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Varanasi

India

Pace: balanced Spiritual Ancient Chaotic Vibrant
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Oct-Mar
Varanasi
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Varanasi

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At a glance

Climate
Subtropical
Languages
Hindi and English and Bhojpuri
Local currency
INR (INR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Assi Ghat
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Expected for services

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 50 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kachori Sabzi Malaiyo Thandai Choora Matar

When to visit Varanasi

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: November Busiest: Oct-Mar
  1. Jan
    85

    Cool, pleasant

  2. Feb
    90

    Mild, pleasant

  3. Mar
    80

    Warm, pleasant

  4. Apr
    50

    Hot, dry

  5. May
    30

    Very hot, dry

  6. Jun
    40

    Hot, pre-monsoon

  7. Jul
    50

    Monsoon, humid

  8. Aug
    55

    Monsoon, humid

  9. Sept
    65

    Humid, post-monsoon

  10. Oct
    90

    Pleasant, clear

  11. Nov
    95

    Cool, pleasant

  12. Dec
    90

    Cool, pleasant

Things to do in Varanasi

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Ganges Boat Ride at Dawn

Ghats 2 hrs

Witness the spiritual morning rituals along the ghats from a serene boat.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Old City 1 hr

Seek blessings at one of the holiest Shiva temples in Hinduism.

Indoors

Learn Yoga or Meditation

Assi Ghat 2 hrs

Participate in a yoga or meditation session overlooking the Ganges.

Indoors

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Day Trip to Sarnath

Sarnath 5 hrs

Visit the deer park where Buddha first taught the Dharma.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Evening Ganga Aarti

Dashashwamedh Ghat 1.5 hrs

Experience the mesmerizing fire ritual performed by priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Outdoors Good for children

Varanasi Street Food Tour

Old City 3 hrs

Savor local delicacies like kachori, chaat, and lassi from street vendors.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Explore the Old City & Ghats

Old City 4 hrs

Wander through narrow alleys, ancient temples, and vibrant markets.

Outdoors
Things to book

Tours and activities in Varanasi

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

GROUP YOGA CLASS - BEGINNER / ADVANCED - Sunrise Yoga with Ayush in Varanasi Activity tour

GROUP YOGA CLASS - BEGINNER / ADVANCED - Sunrise Yoga with Ayush in Varanasi

1 hour (approx.)
Free cancellationFind deals
History, Mysticism & Religions of Kashi (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour by Car) Standard tour

History, Mysticism & Religions of Kashi (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour by Car)

8 hours (approx.)
Free cancellationFind deals
Highlights of the Varanasi & Sarnath (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour by Car) Standard tour

Highlights of the Varanasi & Sarnath (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour by Car)

8 hours (approx.)
Free cancellationFind deals

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Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary
Kachori Sabzi 95 · Outstanding
Malaiyo 87 · Outstanding
Thandai 78 · Very good
Choora Matar 70 · Good

Signature Experiences
Ganges Boat Ride At Dawn 95 · Outstanding
Evening Ganga Aarti 91 · Outstanding
Explore The Old City & Ghats 87 · Outstanding
Day Trip To Sarnath 83 · Very good
Varanasi Street Food Tour 78 · Very good
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple 74 · Good
Learn Yoga Or Meditation 70 · Good

Best Suitable For
Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Friends 83 · Very good
Budget 76 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. 95 · Outstanding
Be prepared for crowds and sensory overload. 83 · Very good
Always negotiate prices for rickshaws and goods. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Varanasi

Straight-line distance from the centre of Varanasi.

Allahabad
Allahabad
India

115 km away

Faizabad
Faizabad
India

185 km away

Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya
India

214 km away

Patna
Patna
India

222 km away

Lucknow
Lucknow
India

268 km away

Khajuraho
Khajuraho
India

309 km away

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Getaways from Varanasi

Places people from Varanasi travel to, from our own travel research.

Allahabad Allahabad India Lucknow Lucknow India Patna Patna India
Delhi India
Agra Agra India Jaipur Jaipur India
Mumbai India
Kolkata Kolkata India Goa Goa India Kathmandu Kathmandu Nepal
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