Varanasi Hotels

Top reasons to visit Varanasi

• Ancient Temples: Varanasi is renowned for its historic temples that showcase the city's rich spirituality and architecture.
• Sacred Ganges Experience: Enjoy serene rowing on the Ganges, an essential part of Varanasi's cultural identity.
• Vibrant Markets: Explore bustling markets offering local handicrafts, reflecting the city's artistic heritage.
• Culinary Delights: Savour the diverse and rich culinary offerings that Varanasi has to offer.
• Charming Accommodations: Choose from a range of delightful guesthouses and hotels for a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels in Varanasi

Discover a range of delightful accommodations in Varanasi, from charming guesthouses to comfortable hotels catering to both business and leisure travellers. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly stay or a family-friendly environment, Varanasi offers options like the Varanasi Inn and Hilton Varanasi. Explore hostels for a budget-friendly experience or indulge in the city's unique hospitality, ensuring a memorable visit to this spiritual and cultural hub.

• Taj Ganges, Varanasi: Nestled in the serene surroundings of Varanasi, the 5-star Taj Ganges offers an exquisite blend of luxury and comfort. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this hotel is ideal for families and pet lovers alike. Its spa-themed amenities include a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and in-room massages, ensuring a perfect retreat for relaxation. Families will appreciate the thoughtful children’s amenities, such as babysitting services and free cribs, while pets are also welcome with specific provisions. The blend of modern convenience and traditional hospitality makes Taj Ganges a quintessential choice for a memorable stay.
• Hotel Alka: A charming 3-star accommodation, Hotel Alka is favoured by business travellers and beach enthusiasts. Conveniently located with direct access to the beach, this hotel provides a refreshing atmosphere where guests can unwind after a day of exploration. Ideal for those on a business trip, it offers essential facilities while maintaining a warm and inviting ambiance. Guests can enjoy the local culture and scenic views, making it a practical choice for both relaxation and work.
• Hotel Clarks: Representing the epitome of elegance, Hotel Clarks is a distinguished 5-star property in Varanasi designed for discerning travellers seeking luxury and convenience. This hotel features sophisticated amenities tailored for business professionals, ensuring a seamless experience during your stay. Its prime location allows easy access to key attractions, while its refined dining options and well-appointed rooms create an environment of comfort and sophistication. Hotel Clarks stands as a premier choice for those looking to indulge in a luxurious getaway.

Where to stay in Varanasi

Varanasi, a vibrant tapestry of culture and history, invites you to explore its enchanting ghats and bustling markets. Delight in the essence of Varanasi as you meander along the sacred Ganges, indulge in shopping adventures for local handicrafts, and savour the city’s rich culinary offerings. With a blend of budget-friendly and trendy experiences, this ancient city promises an enjoyable journey through its captivating streets, where every corner reveals a glimpse of its storied past.

• Godaulia: Nestled around the bustling heart of Varanasi, Godaulia is a vibrant neighbourhood that encapsulates the essence of Indian culture. With a moderately seasonal influx of tourists, particularly peaking between June and August, visitors flock here for its rich cultural experiences and scenic views. The area is known for its educational attractions, while nearby temples and monuments add to its charm. Godaulia serves as a gateway to the spiritual and historical treasures that Varanasi has to offer, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both tranquillity and adventure.
• Sarnath: Located a short distance from Varanasi, Sarnath is a serene village steeped in history, renowned as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Unlike other areas, Sarnath enjoys a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peaks in February, September, and December. The village's cultural richness is reflected in its stunning temples and ancient monuments, providing a peaceful retreat for those interested in spirituality and history. Sarnath's tranquil atmosphere and profound significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
• Lanka: Another lively neighbourhood in close proximity to Varanasi, Lanka is a hub of activity, particularly popular among students and scholars due to its historic college university. While it sees a consistent stream of visitors, peak times occur in February, July, and September. The area's cultural and scenic offerings are complemented by its nearby monuments and temples, inviting exploration and reflection. Lanka's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its educational venues, provides a unique experience for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Things to do in Varanasi

Shopping

In Varanasi, explore vibrant markets like Vishwanath Gali for handcrafted items and local textiles. If you're up for a drive, head to Mall of Varanasi, where you can find modern shops and eateries alongside traditional offerings.

Recreation

In Varanasi, the Ayurvedic Healing Centre offers personalised treatments using traditional techniques, promoting relaxation and balance. Nearby, Anand Kendra provides yoga sessions and meditation classes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the city while rejuvenating the mind and body.

Adventure

Experience the vibrant Ganges River by taking a thrilling boat ride at dawn, witnessing the mesmerising sunrise over the ghats. For a unique adventure, join a cycling tour through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, discovering hidden temples and local markets while immersing yourself in the city’s rich culture.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife in Varanasi offers a unique blend of cultural experiences. Enjoy a serene evening by the Ganges with a Ganga Aarti ceremony, or explore local cafes like the Brown Bread Bakery for a relaxed vibe. For live music, head to the open-air venues near Assi Ghat, where the atmosphere is lively.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Varanasi

To save money during your visit to Varanasi, consider travelling in the off-peak months of May, June, and August when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions like Sant Ravidas Ghat and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Use auto-rickshaws and boats for affordable transport. For the best hotel deals, book about a month in advance, preferably on a Sunday, and explore packages on Expedia that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Utilise the search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options for a cost-effective stay.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Varanasi are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to October to December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Varanasi about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Varanasi is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Varanasi is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by combining your hotel stay in Varanasi with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Varanasi

Varanasi offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of history and scenery. Key attractions include its renowned temples, historic buildings, and sites that reflect the city's deep heritage. Explore central Varanasi to fully immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and discover the unique charm this city has to offer.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasts intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, witness rituals, and experience the local culture that thrives around this sacred site.
• Dasaswamedh Ghat: Known for its stunning scenery, this ghat is a bustling waterfront where locals and tourists gather. Enjoy the picturesque views, take a boat ride on the Ganges, and witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset, which offers a truly unique visual spectacle.
• Assi Ghat: A historic site buzzing with cultural energy, Assi Ghat is famous for its morning rituals and vibrant local life. Engage with street vendors, enjoy traditional music, and take in the serene atmosphere along the riverbank, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.

Best time to go to Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Varanasi falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Varanasi falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	80.8°F (27.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	91.4°F (33.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
May	95.9°F (35.5°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	95.4°F (35.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	87.8°F (31.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	85.5°F (29.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	84.2°F (29.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	73.9°F (23.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	66.0°F (18.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Varanasi

Flying into Varanasi is convenient via Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), situated 19.3km from the city. Recommended hotels nearby include the 5-star Taj Ganges and Hotel Clarks, both 17.7km away, offering various airport transportation services. The 3-star Hotel Vikram Palace is also a good option, located 16.1km from the airport. Alternatively, Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) is 165.8km away, with nearby hotels such as the 3-star Manas Continental and 4-star Radisson Blu, providing accessible transport. Allahabad Airport (IXD), located 125.5km from Varanasi, has options like the Grand Continental Hotel , 9.7km away, ensuring convenient travel for visitors.