Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga
A slow row past the ghats as the city wakes — the single most memorable experience in Varanasi.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1.5 hours
- Best time to visit
- Sunrise
Varanasi
One of the world's oldest living cities.
- State
- Uttar Pradesh
- Recommended duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best months
- October – March
- Estimated package price
- ₹13,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Varanasi
Varanasi is built along a crescent of ghats on the Ganga, and life here is inseparable from the river — sunrise boat rides, bathing rituals, ceremonies, music and dense old-city lanes just behind. Nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, adds a calm half-day counterpoint.
SpiritualHeritage
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Varanasi
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti
The grand evening fire ceremony performed by priests with large brass lamps.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1.5 hours
- Best time to visit
- Sunset
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, at the heart of a redeveloped riverside corridor.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 1–2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Early morning
Sarnath
The Buddhist site with the Dhamek Stupa, monastery ruins and an excellent archaeological museum.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Half day
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 10 km
Old city lanes & Banarasi silk
Narrow galis of temples, sweet shops and weavers' workshops selling handloom Banarasi saris.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2–3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Late morning
Suggested itinerary
A sample 3-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Varanasi
Reach Varanasi, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga + Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti + Kashi Vishwanath Temple + Sarnath + Old city lanes & Banarasi silk
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga: A slow row past the ghats as the city wakes — the single most memorable experience in Varanasi. Dashashwamedh Ghat Aarti: The grand evening fire ceremony performed by priests with large brass lamps. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, at the heart of a redeveloped riverside corridor. Sarnath: The Buddhist site with the Dhamek Stupa, monastery ruins and an excellent archaeological museum. Old city lanes & Banarasi silk: Narrow galis of temples, sweet shops and weavers' workshops selling handloom Banarasi saris.
Day 3 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Varanasi.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 3 days / 2 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 2 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹5,000
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹3,500
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹2,000
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹2,000
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹500
Estimated total
₹13,000 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Varanasi and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Varanasi
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
About 26 km
45 – 60 minutes
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other metros.
By Rail
Varanasi Junction
About 5 km from the ghats
20 – 30 minutes
A major rail hub for eastern India.
By Road
Lucknow / Prayagraj highways
About 300 km / 125 km
5 – 6 hours / 3 hours
Old-city lanes are pedestrian-only — cabs stop at the edge.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Varanasi through the seasons
Recommended months: October – March.
Summer
March – June
Very hot, often above 40°C. Sightseeing is best restricted to early mornings; carry water, light cotton clothing and sun protection.
Monsoon
July – September
Occasional heavy showers cool things down and monuments look striking against grey skies. Humidity stays high.
Winter
October – March
The ideal season. Comfortable 10–25°C days suit full-day sightseeing, though December and January mornings can be foggy and may delay trains and flights.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Varanasi
Boat rides
Temple visits
Heritage walks
Classical music evenings
Silk shopping
Street food
Photo gallery
Varanasi in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Varanasi
- Dress modestly and be prepared to remove footwear before entering shrines.
- Many temples restrict phones and cameras — check the rules at the entrance.
- Plan darshan around aarti timings, which change seasonally.
- Monuments often have separate camera or video fees — carry small change.
- Visit major monuments right at opening time to avoid heat and crowds.
- Hiring a licensed guide at the entrance makes the history far more rewarding.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
- Keep some cash handy — smaller shops, local transport and remote areas may not accept cards or UPI.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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