Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh, India
Plan a trip here
Dashashwamedh GhatPhoto: Saaremees, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- CountryIndia (IN)
- Official languagesHindi, English
- CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
- Time zoneUTC+5:30
- PopulationAbout 1.2 million
- Known forGanges river ghats, ancient temples, silk weaving, spiritual significance, evening Ganga Aarti
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- Entry requirementsMost foreign nationals require a visa or an e-Visa to enter India. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Check before you goBureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs
Rules change: always check official sources before you travel. AI-generated, may contain mistakes.
- Peak seasonOctober to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
- Off-peak seasonApril to June is very hot; July to September is the monsoon season with high humidity.
- WeatherSummers reach 45°C, winters range from 5°C to 25°C.
- Big eventsDev Deepawali in November is a major festival where ghats are lit with thousands of lamps.
- Best time to visitNovember to February for the most comfortable weather.
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- Dashashwamedh GhatThe main ghat on the Ganges, famous for the daily evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Kashi Vishwanath TempleOne of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- SarnathA major Buddhist pilgrimage site located a short drive from the city center.
- Assi GhatA quieter ghat popular for morning yoga and cultural gatherings.
- Manikarnika GhatThe primary cremation ghat; visitors should observe from a respectful distance.
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- Ghat areasBest for first-time visitors wanting to be near the river and main cultural sites.
- Cantonment areaOffers more modern, spacious hotels and a quieter environment away from the dense old city.
- Price rangeBudget guesthouses from 800-2000 INR; luxury hotels from 6000-15000 INR per night.
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- Tamatar ChaatA spicy, tangy tomato-based street food snack.
- Baati ChokhaRoasted wheat balls served with mashed spiced vegetables.
- LassiA thick, creamy yogurt drink often served in clay cups.
- Banarasi PaanA traditional after-meal digestive made of betel leaf and various fillings.
- Dining tipEat at busy, popular stalls to ensure high turnover and freshness. Always drink bottled water.
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- From the airportLal Bahadur Shastri Airport is about 25km away. Pre-paid taxis or ride-hailing apps are recommended.
- Auto-rickshawsThe most common way to navigate narrow city streets. Always agree on the fare beforehand.
- Cycle rickshawsUseful for short distances in the very narrow lanes of the old city.
- TipWalking is often the only way to explore the narrow alleys near the ghats.
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- Is it required?Not required but recommended for all travelers.
- Medical careModerate quality in private facilities; costs are generally low compared to Western countries.
- Risks to coverFood-borne illnesses, travel delays, and theft in crowded areas.
- What to checkEnsure your policy includes emergency medical evacuation.
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- CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
- Exchange rateAbout 1 USD = 84 INR.
- Cards or cashCash is essential for small shops and markets. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants.
- TippingTipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 5-10% is common in restaurants.
- Mobile dataTourist SIM cards are available with providers like Jio or Airtel.
- Power plugsTypes C, D, and M. Voltage is 230V.
- Emergency number112
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