Top Things to Do in Varanasi

    Situated on Mall Road in the Cantonment area, The Clarks Varanasi places you within easy reach of one of the world's oldest and most sacred cities. From the timeless ghats of the Ganges and the ancient lanes of Kashi to Buddhist heritage sites and one of India's great universities, Varanasi rewards every kind of traveller. Here is your guide to the most memorable places to explore during your stay.

    Manikarnika Ghat


    Manikarnika is the most sacred cremation ghat in Varanasi, where funeral pyres burn around the clock as part of a ritual believed to grant moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

    It is a place of profound spiritual gravity, and witnessing its ancient rites respectfully from the ghats or from a boat on the river is a deeply contemplative encounter with the philosophy that has defined Kashi for millennia.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: approximately 6 km

    Traditional wooden boats rest along the riverbank near ancient stone temples and stacked firewood at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.
    Numerous boats lined up along the bustling stone riverbank and crowded steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.

    Dashashwamedh Ghat


    One of the oldest and most venerated ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the spiritual heartbeat of the city and the stage for the magnificent Ganga Aarti held every evening at sunset, where dozens of priests perform an elaborate fire ritual to the sound of conch shells and chanting. A boat ride on the Ganges at dawn from this ghat, with the ancient city slowly waking along the riverbank, is among the most unforgettable experiences Varanasi has to offer.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: around 6 km

    Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple


    One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and among the holiest Hindu temples in the world, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has drawn pilgrims to the banks of the Ganges for thousands of years.

    The recently completed Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor has transformed the approach to the temple, and visiting during the morning or evening aarti is a deeply moving, unmissable experience.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: around 6.5 km

    Devotees and visitors gather in the open courtyard surrounding the iconic carved spires of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
    The massive ancient Dhamek Stupa rises above historical brick ruins and manicured lawns at the sacred archaeological site of Sarnath.

    Sarnath


    One of Buddhism's 4 holiest sites, Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, and its archaeological complex includes the 5th-century Dhamek Stupa, the ruins of ancient monasteries, and the renowned Sarnath Museum housing the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

    It makes for a richly rewarding half-day excursion from the hotel and is a must for history lovers and pilgrims alike.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: approximately 7 km

    Assi Ghat


    The southernmost of Varanasi's famous ghats, Assi Ghat has a quieter, more contemplative character than the busier riverside spots, and is beloved for its morning Shiva rituals, evening cultural gatherings, and the company of sadhus, musicians, and travellers from across the world.

    It is also a popular starting point for sunrise boat rides along the full length of Varanasi's iconic riverfront.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: around 8 km

    Crowds of people and colourful boats gather along the iconic stone steps of Assi Ghat beside old historic buildings in Varanasi.
    An ornate stone balcony with detailed carved arches and delicate railings projects from the weathered wall of Ramnagar Fort in Varanasi.

    Ramnagar Fort


    A magnificent 18th-century sandstone palace on the eastern bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar Fort is the ancestral seat of the Maharaja of Varanasi and houses an extraordinary museum of vintage cars, royal weapons, ivory works, and antique clocks.

    It is also the setting for the famed Ramnagar Ramlila, a month-long theatrical retelling of the Ramayana considered one of the grandest in all of India.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: around 12 km

    Banaras Hindu University (BHU)


    One of the largest residential universities in Asia, BHU is a landmark institution of Indian learning whose vast, beautifully landscaped campus is home to the stunning white marble Birla Mandir and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, with its rich collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, and artefacts.

    A visit to the campus offers a pleasant and culturally enriching contrast to the intensity of the old city.

    Distance from The Clarks Varanasi: approximately 13 km

    The grand entrance gate of Banaras Hindu University features traditional arched doorways, decorative domes, and tall surrounding palm trees.

    The Clarks Varanasi's heritage and location make it the ideal base for exploring a city that has captivated travellers, pilgrims, and scholars for thousands of years. Whether you come seeking spiritual solace, cultural depth, or simply the extraordinary experience of Varanasi's living antiquity, every journey from our doors leads somewhere unforgettable.
     

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