Best Photo Spots in Varanasi
Varanasi's best photos are taken from the water, looking back at the ghats, in the first hour after sunrise. The evening aarti, the stupa at Sarnath and the fort across the river fill the rest of the day.
Medium crowdEntry Free
Assi Ghat
- Best timeEarly morning during Subah-e-Banaras, when the lamps and first light meet on the river; early evening for a calm, warm scene on the wide steps.
- ColorsWhitePastelSaffron
High crowdEntry Free (boat ride extra)
Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Best timeSunrise from a boat, when the light falls straight onto the steps; just after sunset for the lamps of the aarti.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteMarigold yellow
High crowdEntry Free
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Best timeEarly morning from the river, when the sun lights the gold spire; late afternoon from the corridor approach for warm light on the stone.
- ColorsSaffronRedGold
Low crowdEntry ₹20 (Indian) / ₹150 (foreign)
Ramnagar Fort
- Best timeLate afternoon from a boat, when the sun lights the sandstone walls facing the river; sunset for warm colour on the towers.
- ColorsOchreWhiteIndigo
Low crowdEntry ₹25 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign)
Sarnath
- Best timeEarly morning, when low sun picks out the carving on the stupa; late afternoon for warm light on the brick ruins.
- ColorsOchreMaroonCream
From a boat at sunrise
The ghats face east, so the sun comes up across the river and lands straight on the steps. A boat 30 or 40 metres out gives you the whole sweep of temples, bathers and laundry lines in warm side-light. Rowing boats are slow and quiet, which suits photography; motorboats cover more ghats in less time. Agree the fare and route before you board.
The evening aarti
At Dashashwamedh Ghat, a row of priests raise brass lamps together after sunset. From the steps you mostly photograph the backs of heads. From a boat moored in front, or a raised platform at the side, you see the full line. The flames move fast, so rest your phone on something steady and take several frames.
Quieter mornings at Assi
Assi Ghat is broad and open, with room to step back. The dawn programme gives you lamps, musicians and yoga against the first light, and the chai stalls at the top give you easy, unposed pictures of the morning crowd.
The temple
Phones are not allowed inside Kashi Vishwanath. Take your photo of the gold spire from the river near Lalita Ghat, or from the lanes, before you hand your phone in.
Sarnath and Ramnagar
At Sarnath, the carved band on the Dhamek Stupa reads best in low morning light, and the lawns give you space for wide frames. Ramnagar Fort is an afternoon subject; its pale sandstone walls warm up above the river towards sunset.
What not to photograph
Keep cameras down at Manikarnika and Harishchandra, the cremation ghats. Ask before photographing sadhus; many expect a tip for a posed portrait, and saying no is fine. Do not point a lens at people bathing, especially women.
Questions
Varanasi — FAQ
Where is the best place to photograph the Ganga aarti?
From a boat moored in front of Dashashwamedh Ghat, which puts you face-on to the priests. If you stay on land, reach the side platforms about an hour early; the main steps give you mostly the backs of the crowd.
Is a sunrise or a sunset boat ride better for photos?
Sunrise. The ghats face east, so morning light falls straight onto them. An evening ride is better for the aarti and the lamps, but the ghats are backlit by then.
Can I photograph sadhus on the ghats?
Ask first. Some are happy to be photographed, and many expect a small tip for a posed portrait. Never photograph anyone during a cremation or a private ritual.
Where can I photograph Varanasi from above?
From the rooftop cafés and guesthouse terraces above the ghats between Assi and Dashashwamedh. Many let you up if you order a drink.