Day 1 — Ghats & Ganga Aarti
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga, walk Assi to Dashashwamedh, visit nearby lanes, and watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Getting There
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
22 km from city center. Well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and other major cities. Direct international flights from select countries.
Airport to City: Taxis, app-based cabs (₹400-600), Airport bus available
By Train
Varanasi Junction & Banaras
Major railway stations with excellent connectivity. Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is the main station. Many daily trains from all major Indian cities.
Popular Trains: Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, Vande Bharat
By Road
Bus & Private Vehicle
Well connected by NH2 and NH7. Regular buses from nearby cities. Private taxis and buses available from all major destinations.
Distances: Delhi (820km), Lucknow (320km), Allahabad (125km), Gaya (230km)
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Winter (October - March) - BEST SEASON
Temperature: 5°C - 15°C (Dec-Jan), 15°C - 32°C (Oct-Nov, Feb-Mar)
Why Visit: Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing, Dev Diwali, Mahashivratri, comfortable boat rides
Peak Season: November (Dev Diwali), February-March (Mahashivratri, Holi)
Summer (April - June) - HOT
Temperature: 25°C - 45°C
Note: Very hot and humid. Not recommended for outdoor activities. Early morning and evening visits only.
Monsoon (July - September)
Temperature: 25°C - 35°C
Note: Heavy rainfall, high water levels in Ganga. Some ghats may be submerged. Beautiful but challenging for tourists.
Where to Stay
Accommodation Options
Luxury Hotels
₹5,000 - ₹20,000/night
Taj Ganges, Radisson, BrijRama Palace, Suryauday Haveli
Mid-Range Hotels
₹1,500 - ₹5,000/night
Ganges View, Zostel, Moustache Hostel, Palace on Steps
Budget Stay
₹500 - ₹1,500/night
Guesthouses, Hostels, Dharamshalas near ghats
Ashrams
₹200 - ₹1,000/night
Spiritual atmosphere, simple accommodation, vegetarian meals
Pro Tip: Stay near Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat for easy access to main attractions. Book in advance during peak season (Nov-Mar).
Important Note: Hotel prices are indicative and subject to change based on season, demand, festivals, availability, and booking platform. Prices may be significantly higher during peak season (October-March) and major festivals like Dev Diwali, Mahashivratri, and Holi. It's recommended to book well in advance and compare prices across multiple booking platforms for the best deals.
Getting Around
Local Transportation
Auto-Rickshaws & Taxis
Most convenient for city travel. Agree on fare beforehand. App-based cabs: Ola, Uber available.
Avg Fare: ₹50-200 within city
Boat Rides
Best way to see ghats. Sunrise boat rides highly recommended. Book at ghats or through hotels.
Cost: ₹200-500 per person per hour
Walking
Best for exploring narrow lanes and ghats. Most attractions within walking distance if staying near ghats.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes
Culinary Delights
Must-Try Banarasi Food
🥘 Banarasi Paan
Iconic after-meal treat. Visit Keshav Paan or Pahalwan Paan Bhandar near Godowlia Chowk.
🍛 Kachori & Jalebi
Traditional breakfast. Try at Kashi Chaat Bhandar or Ram Bhandar.
🍜 Banarasi Chaat
Tamatar Chaat, Kachaudi Chaat. Visit Deena Chaat Bhandar.
🥛 Lassi & Thandai
Refreshing drinks. Blue Lassi Shop near Manikarnika Ghat is famous.
🍪 Banarasi Sweets
Malaiyo, Launglata, Rabri. Visit Mishrilal Hotel.
🥘 Baati Chokha
Traditional dish. Available at local eateries and dhabas.
Plan Your Trip
Ideal 3-Day Varanasi Itinerary
Day 2 — Temples & Old City
Kashi Vishwanath darshan, Sankat Mochan or Durga Temple, Banarasi silk shopping, and street food like chaat, lassi, and paan.
Day 3 — Sarnath & Slow Banaras
Half-day trip to Sarnath’s Buddhist sites, then return for a quieter ghat sunset, classical music evening, or second aarti viewing from a boat.
Common Questions
Varanasi Travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March is ideal for pleasant weather, ghat walks, temple visits, and evening Ganga Aarti. Major festivals like Dev Diwali usually fall in this season.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two full days cover the essentials: sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath, and Ganga Aarti, plus Sarnath. Three days is more comfortable for markets, food, and quieter ghat time.
Where can I watch the Ganga Aarti?
The main evening Ganga Aarti is at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Arrive early for steps seating, or book a boat view. Morning rituals are popular at Assi Ghat.
How do I reach Varanasi?
Fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), or arrive by train at Varanasi Junction / Banaras station. Local autos, taxis, and boats help you move between ghats and temples.
Essential Travel Tips
✓ Dress Modestly: Wear respectful clothing when visiting temples and ghats.
✓ Early Morning Visits: Best time to experience ghats is sunrise (5-8 AM).
✓ Bargain: Always negotiate prices for shopping, auto-rickshaws, and boat rides.
✓ Stay Hydrated: Drink bottled water only. Carry water bottle always.
✓ Beware of Touts: Avoid unofficial guides and touts at railway stations and tourist spots.
✓ Photography: Ask permission before photographing people or inside temples.