Uttar Pradesh · North India
The eternal city on the Ganga
Varanasi is a sacred Ganga-side city whose ghats, temples and narrow lanes sustain deeply rooted traditions of worship, learning and craft. Dawn river views and evening rituals are central experiences, while nearby Sarnath adds an important Buddhist dimension.
Best time to visit
Top attractions
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Assi Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Sarnath
- Ramnagar Fort
How to reach
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur is about 25 km from central Varanasi.
- By rail: Varanasi Junction is about 5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat; Banaras station at Manduadih is another major terminal.
- By road: Varanasi is about 120 km from Prayagraj via NH 19 and roughly 310 km from Lucknow via the Sultanpur route.
Local food to try
- Kachori sabzi
- Tamatar chaat
- Chena dahi vada
- Malaiyo
- Banarasi paan
Things to do
Good to know
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?+
October to March is most comfortable, although winter mornings can be foggy. Dev Deepawali draws very large crowds and needs advance planning.
How many days are needed?+
Three days allow the ghats, old city, major temples and a half-day excursion to Sarnath.
What etiquette applies at cremation ghats?+
Observe quietly from a respectful distance and do not photograph cremations or grieving families. Avoid intrusive tours and follow local directions.
Are boat rides and temple visits always available?+
Boating may stop during floods or unsafe weather. Kashi Vishwanath has security checks and restrictions on belongings; verify current entry procedures and use authorised services.
Journeys here