Local Insights

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Travel Tips & Advice

Make Your Varanasi Visit Smooth and Enjoyable

Getting Here

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the main airport serving Varanasi.

By Train: Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities reach Varanasi Cantonment or Junction.

By Bus: Regular buses connect Varanasi to nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season: October to March (Cool, pleasant weather)

Summer: April to June (Hot and dry, less crowded)

Monsoon: July to September (Humid, occasional rains)

Important Notes

• Dress respectfully, especially at temples

• Remove shoes before entering religious sites

• Ask permission before photographing

• Avoid touching religious objects

Money & Expenses

Currency: Indian Rupee (₹)

ATMs: Available throughout the city

Budget: ₹3,000-8,000/day for mid-range travelers

Planning a Boat Ride on the Ganges

Timings, ghats, prices and practical tips

Sunrise or Evening?

Sunrise: A quiet river, soft light and the morning bathing rituals. The morning aarti at Assi Ghat begins at around 5:30 AM.

Evening: The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat begins at around 7:00 PM, shifting with sunset. Boats gather in front of the ghat to watch the ceremony from the water.

Assi or Dashashwamedh?

Assi Ghat: At the southern end of the main ghats, calmer and well suited to early-morning rides.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: The busiest ghat and home of the main evening aarti. Expect dense crowds in the lanes from late afternoon.

Manikarnika Ghat: The main cremation ghat. Boats pass it on most routes; do not photograph cremations.

What a Boat Ride Costs

Prices depend on the time of day, the length of the ride, the type of boat and the date. Our sunrise boat tour costs up to ₹500 per person and our evening Ganga Aarti boat ride up to ₹4,000 per person.

If you hire a boat at the ghat, agree the price, the duration and the ghats you will see before you board. Festival nights such as Dev Deepawali cost more and sell out early.

On the Water

• Arrive 30 minutes early; the ghat steps are crowded and can be slippery

• Stay seated while the boat moves and keep children close

• Bring a shawl on winter evenings, when it is colder on the river

• Monsoon high water can lead local authorities to suspend boat rides

Ready to go? See our Ganga Aarti boat ride options and booking details.

Our Expert Local Guides

Professional, Knowledgeable, and Passionate

Our guides are carefully selected locals who have deep knowledge of Varanasi's history, culture, and spiritual traditions.

Hindi Speaking Guides

Guides fluent in Hindi and English for comprehensive cultural understanding

Multilingual Support

Guides available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese

Certified Professionals

All guides are officially certified by tourism authorities

Local Transportation

Getting Around Varanasi

Auto-Rickshaws

Cost: ₹50-150 for short distances

Best for: Quick point-to-point travel

Tip: Negotiate fare before boarding or ask driver to use meter

Buses

Cost: ₹10-30 per journey

Best for: Long distances within city

Tip: Crowded but affordable and authentic experience

Scooters/Bikes

Cost: ₹300-500 for daily rental

Best for: Independent exploration

Tip: Requires valid driving license; roads can be challenging

Boat Rides

Cost: ₹500-4,000 depending on duration

Best for: Experiencing the Ganges

Tip: Best during early morning and sunset. Plan your boat ride

Essential Information

Emergency Numbers

Police: 100

Ambulance: 102

Tourist Police: +91-9956-112222

Hospitals

BHU Hospital - Banaras Hindu University

Banaras City Hospital - City Center

24/7 medical facilities available

Internet & Communication

Area Code: +91 542

Wi-Fi available in hotels and cafes

Mobile: Jio, Airtel, Vodafone coverage

Packing Checklist

Summer Packing (Apr-Jun)

✓ Light, breathable clothing
✓ Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
✓ High SPF sunscreen
✓ Water bottle (stay hydrated)
✓ Light scarf for sun protection
✓ Comfortable walking shoes

Winter Packing (Oct-Mar)

✓ Light sweater or jacket
✓ Long-sleeved shirts
✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Shawl or stole
✓ Personal medications
✓ Camera and powerbank

Always Pack

✓ Passport and valid ID
✓ Travel insurance documents
✓ Medications and first aid
✓ Phone charger and adapters
✓ Respectful clothing for temples
✓ Modest swimwear (for Ganges)

Temple Etiquette

✓ Remove shoes before entering
✓ Dress modestly (cover legs/shoulders)
✓ No leather articles (belts, wallets)
✓ Ask before photography
✓ Respect 'no entry' signs
✓ Follow guides' instructions