Are you looking for the top Varanasi places to visit and planning to arrive with your family?
Varanasi, or Banaras, is an ancient city in India’s Uttar Pradesh, perfect for family vacations. Whether you want to dissolve in the spiritual richness, explore the serene beauty of ghats, or taste some of the tangiest street food in the country, Varanasi offers it all.
This blog post is an attempt to help you see the beauty of Varanasi, and it comes after I did the same with my family. So, stay here for what places you can visit in Varanasi, family-friendly hotels, experiences (cultural and spiritual) you can’t miss, and, of course, food and shopping you can do.
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In This Travel Guide:
Getting to Varanasi
If you’re in North India, getting to Varanasi is pretty straightforward. There are several direct flights and trains to the airport and station.
The airport code for Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is VNS. Visit a cheap flight booking aggregator like Skyscanner to check the availability of flights from your nearest airport.
You can also check for Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).
In addition to flights, there are frequent trains to Varanasi and Lucknow. The distance between them is approximately 300 km (4 hours 30 minutes ride).
Where to Stay
When traveling with your family, comfort is a crucial aspect to consider. When your family is included, you become a tourist rather than a traveler. Considering that, we suggest you book a comfortable accommodation option to elevate your Varanasi experience.
Varanasi has several hotels near the ghats and the main temple (Kashi Vishwanath). But be sure to book in advance, as these sell out fast.
Alternatively, Airbnb is another family-friendly option for cherishing a comfy stay. Book a flat in a nearby location like Sigra. We did the same and enjoyed moving into the city via Ola and Uber.
Top Varanasi Places to Visit with Family
Varanasi Ghats
Varanasi lies on the banks of the Holy Ganges river. Naturally, there are abundant beautiful ghats that add beauty to the cultural heritage of this sacred city.
Some of the most prominent ghats that you shouldn’t miss are:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: Don’t forget to attend the Ganga aarti here. Reach out an hour before or book your place online to summon yourself to the aarti.
- Assi Ghat: This is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi and a great place to explore. It’s less crowded than other ghats, making it perfect for families. You can enjoy a peaceful morning walk or attend an equally beautiful Ganga Aarti held here every evening. I haven’t participated in this aarti personally, but I have visited the ghats for a wooden boat ride.
- Manikarnika Ghat: The most talked about ghat of Varanasi, Manikarnika is the main cremation ghat, offering a unique insight into Hindu customs. While it might seem gloomy, it’s integral to Varanasi’s culture. Depending upon where you’re going, visiting here can be optional. You may feel overwhelmed and ask questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life. It can be a profound learning experience about life and death.
Temples and Religious Sites
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath is Varanasi’s most revered and famous temple, dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiva. Be prepared, as depending upon the time you visit, you may face huge crowds.
You can also book Sugam Darshan for Kashi Vishwanath temple for a queue-less visit. However, don’t expect an easy passage, as it depends on the crowd, day, and time of the year. Nonetheless, Sugam Darshan is a relatively better option for those with time or health constraints who can’t wait long in a line.
Durga Kund Temple
If you see deep red temple architecture built beside a pond in Varanasi, you have arrived at Durga Kund temple. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple has healing vibes. The atmosphere of the temple is spiritual, and you will see several other temples of deities encapsulated inside the complex.
Additionally, Durga Kund Temple is on the way to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, so you can integrate your visit according to this fact.
Kal Bhairav Mandir
Kal Bhairav is the fierce manifestation of Bhagwaan Shiva. He is said to be Varanasi’s guardian and the holy city’s chief.
The temple is located near the Railway Station and in congested lanes. Although the temple may look small in structure, its reverence is incredibly high. You’ll see many devotees dotted in long lines passing through narrow roads leading to the temple.
If you have small kids with you, we recommend you leave them under care before visiting this temple. Also, inside and around the temple, there are scammers who may ask you to donate huge amounts. Don’t be intimidated; donate according to your liking and capability. God doesn’t count your money but looks at your intention.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
This temple dedicated to Bhagwaan Hanuman is believed to be where the poet Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. The temple gets huge crowds on Tuesdays and Sundays, and the walkway to it is usually covered with monkeys. Keep your belongings safe, and don’t be disrespectful or hurtful to these monkeys, as monkeys are avatars of Bhagwaan Hanuman and have religious significance in Hinduism.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
BHU is among the largest residential universities in Asia. If you or your family are into the arts, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum on campus.
Ramnagar Fort
Located across the Ganga River, this 17th-century fort is now a museum with vintage cars, royal palkis, and an impressive clock collection. The fort has a majestic view of the river. However, don’t compare its glory with grand forts in Rajasthan — both have their own beauty.
Sarnath
Another place for history buffs and Buddhist followers is Sarnath. It’s the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon and is approximately 10 km from Varanasi Railway Station. Additionally, you’ll find the indigenous Ashoka Pillar, a profound symbol of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Things to Do in Varanasi with Family
Varanasi Boat Rides And River Cruise
There’s nothing more adventurous than taking boat rides with your family. You have several options, from classic wooden boats that operate manually to motor-operated faster boats. You can also take the Alaknanda Cruise Varanasi for the river cruise experience.
Attend The Ganga Aarti Ceremony
You can’t miss attending the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Remember, the aarti starts around sunset and lasts for about 45 minutes. If you want a comfortable seat and view, reach here at least one to two hours before sunset.
Alternatively, you can book Varanasi aarti online, too, which ensures you’ll have a front-row seat, sacred prasad, and the opportunity to perform Ganga Puja with your family.
Try The Scrumptious Street Food
Varanasi has some of the best street food options, which you must try if your tongue craves a tangy taste.
The table below lists the food names and the locality/place where you can try these food items.
| Food Item | Place/Shop/Locality You Can Get |
|---|---|
| Bread Makkhan/Toast | Laxmi Chai Waala |
| Launglata | Any sweet shop in Pandeypur |
| Tamatar Chaat | Kashi Chaat/Dina Chaat Bhandaar |
| Lassi | Pahalwan Lassi Bhandar at Ravi Surdas Gate |
| Banarasi Paan | Shops Near Godowlia Chauraha |
Practical Tips for Families Visiting Varanasi
Here are some of the practical travel tips when you’re traveling to Varanasi with your family.
- Varanasi is a densely populated city. So, keep your kids close, especially in crowded areas.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.
- Don’t forget to ask permission before taking photos of people or inside temples.
- The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March, as you get pleasant weather at this time. Avoid summer (April-June) as it gets scorching. The monsoon (July-September) can be beautiful but unpredictable.
- Auto-rickshaws and Tuk-tuk are readily available, but always negotiate the fare.
- Cycle rickshaws are suitable for short distances in the city.
- App-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available and convenient for families.
Conclusion: Varanasi Places to Visit
Varanasi offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and historical experiences that can enlighten visitors of all ages. From the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti to the serene boat rides, from ancient temples to bustling markets, there’s something for every family member to cherish.
While Varanasi can be overwhelming at first, it’s a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its ancient traditions, coexisting with modern life, provide a valuable lesson in diversity and cultural richness, truly depicting the essence of India.
So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and prepare for an unforgettable family adventure in Varanasi.
An appeal: Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin. If you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.
