Varanasi Travel Guide 2026: Ganges Ghats, Ganga Aarti, Best Time to Visit, Costs & Tips

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benares, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of Hinduism. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges (Ganga) river in Uttar Pradesh, the city is lined with more than 80 ghats, stone steps leading down to the water, where pilgrims bathe, pray and perform rituals at dawn. Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, and the cremation grounds at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats burn day and night. Every evening, the dramatic Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat fills the riverfront with fire, chanting and bells. Behind the ghats, a maze of narrow lanes hides temples, shrines, silk workshops and chai stalls. Nearby Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Varanasi is intense, spiritual and unforgettable. This Varanasi travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, visa rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

October–March: The best time to visit, with pleasant temperatures. December and January can be cold, with foggy mornings that may delay trains and flights.

April–June: Very hot, with temperatures often above 40°C.

July–September: Monsoon season. The Ganges rises, and some ghats may be submerged, with boat rides restricted during high water.

Festivals:

• Dev Deepawali (November): Held on the full moon of Kartik, about 15 days after Diwali, when the ghats are lit with countless oil lamps. It's one of the most spectacular sights in India; book accommodation early.
• Diwali (October or November).
• Maha Shivaratri (February or March): Dedicated to Shiva, the city's patron deity.
• Holi (March): Celebrated with great energy.
• Ganga Mahotsav (November): A cultural festival of music and dance.

Top Places to Visit in Varanasi

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganga Aarti

The main ghat, where the Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every evening at sunset, with priests performing synchronised rituals with lamps and incense. Arrive early for a good spot, or watch from a boat on the river.

2. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

A boat ride at dawn is the best way to see the ghats come alive, with pilgrims bathing, praying and doing yoga. Agree on the price and duration beforehand.

3. Assi Ghat

The southernmost major ghat, with a morning Subah-e-Banaras ceremony, music and yoga. It's a relaxed area with cafés and guesthouses.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

The main cremation ghat, where funeral pyres burn around the clock. Visitors can observe respectfully, but photography is not allowed. Beware of people asking for "donations" for wood.

5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor

One of the most sacred Shiva temples in India. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor now connects the temple with the river. Expect long queues and strict security; phones and bags are not allowed inside.

6. Sarnath

About 10 km from Varanasi, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, temple ruins, Buddhist temples built by different countries, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem.

7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

One of Asia's largest residential universities, with the New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.

Also worth visiting: Ramnagar Fort across the river, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the old city lanes around Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali.

Suggested 3-Day Varanasi Itinerary

Day 1: Walk along the ghats from Assi to Dashashwamedh, then watch the evening Ganga Aarti.

Day 2: Take a sunrise boat ride, visit Manikarnika Ghat respectfully, explore the old city lanes and Kashi Vishwanath.

Day 3: Day trip to Sarnath, then visit BHU or Ramnagar Fort.

Varanasi Food Scene

Varanasi is a vegetarian food lover's paradise. Try kachori sabzi for breakfast, tamatar chaat, malaiyyo (a frothy winter milk dessert), Banarasi paan, lassi in clay cups at Blue Lassi, baati chokha, and sweets such as rabri and lal peda. Many restaurants near the ghats serve vegetarian food, as meat and alcohol are restricted near temples.

Banarasi Silk

Varanasi is famous for its Banarasi silk saris, woven with gold and silver threads and considered among the finest in India. Visit weaving workshops in areas such as Madanpura and Lallapura to see handlooms at work. Be cautious of guides who take you to shops for commissions, and buy from reputable stores or cooperatives.

Respectful Travel in a Sacred City

Varanasi is a living religious city, not a museum. Dress modestly, remove shoes in temples, and never photograph cremations or people bathing without permission. Avoid touching sacred objects, and be mindful during rituals. Expect touts, crowds, cows in the lanes and a lot of noise, and take breaks when you feel overwhelmed.

Practical Planning Notes

Varanasi's ghats stretch for about 6 km along the river, and walking from Assi to Manikarnika takes a couple of hours with stops. Stay close to the ghats if you want to experience dawn and evening rituals easily, but expect noise and crowds. The old city lanes are confusing, so download offline maps and note landmarks. During Dev Deepawali, the main ghats and boats get extremely crowded, so book a boat or a riverside room well in advance. In winter, early-morning fog can delay trains and flights, so build in extra time for onward travel.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

• Assi Ghat: Relaxed area with guesthouses and cafés.
• Dashashwamedh and Godowlia: Close to the main ghat and temples; busy and noisy.
• Riverside heritage hotels: Converted palaces with Ganges views.
• Cantonment: Modern hotels away from the old city's chaos.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Varanasi here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Varanasi

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 25 km from the city, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and other Indian cities, and some international flights. Search and compare cheap flights to Varanasi to find the best fares.

By Train

Varanasi Junction and Banaras stations connect with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other cities. The Vande Bharat Express links Delhi and Varanasi in about 8 hours. Overnight sleeper trains are a classic experience. Book through IRCTC.

Getting Around

• Walking: The best way to explore the ghats and old city lanes.
• Boats: Travel between ghats on the river.
• Cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws: For short trips.
• Ride-hailing apps and taxis: Useful for the airport and Sarnath, but cars can't enter the narrow lanes near the ghats.

Travel Costs in Varanasi

India uses the Indian rupee (INR / ₹). Varanasi is relatively affordable, but prices rise during Dev Deepawali.

Visa Rules

• e-Visa: Many nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa online through the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Avoid unofficial websites.
• Fees: The 30-day e-Tourist Visa has a seasonal fee (for many nationalities, US$10 for arrivals April–June and US$25 for July–March). Fees for longer visas vary by nationality.
• e-Arrival card: Complete it online within 72 hours before arrival.
• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with two blank pages.

Local Tips for Varanasi

• Don't swim in the Ganges: The river is polluted, and currents can be strong.
• No photos at cremation ghats.
• Agree on boat prices first.
• Beware of fake guides and donation scams.
• Staying connected: Buy a local SIM with your passport and visa, or use a travel eSIM. Get your India eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Sunrise boat rides and Ganga Aarti tours.
• Old city walking tours.
• Sarnath day trips.
• Silk weaving workshops.
• Food tours.

Browse and book the best tours in Varanasi here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Varanasi

What time is the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
It takes place every evening around sunset at Dashashwamedh Ghat, so the time changes with the season.

Can I take photos at Manikarnika Ghat?
No. Photography of cremations is not allowed.

How far is Sarnath from Varanasi?
About 10 km, roughly 30 minutes by car.

When is Dev Deepawali?
On the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in November.

How many days do I need in Varanasi?
Two to three days are ideal.

Varanasi's ghats, rituals and sacred chaos make it unlike anywhere else on earth. Watch the sunrise from a boat, the Ganga Aarti at dusk, and give yourself time to simply absorb one of the world's oldest living cities.