Varanasi and Darjeeling in July??

Hello fellow Indian Mikers!

My friend and I are currently backpacking in India and head to Jaipur tomorrow. We originally planned to travel to Kashmir from Rajasthan (via Punjab) and then down towards Varanasi and the North east of India. However, we were recently warned not to go to Varanasi in July as the electrical storms and flash floods means that you can not walk along the ghats or even take a boat out for sunset/ sunrise.
Could anyone shed light on how enjoyable Varanasi would be in July? We don't mind a bit of rain but would be upset if we don't fully get to experience Varanasi because of the weather.
We would also be visiting Darjeeling in July which I know is not the best time to visit. Does anybody know if the you train is still in use during the monsoon months?
In light of the above concerns, would you recommend we change our route and maybe head to Varanasi/ Darjeeling first after Rajasthan and then return to the north west to see Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir in late July?

Thanks in advance for your help!

River will be at its furious best in July. Also Darjeeling Toy train will be stopped.

both places receive heavy rain fall in month of July so probably its not a good time for tourists, try visiting in winter, between October to march, though you should avoid December and start of January

I'll be there in July specifically to shoot monsoon life in Varanasi.