Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi Travel Guide
The holy city on the Ganga: ghats, aarti and nearby Sarnath.
- Best months Oct–Mar
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Varanasi, also called Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the holiest city for Hindus. Life centres on the ghats along the Ganga, where rituals, boat rides, music and the evening aarti happen every day. Nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, adds a second layer. Plan two to three days.
Best time to visit
Recommended
October to March is the most comfortable season, with Dev Deepawali in November, when the ghats are lit with lamps, especially memorable. April to June is very hot and humid, and the monsoon brings heavy rain and high river levels that can limit boat rides and ghat access.
How to reach
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and several other cities, and it lies about 25 km from the city centre.
Varanasi Junction and Banaras stations are well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and many other cities, and several fast and overnight trains run on the Delhi route.
Varanasi is connected by highway to Prayagraj, Lucknow, Patna and Gaya, and Sarnath is a short drive from the city. Within the old city, the lanes are narrow, so you will walk or use rickshaws.
Where to stay
Staying near the ghats puts you within walking distance of the aarti and the old city, though lanes can be crowded and rooms small. Areas such as Cantonment and Sigra offer larger hotels with easier road access. Choose a place with clear directions, as navigating the lanes at night can be confusing.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganga Aarti
The main ghat hosts a grand evening aarti with lamps, chanting and music. Arrive early for a good view or watch from a boat.
- 2
Sunrise boat ride
A boat trip along the ghats at dawn shows the city's daily rituals, bathing and temples from the water.
- 3
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The city's most important Shiva temple, connected to the river by a wide corridor. Expect queues and strict security.
- 4
Sarnath
The deer park where the Buddha gave his first sermon, with the Dhamek Stupa, ruins and an archaeological museum, about 10 km from the city.
- 5
Assi Ghat
A calmer ghat at the southern end, popular for yoga at dawn, music and cultural events.
- 6
Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan
A large campus with a museum of Indian art and artefacts, a quiet change from the old city.
Food to try
Try kachori sabzi for breakfast, tamatar chaat, lassi in clay cups, and Banarasi paan. In winter, look for malaiyo, a frothy milk dessert. The city is also known for its silk, including Banarasi sarees.
Travel tips
- Respect the ghats and cremation grounds; avoid photographing funerals and follow local guidance on behaviour.
- Agree the price of a boat ride before boarding, and prefer official or well-reviewed operators.
- Be cautious of touts and fake guides near the temple, and check what is included in any package.
- Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove, and carry minimal belongings in the crowded lanes.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two days cover the ghats, a boat ride, the aarti and the old city. Add a half day for Sarnath, and a third day if you want to slow down.
Is it safe to take a boat ride on the Ganga?
Boat rides are a standard part of a visit. Choose registered boatmen, use life jackets when offered, and avoid boating during floods or high water.
When is the best time to see the Ganga Aarti?
The evening aarti is held daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat and other ghats. It is most crowded on weekends and festivals, so arrive early or book a boat for a view from the river.
Day-by-day itineraries
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.