First, an accurate picture
Varanasi is, above all, one of the most important holy cities of Hinduism. It stands on the western bank of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and has been a centre of worship, learning and pilgrimage for a very long time; it is also known as Kashi and, historically, as Benares. Millions of Hindus regard the river and its bathing steps, the ghats, as sacred, and the city is associated with cremation rites performed on the riverbank.
The city is not a primary Buddhist pilgrimage site. Its Buddhist significance lies in Sarnath, a short distance to the northeast, where the Buddha is traditionally said to have given his first teaching. Early Buddhist texts do mention Kasi as one of the major regions of ancient northern India, and the Buddha is described as travelling in the area, but the principal Buddhist places are outside the old city. Calling Varanasi a “Buddhist pilgrimage” is therefore a loose description. It is better understood as the gateway to Sarnath and as a fascinating place to see a different living religious tradition with respect.
Why Buddhist pilgrims stay in Varanasi
For practical reasons, many visitors to Sarnath base themselves in or near Varanasi. The city has an airport and railway stations, and it connects onward to Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar and other places on the pilgrimage circuit. The range of accommodation and eateries is broader than in Sarnath itself, though conditions and availability change over time and this guide cannot recommend particular businesses.
Some pilgrims prefer to stay in Sarnath, where the atmosphere is calmer and there are lodgings associated with temples and monastic communities. Others choose Varanasi for access and facilities. Neither is more correct than the other.
Getting between the city and Sarnath
The journey from central Varanasi to Sarnath is short in distance, but traffic can be dense, and the time it takes varies with the hour. Visitors usually travel by auto-rickshaw, taxi or arranged car. Early starts are common, since the heat builds during the day and the site is quieter in the morning. Fares and arrangements change, so confirm the details locally and agree on them before setting off.
Seeing the city with respect
If you spend time in the old city, it is helpful to keep in mind that you are a guest in a place of Hindu worship and mourning. Some points of general courtesy:
- The ghats are used daily for prayer, bathing and ritual. Walk calmly, do not stand in the way of worshippers and avoid loud behaviour.
- Cremations take place on the riverbank. Photography of cremations is widely regarded as inappropriate, and people attending may be distressed by it. Follow all signs and instructions.
- Ask before photographing people, particularly at prayer.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes at temples.
- Some Hindu temples restrict entry to Hindus. Respect any such rule without argument.
- Boat trips at dawn are a popular way to view the ghats. Conditions, safety standards and prices vary, so rely on current advice and use your own judgment.
For readers who wish to know how the river is regarded in Hindu and Buddhist sources, the sacred Ganges has its own article elsewhere on this site, as does the broader Ganges plain landscape.
Practical cautions
Varanasi is crowded and busy, and a few precautions are sensible:
- Heat in the summer months can be severe, while the monsoon brings heavy rain. See the notes on heat on pilgrimage and monsoon travel considerations.
- Food and water hygiene deserves attention, particularly if you are not used to local conditions; the notes on travel food hygiene give general advice.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers of guidance, souvenirs or tickets, and decide calmly whether you want any of them. Say no politely if you do not.
- Keep valuables secure in crowds, and be careful on slippery steps near the river.
- Winter can bring dense fog that disrupts flights and trains, so allow extra time around connections.
This is general information only. For health, safety and entry conditions, read current official advice, including your government travel advice for the region.
Making the most of a stay
A reasonable plan for a Buddhist pilgrim might be to spend a morning in Sarnath, return to the city in the afternoon and, if interested, see the ghats at dawn or dusk the next day as a respectful observer. Time at the river can be a useful reminder of how many traditions share northern India, and many Buddhists find that it deepens their appreciation of the setting in which the Buddha taught.
If you are travelling onward, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar are reachable by road and rail, but journeys are slow, so check current timetables rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
Opening times, entry rules and festival schedules change; always verify them with current official sources. This guide is independent and does not speak for any religious community.