Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi. The optimal time to visit is from October to March, when the city’s ancient ghats, temples, and cultural heritage come alive in comfortable weather. The spiritual center of India fascinates tourists with its venerable temples, busy ghats, and profound religious practices. Embrace the mystical ambiance and partake in vibrant festivals during this period, making your Varanasi experience truly unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Winter (October to February)
In Varanasi, winter is the busiest travel season because of the cold, pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 20°C. The optimal temperatures for exploring the ghats and historic temples. Carrying some warm clothing is a good idea while visiting Varanasi during these months.
Summer (March to June)
Varanasi experiences hot and muggy summers with temperatures of 25°C to 45°C. Daytime outdoor activities might be challenging in the sweltering heat. However, the weather is more tolerable in the mornings and evenings. Carry breathable, lightweight clothing, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
Monsoon (July to September)
During the monsoon season, Varanasi sees moderate to heavy rainfall. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C. Although the rain is a welcome change, it can also congest the city. But seeing the Ganga Aarti in a wet environment will be a special memory for many.
Post-Monsoon (October)
Varanasi’s post-monsoon season, especially during October, is a time of transition when the weather begins to cool down, and the city is decked with a verdant environment. The temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. It is an ideal time to discover the city’s architectural marvels and take part in festivals during this season because of the lovely weather.
What to Pack for a Varanasi Trip?
It’s essential to consider the weather and cultural customs when packing for a vacation to Varanasi. The following are some things to bring to Varanasi:
Clothing
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For Varanasi’s hot and muggy atmosphere, lightweight, breathable natural cotton or linen clothing is appropriate.
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Bring loose-fitting tops, cosy pants, or knee-length skirts to respect local cultural customs.
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Take a scarf or shawl with you when you enter temples or other places of worship to cover your shoulders and head.
Electronics and Gears
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A plug adaptor so you can charge your electronics.
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A power bank so you can explore the city with your electronics charged.
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A camera or smartphone to record the colourful environments and priceless experiences.
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Bring a portable charger or extra batteries for your electronics, especially if you plan to be gone for a long time.
Medications
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If a prescription or doctor’s note is necessary, bring it with any necessary medications in their original packaging.
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Basic first-aid items including painkillers, antibacterial ointment, and adhesive bandages.
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Bring plenty of the appropriate medicines for allergies or other medical needs.
Travel Accessories
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A daypack or backpack that is reliable and comfy for carrying your things while sightseeing.
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A reusable water bottle is essential to drink a lot of water in Varanasi’s environment to stay hydrated.
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A lockable bag or money belt to protect your valuables and papers.
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Copies of your passport, visa, and information on where you will stay, among other crucial travel documents.
Things to Do in Varanasi
With these top five must-do activities, you may fully immerse yourself in Varanasi’s lively culture and spiritual atmosphere:
1. Explore the Ghats
Witness the city’s renowned ghats by taking a boat ride along the holy Ganges River. Start at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the location of every evening’s mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony. Visit other notable ghats with significance and traditions, such as Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat.
2. Visit the Temples
Ancient temples can be found in abundance in Varanasi. Visit the Lord Shiva-dedicated Kashi Vishwanath Temple and seek blessings at the Durga and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temples. While taking in the spiritual ambience, explore the historical and architectural wonders of the city’s temples.
3. Experience a Morning Boat Ride
Enjoy mesmerising dawn over the Ganges as you take a peaceful morning boat ride. It’s a beautiful experience that gives you a new viewpoint of the city.
4. Discover Varanasi’s Old City
Discover Varanasi’s old city with its winding streets and active bazaar. Visit bustling bazaars like Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazar to learn about local culture and shop for handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Try popular street food, including lassi, chaats, and kachoris.
5. Attend a Music or Dance Performance
Varanasi is renowned for having a vibrant cultural history. Enjoy the performances of classical music and dance, especially the beautiful sitar and tabla recitals or the elegant Kathak dances. These cultural events are held at various locations throughout the city and provide a window into Varanasi’s artistic traditions.
Things to Eat in Varanasi
Don’t miss out on these top five must-try dishes from Varanasi!
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Kachori Sabzi
Start your culinary adventure with the renowned Kachori Sabzi from Varanasi. With a side of tart and aromatic potato curry, these deep-fried pastries are packed with a spicy lentil combination. The aromatic sabzi and the crispy kachoris flavour are delightful to the palate.
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Lassi
Have a cool glass of lassi, a traditional drink from Varanasi. This creamy, sweet beverage is the ideal diversion from the city’s heat. It is made with thick yoghurt, sugar, and occasionally saffron or cardamom. The renowned “Banarasi Lassi” is a must-try for a genuine experience.
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Malaiyyo
Enjoy the distinctive and delicious Malaiyo dessert. It is a frothy, creamy delicacy with saffron, almonds and rose petals. This airy and light dessert is a Varanasi speciality relished in the winter.
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Tamatar Chaat
Taste Tamatar Chaat’s savoury and tangy flavours. This well-known street food meal comprises bread slices that have been deep-fried and are then covered in a hot tomato-based sauce, yoghurt, and a variety of chutneys. It is a snack you must have in Varanasi because of the explosion of flavours and textures.
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Paan
Paan, a regular after-meal mouth refresher, is a great way to round up your culinary exploration of Varanasi. Paan is a betel leaf stuffed with an assortment of spices, areca nuts, and sugars. It is a traditional method to conclude a meal in Varanasi and is renowned for its digestive abilities.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
With these top five destinations, explore Varanasi’s captivating attractions:
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Ramnagar Fort
Discover the splendour of Ramnagar Fort on the Ganges River’s eastern bank. This magnificent sandstone and marble fort from the 18th century is now a museum with a fantastic collection of antique vehicles, weapons, and royal artefacts. During the Dussehra holiday, the fort hosts the Ramnagar Ramlila, a well-known dramatic adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
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Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to fully immerse yourself in Varanasi’s rich artistic and cultural legacy. The museum, part of the Banaras Hindu University campus, houses a sizable collection of antique sculptures, paintings, textiles, and artefacts from archaeological sites. It offers an exciting look into the area’s history, culture, and religious practices.
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Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple)
The Nepali Temple, commonly called the Kathwala Temple, is a magnificent structure about 8 kilometres from Varanasi’s downtown. It is constructed in the Nepali architectural style and has beautiful carvings and detailed woodwork. The temple offers a calm ambience and stunning panoramas of the surroundings.
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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
A well-known Hindu temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is around 6 kilometres from the city centre. This temple draws devotees and guests looking for blessings and tranquillity because of its spiritual significance and serene atmosphere.
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Tulsi Manas Temple
Lord Rama is honoured at the Tulsi Manas Temple, 5 kilometres from Varanasi’s centre. The verses from the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem written by the renowned poet Goswami Tulsidas, are painted on the temple’s walls. Many Hindu believers venerate this location, and it is well-known among tourists for its historical and cultural value.
Conclusion
Varanasi offers an extraordinary fusion of spirituality, cultural diversity, and historical importance. Varanasi is best visited in the winter when the weather is comfortable for touring the temples and ghats. If you are planning a trip to Varanasi, use Paytm to conveniently reserve your Varanasi tour and lodging to get the best deals for a seamless and fantastic experience in this holy city.
