Varanasi
★ 4.7🇮🇳 VaranasiSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season October to March, when it is cooler
Religious siteHistoric siteRiver
India's oldest sacred city on the Ganges, where dawn bathing and evening fire ceremonies continue on the ghats.
Overview
On the west bank of the Ganges, Varanasi is one of Hinduism's holiest cities and has been continuously inhabited for over three thousand years. About 88 ghats step down to the river, where pilgrims bathe and pray at dawn and the evening Aarti fire ceremony is held at Dashashwamedh. Boats along the river give a view of the palaces, temples and cremation ghats along the bank.
History
Continuously inhabited for more than three thousand years, it is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike; Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, is where the Buddha first taught.
Highlights
- •The evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh
- •A dawn boat ride on the Ganges
- •The riverside palaces and temples
- •The Buddhist site at Sarnath
Practical tips
- •The ghats are crowded — watch your belongings
- •Photographing the cremation ghats is not acceptable; respect local custom
Practical information
- Best time
- October-March
- Tickets
- Ganges boat rides about INR 200-500
- Opening hours
- Ghats open all day
- Local food
- Indian street food, lassi, thali
- Getting around
- About 1.5 hours by air from Delhi, or roughly 12 hours by train.
- Visa
- A visa is required and an e-visa can be applied for online.
Traveller reviews
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