Varanasi

Introducing Varanasi

Varanasi is a Hindu holy place and a famous historical city located in the southeastern part of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated on the left bank of the crescent-shaped meander section of the middle reaches of the Ganges. In the streets and alleys near the river bank, there are pillars symbolizing Shiva (called "linga", which means male reproductive organ) erected everywhere, which are worshipped by Hindus.

Varanasi is one of the world's oldest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kashi, it's also known as the "City of Light." It's also India's most famous pilgrimage site. As Indians often say, a visit to Varanasi is a must-do in a lifetime.

Here you'll feel a bit cramped, yet also exceptionally peaceful. At once incomprehensible and yet understandably captivating, this sacred site on the banks of the Ganges is awe-inspiring, enigmatic place filled with antiquity, mystery, a rich religious atmosphere, vibrant cultural sensibilities, and vibrant secular sentiments.

Climate and best time to travel

Varanasi has a pleasant cool season and is best visited during the busy festival season.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The city boasts over 1,500 temples of various types, including the Ganges Baths, the Golden Temple, the Durga Temple, and the Banaras Hindu University. Varanasi holds over 400 religious festivals annually, sometimes twice a day, and these religious festivals are almost always held in these temples.

Recommended play time: 1-3 days

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Most Popular FAQs for Varanasi

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is a major religious hub for Hindus, revered for its ghats along the Ganges River, where rituals, cremations, and spiritual activities take place. The city is also significant for Buddhists due to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, making it a center of culture, spirituality, and education for centuries.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Varanasi is located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the western bank of the Ganges River. It is accessible via Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi Junction railway station, intercity buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local cycle-rickshaws. Most ghats and markets are walkable, though guided tuk-tuks and e-rickshaws are common for short distances.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Most temples and ghats are open from early morning (around 4:00–5:00 AM) to evening (7:00–8:00 PM).
• Sarnath Archaeological Site: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Best time to visit: October to March for cooler weather and festive events.
• Early mornings are ideal for boat rides; evenings are perfect for Aarti ceremonies.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Ghats and temples: usually free entry, donations welcome.
• Sarnath Archaeological Site: ₹30 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners; tickets purchased onsite.
• Ramnagar Fort Museum: ₹100–₹250; tickets available at entrance.
• Boat rides: ₹300–₹600 per boat; usually booked offline directly with boatmen.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

• Advance booking is generally not required for temples, ghats, or Sarnath.
• For private boat rides or guided tours, booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
• Ramnagar Fort guided tours may require prior appointment for large groups.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

• Ghats and boat rides: 3–4 hours
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 1–2 hours
• Sarnath: 2–3 hours
• Ramnagar Fort: 2 hours
• Local markets and streets: 2–3 hours
• Overall, 2–3 days recommended to fully explore the city and nearby attractions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Dashashwamedh Ghat and evening Ganga Aarti
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Manikarnika and Assi Ghats
• Sarnath Archaeological Site and Deer Park
• Ramnagar Fort and museum
• Varanasi silk weaving workshops
• Local streets and markets like Vishwanath Gali

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

• Guided tours available for ghats, Sarnath, and Ramnagar Fort in English, Hindi, and sometimes French or German for foreign tourists.
• Audio guides for some museum exhibits at Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath may be available.
• Private boatmen often act as informal guides along the ghats.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Early morning on a boat at Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat
• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Ramnagar Fort terrace overlooking the Ganges
• Steps and alleys of old city streets for cultural photography
• Sarnath ruins and stupa gardens

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Day 1: Morning boat ride on the Ganges, visit Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Manikarnika Ghat; evening Ganga Aarti.
• Day 2: Visit Sarnath Archaeological Site and museum; return to explore Ramnagar Fort.
• Day 3: Explore silk workshops, local markets, and smaller temples; optional street food tour.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main night attraction.
• Some hotels and riverfront operators offer night boat rides.
• Cultural music and dance performances occasionally at local auditoriums or guesthouses.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Ghats are crowded during religious festivals like Dev Deepawali and Ganga Mahotsav.
• Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
• October–March is peak tourist season; monsoon months (July–September) see fewer visitors.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public toilets at major ghats and temples, but limited and basic.
• Street food stalls and small cafes near ghats and markets.
• Shops selling souvenirs, silk, and handicrafts along main streets.
• Limited benches and rest areas along ghats; some hotels provide restrooms for visitors.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

• Ghats and narrow lanes are uneven; mobility may be challenging for elderly and disabled visitors.
• Boats have basic access; elderly should take care on steps.
• Children-friendly attractions: boat rides, Sarnath, and open parks.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

• Temples and ghats: mostly cash donations.
• Boat rides: cash preferred.
• Restaurants, hotels, and some shops accept cards and UPI/mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Kashi Chat Bhandar and Blue Lassi for street food and refreshments
• Hotels along the riverfront have cafes and rooftop restaurants
• Vegetarian restaurants like Baati Chokha and local eateries serving traditional cuisine

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

• Varanasi is predominantly vegetarian-friendly.
• Halal options available in some restaurants and hotels.
• Vegan options available at modern cafes and certain eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Ganges riverfront: BrijRama Palace, Taj Ganges, Suryauday Haveli
• Near Dashashwamedh Ghat: Hotel Alka, Ganpati Guest House
• Budget accommodations in old city lanes: hostels and guesthouses

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Sarnath (Buddhist pilgrimage site, 10 km from city center)
• Ramnagar Fort (along the Ganges)
• Banaras Hindu University and its Bharat Kala Bhavan museum

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Silk sarees, scarves, and textiles
• Religious items: bells, incense, and prayer beads
• Handicrafts, miniature paintings, and local sweets

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rideshare apps (Ola, Uber)
• Varanasi Junction railway station for intercity travel
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport for flights
• Private car rentals for nearby day trips to Sarnath or nearby towns