Varanasi

Travel Guide
Varanasi which includes religious elements
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

When in Lanka, you can plan a visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Sant Ravidas Ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lanka
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Godaulia

While Godaulia may 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.

Godaulia
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Sigra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sigra and surrounding area, you can visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat.

Sigra
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Mahmoorganj

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Mahmoorganj, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Harishchandra Ghat and Hanuman Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
Varanasi showing religious elements as well as an individual male

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

While Varanasi Nagar Nigam may 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 €111 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€111
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 20 Mar 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 €177 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
€177
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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 24 Mar 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 €131 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€131
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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 26 Feb 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 26 Mar 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 Bharat Mata are located nearby. ...
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

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 3.3333333333333335%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 3.3333333333333335%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Feb 2020

Kashi is an ancient Hindu city with great history. Experience the spiritual fervour with with the awesome ghats ans great food like jalebis,chats,kachoris,and puri sabzi. Be also ready for crowded places and honking of vehicles.

5/5 - Excellent

ISABELLE
5 Jan 2020

An amazing experience with so much culture, and above all lovely people. Safe place to go to. December weather is dull, but all the colours people wear make this place shiny and beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Aug 2019

Familiar nature Interactive Helpful & Simplicity of the people of Varanasi

5/5 - Excellent

Abhiraj
13 Aug 2019

City of temple... lots of fun... very interesting sight seen..

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 May 2019

City is wonderful. Got a real feel of holiness

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Mar 2019

This hotel gives you feel of Dharmasthala initially. Small galis and less transport gives you bad feeling But if you visit Varanasi the you must have to visit near by area of this hotel. So it's good to stay here.