Quick answer

Varanasi (Banaras/Kashi) is one of India’s oldest living cities — spiritual, intense, and sensory. Expect crowded ghats, early-morning rituals, rich street food, and a mix of devotional calm and urban bustle. Plan for heat or winter chill depending on season, respect religious norms, and allow time for slow experiences (Ganga Aarti, boat rides, alleyway wandering).

Visa & entry requirements

• Foreign nationals need an Indian visa. Most tourists use the e-Visa (apply online 4–120 days before travel). Check Indian government site for categories, fees, and allowed ports of entry.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
• Carry a printed and digital copy of your visa and passport.

Best time to visit

• October to March: ideal — cool, dry, pleasant for outdoor activities and festivals.
• November (Diwali/Ghats busy) and March (Holi) are atmospheric but crowded.
• April to June: hot (35–45°C). July–September: monsoon with humidity and occasional flooding.

Safety tips

• Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but use common sense:
  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas and on boats.
  • Avoid isolated alleys at night; stick to well-lit, busier routes.
  • Keep valuables in a money belt or hotel safe; carry photocopies of documents.
  • Beware aggressive guides or touts; agree prices in advance.
  • If taking an autorickshaw/taxi, insist on a meter or fix a fare beforehand or use app taxis where available.

Local customs & etiquette

• Varanasi is a deeply religious city (Hindu, with significant pilgrim traffic):
  • Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women in temples and ghats.
  • Ask permission before photographing people, especially rituals or cremations.
  • Respect restricted areas — many cremation ghats are sensitive.
  • Remove shoes when entering temples and certain homes.
  • Accept prasad (offerings) politely; if declining, do so respectfully.

Currency & money

• Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is widely used, especially at small stalls and for boatmen.
• ATMs available but can run low during festivals; carry backup cash.
• Credit/debit cards accepted at mid/upper-range hotels and restaurants; keep small notes for tipping and purchases.
• Typical tip guidance: boatmen ~50–200 INR depending on trip; guides 200–500 INR for half-day; restaurant service may add 5–10%.

Getting around (transportation)

• By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) ~25 km from the city; taxis and pre-paid cabs available.
• By train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Varanasi City (BCY) connect nationally; trains are practical for many travelers.
• Within city: walking is best for ghats and old town alleys. Autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws serve short trips; negotiate fares in advance. App taxis (Uber/Ola) operate in the city.
• Boat rides on the Ganges: best at sunrise for ghats and morning rituals, and at dusk for Ganga Aarti views. Confirm price before boarding.

Must-know tips & local insights

• Ganga Aarti: attend at Dashashwamedh Ghat (popular) or Assi Ghat (less crowded). Arrive early for a good spot. Respect the ceremony and avoid flash photography.
• Boat etiquette: hold on, watch your step, and confirm duration/price. Sunrise boats show bathing rituals and temples; sunset boats are for Aarti.
• Cremation ghats (Manikarnika, Harishchandra): these are active religious sites; observe quietly and respectfully; photography is often inappropriate.
• Food & water: enjoy cooked street food widely praised here (kachori, chaat, lassi), but pick busy, clean stalls. Drink bottled water; avoid raw salads unless confident in hygiene.
• Accommodation: Old City offers immersion near ghats; Cantonment/Newer areas give quieter, more modern options.
• Early mornings are magical: explore ghats, alleys, and markets before heat and crowds build.
• Bargaining: expected in markets — start ~30–50% lower than quoted for souvenirs.
• Respect time: pilgrim activities and ceremonies follow religious timetables; be patient.

Quick packing checklist

• Lightweight modest clothes, scarf or shawl for temple visits
• Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
• Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat
• Small torch/phone charger and power bank
• Basic meds, hand sanitizer, wet wipes

Varanasi rewards slow travel: give yourself time to sit by the Ganges, watch daily rituals, and let the city’s rhythms unfold.