Varanasi City Guide

General Information / Guide

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located along the banks of the River Ganges in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This city holds a profound spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Varanasi is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site, with the belief that dying here offers liberation from the cycle of rebirths. The city's ghats, a series of steps leading to the Ganges, are central to its cultural and religious life, hosting rituals from daily prayers to elaborate cremation ceremonies. The narrow, labyrinthine lanes of Varanasi are lined with vibrant markets, ancient temples, and educational institutions, including the prestigious Banaras Hindu University. Varanasi is also celebrated for its rich tapestry of music, arts, and crafts, particularly silk weaving, which produces the exquisite Banarasi sarees. 

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Varanasi experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with humid summers and cool winters. The ideal time for visiting Varanasi is from November to February, during which temperatures vary from 5°C to 20°C. This period is perfect for exploring the spiritual and historical essence of the city, offering a comfortable climate for visitors to engage in outdoor activities and visit the sacred Ganges River without facing the scorching summer heat.

How to Get There

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located about 25 km northwest of Varanasi, is a crucial link for pilgrims and tourists to this ancient city. The airport offers both direct and connecting flights to several destinations, alongside various transport options to reach the city center.
Taxi services are readily available, facilitating a direct journey to the city with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes. The cost ranges from INR 700 to 1,000 (USD 9-13), making it a convenient but costlier choice. Ride-sharing options, such as Ola and Uber, also operate in the area, offering competitive prices and comparable travel times.
For those seeking an affordable route, public buses provide transportation from the airport to the city. The trip takes about 60-75 minutes, with fares from INR 50 to 200 (USD 0.65-2.5), presenting a budget-friendly albeit slower option.
Car rentals are available for travelers looking for flexibility and the convenience of exploring at their own pace. The drive to the city center takes around 45 minutes, with rates varying by company and vehicle type. A valid driving license is required.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, offers a spiritual and culinary journey unlike any other. The city's cuisine is deeply influenced by its religious and cultural heritage, presenting a variety of vegetarian dishes by Hindu dietary customs.
A must-try is the Kachori Sabzi, a spicy and flavorful breakfast dish. For sweets, Varanasi's famous jalebis and the creamy, rich lassi are not to be missed. Street foods like chaat, especially at the Ghats, provide a taste of local flavors with a scenic view.
Varanasi is also known for its paan, a betel leaf preparation that's an integral part of the local culture. Enjoying paan after meals is a tradition cherished by locals and experienced by travelers.
For an authentic dining experience, visit the old city lanes near the ghats, where traditional eateries serve up timeless recipes handed down through generations.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the western bank of the Ganges. It's a pivotal site for pilgrims and a must-visit for its spiritual ambiance.
• Ghats of Varanasi: The city's heart and soul, the Ghats, are steps leading to the Ganges where rituals, ceremonies, and the daily life of the city unfold. A boat ride at dawn offers a surreal experience, showcasing the spiritual and historical essence of Varanasi.
• Sarnath: Located just outside Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The site includes the Dhamek Stupa, museums, and ancient ruins, offering a peaceful and enlightening visit.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): One of the largest residential universities in Asia, BHU is known for its beautiful campus, the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and the New Vishwanath Temple.
• Ramnagar Fort: Situated across the Ganges from Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. The fort houses a museum showcasing vintage cars, royal palanquins, and an armory. The tranquil setting and architectural beauty make it a worthwhile visit.

What to Do

Exploring Varanasi is an immersion into the spiritual heart of India. Begin your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the city awaken with prayer and ritual. Visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and feel the devotion that fills the air.
Stroll along the Ghats, each with its history and significance, and possibly witness the sacred yet public rituals of life and death. Take a day trip to Sarnath, where Buddha's teachings first resonated, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city.
Experience the vibrancy of Varanasi's lanes, where shops, temples, and food stalls coexist in chaotic harmony. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular riverside ceremony that offers a glimpse into Hindu worship practices.
Engage with the city's rich culinary scene, sampling vegetarian dishes and sweets that are as ancient as the city itself. Varanasi's unique blend of spirituality, culture, and history provides endless opportunities for exploration and reflection.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Varanasi's nights are special because of the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. This event, with lights and prayers, attracts many people. Manikarnika Ghat offers a peaceful experience, showing Hindu beliefs about life and death. For music and talks on spirituality, head to the city's temples and cultural spots. At night, try local foods like jalebi and chaat around Godowlia Market.

Shopping / What to Buy

Shopping in Varanasi means buying Banarasi silk sarees, found in Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali markets. These sarees are famous for weddings. You can also find wooden toys and religious items like beads and brass idols near the ghats.

Festivals/ Events

March: Maha Shivaratri, celebrating Lord Shiva.
April: Rama Navami, Lord Rama's birthday.
September-October: Navaratri/Durga Puja, a nine-day festival for goddess Durga.
October-November: Diwali, the festival of lights, with the ghats lit up beautifully.
November: Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the gods, with many lamps on the ghats.

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

Hazrat Ali Jayanti
26 January: Republic Day
8 March: Maha Shivaratri
24 March: Holika Dahan
25 March: Holi
29 March: Good Friday
14 April: Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti
17 April: Ram Navami
21 April: Mahavir Jayanti
23 May: Buddha Purnima
15 August: Independence Day
19 August: Raksha Bandhan
26 August: Janmashtami
2 October: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
12 October: Vijaya Dashami
2 November: Govardhan Puja
3 November: Chitragupta Jayanti
15 November: Guru Nanak Jayanti
25 December: Christmas Day
Eid al Fitr
Eid al Adha

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Remember, the Ganges is sacred, so swimming or playing in it isn't usual. Instead, enjoy boat rides at sunrise or sunset. Dress modestly, especially at temples and ghats. The city is crowded, so walking might be the best way to see it. Bargaining is common, but be respectful. Be mindful of local customs, especially near the burning ghats.

Transportation

In Varanasi, you can get around by cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, or by walking, especially in the old part of the city. Boat rides on the Ganges offer a different view of the city. The streets can be busy, so watch out for traffic and people.