One of the world’s oldest living cities, on the banks of the Ganges: dawn on the ghats, the evening Aarti, and centuries of learning.
- Airport: Varanasi (VNS)
- Best known for: Ghats, meditation, pilgrimage
- Nearby: Sarnath, about 10 km
- Best season: October–March
Why Varanasi
Varanasi (Banaras, Kashi) is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of Hinduism’s holiest places. Mornings begin with boats on the Ganges and yoga on the ghats; evenings end with the Ganga Aarti, a ceremony of fire and chanting at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The city is also a place of learning. Banaras Hindu University has one of India’s oldest university faculties of Ayurveda, and at Sarnath, nearby, the Buddha gave his first teaching.
When to go
October to March is best. December and January mornings are cold and foggy. April to June is very hot, and in the monsoon (July to September) the river rises and some ghats flood. Dev Deepawali, in November, lights the ghats with countless lamps.
Month by month
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | Good | Ideal | Ideal | Off-peak | Not advised | Not advised | Off-peak | Off-peak | Off-peak | Ideal | Ideal | Good |
- Ideal
- Good
- Off-peak
- Not advised
Dev Deepawali lights the ghats in November; some ghats flood in the monsoon. Compare all destinations →
Official sources
Rules, registrations and visa terms change. Where this page and an official source differ, the official source applies.
Questions guests ask
Is Varanasi suitable for a quiet retreat?
The old city is intense and crowded. For quiet, choose a retreat on the outskirts or near Sarnath, and visit the ghats at dawn.
Can I combine Varanasi with Rishikesh?
Yes. Both are on the Ganges; they are connected by flights via Delhi.
