India · Region
Varanasi
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, draws pilgrims and travellers to the sacred ghats lining the Ganges, where cremation rites, sunrise boat rituals, and the evening Ganga Aarti unfold in full public view. As the spiritual heart of Hinduism and home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the city offers an intense, sensory blend of devotion, chaos, and ancient tradition found almost nowhere else.
Top attractions
attraction Dashashwamedh Ghat: Varanasi Travel Guide (4.6★)
Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat in Varanasi at the end of Dashashwamedh Ghat Road near Godowlia, is open 24 hours and free to enter. 4.6★ (71,703 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Varanasi Travel Guide
Go early — the temple opens around 3am for Mangala Aarti and stays busiest from mid-morning through evening, so the calmest darshan window is right at opening or in the early afternoon lull before evening aarti crowds build.
Top-rated things to do in Varanasi
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Where to stay in Varanasi
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Plan your trip to Varanasi
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Frequently asked questions about Varanasi
How do I get to Varanasi?
Most travellers fly into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur, roughly 26 km from the ghats, and take a prepaid taxi or airport bus into the city; long-distance trains are another common option, arriving at Varanasi Junction (station code BSB), the city's main railway hub connecting it to Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities. Regional buses from nearby hubs also serve Varanasi for those travelling overland from within Uttar Pradesh or Bihar.
How many days should I spend in Varanasi?
Plan for ~2-3 days to cover the essential ghats, boat rides, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and a half-day side trip to nearby Sarnath.
What is Varanasi known for?
Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, draws pilgrims and travellers to the sacred ghats lining the Ganges, where cremation rites, sunrise boat rituals, and the evening Ganga Aarti unfold in full public view. As the spiritual heart of Hinduism and home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the city offers an intense, sensory blend of devotion, chaos, and ancient tradition found almost nowhere else.