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Varanasi, known as Kashi or Banaras, is the spiritual heart of India. Set on the banks of the Ganges, the city of olden times is a cultural, traditional and religious centre. This Varanasi travel guide will walk you through Varanasi’s best places. Varanasi, with its ghats, temples and buzz, is a destination that blends tradition and religion. Whether you’re in search of comfort, cultural immersion or photography, this city has something for everyone. Explore this historical city to make some culturally rich memories.
Location
Photo: Ken Wieland / Wikimedia Commons
Varanasi lies on the western bank of the River Ganges in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is about 320 km south-east of Lucknow, the state capital, and about 800 km south of New Delhi. Varanasi is connected by road, rail and flight, and thus, it is easily reachable from everywhere.
How To Reach
Photo: kevin tsai / Wikimedia Commons
By Rail: Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (formerly Mughalsarai Junction) can help you reach Varanasi. These stations often have trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. The Vande Bharat Express and Rajdhani Express provide fast and convenient transportation. Taxis and local auto-rickshaws are provided outside the station for commuting in the city.
By Air: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi Airport) is about 25 km away from the city. It has domestic flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, as well as to Bangkok and Dubai. You can take a cab from the airport or use cab apps to get to the city.
By Road: Varanasi is connected to other cities by National Highways (NH 19 and NH 28). You can catch a bus or drive your own car to get there.
Varanasi Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit In And Around
Let’s explore some places to visit, suggested by this Varanasi travel guide, ranging from famous ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat to BHU:
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Photo: FlickreviewR / Wikimedia Commons
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most lively ghats in Varanasi. It is best known for Ganga Aarti, a magical ceremony conducted every evening to the delight of locals and tourists. The ghat creates a surreal space where spirituality, culture and the natural world unite. Priests perform the aarti with oil lamps while religious music and simultaneous chanting surround the spectators in an atmosphere that lights up the sky. Its mornings are just as magical as the ghat shimmers with the light of dawn. Pilgrims pray, offer flowers and prayer to the Ganges, or even take a holy dip to wash away their sins.
Location: Centrally located along the Ganges, close to Vishwanath Temple
Nearby Attractions: Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat
2. Assi Ghat
Photo: Akshay8090 / Wikimedia Commons
There is no better place to begin your day than Assi Ghat. Well-known for its quiet atmosphere and morning yoga, aartis are held at the ghat in the morning. It’s a great destination for those tourists who want to unwind and refresh themselves in the midst of nature and culture. Painters, poets and musicians come here to create a noisy but peaceful space. Guests can go for a boat ride from this ghat or simply sit on the banks of the river and just enjoy the peace.
Location: Southernmost ghat of Varanasi
Nearby Attractions: Tulsi Manas Mandir and Durga Temple
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Photo: Ashvin Kaitabhya / Wikimedia Commons
No visit to Varanasi is complete without getting blessings from Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is very important to Hindu devotees. According to tradition, going to this temple can liberate one’s soul from the cycle of birth and death. The magnificent spires of the temple shimmer with gold and provide a unique visual effect over the holy city. Even daily practices, such as Mangala Aarti, provide spiritual fuel to devotees. There are also shops selling religious relics, sweets and Banarasi silk in the temple’s little alleyways (Vishwanath Gali).
Location: Vishwanath Gali, accessible from Dashashwamedh Ghat
Nearby Attractions: Annapurna Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir
4. Sarnath
Photo: Yusuke Kawasaki / Wikimedia Commons
Only a half-hour drive away from Varanasi is Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after his enlightenment. This quiet place is sprinkled with stupas, serene temples and museum-quality exhibits that take you deeper into Buddhism and its history. The Ashokan Pillar, bearing the orders of the emperor Ashoka, was a symbol of India’s heritage. Guests can also visit the remnants of former monasteries, telling the tales of Buddhist monks and their intellectual activities. Meditations in the serene environment help travellers get connected to spirituality.
Location: Approximately 10 km from Varanasi
Nearby Attractions: Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Archaeological Museum
5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Photo: Kuber Patel, Rosehub / Wikimedia Commons
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is not only an educational establishment but also a cultural and architectural wonder that depicts Varanasi. Its expansive campus, which is more than 1,300 acres in size, is a confluence of old and new. Its campus houses one of its most famous attractions, the glorious New Vishwanath Temple. This is an architectural masterpiece in spiritual as well as pious splendour. The temple is crowded with pilgrims and devotees because of its high spires and serene atmosphere. In addition to this, BHU is also a cultural centre with several concerts, dance shows and art exhibitions conducted for music lovers from across the country.
Location: Near Lanka, Varanasi
Nearby Attractions: Bharat Kala Bhavan and Triveni Art Gallery (for contemporary art)
Where To Eat
Photo: Patrick Barry / Wikimedia Commons
Varanasi is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from street delicacies to fine dining experiences. The bustling Kachori Gali is famous for crispy kachoris paired with spicy sabzi. The Blue Lassi Shop, near Manikarnika Ghat, serves refreshing lassis in a variety of flavours. For sweet lovers, Rajbandhu in Vishwanath Gali offers authentic Indian sweets. Rooftop restaurants near Assi Ghat, such as Brown Bread Bakery, provide a mix of local and international dishes with stunning views of the Ganges.
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Varanasi offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxurious hotels. For a heritage experience, stay at Brij Rama Palace, located on Darbhanga Ghat. Travellers seeking modern comforts can opt for the Taj Ganges, known for its lush gardens and serene atmosphere. Budget travellers might prefer guesthouses like Ganpati Guest House, which offers scenic river views.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
On average, a 2 – 3 day trip to Varanasi can cost anywhere between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000 per person, excluding travel to and from the city.
Tips For Travellers:
- Visit between October to March for good weather and festivals.
- Local travel by cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws.
- Be modest while visiting temples and ghats, and dress properly.
- Try Banarasi paan, lassi and street chaats.
Varanasi is not only a city but a place that opens your heart. With a proper Varanasi travel guide, you can explore everything, whether it is its ghats and old temples, meditative retreats or bustling bazaars. The city offers an exquisite blend of faith, history and culture. So, if you are in search of knowledge or want to experience India’s past, Varanasi can leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Plan your trip to Varanasi now with TripXL for an enriching stay in this historic city.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
