AEROCITY VARANASI
By Quick answer: Watch the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (it starts around sunset; arrive early) and the morning Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat. Take a sunrise boat ride from Dashashwamedh to Manikarnika, visit Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, Durga Kund and Sarnath, and get around the old city on foot and by e-rickshaw. Fly into Babatpur airport or arrive at Varanasi Junction or Banaras station.
Ganga Aarti
- Dashashwamedh Ghat (evening): the grandest aarti, with several priests, lamps and conch shells. It begins around sunset, so the time changes with the season. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for a good spot on the steps or watch from a boat.
- Assi Ghat (morning): Subah-e-Banaras, a calmer sunrise aarti with music.
- Watching from a boat: many visitors book a boat to watch the evening aarti from the river.
Boat rides
- Sunrise boat ride: the classic experience, gliding past ghats as the city wakes up
- Rowing boats vs motor boats: rowing is quieter and slower; motor boats cover more ghats
- Agree the route, duration and price before boarding; carry cash
- Respect cremation ghats (Manikarnika and Harishchandra): avoid photographing cremations
Temples and sights
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple near BHU
- Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas Mandir
- Kaal Bhairav Temple, the city's guardian deity
- Banaras Hindu University and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum
- Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon (about 18 km from the airport in a straight line)
- Ramnagar Fort across the Ganga
Getting around
- On foot: the best way to explore ghats and old-city lanes
- E-rickshaws and autos: for short hops; agree the fare first
- App cabs and taxis: for the airport, Sarnath and hotels in the Cantonment
- Private car with driver: best for a full day of sightseeing. Aerocity Varanasi offers tours and car rental per km or as fixed packages.
Reaching Varanasi
- Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), Babatpur. See the flight schedule.
- Rail: Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras (BSBS) and Pt. DDU Junction. See trains from Varanasi.
- Road: highways from Prayagraj, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Patna.
Suggested 2-day plan
- Day 1: Sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath, old-city lanes and lassi, Sarnath in the afternoon, Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh in the evening
- Day 2: Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan and Durga Kund, BHU, Ramnagar Fort, and a Banarasi silk shopping visit (see our silk guide)
Key takeaways
- Arrive early for the evening aarti; consider watching from a boat.
- Walk the old city; use e-rickshaws and cars for longer distances.
- Book festival-season travel and hotels well ahead.
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Frequently asked questions
What time is the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts around sunset, so it is earlier in winter and later in summer. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. The morning Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat is held around sunrise.
Is a boat ride in Varanasi safe?
Generally yes. Use licensed boats, wear the life jacket offered, agree the route and price before boarding, and avoid rides when the river is in flood.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two days cover the main ghats, temples, Ganga Aarti and Sarnath. Three or four days allow a relaxed pace and a trip to Ramnagar Fort or Chunar.
How do I get from Varanasi airport to the ghats?
Take a pre-booked car, app cab or taxi. The drive is usually 45 to 60 minutes; vehicles stop near Godowlia, and you walk or take an e-rickshaw to the ghats.