For our guests
For first-time visitors, especially those coming to India for the first time: how to get around, what to see, when to go, and where to check the latest official information.
Practical notes
112 — national emergency number
1363 / 1800 11 1363 — Government of India 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline.
Start here
Distances can look short on a map, but traffic and the old city's narrow lanes can make journeys slower. Leave extra time around ceremonies and evening aarti.
For a first visit, a prepaid airport taxi or app-based cab (Ola, Uber) is usually the simplest option. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is north-west of the city.
Use cabs for longer cross-city trips and autos/e-rickshaws for shorter ones. Around Godowlia, Kashi Vishwanath and the ghats, expect to walk the final stretch through chaotic pedestrian or narrow lanes.
South Varanasi
A good area for an early-morning introduction to the city, followed by breakfast and nearby temples.
Subah-e-Banaras takes place at sunrise and combines Vedic chanting, music, yoga and prayer. A sunrise boat ride is also a memorable way to see the ghats. Assi also has an evening Ganga Aarti in a calmer setting than Dashashwamedh ghat.
Old Varanasi
This is the most intense part of the city: ghats, evening aarti, temple visits and dense old-city lanes. Comfortable shoes help.
The main evening Ganga Aarti takes place here. Because sunset changes through the year, we recommend checking the current time and arriving 45–60 minutes early. You can watch from the ghat or from a boat on the river.
Explore the lanes around the temple for small shops, Banarasi textiles, brassware, religious items and snacks.
Sunrise gives softer light and a quieter atmosphere; evening rides can give a river view of the illuminated ghats and aarti.
Tip: Agree on the price and duration before boarding. For a short shared ride, ₹100–150 per person can be used as a rough reference, but prices may be higher during busy periods or for private boats.
Half-day trip
One of Buddhism's most important pilgrimage sites, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The main sights are close enough to combine in one visit.
Dhamek Stupa is the landmark monument of the archaeological complex. The Ashoka Pillar remains are within the same broader heritage area.
Home to the original Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's National Emblem, along with important Buddhist sculpture and excavated objects.
A modern Buddhist vihara of the Maha Bodhi Society, known for murals depicting the Buddha's life and its peaceful grounds.
If you have time, the international monasteries make Sarnath especially interesting because each reflects a different Buddhist architectural tradition. Please find the map link.