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Varanasi
ℹ️Practical info — Varanasi
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Wake up before dawn to take a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges as the sun rises.
- Navigating the narrow alleys (galis) is confusing; drop a pin on your map for your hotel.
- Be prepared for aggressive touts near the ghats; a firm 'no' is necessary.
- Photography is strictly prohibited at the Manikarnika (cremation) Ghat out of respect.
- Get to Dashashwamedh Ghat at least an hour early to secure a good viewing spot for the evening Ganga Aarti.
🍽 Food
Thick, fruit-topped yogurt drink in a famous shop in the old alleys.
Traditional fried breakfast pastry served with spicy curry by street vendors.
Winter special frothy milk dessert found near Chowk.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Handwoven silk garments available in government-approved emporiums.
Traditional brass items and religious souvenirs in the Thatheri Bazaar.
A peaceful Buddhist pilgrimage site just outside the city with ancient stupas.
Less crowded than main ghats, first-rate for morning meditation.
Water temperature…
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is regarded as the spiritual capital of India and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganges, it is the most significant pilgrimage center for Hindus, who believe that dying in this city leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirths. The cityscape is defined by the famous ghats, stone steps leading down to the river where daily religious rituals, prayers, and cremations take place. Historically, Varanasi has been a center of learning, philosophy, and music since the 11th century BC, with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple forming the religious heart of the city. Beyond its spiritual importance, the city is world-famous for its finely woven silk sarees (Banarasi sarees) and its unique culinary tradition. The location is also of great importance to Buddhists, as Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in nearby Sarnath. The narrow, labyrinthine alleys of the old city hide countless temples and monasteries, preserving an atmosphere that has remained almost unchanged for centuries.
- Location: India
- Top sights: Nepalese Temple · Gyanvapi Mosque · Bharatmata Mandir
- Population: ~1.164.404 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 20 | 27 | 33 | 36 | 36 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 21 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 12 | 14 | 10 | 11 | 23 | 110 | 249 | 200 | 146 | 34 | 2 | 5 |
Geography
Facts
- Varanasi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- There are approximately 88 ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi.
- Banaras Hindu University was founded in 1916 and is one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
- Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, is located just 10 km from Varanasi.
- The city is world-famous for its hand-woven Banarasi silk sarees.
- Mark Twain once said, 'Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend'.
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Sights in the town Varanasi (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important experience in Varanasi?
When to take a boat ride on the Ganges?
What are famous souvenirs?
What is Sarnath?
What is the typical street food?
Varanasi: where is it located?
Varanasi: what is there to see?
Varanasi: when is the best time to visit?
Varanasi: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
