Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and Hinduism's holiest. The city on the banks of the Ganga — where pilgrims come to bathe, priests perform nightly aarti, and life and death unfold in the open — is a profound, often overwhelming experience that transforms every visitor.
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Things to do
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Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti
spiritual
Boat Ride at Dawn
spiritual
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
spiritual
Sarnath
heritage
Manikarnika Ghat
spiritual
BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
heritage
Places to stay
See allZostel Varanasi
from ₹1,500/night
Amritara Suryauday Haveli
from ₹4,500/night
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre
from ₹12,000/night
Restaurants & dining
See allItineraries to help you plan
Crafted by Itinera AI based on popular traveller routes. Create yours
A history-packed Varanasi trip
Explore the iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. From ancient temples to colonial architecture, this itinerary covers the must-see historical sites and hidden gems of the city.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti
(5,363)
Boat Ride at Dawn
(11,957)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
(416)
Varanasi with kids — the perfect family trip
A family-friendly adventure in Varanasi packed with activities for all ages. Nature walks, local markets, and experiences the whole family will love and remember.
Sarnath
(10,237)
Manikarnika Ghat
(6,262)
BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
(9,230)
Romantic getaway in Varanasi
A curated couples escape in Varanasi — sunset views, signature cuisine, and intimate cultural experiences. Perfect for anniversaries and honeymoons.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti
(5,363)
Boat Ride at Dawn
(11,957)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
(416)
Featured guide
Go deeper into Varanasi
Insider knowledge
Travel tips for Varanasi
The old city lanes (gallis) are maze-like — hiring a local guide for the first day is highly recommended.
Photography at cremation ghats requires sensitivity — always ask permission and read the atmosphere.
Varanasi's malaiyo (winter milk foam dessert), baati chokha, and thandai are street food must-tries.
Dev Deepawali (full moon of Kartik Poornima, Oct/Nov) sees 80,000+ oil lamps lit on the ghats.
The city operates 24 hours — early morning aarti at 5 AM and the late-night Ganga Aarti at 7 PM are equally magical.
Getting there
How to reach Varanasi
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), 25 km from city — direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
By Train
Varanasi Junction is a major railhead well connected to all Indian cities. Kashi and Manduadih stations also serve the city.
By Road
Allahabad is 125 km (~3 hrs), Lucknow is 310 km (~5.5 hrs), Delhi is 820 km (~14 hrs by road or overnight bus).
