Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual heart of Hinduism. Its riverfront is lined with more than 80 ghats, where pilgrims bathe at sunrise, sadhus meditate and the dramatic Ganga Aarti is performed every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. At the centre of the old city stands the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, while narrow lanes wind past centuries-old shrines, silk weavers’ workshops and bustling markets. Just across the river, the sacred city merges seamlessly with day trips to nearby Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and onward to Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Chunar Fort and Vindhyachal — making Varanasi both a destination in itself and the gateway to a wider circuit of Uttar Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Varanasi sits at an elevation of 81 m. The most favourable months to visit are February, November, December, and January, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Raj Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and Chet Singh Ghat. Other notable highlights include one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, sacred to Hindus for over 3,000 years, home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and nightly Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of India’s most iconic rituals. For travellers planning the trip, the nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction / Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, the closest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi (~26 km), and local buses run via Kashi Gate Bus Stand.
State: Uttar Pradesh
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days
February, November, December, January
Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees—and remove your shoes before entering any temple, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. For the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, arrive at least 45 minutes early to get a good seat, and observe silence during the ritual. Photography is allowed in most public areas, but avoid using flash during the aarti, and never touch the priests or the offerings without permission.
Drink only bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice cubes, raw salads, and street food to prevent stomach upsets. Stick to well-cooked vegetarian meals, which are the specialty of Varanasi, and carry your own hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Also, be cautious with the steep steps at the ghats—use handrails where available, and consider a wheelchair-friendly route for the main Dashashwamedh Ghat if mobility is a concern.
The best time is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Avoid the summer months (April to June) when heat can be exhausting, and the monsoon (July to September) when lanes become slippery and boat rides are risky. Early mornings and evenings are also the most pleasant for sightseeing.
Walking is the main way to explore the old city, but for longer distances, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are available, though they can only go up to certain points. For seniors or groups, hiring a private car with a driver for the day is recommended for visits to Sarnath and other outlying sites. Always wear comfortable, non-slip footwear, as lanes are uneven and often wet near the ghats.
Yes, boat rides are very safe when you use licensed boatmen, and life jackets are provided—always insist on wearing them. The best experience is a sunrise or sunset ride along the main ghats, where you can see the aarti ceremonies and the daily life of the river. For elderly travellers, choose a covered or seated boat (not a small rowboat) and avoid the crowded evening aarti boat unless you book well in advance.