Varanasi Travel Guide - The city of Light, guarded by Shiva

Varanasi, also known as Varanasi, Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the world. Located on the banks of the Ganges Riveris a fundamental pilgrimage destination for Hindus and a fascinating place for any traveler. Its unique atmosphere, with Ghats temples and spiritual rituals, make it an ideal place to enjoy the one of India's most striking cities.

In Varanasi or Kashi, life and death coexist in a breathtaking spectacle of spirituality and tradition. Whether you are planning your trip on your own or a pckage with a travel agency, in this travel guide you will find all the information you need to discover the charms of Varanasi and make the most of your experience in this mystical city.

How many days do I recommend in Varanasi?

Varanasi is a place that deserves to be experienced at leisure., its magic is not only in the monuments, but also in the life that takes place in its Ghats (walking through the narrow streets of the old city is my favorite activity). While one day can be enough to visit the most iconic places, the ideal is to dedicate at least 2-3 days to enter into its mysticism and enjoy its magic and energy.

If you only have 1 dayyou can make an express tour through the Ghatsattending the Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat and explore the ancient city. However, if you want to discover less touristy corners, take a tour of Sarnath and enjoy the spirituality of the place without rushing, then 3 days is the best option. You could even stay 4 or more days and still find new experiences, temples and hidden bazaars...I spent 3 months living there and I still have places to be discovered 😊.

I always recommend combining your visit to Varanasi with a day trip to Sarnath, the Buddhist archaeological site is of great historical and spiritual importance since it is where Buddha gave his first sermon. But if you are short on time, prioritize the experience in the Ghats, this is what really defines Varanasi.

What to see in Varanasi: places of interest

This city is also known as "the City of Light" and it is the city with the most contrasts and spirituality of India. I take you to discover the best places in Varanasi to make the most of your visit.

Here I share a list of the monuments you can't miss and some very interesting activities for your stay in Varanasi. Shall we get started?

The essential places to see in Varanasi

1. The Ghats, the most emblematic place of the city

The Ghats are the steps on the banks of the Ganges river and there are about 80 throughout the city. They are the place where you can witness spirituality in its purest form. A mystical and unique experience as well as intense for all the senses.

The Ghat (and the busiest) is the Dashashwamedh, but each of them has something special. Another main Ghat very important for Hindus is the Manikarnika, the Ghat for cremations.

2. The Ganges River - Maa Ganga

The river Ganges also called Mother Ganga is the most important artery of the sacred city. It has a length of 2500km. In the waters of this river, life and death coexist in the most natural way. You can find the faithful taking their daily bath to purify their sins, women washing clothes, men shaving, animals refreshing themselves, Sadhus performing rituals, hundreds of boats carrying travelers and cremation ceremonies that end up airing the ashes into the Ganges to free the deceased from all sin.

3. The Golden Temple or Kashi Vishwanath

The Golden Temple in Varanasi is the most important temple in India's holy city. It is dedicated to Vishwanath, one of the forms of God Shiva. Its facade is made with 800kg of gold, hence its name. Foreigners are not allowed access but you can see it from some outside areas. In addition, they recently renovated the outside area of the temple up to the Ghat and have turned it into a fantastic space for strolling.

4. The Shiva Temple

The submerged temple is located in Scindia. Ghat. It appears that the structure of the Ghat and its temple sank leaving part of the steps and the temple under water. The inclination of the Shiva Temple is greater than that of the Pisa Tower in Italy. This is one of the essential things to see in Varanasi.

5. Durga Kund Temple

This red-colored temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga and was built in the 18th century in the Nagara style. Just in front it has a pond that years ago was connected to the Ganges river. It also receives the name of "The temple of the monkeys".

6. Banaras Hindu University of Varanasi

This public residential university is the largest in Asia. It was founded in 1916 by the freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan, and each year some 30 thousand students pass through its classrooms. It enjoys a large complex with gardens that has become a small paradise (526 hectares) in the midst of the chaos and bustle of Varanasi. And as a curious fact I tell you that the library has 1.3 million books at its disposal.

7. Sarnath: the Buddhist trail

Sarnath is only 9 km from the city of Varanasi. It is the place where Bhuda gave the first sermon and is one of the 4 sacred cities for Buddhists. A visit you can not miss if you are in the city of Varanasi.

What to do in Varanasi-Banaras-Varanasi

Here are some ideas of another activities of interest in Varanasi that you will surely love. In addition, two of them are social activities so your visit will leave a positive seed in the country by collaborating with aid and development projects.

1. Enjoying the Aarti ceremony at the banks of the Ganges river.

Aarti (in Sanskrit meaning "dispeller of darkness") is performed every day when the sun goes down. The most popular is celebrated at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. This Aarti is the busiest in the city, there is no day when the area is not crowded with pilgrims and travelers who do not want to miss this Hindu ritual. Simultaneously, there are Aarti ceremonies in other Ghats less hustle and bustle and quite a bit more intimate. If you are several days in Varanasi I recommend you to experience both. Another good way to enjoy this ceremony is to take a boat ride on the Sacred River.

2. Boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise.

Enjoying a boat ride on the Sacred River during sunrise is one of the most enriching activities you can do in Varanasi. In addition to the beauty that the river shows at that time with the sunrise, there are countless activities that take place in the Sacred Waters. You will witness the purification rituals of the hundreds of Hindus who come every day to the river for it, children bathing, women washing clothes and leaving them to dry in the sun on the steps (creating mazes of color by doqueir), animals cooling off, Sadhus reciting mantras ... Do not miss it!

You can also take the ride during sunset and watch the Aarti from the boat, however if you want the full experience I recommend the sunrise :)

3. Silk Artisans

Varanasi is a famous textile center, particularly for its fine silks with gold and silver brocades. Saris from Varanasi are among the most valuable in the country due to their elaborate workmanship and elegance. The Lallapura district is home to the largest number of artisans and establishments that follow the techniques traditionally used since the 16th century.

4. Get lost in the markets of Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its silk saris and gold brocades as well as for its ornaments and jewelry. In any street of the city you can find wonders, but if you have time, take a stroll through the flower market (unbelievable during wedding season), the Rajan Mandi Bazar if you are looking for good quality Saris or the Thatheri Bazar where you will find a little bit of everything from antiques, jewelry, souvenirs and religious artifacts.

5. Assi Ghat

In this part of the city live many students and foreigners who make Varanasi their temporary home. There is a wide range of guest houses and there are many cafes and restaurants as well as a lot of entertainment in the evenings. It is the fashionable area of Varanasi. The truth is that this Ghat is much cleaner and renovated than the others.

6. Visit an NGO

During your stay in Varanasi, I recommend you to visit the NGO Semilla para el Cambio (its founder is Spanish). This NGO has been working for years in the holy city and giving education to children who, if it were not for this project, would surely be wandering the streets selling some gadget to tourists and deprived of education and good nutrition.

You can also have a chai in the "Open Hands" cafeteria which also has a small store of handmade products made by women. 

7. Music Festival: Dhrupad Mela

This musical event se celebrated every year during the month of March. It takes place at the Tulsi Ghat and usually lasts about 5 days. In this festival Indian musicians from all corners of the country are taking part and today is one of the most popular events in the city. On these dates many national and international music lovers come to enjoy the concerts in a city very conducive to it.

Where to stay in Varanasi - Hotels in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most visited cities in India and therefore, the accommodation options are endless. When choosing a hotel, keep in mind the type of experience you are looking for.

To make things easier for you, I have written a guide to help you choose where to stay in Varanasi and I give you a summary of the most popular places to stay in Varanasi and I also provide you with my hotel recommendations in each area of the city.

• Near the ghats: Ideal to be in the center of the action and live the spiritual experience to the fullest.
• Assi Ghat: Quieter than the old city, with good lodging options.
• Places far from the center: Ideal if you are looking for comfort and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Experiences and Activities

In Varanasi there are many activities, experiences and thematic tours. From street food tours, stroll through the best bazaars, route of perfect enclaves to take the best pictures...

Find the best experiences here to make the most of your trip and as I always tell you... remember to always travel with travel insurance. I always travel with HeyMondo insurance because they have the best coverage and prices, and for being a reader of MiViajealaIndia you have a 5% discount on this one. link.

The weather in Varanasi - The best time to travel to Varanasi

Varanasi has a subtropical climate with extremely hot summers and fairly cool winters.

The month with the most rainfall is July  and the month with the lowest rainfall is December.

• Temperature: In summer (April-June) it can exceed 40°C, while in winter (December-February) the minimum temperatures can drop to 5°C.
• Humidity: It is quite high during the monsoon (June-September).
• Rainfall: They are concentrated between June and September.

The weather in Varanasi (Varanasi) by months

Here are some graphs about the weather by months in Varanasi from the website Weather Atlas.

Temperature in Varanasi

The hottest month is May with the maximum average high temperature (40.3°C). 

The coldest month is January with the lowest average maximum low temperature (9.2°C).

Humidity in Varanasi

July is the month with the highest rainfall, i.e. the wettest month in Varanasi (309.3mm). 

December is the driest month, with the lowest precipitation (4.8mm).

Rains in Varanasi

The rainiest month is July (with 13.9 rainy days). 

The least rainy month is December (with 0.5 days of rain).

The Sun in Varanasi

April is the month with the most hours of sunshine and July is the month with the least hours of sunshine.

You can read more about the climate in India in this article.

Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi is an ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts, specially if you are looking for handcrafted products with a story behind them. Its streets are full of small markets, family-run stores and workshops where some of the most representative pieces of Indian culture are produced.

One of the most famous products of Varanasi are its silk sarees, considered some of the best in the country. If you are looking for quality, you can visit the specialized stores in the Chowk area or the markets near Vishwanath Gali, where you will also find shawls, scarves and hand-embroidered fabrics.

Another must-have market is Thatheri Bazaar, an ideal place to find handcrafted brass and copper objects. If you are interested in jewelry and accessories, in Golghar Market you will find silver pieces and traditional costume jewelry at a good price.

For those looking for spices, incenses and ayurvedic products, the Godowlia Market is a mandatory stop. Here you can buy essential oils, natural perfumes and herbal remedies used in Ayurvedic medicine.

If you prefer a more structured shopping experience without haggling, there are some fair trade stores where you can buy products made by local communities, thus ensuring a responsible and sustainable purchase.

Exploring the markets of Varanasi is not only a shopping experience, but also an immersion into their vibrant daily lives and a sensory experience. Get ready to haggle and enjoy the unique atmosphere offered by these spaces full of history and tradition.

How to get to Varanasi

Varanasi is well connected to the rest of India and is accessible by air, rail, road and bus. Depending on your point of origin and the type of travel you prefer, here are the best options for getting there:

By plane

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the main entry point for those arriving by air. It is located about 25 km from the city center and is served by domestic and international flights. There are direct connections to cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. From the airport, you can take a prepaid cab, auto rickshaw or private car to reach your accommodation in Varanasi. Don't miss my article with tips for to find flight at the best price.

By train

Varanasi is an important railway junction with several railway stations, being Varanasi Junction (BSB) the main one. They are also Manduadih and Mughal Sarai, about 20 km from the city. There are daily trains connecting with Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Kolkata. It is recommended to book in advance through the official website of Indian Railways or trusted agencies. I always travel on the Vande Bharat train, the fast train of India, as it is very comfortable and the journey time is 8 hours. Don't forget to read my guide on trains in India where I give you many tips to make your trip a success.

By private car with or without driver

If you prefer more comfort, you can hire a private car with driver from nearby cities such as Lucknow, Patna or even Delhi. This is an ideal option for those who want flexibility in schedules and stops along the way.

By bus

Buses operated by the government and private companies connect Varanasi with other cities in northern India. It is an economical option, but longer and less comfortable than train or plane. Most buses arrive at the terminus at Varanasi Bus Stand, near the train station.

Transportation in Varanasi: how to get around the city

Varanasi is a chaotic city, but getting around can be part of the experience. Here are the main transportation options:

Bus

Public buses are a very economical option, although not recommended for tourists, as they do not always have information in English. They are used mostly by locals and can be very crowded. In addition, they do not access the old town areas.

Auto Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk

It is the most popular way to move around Varanasi. They are inexpensive and agile to get through the narrow streets of the city. Be sure to negotiate the price before boarding or use apps like Ola to get fixed fares. Keep in mind that in the Gowdolia area during the day there is no access for tuk tuks and can only be accessed by rickshaws or on foot, plus it is a very very crowded and chaotic area. I recommend you to read the article on the most popular scams in India and be aware of the scams around.

Cab in Varanasi

Cabs are less common in the city center due to the difficulty of access in the narrower streets. However, they are a good option for long trips or for going to the airport. It is recommended to book in advance through apps such as Ola or Uber and wait in the vehicle access areas.

Varanasi is a city to walk around calmly and, many times, it is best to get around on foot Let yourself be carried away by its streets and experience its unique energy!

Interesting apps for your trip to Varanasi

• Google Maps: Essential for orientation.
• Ola Cabs: To book cabs easily.
• IRCTC Rail Connect: To consult and book train tickets.
• OlaCabs:The perfect App to make your cab and rickshaw reservations quickly and conveniently.
• MyCityWay: this digital guide provides information on events, places of interest, opening hours of museums and attractions, where to eat and other details of New Delhi.

Websites of interest

• Official tourism website of Uttar Pradesh.
• Contact Embassy of Spain in India

Map of Varanasi:

Tours in Varanasi:

I hope that this Varanasi Travel Guide will be useful and that you enjoy your stay in this mystical city! And don't miss all my recommendations of what to see and do in Varanasi.

I wish you a fantastic stay in the city of the god Shiva :)