4. How many days are ideal to explore Varanasi?
Spending 2–3 days in Varanasi is ideal to experience the city’s spiritual, cultural, and historical highlights without feeling rushed.
5. Is Varanasi safe for foreign travellers?
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe. However, travellers should stay alert in crowded areas and hire authorised guides for a smooth experience.
6. Can I attend a yoga or meditation session in Varanasi?
Absolutely. Varanasi is home to many authentic yoga and meditation centres, especially near Assi Ghat and the old city.
7. What traditional dishes should I try in Varanasi?
Don't miss out on Kachori Sabzi, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat, and Banarasi Paan for a taste of local flavours.
8. Are English-speaking guides available in Varanasi?
Yes, many licensed English-speaking guides are available and can be booked in advance as part of your tour package.
9. How can I reach Varanasi from Rajasthan?
You can travel from Rajasthan to Varanasi via direct flights, overnight trains, or private vehicle transfers included in the tour itinerary.
10. Which ghats are the most iconic in Varanasi?
The most famous ghats include:
Dashashwamedh Ghat (for Ganga Aarti)
Assi Ghat (for morning rituals & yoga)
Manikarnika Ghat (for cremation ceremonies)