SpiritualVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Priests, fire lamps and chants in Varanasi’s mesmerising evening ceremony on the Ganges.
1 hourExplore
- Uttar Pradesh, India
- Spiritual
- Culture
The Eternal City
Varanasi
Sunrise boat rides, evening Ganga aarti and ancient ghats in India’s spiritual capital.
- Ideal: 2 days
- Best: Oct – Mar
- 1 tour package
Overview
About Varanasi
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi sits on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Its 80-plus ghats are a stage for daily life, devotion and ritual.
Watching the city wake up from a boat at sunrise, and the flame-lit Ganga aarti at dusk, are experiences travellers remember for a lifetime.
- State
- Uttar Pradesh
- Nearest airport
- Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS)
- Ideal stay
- 2 days
- Known for
- Ghats, Ganga aarti, silk
Why Visit
Why you’ll love Varanasi
- Spiritual heart of IndiaRituals unchanged for thousands of years.
- Life on the ghatsThe Ganges seen from a wooden rowing boat.
- Street foodKachori sabzi, malaiyyo and Banarasi paan.
- Banarasi silkWatch weavers create famous brocade saris.
Top Places
Top places to visit in Varanasi
- 1
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The main ghat and venue of the grand evening Ganga aarti.
2.Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the twelve jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3Assi Ghat
A calmer ghat known for morning aarti, yoga and music.
4.Sarnath
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon — just 10 km away.
Popular Sightseeing
All sightseeingMust-see attractions
SpiritualThings to Do
Experiences not to miss
- Sunrise boat rideGlide past the ghats as the city wakes.
- Ganga aartiEvening ceremony of fire, bells and chants.
- Old-city walkLanes, temples and hidden courtyards with a local guide.
- Food trailBreakfast kachoris and evening lassi.
Best Time to Visit
When to go
- Best time
Winter
Oct – Mar
Misty mornings and pleasant days; festival season.
Dev Deepawali
Nov
Ghats lit with a million lamps.
Summer & Monsoon
Apr – Sep
Hot and humid; ghats may flood in August.
Ideal trip duration
2 days
Two sunrises and two aartis — plus a half-day at Sarnath.
Tour Packages
View allPopular Varanasi packages
2 Nights / 3 DaysVaranasi · Sarnath
Varanasi Spiritual Retreat
4.8(119 reviews)Family
- Private boat for Ganga aarti
- Sunrise boat ride
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan
Starting from
₹12,999
per person
Travel Tips
Good to know before you go
- Dress modestly and ask before photographing rituals.
- Book a boat for the aarti to watch from the river.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the lanes are narrow and busy.
FAQs
Varanasi travel FAQs
What time is the Ganga aarti?
It usually begins around sunset — about 6:45 PM in summer and 6:00 PM in winter — and lasts roughly 45 minutes.
Is Varanasi suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, especially with a local guide who can help you navigate the ghats and old city respectfully.
Travel Your Way
Best ways to experience Varanasi
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Travel Inspiration
Read before you visit Varanasi
Spiritual Travel6 min read
Varanasi: A Guide to India’s Spiritual Capital
Ganga aarti, sunrise boat rides and respectful ways to experience the ghats of Kashi.
Read More
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