The complete Varanasi travel guide
Everything you need before you arrive in Kashi — how to get here, where to stay, when to come, and how to move around the old city like a local.
Why Varanasi
Varanasi — also called Kashi and Banaras — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. For Hindus it is the holiest of cities: the home of Lord Shiva, where dying is believed to bring liberation (moksha). For travellers it is overwhelming in the best way — a city of ghats, temples, music, silk, food and ritual, all happening at once along a crescent of the Ganga.
How to reach Varanasi
By air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is about 25 km from the city, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and more. Allow 60–90 minutes to reach the ghats.
By train
Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) are the main stations. Banaras station (BSBS) is also well connected, including Vande Bharat services from Delhi.
By road
Good highways connect Varanasi to Prayagraj (~120 km), Ayodhya (~200 km), Lucknow (~300 km) and Bodh Gaya (~250 km). Buses and private cabs run daily.
Where to stay
Near the ghats
Dashashwamedh, Assi and the old city lanes — wake up to river views and walk everywhere. Expect narrow lanes and no car access to the door.
Cantonment area
Larger hotels, quieter roads and easy taxi access. About 20–30 minutes from the ghats.
Heritage palaces
Restored ghat-side palaces offer a once-in-a-lifetime stay. Book well in advance in winter.
Getting around
Old Varanasi is best explored on foot — many lanes are too narrow for cars. E-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are everywhere for short hops; agree on the fare first. Use app cabs or a private car for Sarnath and the airport. Between ghats, a boat is often the fastest and most beautiful way to travel.
Local etiquette
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees, especially at temples.
Ask before photos
Never photograph cremations at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghat. Ask sadhus before taking portraits.
Respect the river
The Ganga is sacred — avoid littering and follow your guide’s lead during rituals.
Carry some cash
UPI works almost everywhere, but small shops and boatmen may prefer cash.
Best time to visit
Best season
Pleasant 15–28°C days, misty sunrises and the biggest festivals: Dev Deepawali, Diwali, Mahashivratri. Book early.
Summer
Very hot (often 40°C+). Go out at dawn and after sunset, rest in the afternoon. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
Monsoon
The Ganga rises and lower ghats flood; boats may be suspended. Green, dramatic and the holy month of Sawan.
Ready to explore?
Let a local guide show you the Kashi that guidebooks miss.