Top 10 Things to Do in Varanasi During Winter

There’s something transcendent about Varanasi in the winter. The air is crisp, the ghats are wrapped in morning mist, and the sound of temple bells blends seamlessly with the gentle lapping of the Ganga. It’s a city that feels older than time itself—more alive in its silence than in its noise. While Varanasi is enchanting year-round, winter lends it a contemplative charm that’s hard to capture in words. Here’s a thoughtfully curated list of ten things to do in Varanasi during winter—a season that suits the city’s rhythm perfectly.

Watch the Sunrise at Assi Ghat

Winter mornings in Varanasi are magical. Assi Ghat is where you want to be before the sun rises. As the sky slowly turns from indigo to gold, you’ll see sadhus meditating, locals performing yoga, and the Ganga calmly reflecting it all. The morning Ganga Aarti here is gentler, less crowded, and incredibly grounding. It’s also a perfect place to begin your day with silence, reflection, and the spiritual cadence of the city.

Take a Morning Boat Ride

The foggy mornings of winter create the perfect backdrop for a boat ride. Float gently past the ghats as the city slowly wakes up. The silhouettes of temples and old structures appearing through the mist evoke a deep sense of serenity. Opt for a hand-rowed boat for a more meditative, unhurried experience. As you drift along the Ganga, watch daily life unfold on the ghats—laundry being washed, early rituals, and prayers rising with the mist.

Walk Through the Old City Lanes

The alleys of Varanasi are a world in themselves—ancient, chaotic, and deeply poetic. In winter, wandering these lanes becomes more bearable and enjoyable. Discover hidden temples, centuries-old doorways, street food vendors selling piping hot kachoris, and the scent of incense blending with that of freshly brewed chai. The narrow lanes are filled with stories, where every corner turns into a frame-worthy moment.

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti

The evening Ganga Aarti is a spectacle of devotion and precision. Held daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the ceremony features synchronized movements, blazing lamps, chants, and crowds that gather in respectful awe. In winter, the slightly thinner crowds and cool breeze make the experience even more powerful. The lamps glowing against the dark river backdrop leave a lasting impression of peace and grandeur.

Drink Chai by the Ghats

Few things match the joy of sipping hot masala chai from a kulhad while sitting on the ghats. In winter, this becomes a ritual worth repeating. Watch the flow of life along the riverbank—pilgrims, musicians, mendicants—and let yourself dissolve into the moment. Chai stalls dot the ghats, and each offers a slightly different flavor of spice, sweetness, and warmth. It’s a simple pleasure, but in Varanasi, even the simplest acts feel sacred.

Visit Sarnath

Just a short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath offers a quiet contrast to the city’s intensity. It’s the site where Buddha gave his first sermon. The ancient ruins, serene gardens, and the majestic Dhamek Stupa feel particularly peaceful in winter’s stillness. An early morning visit is ideal. The archaeological museum nearby houses relics and sculptures that give further context to Sarnath’s rich Buddhist history.

Eat Local Winter Food

Winter in Varanasi brings with it a culinary shift. Indulge in seasonal specialties like malaiyo—a frothy saffron-infused dessert available only during the colder months. Pair that with garam kachori-sabzi, jalebis fresh from the pan, and piping hot thandai for a full-bodied taste of Varanasi’s winter kitchen. You’ll also find unique street foods like nimish and tilkut being sold by local vendors. These delicacies not only warm you up but also give you a taste of the region’s rich culinary tradition.

Attend a Music or Art Event

The city is not only spiritual—it’s deeply artistic. In winter, many music schools and cultural spaces open up for public performances or informal gatherings. Catch a Hindustani classical recital, a sitar lesson, or even a storytelling evening. It’s a side of Varanasi that often goes unnoticed by tourists. The presence of institutions like BHU also means there are regular events featuring classical music, dance, and theatre.

Walk Along the Riverfront

There’s no better way to soak in the essence of Varanasi than to walk from one end of the ghats to the other. Start from Assi Ghat and make your way past Tulsi, Harishchandra, Dashashwamedh, and beyond. The stone steps, ancient structures, and life unfolding in fragments along the river make this one of the most grounding experiences in the city—especially during winter, when the pace is slower and the air cooler. The constant hum of life, the sights and sounds, and the occasional silence all combine into a rhythm unique to Varanasi.

Go to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

No visit to Varanasi is complete without paying your respects at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. While the queues can be long, winter mornings make the wait more tolerable. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, pulses with energy, and the experience can be both overwhelming and transformative. After your darshan, take time to sit quietly in the temple complex or walk around the recently developed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Varanasi in winter is not about ticking off attractions; it’s about absorbing a feeling. It’s the chill in the air mixing with the warmth of devotion, the echo of a distant chant, the scent of ghee lamps and camphor. These ten experiences don’t just show you the city—they allow you to live it, breathe it, feel it in your bones. So, pack a shawl, carry an open heart, and let Varanasi do what it does best: stir your soul, gently and without warning. Winter here is not just a season—it’s an invitation to connect with something eternal.