Varanasi travel guide
India's spiritual heart on the sacred Ganges ghats. The best time to visit Varanasi is January, February, November and December. A mid-range trip runs roughly $130/person/day before flights.
Best time to visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is January, February, November and December. Here's the average temperature through the year:
Top things to do in Varanasi
Highlights from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap.
Culture & sights
Nature & outdoors
Food & markets
A sample 3-day Varanasi itinerary
A sample plan. See the full 3-day Varanasi itinerary →
Varanasi travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?+
The best months to visit Varanasi are January, February, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for sightseeing.
How many days do you need in Varanasi?+
Most travellers find 3 days ideal for Varanasi, enough to see the highlights without rushing. Add a day or two if you want day trips.
Is Varanasi expensive to visit?+
Budget roughly $130 per person per day for a mid-range trip in Varanasi (accommodation, food and activities), before flights. Costs scale up or down with your travel style.
What are the top things to do in Varanasi?+
Popular highlights include Varanasi division, Harish Chandra Postgraduate College, Prince of Wales Hospital (Benares) and Kabir Chaura. There's a longer list above, or start a plan and swap things in.