Varanasi — the eternal city on the Ganga
Ghats, aartis and ancient lanes
Spiritual · Best Oct–Mar
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Varanasi (Banaras / Kashi) is one of the world's oldest living cities — a maze of ghats and lanes along the Ganga where dawn boat rides and the evening Ganga aarti are unforgettable. Intense, spiritual and best taken slowly.
Travel scores
Who it's for
Crowded ghats, cremation sites and chaotic lanes are intense for younger children.
A profound, atmospheric city rather than a romantic one — best for culturally curious pairs.
A rewarding, well-trodden solo destination; a guide helps on day one.
Very affordable, with a long-established backpacker and guesthouse scene.
Manageable with a guide and boat rides, but the old city lanes are crowded and uneven.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable — cool, dry days ideal for the ghats and boat rides, with festivals like Dev Deepawali in November. Summers (April–June) are extreme; the monsoon raises the Ganga and can flood the lower ghats.
Major attractions
- Dashashwamedh Ghat — The main ghat and the stage for the spectacular evening Ganga aarti.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple — One of India's holiest Shiva temples, reached through the new corridor.
- Sunrise boat ride — Drift past the ghats at dawn as the city bathes in the Ganga.
- Sarnath — Where the Buddha gave his first sermon; stupas and a museum, about 10 km away.
- Manikarnika Ghat — The principal cremation ghat — observe respectfully and from a distance.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
Ghats & aarti
Settle in, walk the ghats in the afternoon, and watch the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh in the evening.
- 2
Sunrise & Sarnath
A dawn boat ride along the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath temple, then Sarnath in the afternoon.
- 3
Old city
Lose yourself in the lanes, shop for Banarasi silk, and enjoy a final riverside evening.
Food & drink
Banarasi street food is legendary — kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, malaiyo (a winter foam sweet) and the famous Banarasi paan. The old city is overwhelmingly vegetarian.
Shopping
Varanasi is synonymous with Banarasi silk sarees and brocade, plus wooden toys, brassware and beads. Buy silk from reputable shops to avoid fakes.
Local etiquette & customs
Varanasi is one of Hinduism's holiest cities — dress modestly, behave respectfully at the ghats, and never treat cremation rituals as a photo opportunity.
- Never photograph cremations or grieving families at Manikarnika Ghat.
- Remove footwear before entering temples, including Kashi Vishwanath.
- Dress conservatively — cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites.
Festivals & events
Thousands of oil lamps light the ghats — the city's most spectacular night of the year.
A festival of classical music, dance and culture staged along the river.
Getting there & around
Well-connected by air and rail. The old lanes are pedestrian-only; boats cover the ghats. Hire a licensed guide for the first morning.
Good to know
- Take the sunrise boat ride — it's the calmest, most beautiful time on the river.
- The old lanes are a maze — hire a licensed guide for your first morning and watch your belongings.
- Photograph cremation ghats respectfully, from a distance, never intrusively.
- Buy Banarasi silk only from reputable shops; fakes are common.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid trip runs ₹1,800–3,200/day; riverfront heritage stays cost more.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Varanasi.
Safety & essentials
Agree the price and duration before boarding any boat; use licensed guides.
Watch your step and belongings in narrow ghat lanes, especially after dark.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Varanasi?
Two days is enough for the main ghats, a sunrise boat ride, the evening aarti and a trip to Sarnath.
Is Varanasi overwhelming for first-timers?
It can be intense — crowded, chaotic and confronting — so pace yourself and consider a guide early on.
What is the Ganga aarti?
A nightly fire-and-lamp ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat; arrive early or watch from a boat for the best view.