Experience the spiritual and cultural significance of River Ganges with a peaceful boat ride while the sun rises over Banares. Witness people performing Hindu rituals and ceremonies on the ghats lining the river.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. The temple's interior is richly adorned with silver and gold and the complex houses smaller temples of other Hindu deities too.
The city has over 80 ghats alongside the River Ganges. These represent different eras, rulers, styles, and beliefs. The most popular ghats are Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, and Harishchandra. Interact with locals, grab a lassi, and soak in the atmosphere.
Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. The site houses several monuments and structures such as the Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
Join the Ganges Aarti ceremony performed every evening, an unmissable and unique event considered a divine experience by the locals. Witness the agni pooja, a ritual to thank God for sustaining life, and the lighting of lamps to praise the goddess Ganges.
To visit different sites in Banares, taxis, rickshaws, and private cars are easily available. We recommend that you negotiate the fares beforehand to avoid any confusion. Also, consider wearing comfortable shoes and clothes as most of the places require walking or climbing stairs.
If you have more time, we suggest adding a visit to the New Vishwanath Temple, the Ramnagar Fort, and Museum, and trying local street food at Kachori Gali. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip Sarnath and explore more ghats such as Manikarnika, Rana Mahal Ghat, and Asi Ghat.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is located in Varanasi, approximately 26 km from Banares. The average travel time from the city center to the airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport operates domestic flights to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.