About the Port
Varanasi rises along the western bank of the Ganges in northern India, its ghats forming a continuous stretch of stone steps where pilgrims have gathered for centuries to bathe in the sacred river. Narrow lanes wind through the old city past temples and shrines, including the Kashi Vishvanath Temple, one of Hinduism's most revered sites, and the Alamgir Mosque nearby. Early morning boat rides offer a quiet vantage point for observing the rhythms of riverside life and ritual as the city wakes.
Just outside the city, Sarnath marks the spot traditionally associated with the Buddha's first teaching after enlightenment, making the area a meaningful stop for those tracing Buddhism's origins. The old quarter near the ghats rewards exploration on foot, with temples, markets, and tea stalls tucked along streets too narrow for vehicles. Varanasi remains one of the subcontinent's oldest continuously inhabited cities, its daily rituals offering travelers a rare window into living tradition.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Varanasi.
Dawn Boat Ride on the Ganges
Glide past the ghats by rowboat as pilgrims perform devotional bathing rituals in the early light. Boats depart from the main ghats near sunrise, before the day's heat and crowds arrive.
Witness the Ganga Aarti Ceremony
In the evening, priests perform a choreographed fire ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, with lamps, chanting, and incense drawing crowds along the riverbank. Arrive early to secure a spot on the steps or a boat.
Visit Sarnath's Buddhist Sites
A short drive from the old city, the Dhamek Stupa and ancient ruins mark where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. A small museum nearby holds relics from the site's excavation.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Varanasi
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 21 | $16,848 | |
| Oct 16, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 21 | $16,848 | |
| Nov 3, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 21 | $17,133 | |
| Nov 30, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 21 | $16,136 | |
| Mar 8, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Aura | 21 | $17,314 |