Varanasi, India - Travel Guide

Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, renowned for its spiritual significance on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. It's a vibrant hub of Hindu culture, featuring ancient temples, bustling ghats, and ceremonies that offer a profound cultural experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$15/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$150/day

Known For

KashiBanarasBenaresspiritual capital of Indiaholy cityGanges RiverShiva city

🇮🇳 Country Information: India

CapitalNew Delhi

CurrencyIndian rupee (₹)

Language Hindi , English, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese

Phone Code+91

Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (5
10% or rounding up), for hotel staff, and drivers (small amounts)
For guides, a tip of 200
500 INR per day is common

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas
There isn't a significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, or homes
Greet elders with respect, often by touching their feet
Eating with your right hand is customary, especially when eating Indian food

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018. While acceptance is growing, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face societal challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age varies by state, generally 18 or 21
Drug laws are very strict, and possession of even small amounts of drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Public display of affection can be frowned upon
Photography near government buildings or military installations may be restricted
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

NoNahi (nah-hee) नहीं

YesHaan (hah-n) हाँ

HelloNamaste (nah-mah-stay) नमस्ते

PleaseKripya (krip-yah) कृपया

Excuse meKshama Kijiye (kshuh-maa key-jee-yeh) क्षमा कीजिए

Thank youDhanyavaad (dhun-yah-vahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Apr
Jun
Monsoon season: Jul
Sep
Floods: Aug
Sep (can occur during monsoon)
Extreme cold season: Dec
Jan

Getting There

Fly into Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) from major Indian cities (e
g
, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata)
Direct flights are available
Trains are a popular way to reach Varanasi from across India, with many daily services
Buses connect Varanasi to nearby cities and towns

Getting Around

Auto
rickshaws and cycle
rickshaws are the primary modes of local transport
Ride
sharing apps like Ola and Uber are available for taxis and auto
rickshaws
Boats are essential for navigating the Ganges River and exploring ghats

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are highly recommended
Consult a doctor for specific recommendations regarding malaria tablets, although risk is generally low in urban areas of Varanasi
Probiotics are often suggested due to dietary changes

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available from major Indian providers like Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)
Airalo and Nomad eSIM apps typically work well for India

Local Cuisine

Kachori Sabzi breakfast

A classic Varanasi breakfast consisting of deep-fried, crispy bread (kachori) filled with spiced lentils or peas, served with a flavorful potato and c

Tamatar Chaat street_food

A fiery and tangy regional specialty made primarily from a mixture of mashed potatoes and softened tomatoes cooked in ghee with spices, served hot in

Lassi non_alcoholic_beverage

A creamy, sweet yogurt drink that is a staple of Varanasi cuisine, often served chilled in an earthen pot (kullad). Many shops offer numerous variatio

Malaiyo seasonal

A decadent, foamy dessert made from chilled, aerated milk, delicately flavored with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, and garnished with pistachios a

Jalebi Rabri dessert

A popular sweet combination where crispy, pretzel-shaped fried sweets (jalebi) dipped in sugar syrup are served alongside rich, thickened, and condens

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Sleeper Train Tickets (e.g., to/from Delhi) Transport

Book 2–4 months in advance, especially for sleeper classes

Indian Railways is extremely popular, and sleeper/AC classes often sell out immediately upon booking opening (120 days prior) due to high demand on key routes like Delhi.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation/Hotels, especially near Ghats Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Varanasi, particularly hotels close to the main Ghats (like Dashashwamedh Ghat), has limited high-quality inventory which books up quickly, especially during peak season.

Private Boat for Sunrise/Sunset Ganga Aarti tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Booking a private motorboat or larger Bajra boat in advance ensures availability, better pricing, and a prime viewing spot for the popular Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Fun Facts

1. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is considered the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, dating back over 3,000 years, even predating cities like Rome and Athens.
2. The Banarasi silk industry is famous worldwide, but the intricate weaving is often carried out by small, independent artisan families working from their homes rather than in large factories.
3. Varanasi is believed to be the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, specifically in Sarnath, which is just a short distance from the city center.
4. The city is said to have around 88 ghats (steps leading to the river), and bathing in the Ganges at these ghats is considered a sacred act that cleanses sins and grants salvation.

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