Varanasi Travel Guide
Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 – Trip Guide, Cost, Itinerary, Best Time & More
Plan your ultimate Varanasi trip in 2026 with Travoperk, your trusted partner for customised itineraries, verified hotels, reliable transport, and 24/7 support. This Varanasi Travel Guide 2026 covers everything from trip cost, 3–5 day itineraries, best time to visit Varanasi, top sightseeing places, adventure activities, cultural experiences, and expert travel tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Whether you are a first-time traveller, honeymoon couple, family, or solo explorer, this guide provides all the information you need to experience the spiritual charm, cultural richness, and vibrant streets of India’s holiest city.
Why Visit Varanasi in 2026?
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of India’s oldest living cities. It is renowned for its spiritual heritage, riverside Ghats, temples, and festivals.
In 2026, Varanasi tourism continues to grow due to:
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Improved connectivity via Varanasi Airport, railways, and road networks
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Verified hotels, guesthouses, and homestays along the Ghats
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Well-maintained temples and heritage sites
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Easy access to nearby attractions like Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort
If you love spirituality, history, culture, and riverside beauty, Varanasi should be on your India itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi in 2026
The best time to visit Varanasi is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, cultural tours, and attending the evening Ganga Aarti.
| Months | Weather | Experience | Best Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| October – March | Cool & pleasant | Peak season | Sightseeing, cultural tours, Ganga Aarti, boat rides |
| April – June | Hot & dry | Off-season | Budget travel, fewer crowds, photography |
| July – September | Monsoon | Shoulder season | Enjoy greenery, short sightseeing trips |
The ideal months for a Varanasi trip are October to March for a comfortable cultural experience.
Varanasi Trip Cost 2026
The Varanasi trip cost depends on trip duration, accommodation, transport, and activities.
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Budget Trip: 5,000 – 10,000
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Standard Trip: 10,000 – 18,000
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Luxury Trip: 20,000 – 35,000
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Couple Trip: 12,000 – 25,000
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Family Trip: 20,000 – 45,000
Varanasi Travel Expenses Breakdown:
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Hotels: 1,000 – 6,000 per night
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Food: 400 – 1,200 per day
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Local transport: 500 – 1,500
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Sightseeing & Ganga boat rides: 300 – 1,000
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Shopping & extras: Variable
Explore Varanasi tour packages by Travoperk for hassle-free planning and verified stays.
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport connects Varanasi to major Indian cities. Best option for long-distance travellers.
By Train: Varanasi Junction has excellent rail connectivity. Ideal for budget travel and overnight journeys.
By Road: Accessible via buses or private taxis from Delhi (~800 km, 12–14 hours) and nearby cities.
For seamless travel, consider Travoperk Varanasi tour packages with flights, transfers, and hotel bookings included.
Top Places to Visit in Varanasi
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Dashashwamedh Ghat – Witness the iconic evening Ganga Aarti
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Spiritual heart of the city
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Sarnath – Buddhist pilgrimage site near Varanasi
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Ramnagar Fort – Historical fort and museum
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Manikarnika Ghat & Harishchandra Ghat – Learn about cultural rituals and history
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Explore one of India’s oldest universities
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Vishwanath Gali & local markets – Shopping for handicrafts, silk sarees, and souvenirs
Varanasi Itinerary 2026
Varanasi 3 Days Itinerary:
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Day 1: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ganga Aarti, evening boat ride
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Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika & Harishchandra Ghats, local market tour
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Day 3: Sarnath visit, Ramnagar Fort, departure
Varanasi 5 Days Itinerary:
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Day 1: Arrival & local sightseeing
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Day 2: Ghats, Ganga Aarti, evening boat ride
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Day 3: Sarnath & Buddhist heritage tour
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Day 4: Banaras Hindu University, silk weaving tours, local food tasting
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Day 5: Shopping, farewell, departure
Top Things to Do in Varanasi
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Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Take a Shikara ride on the Ganges
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Explore Sarnath Buddhist site
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Visit ancient temples like Kashi Vishwanath
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Try Varanasi street food: kachori, chaat, malaiyo
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Shop for Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts
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Photography of Ghats at sunrise and sunset
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Enjoy cultural folk music and local festivals
Where to Stay in Varanasi
You’ll find:
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Budget hotels & homestays
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Heritage guesthouses
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Luxury riverside resorts
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Houseboats on the Ganges
Popular stay areas: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Godowlia, Cantonment area
Travoperk offers verified Varanasi hotels and houseboats with sightseeing and local experiences included.
Varanasi Travel Tips 2026
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Wear light cotton clothes during summers; warm clothing in winter
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Start sightseeing early morning to avoid crowds
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Book Ganga boat rides and temple tickets in advance
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Respect local customs and rituals
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Carry cash for small shops and street vendors
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Avoid plastic; help maintain Ghats and rivers
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Hire a local guide for enhanced cultural insights
Book Your Varanasi Trip with Travoperk
Planning a Varanasi holiday has never been easier! Travoperk takes care of everything so you can relax and enjoy the spiritual charm of the city.
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Customised Varanasi itineraries tailored to your travel style
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Verified hotels, resorts, and houseboats for a comfortable stay
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Adventure activities & sightseeing included for an immersive experience
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Local expert guidance to make your trip smooth and hassle-free
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Affordable Varanasi tour packages for every budget
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24/7 support before, during, and after your trip
Call: +91 8800 85 8300
Email: support@travoperk.com
Explore our Varanasi tour packages, Sarnath day tours, and Uttar Pradesh circuit tours with Travoperk for a seamless, well-planned holiday.