Varanasi (Kashi, Banaras) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Life, faith and death meet on its ghats along the Ganga – an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Top Experiences
Ganga Aarti
The evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – priests with brass lamps, conch shells and chanting – is the city's most famous ritual. Arrive an hour early, or watch from a boat. Assi Ghat has a beautiful morning aarti (Subah-e-Banaras) with music and yoga.
Sunrise Boat Ride
Row from Assi to Manikarnika at dawn as pilgrims bathe and the city wakes. Agree the price and duration before boarding.
Kashi Vishwanath Dham
The redeveloped Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connects the Jyotirlinga temple to the ghats. Phones and bags are not allowed inside; use lockers. Sugam darshan tickets are available on the temple's official site.
Walk the Ghats
From Assi to Raj Ghat: Tulsi, Harishchandra, Kedar, Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika (cremation ghat – photography is not appropriate), Panchganga.
Sarnath
About 10 km away, where the Buddha gave his first sermon – Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka pillar capital in the museum, and monasteries.
Food and Shopping
Kachori-sabzi breakfast, malaiyo (winter only), Banarasi paan, lassi in kulhads and tamatar chaat. Shop for Banarasi silk sarees directly from weavers' showrooms.
Best Time
October–March is pleasant. Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima, November) – when the ghats are lit with lakhs of diyas – is spectacular but crowded. Summers are very hot; during the monsoon the river rises and boat rides may be suspended.
How to Reach
Lal Bahadur Shastri airport (about 25 km), and Varanasi Junction / Banaras stations with Vande Bharat trains from Delhi. Book on IRCTC.
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive; evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh.
- Day 2: Sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath, ghats walk, BHU; evening at Assi.
- Day 3: Sarnath; shopping; depart – or continue to Prayagraj and Ayodhya.
Varanasi Packages
- Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Camp Stay – 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Maha Kumbh & Varanasi Pilgrimage – 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Kumbh Mela Short Pilgrimage – 3 Nights / 4 Days
See all Uttar Pradesh tours.
Related reading: Golden Triangle tour guide · Char Dham Yatra guide
Official information: UP Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two to three days, including Sarnath.
What time is the Ganga aarti?
Around sunset – roughly 6:00–7:00 p.m. depending on the season.
Can I take photos at Manikarnika Ghat?
It is a cremation ghat; photography is inappropriate and often not allowed.
Is Varanasi good for families?
Yes, with some planning – crowds and narrow lanes can be intense.
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