Top tips for first-time visitors to Varanasi ghats and temples

 

First-time visitors to Varanasi's ghats and temples should embrace the chaotic spiritual energy while prioritizing respect, safety, and early starts for authentic immersion.

Ghat Exploration Tips

Start at Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat for sunrise boat rides (₹500-1,500, book ahead) to see rituals without crowds; avoid Manikarnika during active cremations—no photos. Wear modest clothes covering shoulders/knees, carry sanitizer/torch for alleys, and go with the flow amid cows and pilgrims.

Temple Visits

At Kashi Vishwanath, enter via Ganga Dwar (no phones/cameras inside), buy ladoo prasad, and arrive pre-dawn to beat 2-3 hour queues; combine with nearby Annapurna Temple. Remove shoes outside all temples, respect dress codes, and hire local guides (₹500/day) for stories tying to your interests in ancient lore.

Practical Essentials

Stay near ghats (Assi for calm, Dashashwamedh for Aarti); e-rickshaws beat autos for narrow lanes. Eat light (kachori, lassi from trusted spots), hydrate, and watch evening Aarti from boats to dodge crowds. Open mind key: Life-death cycles inspire profound reflection on eternity.