Varanasi

Travel Guide
Varanasi featuring religious aspects
Situated on the banks of the Ganges River is one of the oldest cities in the world, a sacred place for Hindus, filled with temples and holy sites.

For thousands of years, people have worshipped on the shores of the River Ganges at Varanasi. The ancient city is of great spiritual importance to Hindus because, according to legend, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati stood here at the beginning of time. It is an exciting place of temples, shrines and rituals on the western banks of the river.

A good way to understand the importance of the river to Hindus is to take a boat ride along the waterfront to see the ghats. These are the long stone steps that lead from the city's alleys down to the river. At any time you may see people praying, bathing and washing their clothes. Weddings, funerals and cremations are also conducted on the banks of the river.

In the evening, go to Dasaswamedh Ghat to see the nightly ritual where thousands of lamps float across the water. The ghat is close to the 18th-century Kasha Vishwanath Temple and to the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Tour the 18th-century science base and see instruments that once recorded the motion of stars. The observatory is on the roof of the palace of Man Mahal.

Varanasi has temples at just about every turn. As a general rule, non-Hindus are not permitted inside Hindu temples, but do visit some of the sanctuaries to appreciate their architecture. The white marble Tulsi Manas Temple is open to everyone. Step inside to see walls decorated with images from Hindu legends.

While Hinduism is the main religion in India, Varanasi is also sacred to Buddhists. Visit the small village of Sarnath, just outside the city, where Buddha first preached his message of peace. See ancient holy structures, such as the Dhamekh Stupa, which dates back to the 5th century. 

Being a place of religious significance to many Indians, Varanasi is well connected to many parts of the country by road, rail and air. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the nearest international airport, just 11 miles (18 kilometers) away.

When you see the temples and rituals along the waterfront, you'll understand why Varanasi is so special to many Indians.

Where to stay in Varanasi

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Lanka

Though Lanka might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Sant Ravidas Ghat.

Lanka
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Godaulia

While Godaulia isn't home to many top sights, JVH Mall and Kashi Vishwanath Temple are some notable places to visit nearby.

Godaulia
Morning river paddle on the Ganges, Varanasi.

Sigra

When in Sigra, you can plan a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sigra
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Mahmoorganj

Though Mahmoorganj might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Harishchandra Ghat and Hanuman Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
Varanasi which includes religious elements as well as an individual male

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

While Varanasi Nagar Nigam might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like JVH Mall and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam
DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi
DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi
4 out of 5
SA 2/320 Chhota Lalpur, Pandeypur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ¥14,866 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥14,866
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Varanasi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat ...
7.2/10 Good! (22 reviews)
"Very comfortable room, friendly and helpful staff. The bar is deserted, I was the only person in there for the two nights I stayed. I’m not surprised, the management need to look at the demographic of their guests. It was uninviting in my opinion because there was a TV turned up to almost full volume ..."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Taj Ganges, Varanasi
5 out of 5
Nadesar Palace Grounds, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,504 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
¥24,504
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Varanasi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
"Excellent staff, very nice property with adjacent grounds, good dining options showcasing local cuisine."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi
5 out of 5
The Mall, Cantonment, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ¥18,151 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥18,151
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Varanasi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and JVH Mall are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (276 reviews)
"NA"

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Garden villa Banaras
Garden villa Banaras
2 out of 5
B 27 96 A 1 B 21 22 Bhadeni, Durgakund Varanasi, Varanasi
Stay at this villa in Varanasi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat are located nearby. ...
Garden villa Banaras
Serene Stay 5bhk Luxury Villa Varanasi
Serene Stay 5bhk Luxury Villa Varanasi
Varanasi
Stay at this villa in Varanasi. Enjoy WiFi, 3 bathrooms, and 5 bedrooms. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"綺麗な場所、シャワーの水圧なども問題なく快適にすごせました。"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Serene Stay 5bhk Luxury Villa Varanasi
Only 1.5KM away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, My place resides in heart of Kashi
Only 1.5KM away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, My place resides in heart of Kashi
Varanasi
Stay at this vacation home in Varanasi. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bathrooms, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat are located ...
Only 1.5KM away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, My place resides in heart of Kashi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Varanasi

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
21
" "5 - Excellent 52.5%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 12.5%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 2.5%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 7.5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

Unique experience.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 31, 2020

I had good time in Varanasi . Boat ride and Aarati on river Ganga was excellent in evening. It’s more then 400 years old city , lots of visitors from all around world . Government is spending lots of time and money. Airport is very well built

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 9, 2019

Be prepared, Varanasi is not like anyplace we have been. It is a crowded, crazy and amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 22, 2019

It depends on what you are looking for- if a spiritual journey, then the chaos and the smells of a crowded city will not be a problem. If you are looking for anything else to just have comfort, may be you can go somewhere else.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Sep 4, 2019

This hotel is a rip off!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 30, 2019

Do not come in summer is very hot.

Cities near Varanasi