Explore Varanasi

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Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. ― Google

🌊 Varanasi Travel Guide

Known for: Ancient ghats on the Ganges, spiritual rituals, Hindu pilgrimage, vibrant culture, and history
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India — on the banks of the Ganges River
Elevation: ~80 meters (262 ft)

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • October to March (Winter):
    ✅ Pleasant temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and boat rides
    ✅ Major festivals like Diwali, Dev Deepawali, and Makar Sankranti

  • April to June (Summer):
    🔥 Very hot and humid, temperatures soaring up to 45°C — early mornings only

  • July to September (Monsoon):
    🌧️ Heavy rains, but the city is lush and less crowded

🛣️ How to Get There:

  • ✈️ By Air:

    • Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) – Domestic flights connecting major Indian cities

  • 🚆 By Train:

    • Major railway station Varanasi Junction (BSB) with connections from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and others

  • 🚗 By Road:

    • Well-connected by highways; buses and taxis available from nearby cities

🌟 Top Attractions:

🌅 Ghats of Varanasi:

  • Over 80 ghats line the Ganges River, each with unique rituals and history

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Main ghat, vibrant evening Ganga Aarti ceremony

  • Manikarnika Ghat: Most famous cremation ghat — spiritual significance of life and death

  • Assi Ghat: Popular for boat rides and local cultural events

🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

  • One of the most sacred Shiva temples in India

  • Located near the ghats, important pilgrimage site

🕌 Sarnath:

  • Just 10 km from Varanasi

  • Where Buddha gave his first sermon

  • Archaeological museum and stupas

🛶 Boat Ride on the Ganges:

  • Sunrise boat rides offer breathtaking views of morning rituals and temples

🎨 Activities to Do:

  • Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening

  • Explore the narrow alleys and vibrant markets selling silk sarees and handicrafts

  • Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum at Banaras Hindu University

  • Attend spiritual discourses or yoga sessions

  • Try local street foods like Banarasi paan, kachori, tamatar chaat

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

  • Taj Nadesar Palace – Heritage hotel with lush gardens

  • BrijRama Palace – Riverside palace hotel with historic charm

Mid-range:

  • Hotel Surya

  • Radisson Hotel Varanasi

Budget:

  • Zostel Varanasi

  • Pandra Hotel

  • Ganpati Guest House

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Foods:

  • Banarasi Chaat – Sweet and spicy snacks

  • Lassi – Thick yogurt drink, often topped with malai (cream)

  • Kachori Sabzi and Tamatar Chaat

  • Banarasi Paan — famous mouth freshener

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Kashi Chat Bhandar – Popular street food spot

  • Blue Lassi Shop – Iconic for lassi near Assi Ghat

  • Dosa Cafe – South Indian specialties

  • Brown Bread Bakery – Fresh bakery and café options

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

  • One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, spiritual hub for Hindus

  • Strong traditions of music, classical arts, and festivals

  • Renowned for Banarasi silk sarees, exquisite weaving crafts

  • Daily life deeply connected to the Ganges River rituals

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • 🕉️ Dress modestly and respect local customs at temples and ghats

  • 🛶 Take boat rides with licensed operators only

  • 🥾 Comfortable footwear recommended for narrow, uneven lanes

  • 💧 Drink bottled water and avoid street ice

  • 📸 Ask permission before photographing locals, especially at cremation ghats