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Varanasi Beaches | Guide + beach companions

Beach & Coast

Playas paradisíacas en Varanasi: Tu escape perfecto

Disfruta de las mejores playas y calas de Varanasi en una experiencia costera inolvidable.

City

3 days

India

Beach planBook beach activities in Varanasi

City: Varanasi

Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of Hinduism, lies on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. With its labyrinthine alleys ('galis'), its emblematic ghats where rituals of life and death coexist, and the constant ringing of bells and mantras, the city offers a mystical, intense and unforgettable experience.

Recommended stay: 3 days

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Experiences by Season

November (Kartik Purnima Full Moon)

The most dazzling night of the year in Varanasi. All the ghats are illuminated with more than a million earthen lamps ('diyas'), fireworks and floating offerings on the river, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

End of February / Beginning of March

The great night of the god Shiva. Colossal crowds of devotees flock to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, cosmic wedding processions are held and 'thandai' with consecrated herbs is traditionally consumed.

November / December

Five-day cultural festival held on the ghats that brings together the most illustrious figures of Indian classical music, traditional dance and exhibitions of local crafts.

Excursiones

Day Trips

Sarnath

Cradle of historic Buddhism just a few kilometers north of the city. It contains the ruins of the monastery, ancient stupas and international Buddhist temples (Japanese, Tibetan, Thai).

Chunar Fort

Imposing fortress dating from the 16th century, dominating a bend of the Ganges River and linked to legendary battles between Mughals and Afghans.

Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam)

The sacred city where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated, famous for the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati rivers.

Vindhyachal

One of the main pilgrimage centers of the goddess Shakti (Shaktipeeths), located in the hills flanking the Ganges.

Jaunpur

Historic capital of the Sharqi Sultanate in the Middle Ages, famous for its unique Islamic architecture such as the Atala Mosque and the Shahi Akbari Bridge.

Ratings

Scores by category

Nature

The wide channel of the Ganges River and the golden sunrises over the water offer an incomparable visual atmosphere.

Magical sunrises and sunsets sailing by boat on the river.The opposite eastern shore, a vast virgin expanse of sand that contrasts with the city.Migration of Siberian gulls during the winter months.

High levels of pollution in the river water.Surrounding urban environment arid, densely built and with little vegetation.

Safety

City with low rates of violent crime, but where minor scams and disorientation in alleys abound.

General feeling of security walking during the day and during busy hours of the night on the ghats.Visible police presence at the entrances to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and central ghats.

Frequent scams with false donations for cremation wood or unlicensed guides.Caution should be taken when walking through lonely, dark alleys at night.

Cleanliness

One of the most complex aspects of the city; high density, dust, stray animals and pollution coexist.

Recent urban cleanliness and sanitation campaigns in the main ghats.Renovated pedestrian areas around the great temples.

Regular presence of waste and cow excrement in the narrow alleys.Ganges river water pollution and high concentration of dust and traffic.

Guía completa

Want to know more about Varanasi?

Discover the full guide with history, detailed itineraries, practical tips and all the information you need.

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Consejos

Tips for Beach & Coast

Walking Tour from Assi to Manikarnika

Do the full walk along the ghats first thing in the morning (from south to north); You will see the city transform step by step from the tranquility of Assi to the transcendental mystique of Manikarnika.

Breakfast in the Chowk Alleys

Enter the alleyways near Thatheri Bazar at 7:30 a.m. to watch sweet masters making crispy jalebis and freshly fried kachoris.

Photography at the Cremation Ghats

Taking photos or videos of bodies or funeral pyres at Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghat is strictly prohibited and considered a serious disrespect.

Temple Dress Code

Dress in modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs. In temples like Kashi Vishwanath, it is not allowed to enter with mobile phones, bags or shoes (lockers are available).

Water and Food Consumption

Drink only sealed bottled water and avoid ice at street stalls. Never drink water directly from the Ganges River.

Protection against Mosquitoes and Dust

Bring mosquito repellent (especially at sunset by the river) and a mask if you are sensitive to the levels of dust and environmental pollution on the main avenues.

Timo Wood for Cremations

Near Manikarnika Ghat, strangers will try to guide you to 'privileged' rooftops and demand exorbitant donations of hundreds of euros supposedly to buy firewood for poor families. Refuse these requests firmly.

Commissions of Boatmen and False Guides

Always agree on the exact price of the boat trip in writing or unequivocally before boarding (indicating whether it is per person or for the entire boat and the duration in minutes).

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