Varanasi — one of the world's oldest living cities — is a place where spirituality, culture and life coexist in the most profound way. Discover the best ghats, temples, boat rides and the magical Ganga Aarti in this complete travel guide.
Varanasi: The City of Light
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is not just a city — it is an experience. Perched on the banks of the sacred Ganges, this ancient city has been a centre of learning, spirituality and culture for over 3,000 years. Every morning, the ghats come alive with pilgrims, priests, flowers and incense — a sight that stays with you forever.
The Famous Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi has 88 ghats stretching along the Ganges. Each ghat tells a different story:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: The most famous ghat, home to the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather here as priests perform elaborate rituals with fire lamps.
- Manikarnika Ghat: The principal cremation ghat of Varanasi. Hindus believe dying here grants moksha (liberation). The fires here have reportedly burned continuously for thousands of years.
- Assi Ghat: A peaceful ghat popular among intellectuals, yoga practitioners and foreign visitors. A great spot for morning chai and sunrise views.
- Harishchandra Ghat: The second cremation ghat, featuring one of India's first electric crematoriums alongside traditional pyres.
- Scindia Ghat: Famous for its partially sunken temple — an iconic and photogenic landmark of Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines of Lord Shiva), the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the spiritual heart of Varanasi. The newly inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (2022) now provides a direct, spacious walkway from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the temple, making darshan (viewing the deity) more accessible than ever.
Darshan Timings: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The Mangala Aarti at dawn (4:00–5:00 AM) is the most auspicious time to visit.
The Ganga Aarti — A Divine Spectacle
Every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a breathtaking ceremony unfolds. Five priests simultaneously perform the Ganga Aarti — waving large fire lamps, incense and flowers while chanting hymns. The entire ghat is illuminated and the atmosphere is electric with devotion. You can watch from the steps or hire a boat (Rs 200–300 per hour) for a stunning view from the river.
Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges
Perhaps the most unforgettable experience in Varanasi is a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. As the sun rises, golden light floods the ancient ghats — pilgrims bathing, priests performing rituals, smoke rising from the cremation grounds. It is life and death, hope and faith, all in one frame. Shared boats start from Rs 100–150 per person.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
October to March is the ideal time to visit. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. Dev Deepawali in November and Maha Shivratri in February–March are particularly spectacular times to be in Varanasi.
How to Reach Varanasi
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and most major cities.
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur (25 km from the city).
- By Road: 120 km from Prayagraj, 300 km from Lucknow via NH19.
