Frequently Asked Questions

Varanasi is also known as Kashi (City of Light) and Banaras. All three names refer to the same city in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Varanasi is famous as the spiritual capital of India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities (5,000+ years), home to Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, 90 ghats on the Ganges, and the spectacular daily Ganga Aarti.

There are 90 ghats listed along the Ganges in Varanasi — the traditional 84 plus newer additions like Namo Ghat. The most famous are Dashashwamedh (evening aarti), Manikarnika (cremation), Assi (backpackers), and Harishchandra.

Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for tourists. Stay in popular ghat areas (Assi, Dashashwamedh), use Ola/Uber for transport, avoid narrow lanes after 10 PM, and keep emergency numbers saved (112).

Minimum 2 days: Day 1 for ghats, boat ride, temples, and aarti. Day 2 for Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, and shopping. 3 days if adding nearby excursions (Ayodhya/Prayagraj).

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Recently connected to the Ganga via the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Book online at shrikashivishwanath.org. Sugam Darshan: ₹300. VIP Darshan: ₹1,800. Mangla Aarti: ₹1,800. Book well in advance.

Yes, but non-Hindus need to show passport at the outer gate. Dress modestly. No bags/electronics allowed inside.

Early morning (4-6 AM for Mangla Aarti) or late evening (after 8 PM) for shorter queues. Mondays and festivals are most crowded.

Yes! Sankat Mochan (Hanuman), Durga Kund, Nepali Temple, Tulsi Manas, Kaal Bhairav, Annapurna, and New Vishwanath Temple (BHU).

Shared row boat: ₹150-300/person. Private row boat: ₹600-1,200. Private motorboat: ₹2,500-5,000. Luxury cruise: ₹700-15,000/person.

Sunrise (5:30-7 AM) is the most peaceful and photogenic. Evening (5-6 PM) for sunset and aarti. Avoid afternoon in summer.

Options: 1) Walk to ghat and negotiate. 2) Book through hotel. 3) Use NaviX app for fixed pricing. 4) Book luxury cruise online.

Short ride (Assi to Dashashwamedh): 1-1.5 hours. Full 90 ghats tour: 2-3 hours. Sunrise special: 2-2.5 hours.

Evening aarti: 6:30-7:30 PM daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Morning aarti at Assi Ghat: 5:00-5:30 AM. Happens 365 days a year.

Ghat steps: 60-90 minutes early (5:30-6:00 PM). Rooftop seats: book in advance. Boats: board by 6:00 PM. During festivals: 2+ hours early.

Private boat: best overall experience. Rooftop restaurant: best for comfort. Ghat steps: most authentic. VIP seats: front-row view.

Yes, Ganga Aarti happens every single day at Dashashwamedh Ghat, 365 days a year. Special extended aartis during festivals.

Kachori-sabzi at Ram Bhandar (breakfast), Tamatar Chaat at Kashi Chat Bhandar, Banarasi Lassi at Blue Lassi, and Banarasi Paan.

Yes, at busy popular shops. Avoid raw vegetables. Stick to cooked food and bottled water. Start mild if you have a sensitive stomach.

Banarasi silk sarees, silk scarves, brass items, wooden toys, religious items, and Banarasi paan. Government emporiums have fixed prices.

Always negotiate before buying. Compare prices at 2-3 shops. Government emporiums have MRP. Use NaviX app for boat rides.

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (26 km). By Train: Varanasi Junction or DDU Junction. By Road: Well connected by NH 2 and NH 35.

Best: Ola/Uber (₹400-700, 45-60 min). Prepaid taxi: ₹500-800. Avoid autos at airport — they overcharge.

Auto-rickshaw (₹30-200), e-rickshaw (₹10-50), Ola/Uber, cycle-rickshaw (₹20-100), boats (₹100-500). Walking is best for ghats.

Yes, but parking in old city is very difficult. Use paid parking near ghats or hotel parking. Old city lanes are too narrow for cars.

Generally yes. Stay in well-lit ghat areas. Avoid narrow lanes after 10 PM. Use Ola/Uber. Many solo female travelers visit without issues.

No. Drink only sealed bottled water (₹20-30/litre). Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth.

Police: 100. Ambulance: 108. Emergency: 112. Tourist Helpline: 1363. Women Helpline: 1090.

Yes. Sir Sunderlal Hospital (BHU), Heritage Hospital, Apollomedics, and Meditrina are multi-specialty hospitals with 24/7 emergency.

October to March — pleasant weather, peak tourist season. November for Dev Deepawali (most spectacular). March for Holi. January for Makar Sankranti.

The "Diwali of the Gods" — 15 days after Diwali, all 84 ghats are lit with 10+ lakh diyas. Most spectacular night in Varanasi. November 24, 2026.

Yes, very crowded. Dev Deepawali and Shivaratri see 5-10 lakh visitors. Book hotels 2-3 months in advance. Arrive early for aarti.

Winter (Oct-Mar): 8-25°C, pleasant. Summer (Apr-Jun): 30-45°C, very hot. Monsoon (Jul-Sep): 25-38°C, heavy rains, flooding risk.