Major Temples & Ghats

Festivals & Rituals

Dev Deepawali

Dev Deepawali ("Diwali of the Gods") is one of the most visually stunning and spiritually significant festivals in Varanasi. It transforms the city's riverfront into a glowing spectacle of millions of earthen lamps.

Ramnagar Ramlila

The Ramnagar Ramlila is unlike any other performance in the world. It is not a stage play; it is an immersive, 31-day "moving theater" experience that has been recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. ​While most Ramlilas are performed on a static stage, this one turns the entire town of Ramnagar (located across the Ganges from Varanasi) into a massive stage.

Nag Nathaiya

Nag Nathaiya (or Nag Nathaiya Lila) is one of Varanasi's most thrilling and visually dramatic outdoor performances. It is part of the month-long Krishna Lila series and takes place at the historic Tulsi Ghat. ​If Dev Deepawali is about lights and Ramlila is about theater, Nag Nathaiya is about the spectacular recreation of a miracle.

Divine Gallery

Quick Facts

How to Reach

  • ​✈️ By Air (Fastest)

    The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is located in Babatpur, about 26 km from the city center. ​Connectivity: There are direct daily flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. ​Getting to the city: You can hire a prepaid taxi, use app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), or take an airport shuttle bus. The drive typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

  • ​🚆 By Train (Most Popular)

    Varanasi is a massive railway hub with several major stations: ​Varanasi Junction (BSB): The main station (also called Varanasi Cantt) near the city center.center ​Banaras Railway Station (BSBS): A modern, clean station located about 4 km from the Ghats. ​Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU): Formerly Mughalsarai, this is a major junction about 15 km away, where many long-distance trains stop.

  • ​🚌 By Road

    Varanasi is well-linked via National Highways (NH19). ​From nearby cities: You can find frequent state-run (UPSRTC) and private buses from Lucknow (6–7 hours), Prayagraj (3 hours), Ayodhya (4–5 hours), and Patna (6–7 hours). ​Self-Drive: The roads from Delhi and Kolkata are part of the Golden Quadrilateral and are generally in excellent condition.