Travel guide

Varanasi

World's oldest continuously inhabited city

🗓️ Best time: October–March💰 Budget · ~$40/day📍 India

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About Varanasi

Hinduism's holiest city — sunrise boats on the Ganges, cremation pyres on the ghats burning around the clock, and the most spiritually charged atmosphere on earth.

⭐ Things to do in Varanasi

Sunrise boat on the GangesGanga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh GhatWalk the ghatsSarnath (Buddha's first sermon)Vishwanath TempleAssi Ghat for sunrise yogaManikarnika cremation ghat (respectful)Banaras Hindu University

🍽️ What to eat in Varanasi

Signature local dishes worth seeking out.

Kachori with sabziBanarasi paanLassi (Blue Lassi shop)Malaiyo (winter only)

✈️ Know before you go

🚕 Getting around

Walk old town; auto-rickshaws; e-rickshaws.

💡 Local tip

Hire a small private boat at sunrise — public boats overcrowded.

🛡️ Safety

Generally safe in tourist areas. Solo women travelers should be cautious in some regions.

🌙 Nightlife

Dawn ceremony is the show; quiet otherwise.