Find Cheap Flights to Varanasi from $ 52 with eDreams

Varanasi holds a pivotal place along the Ganges River, serving as a significant cultural and spiritual hub in northern India. This ancient urban landscape draws visitors eager to delve into its rich traditions and historical depth. Discovering this city by air offers a direct path to an unforgettable journey into its unique atmosphere.

The city’s historical texture unfolds across areas like the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat, which are central to local life and ceremonies. Beyond the riverbanks, you'll encounter the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site, and the impressive Ramnagar Fort, showcasing grand architecture. These landmarks highlight Varanasi's enduring artistic and historical identity.

Varanasi ultimately defines itself through its profound spiritual essence and historical layers, making it a powerful destination for cultural immersion. Its ancient streets and ghats invite exploration, offering insights into India’s timeless customs and a unique architectural heritage. This city promises a journey rich in discovery and a genuine connection to its deep-rooted character.

High Season

Varanasi's high season, typically from October to March, welcomes visitors with pleasant weather. Temperatures average a comfortable 15-25°C, making conditions ideal for exploring. Upon arrival, travellers find the city buzzing with activity. The air feels crisp, and the ghats along the Ganges River are particularly lively, with pilgrims and locals engaging in rituals from dawn till dusk.

This period is rich with cultural celebrations. Festivals like Diwali and Dev Deepawali illuminate the city, transforming the riverbanks into a spectacular display of lamps and ceremonies. Daily life on the ghats intensifies; boat rides are popular, and the general pace feels energetic yet deeply spiritual. The cooler, drier air allows for comfortable outdoor experiences, defining Varanasi's identity as a vibrant spiritual hub during these months.

Low Season

The low season, running from April to September, sees Varanasi transform under the intensity of summer heat and monsoon rains. Temperatures often soar above 35°C in May and June, followed by the humid monsoon period from July to September. The city takes on a quieter, more subdued atmosphere. Daily routines adapt to the heat, with activities often shifting to earlier mornings or later evenings.

During the monsoon, the Ganges swells, sometimes submerging parts of the ghats and changing the riverfront landscape. While fewer large festivals occur, the monsoon brings a verdant freshness to the surroundings and a different kind of spiritual contemplation. The fewer crowds mean a more introspective experience of the city's ancient lanes and temples. It’s a season that reveals a more resilient and reflective side of Varanasi, shaped by nature's powerful rhythms.

Touch down in Varanasi and step into a city where ancient traditions pulse with life. From the moment you arrive, the energy of this sacred place reveals itself, promising a journey of discovery along the banks of the Ganges. Prepare to uncover a destination unlike any other, where every corner holds a story.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Ghats of Varanasi
These stone steps leading down to the Ganges River are the spiritual heart of Varanasi. Watch daily life unfold, from pilgrims performing rituals at sunrise to children playing by the water's edge, creating a powerful, enduring scene.

Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat is an unforgettable sensory experience. Priests perform elaborate ceremonies with fire, incense, and chanting, filling the air with devotion and spectacle as the river reflects the flickering lamps.

Boat Ride on the Ganges
A serene boat ride at dawn offers the best perspective of Varanasi's ghats and temples. As the sun rises, you'll see the city awaken, experiencing its timeless rhythm from the tranquil waters.

Old City Lanes (Galits)
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys behind the ghats, where narrow passages reveal hidden temples, bustling markets, and the everyday life of locals. Each turn offers a new sight, sound, or smell, inviting deeper exploration.

Sarnath
Just a short trip from the city, Sarnath is a profoundly peaceful site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore ancient stupas and monasteries, connecting with centuries of spiritual history in a calm setting.

To find the best flight deals to Varanasi, remember to book in advance and consider flying during off-peak seasons for bigger savings. Plus, with an eDreams Prime subscription, you can unlock even more exclusive benefits and start your incredible journey with ease. Soon enough, you'll be on your way to discovering all the wonders Varanasi has to offer.