Varanasi Travel Guide: Sacred Ganges, Ghats & Ganga Aarti
Varanasi — also called Banaras or Kashi — is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the spiritual heart of Hinduism. For more than 3,000 years, devout Hindus have come to die in Varanasi believing the holy Ganges releases the soul from the cycle of rebirth. The 88 ghats that descend to the river host morning bathing rituals, evening Ganga Aarti fire ceremonies and the unforgettable cremation pyres of Manikarnika Ghat. With its surreal atmosphere, Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon nearby) and an extraordinarily ancient old town, Varanasi is the most intense — and most rewarding — chapter of any India tour.
Explore Tweet World Travel India Small Group Tour or contact Tweet World Travel for a tailor-made travel experience.
History & Cultural Influence
Varanasi has been inhabited continuously since at least 1500 BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." The city is sacred to Hindus (the abode of Lord Shiva), Buddhists (the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, 10 km away), Jains (Tirthankaras Suparshvanath and Parshvanath were born here) and Sikhs (Guru Nanak visited in 1507).
The 88 ghats — stepped stone embankments — descend to the western bank of the Ganges along 4 km of the riverfront. Each has its own character: Dashashwamedh hosts the nightly Ganga Aarti, Manikarnika is the main cremation ghat (around 200 cremations daily, fires burning 24/7), Assi is the southernmost and quietest. Pilgrims come for the seven-step Panchganga ritual; the dying come to release karma; tourists come for the most intense cultural immersion in India. Mark Twain's quote captures Varanasi: it is a place that genuinely feels older than time.
Quick facts:
Founded: inhabited since at least 1500 BCE — possibly the world's oldest living city
Population: 1.5 million
Distance from Delhi: 780 km — 1 hour 30 minutes by air, 12 hours by overnight train
Distance from Khajuraho: 425 km — 35 minutes by air, 8 hours by road
Best for: Hindu spiritual culture, Ganges sunrise boat ride, Ganga Aarti, Sarnath Buddhist heritage
Top Attractions
Sunrise Ganges boat ride — a 1.5-hour rowing boat at dawn past all 88 ghats; the unforgettable Varanasi moment.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti — the nightly fire-and-bell ceremony (sunset, 6–7pm) honouring Mother Ganges.
Manikarnika Ghat — the main cremation ghat; the most sacred site in Hinduism for the dying. Photograph respectfully from a distance.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva; the spiritual heart of Hindu Varanasi.
Banaras Hindu University — 1916 university campus with the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
Sarnath — 10 km north; where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment; the magnificent Dhamek Stupa and excellent archaeological museum.
Old Town walking tour — narrow medieval lanes of Vishwanath, Godowlia and Chowk; pottery, brass, silk weavers, sweet shops.
Must-Try Dishes
Banarasi paan — betel-leaf preparation with areca nut, lime and spices; the Varanasi sweet endnote.
Kachori sabzi — spicy puffed bread with potato curry; the morning breakfast.
Tamatar chaat — a Banarasi-only chaat with tomato and chickpea.
Malaiyo — a winter-only fluffy saffron milk dessert; eaten before sunrise (December–February only).
Banarasi thali — vegetarian thali (sacred no-meat zone); paneer, dal, sabzi, kachori, raita.
Festivals & Local Celebrations
Dev Deepawali — November (15 days after Diwali): the Ganges glows with 1 million oil lamps along the ghats; Varanasi's most beautiful night.
Maha Shivaratri — February/March: the great night of Shiva; thousands of pilgrims gather at Kashi Vishwanath.
Holi — March: festival of colours; particularly intense in Varanasi.
Buddha Purnima (Buddha's Birthday) — May: celebrated at Sarnath; Buddhist pilgrim peak.
Ganga Mahotsav — November: 5-day cultural festival of music, dance and arts along the Ganges.
What to Do
Wake at 4:30am for the Ganges sunrise boat ride — the ghats lit up at dawn.
Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (6–7pm) — arrive early for a riverside seat.
Day-trip to Sarnath for the Buddhist heritage and Dhamek Stupa.
Take a Banarasi silk-weaver workshop visit; Varanasi is the home of Banarasi sari silk.
Walk the Old Town early morning before the heat; photograph the ghats and sadhus respectfully.
Eat at Kashi Chat Bhandar (Godowlia) for the legendary Banarasi street-food experience.
Shopping
Banarasi silk saris — world-famous gold-thread brocade saris; visit certified weavers at Madanpura or Lallapura.
Wooden toys — Varanasi is one of India's wooden-toy capitals; great hand-painted gifts.
Brass and bronze ware — temple bells, lamps, statues — sold near Vishwanath Temple.
Glass beads — Banarasi bead-craft from Kosa and Lallapura.
Banaras Hindu University craft shop — fair-trade student-made handicrafts.
Weather: Best Time to Visit
October–March (Best): cool dry; 10–28°C; clear Ganges water and pleasant boat rides.
April–June: extreme heat; 40–45°C; visit only at dawn and dusk.
July–September: monsoon; ghats sometimes flooded; not recommended.
Dev Deepawali (November): most spectacular but extremely crowded.
Cultural Etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples; remove shoes at shrines.
Never photograph cremations at Manikarnika Ghat — strictly forbidden and deeply offensive.
Photograph other ghats and sadhus respectfully; ask before close-ups.
Drink only bottled water; avoid swimming in the Ganges.
Tip the boatman after your sunrise ride (INR 200–500).
Essential Travel Information
Getting there: Daily flights from Delhi (1.5 hours), Mumbai (2 hours), Khajuraho (35 minutes). Overnight train from Delhi (12 hours).
Getting around: Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and Uber. The Old Town is narrow lanes — walk only.
Money: ATMs widely available. Cards work at hotels and good restaurants.
Connectivity: Reliable 4G.
Health: Drink only bottled water; do not enter the Ganges. Tap water and street ice should be avoided.
Where to Stay
Ultra-luxury — Taj Ganges Varanasi, BrijRama Palace (the only luxury palace-hotel on the Ganges ghats), Suryauday Haveli (heritage ghat-side stay).
Boutique heritage — Guleria Kothi, Hotel Ganges Grand, Saraswati Inn.
Mid-range — Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Hotel Surya, Vivanta by Taj.
Best base: BrijRama Palace or Guleria Kothi for direct ghat-side experience; Taj Ganges for luxury comfort 4 km from the river.
Explore Tweet World Travel India Small Group Tour or contact Tweet World Travel for a tailor-made travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for first-timers planning a Varanasi stop on an India tour.
How many days should I spend in Varanasi?
Two to three nights — one for the sunrise boat and ghat walking, one for Sarnath, one for shopping and additional ghat exploration.
Is Varanasi shocking for first-time visitors?
Yes — the cremations, the intensity, the smells and the spirituality can overwhelm. Allow yourself to slow down. Most travellers find the second day far more rewarding than the first.
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March is cool and clear. Dev Deepawali (November) is spectacular but extremely crowded. Avoid April–June (extreme heat) and July–September (monsoon flooding).
Can I take photos of cremations?
No — at Manikarnika, photography of cremations is strictly forbidden and considered deeply disrespectful. Other ghats and sadhus are usually photographable; always ask first.
Is Varanasi safe?
Generally yes but the Old Town's narrow lanes can feel intense. Use Uber after dark. Female travellers should take standard precautions; many travel with a guide for cultural interpretation.
Our Best-Selling Tours
Follow Us
