Varanasi

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Why visit Varanasi?

Varanasi is the sensory epicenter of India, where the rhythmic tolling of bells at Kashi Vishwanath Temple marks the passage of time against the backdrop of the Ganges. Pilgrims descend the sandstone steps of Dashashwamedh Ghat at twilight for the Ganga Aarti, a spectacle of fire and incense that mirrors the ancient spiritual weight of the city. Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Bengali Tola, where the air hangs thick with the scent of sandalwood and woodsmoke, leading you to quiet corners of architectural endurance. This is a place of profound rituals, where life and death are perpetually intertwined in a public, unflinching display of human existence.

Culinary exploration here is synonymous with the city’s deep-rooted traditions. Seek out a steaming clay cup of creamy malaiyo in the winter months, or pull up a wooden stool at Deena Chat Bhandar for a plate of spicy tamatar chaat. A morning ritual requires fresh kachori sabzi from the stalls near Godowlia Crossing, followed by a chilled glass of thandai spiked with rose petals. Conclude your day overlooking Manikarnika Ghat, witnessing the embers of perpetual cremation fires, a sight that defines the stark, unfiltered reality of this riverside sanctuary.

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More options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · seats.aero · Arangrant · HopeGoo · QEEQ · VIP Cars · GetTransfer · ViaToVia · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect

Local partners in India: Oberoi · Trident · The Leela

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Popular experiences in Varanasi

The things travellers book most here. You pay the same price as booking direct.

Top tours & activities in Varanasi

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When to go to Varanasi

The best months for Varanasi are January, February, October, November and December. Highs then range from 21°C to 31°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is cheap.

Jan
21°
low 10°
3 wet days
Feb
27°
low 13°
0 wet days
Mar
34°
low 19°
3 wet days
Apr
39°
low 23°
0 wet days
May
38°
low 26°
7 wet days
Jun
38°
low 28°
13 wet days
Jul
34°
low 27°
22 wet days
Aug
32°
low 26°
23 wet days
Sep
32°
low 26°
25 wet days
Oct
31°
low 21°
8 wet days
Nov
28°
low 16°
1 wet day
Dec
24°
low 12°
1 wet day
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Varanasi

Best time to visit VaranasiMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in VaranasiWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Varanasi — common questions

When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The best months for Varanasi are January, February, October, November and December. Highs then range from 21°C to 31°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is cheap.

What is the weather like in Varanasi?

April is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 39°C. January is the coolest, around 21°C by day and 10°C at night. September is the wettest, with about 25 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Varanasi known for?

Varanasi is best known for culture, history, food, architecture and wellness. The things people come for: Ganga Aarti, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Who is Varanasi best suited to?

Varanasi works particularly well for solo travellers, first-time visitors and backpackers. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Varanasi?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Do I need a visa for India?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

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Getting to nearby places

To Kathmandu (flight)