Varanasi - End of May or end of July?

larsomat · May 15th, 2008, 03:31

Hi everyone,

I'll be in India 20th May until 31st July. I want to go to Varansi for a few days, that's for sure. The rest of the time I will spend in the mountains. So Varanasi is either right at the beginning of my trip or at the end.

I know it's not the best time for Varanasi, but there's just no way around visiting this place

In your experience, what is easier to cope with, total heat or not that much heat but a lot of humidity and rain?

P.S.: I'm also a passionate photographer. Which time will offer me better images?

Darmabum · May 15th, 2008, 05:22

I've spent over a year in Varanasi, during all season, every month . . . to be honest, I found no real difference between late May and July, regarding heat. Maybe a few degrees here or there, but not enough for me - someone who lives at 2000 meters - to worry about, but the humidity is going to be higher - typically - in July due to rain. That being said I'd go in late July . . . there were some wonderful lightning/thunder storms that passed through the area in July that weren't present in May. Some great sunrises/sets too, due to clouds, though those same clouds can obscure the sun too. In July you may get a chance to see the Ganga rise too.

chaia · May 15th, 2008, 05:22

I'd suggest you go there right at the beginning of your trip.
20th may is still dry probably and the Ghats are not under water. In July most of them will not be accessible due to the amount of water. On the other hand it's still one of my greatest memorys sitting at the balcony of my guesthouse for hours watching the overflowing Ganga and countless birds above in the early mornings.

You'll enyoy it ether way i'm sure

Davehelen · May 18th, 2008, 14:01

13th June is the start of the Ganga Dussehra Festival ! Think it lasts about 10 days

Mahreen · May 18th, 2008, 18:13

Would you like a Travel Buddy Lars? I'm here in India on Contract working for four months from Canada and would love to visit Varanasi....let me know!

Sandrahray · May 27th, 2008, 05:54

davehelen: what is Ganga Dussehra Festival? think i will be varanasi that time. thanks.

machadinha · May 27th, 2008, 05:57

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dussehra

Sandrahray · May 27th, 2008, 06:56

Thank you very much, machadinha! should have done that myself....

Davehelen · May 27th, 2008, 13:43

I think it has been answered. The festival starts on the 13th we don't get there until the 14th, but it lasts for 10 days so I think it will be good.

May 15th, 2008, 03:31	#1
larsomat Lars Pohlmann Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 85	Varanasi - End of May or end of July? Hi everyone, I'll be in India 20th May until 31st July. I want to go to Varansi for a few days, that's for sure. The rest of the time I will spend in the mountains. So Varanasi is either right at the beginning of my trip or at the end. I know it's not the best time for Varanasi, but there's just no way around visiting this place In your experience, what is easier to cope with, total heat or not that much heat but a lot of humidity and rain? P.S.: I'm also a passionate photographer. Which time will offer me better images? __________________ my flickr

May 15th, 2008, 05:22	#2
Darmabum Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho Posts: 793	I've spent over a year in Varanasi, during all season, every month . . . to be honest, I found no real difference between late May and July, regarding heat. Maybe a few degrees here or there, but not enough for me - someone who lives at 2000 meters - to worry about, but the humidity is going to be higher - typically - in July due to rain. That being said I'd go in late July . . . there were some wonderful lightning/thunder storms that passed through the area in July that weren't present in May. Some great sunrises/sets too, due to clouds, though those same clouds can obscure the sun too. In July you may get a chance to see the Ganga rise too. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

May 15th, 2008, 05:22	#3
chaia Masala Chai Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: cloud7 Posts: 38	I'd suggest you go there right at the beginning of your trip. 20th may is still dry probably and the Ghats are not under water. In July most of them will not be accessible due to the amount of water. On the other hand it's still one of my greatest memorys sitting at the balcony of my guesthouse for hours watching the overflowing Ganga and countless birds above in the early mornings. You'll enyoy it ether way i'm sure __________________ One Chai please

May 18th, 2008, 14:01	#4
Davehelen Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Yorkshire, England Posts: 63	13th June is the start of the Ganga Dussehra Festival ! Think it lasts about 10 days __________________ http://davehelen-smithsontour.blogspot.com/

May 27th, 2008, 05:57	#7
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,561	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dussehra __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

May 18th, 2008, 18:13	#5
Mahreen Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 10	Would you like a Travel Buddy Lars? I'm here in India on Contract working for four months from Canada and would love to visit Varanasi....let me know!

May 27th, 2008, 05:54	#6
Sandrahray Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 5	davehelen: what is Ganga Dussehra Festival? think i will be varanasi that time. thanks.

May 27th, 2008, 06:56	#8
Sandrahray Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 5	Thank you very much, machadinha! should have done that myself....

May 27th, 2008, 13:43	#9
Davehelen Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Yorkshire, England Posts: 63	I think it has been answered. The festival starts on the 13th we don't get there until the 14th, but it lasts for 10 days so I think it will be good.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Weather in Costal AP in end of July / beggining of August	saia	Andhra Pradesh	20	Jun 21st, 2007 15:11
Leh, Ladakh via Manali in June End/July Start	arijitraja	Ladakh & Zanskar	17	Apr 30th, 2007 23:03
Place to rent for 4 months End Aug - End Dec	Indianflower	Kerala	0	Jul 21st, 2005 15:19
HP and Uttaranchal from end of July to mid August ??	Bilbo01	Himachal Pradesh	1	Feb 10th, 2005 17:10
Going to Northern India from the end of June until the middle of July	indianprincess	Packing Tips for India travel	4	Aug 5th, 2004 11:40

User Name		Remember Me?
Password