Varanasi Tourism

The best time to visit Varanasi is Winter (November - February) since the temperature is low and there is a calm breeze throughout the day. Summers in Varanasi experience high and dry temperatures. It is best to avoid the summers since they are hot dry and sunny making outdoor sightseeing difficult. Monsoons are a pleasant change, with moderate to heavy rainfall, while the winters are the best time to visit Varanasi, owing to the marvellous weather conditions that elevate its beauty to a large extent.

Varanasi seems to have been a part of the Indian civilisation since the beginning of time. Successive empires have made this city their trading and cultural hub, connecting the city with a broad range of cultures. From early dynasties like Mauryas and Guptas to the medieval Mughals and the British Empire, Varanasi has been subject to Greek, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Christian and Jain ways of life. A large number of monuments in and near the city are a testament to this diverse past. Varanasi was a very wealthy city for a long time as evidenced by the grandeur of the Ghats, public spaces and places of worship.

Every evening, Ganga Aarti is performed on the ghats of Varanasi, the most magnificent one at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The aarti commences as dusk descends around 6 pm in winters or 7 pm in summers. Devotees usually gather 90 minutes in advance to find a suitable spot. The spectacle is viewed from the ghat steps, the rooftops of the nearby houses, shops and boats loaded at the riverbanks. It can also be viewed from the rooftop of the organizing committee's office- Ganga Seva Nidhi. The aarti takes place on seven wooden planks, each decorated with saffron clothes and Pooja items like incense sticks, conch shells, brass lamps, etc. The pooja is performed by seven pandits, involving rhythmic chanting of mantras, hymns and prayers in the praise of river Ganges. Millions of spectators gather to witness the most mesmerising and glorious event of Varanasi. The assembly is a confluence of faith, cultures and traditions coming from all parts of India and even abroad. The aarti ends with the blowing of conch shells and lighting of camphor lamps. The whole aarti takes around 45 minutes.

Boat rides on the majestic river Ganges are a must-have experience if in Varanasi. There are numerous boats - big and small - readily available for hire every morning, until sunset. The rides can be customised but are generally costlier during the mornings popularly known as the Subah-e-Banaras or at sunset, during the time of Ganga Aarti.

Types of Boat Rides

• A traditional rowing boat is the most common type of boat and a 90-120 minutes ride can cost around 250 INR per person.
• Rides during sunset, at the time of Ganga aarti and at dawn, are the most famous of all.
• Kashi Darshan- Ride to Kashi is a popular attraction which takes four hours to complete.
• Ram Nagar Fort- Another popular ride is the palace of Banaras. It involves a walk on foot and sightseeing of the market.
• There are also Motorboats to ride around. The cost usually 1500 INR per person

Summer in Varanasi lasts from March till the end of June, where April and May are the hottest months. Not unlike any region in the northern part of the country, summer in Varanasi is characterised by weather that is devoid of humidity, with the sun blazing throughout the day, thus making the mercury level rise as high as up to 45 degree Celsius. The average temperature rarely falls below 30 degree Celsius, even though the areas at and around the Ghats are preferably cooler. Before planning a trip here during summer, keep in mind that going outdoors for any activity is tough. The hot, dry wind blowing across the region in the afternoons make it more challenging to be able to bear the extreme climatic conditions. The auspicious Mahashivratri falls in February which is a festival to behold. If you are visiting this place during these months, make sure to relax by the pleasant riverside and take in the breeze at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Kedar Ghat. Also, make sure to try out the delicious lassi which Varanasi is famed for.

In spite of the torrential rainfall hampering the tourism and travel, Varanasi receives large masses of visitors during the monsoon as well. Marked by the frequent downpour in July, this season lasts till the second week of October. The average temperature more or less stays between 25 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius, thus bringing a welcome respite from the heat. The level of the Ganges rises above the usual, thus alluring more people to the ghats, who sit there and take in the mesmerising sight. However, be careful while at the riverside, since layers of algae accumulate on the steps and pair with the water to make the path slippery and dangerous. Watching the Ganga during the peak of the monsoon is also a thrilling experience.

With an average temperature that stays within 5 degree Celsius and 15 degree Celsius approximately, the best time to visit Varanasi is in Winter between November and February. A perfect time for taking strolls, sightseeing, and exploring the city beyond what meets the tourist’s eye, the winter season is accompanied with colourful flowers in full bloom and lush green vegetation. The calm breeze brushing past you in the evening is a perfect time to relax by the holy river with a cup of piping hot tea. You can also set out for an early morning boat ride on the river and see the sunrise in all its glittering glory. Make sure to take a walk across the massive campus of the Banaras Hindu University, head out to seek some blessings from the divine being at Durga Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Batuk Bhairav Temple, and ISKCON Temple. Another ethereal experience that you should not miss at this time is the majestic Ganga Aarti which takes place in the evening and lights the entire riverbank with a soft, golden light that emits from the oil lamps. Red, yellow, pink, and vermillion flowers adorn the river, and the air reverberates with the mingled melody of conches, bells and gongs, along with the chants of the pundits. The fragrance of incense rises in the air and mixes with the scent of the floating flowers, thus making it a surreal place to be at.