In winter, flocks of migratory birds swoop around the boats on the Ganga — one of Varanasi's most joyful morning sights.
When the cold sets in, Varanasi gets winter visitors from far to the north. Flocks of migratory birds — locals simply call them "Siberian birds" — make the Ganga their home for the season, wheeling over the water and chasing boats each morning. By the time the heat returns, they are gone.
Look for them from roughly November to February, sometimes lingering into early March. They are liveliest in the first hours after dawn, so a sunrise ride is the best way to see them up close.
Book a sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat, watch Subah-e-Banaras, and enjoy the birds on the way. Carry a warm jacket — winter mornings on the river are cold. It's also a favourite for photographers.
Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides
