Practical information for visiting Varanasi

Varanasi is connected nationally by air, rail and road. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Babatpur is the city's airport; current routes and terminal information should be checked with the airline and Airports Authority of India.

Rail is central to the city's connectivity, but “Varanasi” on an itinerary is not one station. Varanasi Junction, Banaras and Kashi are within the urban area, while Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction is a separate major interchange across the river. Confirm the station code and departure point.

Road links connect Varanasi with Lucknow, Prayagraj, Agra, Delhi, Patna, Bodh Gaya and other north Indian centres. Travel time is more useful than map distance because urban congestion and seasonal fog can be substantial.

Sarnath is part of the wider city but requires a road transfer from the central ghats. Ramnagar lies across the Ganga and can involve bridge traffic. Group each with nearby places rather than using the riverfront as the base for repeated crossings.

Varanasi's principal visitor areas are busy, crowded and commercially intense. Protect phones and wallets in queues, at ceremonies, in stations and in compressed lanes. Carry only the cash needed for the outing and keep a separate copy of identification.

Use official temple channels, recognised guides and clearly identified transport. Decline claims of guaranteed access, private rituals, compulsory donations or unrestricted photography. Never surrender a passport to obtain a ticket or service.

Cremation ghats require particular restraint. Do not photograph mourners or pyres, and leave if anyone pressures you for payment after offering unsolicited explanations.

At night, plan the return before entering unfamiliar lanes or distant ghats. Use a known pickup point, share the vehicle record where available and avoid isolated river edges alone.

Weather is a safety issue. Extreme heat, thunderstorms, high river levels and winter fog can affect boats, roads and flights. Follow official warnings. India's integrated emergency number is 112.

Heat is the main seasonal health constraint. From April through June, shift walking and queuing to cooler hours, drink safe water regularly, use shade and stop for headache, dizziness, confusion or unusual weakness. Follow National Centre for Disease Control heat advice and local warnings.

Do not drink untreated river or tap water. Choose sealed or reliably filtered water, eat freshly cooked food from busy premises and wash or sanitise hands before eating. Seek qualified care for persistent gastrointestinal illness or dehydration.

Discuss routine and destination-specific vaccines, mosquito-bite prevention and personal medical needs with a qualified clinician before travel. Carry adequate insurance and essential medicines in original packaging.

Air quality can vary, especially in the cool season. Check the Central Pollution Control Board's AQI, reduce strenuous outdoor activity when conditions are poor and follow medical advice if you have respiratory or cardiac illness.

Do not touch macaques, dogs or other animals. Any bite or scratch needs prompt medical assessment because rabies prevention is time-sensitive. For urgent help call 112 or go to an appropriate medical facility.

Integrated emergency number: 112 connects police, fire, medical and other urgent assistance in India. Give the ghat, gate, temple entrance, station, hotel or road landmark as precisely as possible; a neighbourhood name alone may cover many lanes.

Save accommodation contact details offline and agree on a meeting point before entering dense crowds. If separated during a festival, follow police instructions instead of moving against controlled pedestrian flow.

For temple-specific problems, use the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust help desk and official channels. For rail or air disruption, contact the relevant operator rather than a reseller.

During heat, storm, flood or fog events, follow India Meteorological Department and district notices. Leave lower ghats when directed and do not ask a boat operator to ignore a suspension.

Foreign visitors should keep their embassy or consulate contact and travel-insurance assistance details available. Report lost passports promptly and obtain a police record when required.