Your guide to Varanasi

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Spread along a sweeping bend of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a holy city where the rhythms of life and faith play out in public view. The best visits to Varanasi centre on its incense-scented ‘ghats’ (steps), where priests and pilgrims gather along the river’s edge. Step away from the water and you’ll find bustling markets, deep-seated culinary traditions and the youthful energy of a major university. Plan smarter with our Varanasi travel guide.

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Varanasi highlights

Where to stay

The beating heart of Varanasi’s Old City is its ‘gali’, a maze of narrow alleyways packed with market stalls, street food vendors and sari shops. Vishwanath Gali buzzes with retail energy and spiritual worship, anchored by Kashi Vishwanath Temple. These lanes are also home to a diverse range of lodgings, from budget-friendly stays and family-run guesthouses to more luxurious options.

Sacred ghats

Varanasi’s 80-plus ghats line the Ganges River, forming the city’s spiritual and cultural backbone. From bathing and yoga at Assi Ghat to cremations at Manikarnika Ghat, each ghat carries its own atmosphere. Priests, pilgrims and visitors gather here from dawn to dusk, lighting lamps, chanting prayers and keeping ancient rituals alive along the river’s edge.

Riverside rituals

Witnessing the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony is a must on a visit to Varanasi. As night falls, young priests line the river to perform a synchronised spectacle with brass lamps and conch shells, incorporating chanting and flower offerings. It’s a celebration of gratitude and spiritual liberation, with locals sending ‘diyas’ (oil lamps) downriver.

Varanasi: Know before you go

Language	Hindi
Currency	Indian rupee (₹)
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
High season	October - March
Low season	May - August

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Things to do in Varanasi

Take in the culture

If you only have time for one museum in Varanasi, tour the art and archaeological collections at Bharat Kala Bhawan. You’ll find it on the Banaras Hindu University campus, where tree-lined streets offer a glimpse into one of India’s most prestigious colleges. Elsewhere, Tulsi Manas Temple is renowned for its engraved marble walls, while Bharat Mata Temple celebrates Mother India.

Places to eat

From spicy street food to sweet treats, restaurants in Varanasi showcase a culinary scene rooted in tradition. Start the day with ‘kachori sabzi’, a classic breakfast of lentil-stuffed, deep-fried pastry served with potato curry. ‘Tamatar chaat’ (a spicy mashed tomato and potato snack) is another iconic dish, while yoghurt-based ‘lassi’ flavoured with sugar or fruit is the drink of choice.

Shopping

Varanasi is famed for its intricate Banarasi saris, which can take weeks or even months to weave. At Godowlia Market, stalls overflow with these richly coloured textiles. Nearby, Thatheri Bazar specialises in brass and copper homeware and religious ornaments, while Gola Dinanath Market fills the air with the scent of spices. Bargaining is common, so expect to negotiate.

FAQs about visiting Varanasi

Is it safe to visit Varanasi?

Most people have stress-free trips to Varanasi. Still, you should take common-sense precautions. Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas, stick to the central ghats and avoid quiet alleyways after dark. Curious monkeys are known to steal food and personal belongings.

When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The winter months bring mild days and cool evenings that are ideal for sightseeing. It’s also when big festivals like Dev Deepawali and Makar Sankranti take place. If you can handle the high temperatures and humidity, summer is a great time to score cheap hotel and flight deals.

How expensive is a trip to Varanasi?

Eating street food and using auto rickshaws and public transport will help to make your trip to Varanasi affordable. There are also many free things to do, including exploring the historic alleyways and walking between ghats. Hotel prices vary, but you should be able to find options to suit all budgets.

How many days do you need for a trip to Varanasi?

If your goal is to quickly cover the city’s highlights, two or three days are plenty of time. Longer stays let you sightsee at a slower pace and enjoy day trips. Popular places nearby include Ramnagar Fort and the Buddhist pilgrimage town of Sarnath.

Is Varanasi a good place to visit?

Varanasi is a great place to discover historic ghats and colourful temples on the banks of the Ganges. Beyond its spiritual core, a vibrant street food scene and markets shaped by centuries of craft traditions shape life around busy, maze-like lanes.

What currency is used in Varanasi?

The Indian rupee (₹) is the official currency in Varanasi. Cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops, though carrying some cash is useful for markets and local transport.

What language is spoken in Varanasi?

Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Varanasi. English is commonly understood in hotels, shops and other tourist spots, and you’ll likely hear regional dialects in everyday conversation.

What is the hottest month in Varanasi?

May is usually the hottest month in Varanasi, with average highs around 41°C. You’ll want to find some shade or duck into a museum during the midday heat.

What is the coldest month in Varanasi?

January is typically the coolest month, with average lows around 10°C. Mornings and evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime hours.

What is the rainiest month in Varanasi?

July is generally the wettest month in Varanasi. Downpours can arrive quickly during the monsoon season, often followed by humid, overcast afternoons along the Ganges.