Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India, famed for its sacred Ganges ghats, temples, the mesmerising Ganga aarti and profound atmosphere. A city of immense spiritual power, it moves every visitor. The best time to visit is October to March, and two to three days let you experience its ghats and soul.
Why Visit Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the holiest city in Hinduism, revered as the spiritual heart of India. Set on the banks of the sacred Ganges, it is a place of profound devotion, ancient tradition and extraordinary atmosphere, where life, death and spirituality intertwine in ways found nowhere else. The intensity, colour and spiritual power of Varanasi make it one of the most unforgettable destinations on earth.
The city is famous for its ghats, the steps leading down to the Ganges where pilgrims bathe, pray and perform rituals, and for the mesmerising Ganga aarti ceremony performed each evening. Along with ancient temples, labyrinthine lanes, silk weaving and a rich cultural heritage, Varanasi offers a deeply immersive and moving experience. Whether you come for the spirituality, the ghats, the culture or the sheer intensity of life here, Varanasi leaves a profound and lasting impression.
Top Things to Do in Varanasi
Varanasi offers the sacred ghats, temples, the Ganga aarti and its atmospheric lanes.
Experience the Ghats and a Boat Ride
The ghats along the Ganges are the soul of Varanasi, where pilgrims bathe, pray and perform sacred rituals amid an extraordinary atmosphere. Taking a boat ride on the river, especially at sunrise, to witness the ghats coming to life and the spiritual activity along the water, is an unforgettable and deeply moving experience. Exploring the many ghats on foot, each with its own character, is one of the essential experiences of Varanasi.
Witness the Ganga Aarti
The Ganga aarti, performed each evening at the main ghat, is a mesmerising and spectacular ceremony in which priests offer worship to the sacred river with fire, chanting, bells and ritual, before crowds of devotees and visitors. Witnessing this powerful and beautiful spiritual spectacle, with its lamps glowing against the darkening river, is one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Varanasi and a highlight of any visit.
Visit the Temples
Varanasi is home to countless temples, most importantly the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visiting this and other temples, amid the devotion and rituals of the sacred city, offers a profound spiritual experience. The temples, ancient and vibrant with worship, are central to the religious heart of Varanasi and its significance as the holiest city in Hinduism.
Explore the Old Lanes and Culture
The old city of Varanasi is a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes filled with temples, shops, eateries and the vibrant chaos of life, offering an intense and fascinating experience. Wandering these atmospheric alleys, discovering hidden temples, shopping for the city’s famous Banarasi silk and soaking up the sights, sounds and energy is unforgettable. This immersion in the everyday life and culture of the ancient city reveals the true soul of Varanasi.
Food You Must Try in Varanasi
Varanasi offers famous street food and traditional North Indian fare.
- Kachori sabzi, a beloved local breakfast.
- Banarasi paan, the famous betel leaf preparation.
- Lassi and thandai, refreshing local drinks.
- Chaat and other delicious street food.
- Traditional sweets and local specialities.
Varanasi is famous for its street food, so be sure to try the local kachori sabzi, refreshing lassi and the famous Banarasi paan, along with the array of chaat and sweets that make the city’s food scene such a delight.
History and Spiritual Significance
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with a history and spiritual significance stretching back thousands of years, making it the holiest city in Hinduism and a place of pilgrimage for countless devotees. Revered as the city of Lord Shiva, it is believed to be a sacred place for spiritual liberation, drawing pilgrims to bathe in the Ganges, worship at its temples and, for many, to spend their final days. This profound spiritual role defines the city’s very essence.
The city has also been a great centre of learning, culture, music and craftsmanship for millennia, renowned for its scholarship, classical music and famous Banarasi silk. Its ancient temples, sacred ghats and timeless traditions preserve a spiritual and cultural heritage of extraordinary depth. This combination of immense antiquity, profound spirituality and rich culture gives Varanasi a unique and overwhelming character, a place where the eternal rhythms of Indian spiritual life are laid bare.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Varanasi is well placed for exploring further sacred and historic sites.
- Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, close to the city.
- The many ghats and temples along the Ganges.
- Historic and cultural sites in the surrounding region.
- The wider heritage of Uttar Pradesh, for a longer trip.
A visit to nearby Sarnath, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites where the Buddha gave his first sermon, is a rewarding excursion, complementing the intense spiritual experience of Varanasi with the serene heritage of early Buddhism.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
October to March is the most pleasant time to visit, with comfortable weather ideal for exploring the ghats, temples and lanes and enjoying the river. The cooler winter months are especially good, and the festival of Dev Deepawali, usually in autumn, is a spectacular time when the ghats are lit with countless lamps. Summers are extremely hot, while the monsoon brings a swollen Ganges. For the most comfortable and atmospheric experience, the cooler winter months are ideal.
How to Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is well connected, with an airport offering flights to major Indian cities and some international destinations, and a major railway station that is an important hub with excellent train links across the country. Good highways connect it across the region. Within the city, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, taxis and boats help you get around, though the old city’s narrow lanes are best explored on foot. Its good connectivity makes this sacred city accessible to pilgrims and travellers alike.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
Varanasi offers a wide range of accommodation, from atmospheric heritage hotels and guesthouses right on the ghats to comfortable hotels and budget stays. Staying near or on the ghats immerses you in the spiritual heart of the city, with easy access to the river, the aarti and the old lanes. This proximity greatly enhances the experience, letting you soak up the atmosphere at all hours. Choosing a stay near the ghats is ideal for experiencing the true essence of Varanasi.
Planning Your Trip
Varanasi rewards two to three days to experience the ghats, a sunrise boat ride, the evening Ganga aarti, the temples and the old lanes, plus a trip to nearby Sarnath. Stay near the ghats for the fullest experience, dress modestly and be respectful of the sacred rituals, especially at the cremation ghats. Be prepared for intensity, crowds and the profound, sometimes overwhelming, atmosphere. Approach Varanasi with an open heart, and it will offer one of the most moving experiences of your travels.
Practical Travel Tips
- Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to see the ghats come to life.
- Witness the mesmerising Ganga aarti ceremony in the evening.
- Explore the atmospheric old lanes and hidden temples on foot.
- Dress modestly and be respectful of the sacred rituals.
- Take a trip to nearby Sarnath, an important Buddhist site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Varanasi famous for?
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is famous as the spiritual heart of India and the holiest city in Hinduism, renowned for its sacred Ganges ghats, ancient temples, the mesmerising Ganga aarti and its profound spiritual atmosphere.
How many days do you need in Varanasi?
Two to three days are ideal to experience the ghats, a sunrise boat ride, the evening Ganga aarti, the temples and the old lanes, plus a trip to nearby Sarnath. This allows time to absorb the intense atmosphere.
What is the Ganga aarti?
The Ganga aarti is a mesmerising evening ceremony at the main ghat, in which priests offer worship to the sacred river with fire, chanting and ritual before crowds of devotees. It is one of the most magical experiences in Varanasi.
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the ghats, temples and lanes, with the autumn festival of Dev Deepawali especially spectacular. Summers are extremely hot, so the cooler months are ideal.
How do you reach Varanasi?
Varanasi has an airport with domestic and some international flights, and a major railway station with excellent train links across India. Good highways also connect it across the region, making it accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India, an ancient and profound city where the sacred Ganges, timeless rituals and overwhelming atmosphere create one of the most moving experiences on earth. Drift along the ghats at sunrise, witness the mesmerising Ganga aarti, lose yourself in the labyrinthine old lanes and feel the eternal rhythm of a city where the spiritual and the everyday are one. Ancient, intense and deeply moving, Varanasi is a place that touches the soul and stays with every traveller forever.