Known as the cultural and spiritual capital of India — which says something for the city — Varanasi is located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi, dating to the 11th century B.C., is a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all religious and spiritual beliefs, but specifically draws Hindu pilgrims from around the world.
There are countless ways to enjoy this idyllic city, from visiting the Ganges River and sacred waters where pilgrims flock to perform religious rites to the literal thousands of temples in the city.
Begin with the Ganges, a must for traveling families. Lined with must-see destinations including the Vishwanath Temple, visitors flock to the riverside to take pictures, pay respects and revel in the charm of the holy scene. Stroll from temple to temple; visit local shops and take in the sights. Enjoy the brightly colored building fronts, myriad temples and historic ghats still dedicated to Hindu traditions.
© Teerayut Chaisarn | Dreamstime.com
Join curious visitors and locals seeking the hallowed waters — known for sacred history and Hindu funeral rites — and take in the views of the city from the water with a relaxing boat ride along this historic and beloved river. Surrounded by famous sites including Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main riverbank steps in Varanasi, the Ganges is a great location for travelers and families of all ages.
While in this religious mecca of the city, you’ll come face to face with the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, the most famous Hindu temple in the city. Vishvanath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and earned its fame from its gold-plated spire and incredible details, including the sacred wisdom well. Religion in India is more than a belief — it is a way of life, an integral part of your visit and vital to taking in the local culture.
You will have your work cut out for you on this trip, between the many must-see mosques and lively street shops. Enjoy the city’s culture, vibrancy and ancient history on a tour visiting the best archeological sites, museums and in-the-know locations of Varanasi. Book a tour with the pros and get the most out of your epic family trip to this cultural capital.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Sep 3, 20266 Winnipeg, Canada, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Winnipeg, Canada, with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 3, 20263 Caribbean, Latin American Marriott Hotels for Multigen Trips
Multigenerational travel continues to grow in popularity, with family travelers moving away from traditional getaways for meaningful trips with family members of all ages. The Caribbean and Latin America are growing destinations of interest for this type of travel, and three Marriott properties offer opportunities for multigen families to create lifelong memories.
Destinations
Sep 2, 2026Look Past the Traditional Classroom with Scott Dunn’s Back-to-School Itineraries
Parents looking to provide their kids with hands-on learning experiences going beyond textbooks by visiting unique destinations with family-centric approaches will find that and more with Scott Dunn's private, expert-led itineraries. These experiences provide lessons the classroom cannot.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Sep 2, 2026Visit an Old-Fashioned County Fair in Maine
Celebrate autumn with a family trip to a traditional New England county fair. These annual celebrations of agriculture and country life are filled with sights and activities for the whole family to enjoy, from admiring prize pumpkins and meeting live animals to witnessing horse shows, listening to country music and dancing, and doing craft demonstrations. Most fairs also have carnival rides and hands-on activities for kids.
ShareThis