Photo: Martijn Vonk / UnsplashVaranasi
Uttar Pradesh, India
One of the world's oldest living cities, where life and ritual play out on the stone steps of the Ganga. Intense, crowded, and unforgettable.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,300–2,300
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,700–9,000
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 2–4 days
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹3,900–6,900per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The ghats and the evening aarti
Walk from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat along the river, then watch the evening Ganga aarti from the steps or a boat.
- 2
Day 2: Sunrise boat and the old city
A sunrise boat ride, the morning rituals on the ghats, then the lanes around Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a food walk.
- 3
Day 3: Sarnath
Half a day at Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon: the Dhamek Stupa, the ruins, and the museum (closed on Fridays). Back for a quieter evening at Assi Ghat.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
October to March.
Money notes
Agree the price of a boat ride before you get in; shared boats are much cheaper than a private one. Street food and sweets are some of the best value in India.