What should I pack for Varanasi?
Pack modest, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, slip-on footwear, a shawl or scarf, sun protection, a refillable bottle, basic medicines and ORS, hand sanitiser, a small cloth pouch for cash, and copies of your ID. Add warm layers from December to February and a light rain jacket in the monsoon.
On this page
Essentials
- Photo ID (passport and visa copies for foreign visitors)
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Slip-on shoes or sandals — you'll remove them often
- Scarf or shawl
- Refillable water bottle
- Basic medicines, oral rehydration salts, plasters
- Hand sanitiser and tissues
- Small cloth pouch for cash (leather is not allowed inside the temple)
- Power bank and charger (left at the hotel or locker during darshan)
By season
| Season | Add |
|---|---|
| October–November | Light layers for cooler evenings |
| December–February | Warm jacket, socks, shawl for dawn boat rides |
| March–June | Hat, sunscreen, light cotton, ORS |
| July–September | Light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, mosquito repellent |
For the temple
See what to carry and what not to carry. Download the printable pilgrimage checklist.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
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Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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