Varanasi Travel Guide

The main ghat on the Ganges, famous for its grand Ganga Aarti every evening, draws thousands for its spiritual spectacle.

• Location: Central Varanasi, near Vishwanath Temple

• Best Time to Visit: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM for Ganga Aarti; sunrise for rituals.

• Tips: Arrive early for aarti seating; hire a boat for water views (₹200–₹500).

• Entry Fee: Free; boat rides extra.

• Timings: Open 24/7; aarti at 6:30 PM daily.

A revered Jyotirlinga temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its golden spire and spiritual significance.

• Location: 0.5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Tips: Book online darshan (₹300–₹500) via shrikashivishwanath.org to skip queues; dress modestly.

• Entry Fee: Free; special darshan extra.

• Timings: 3:00 AM–11:00 PM; closed during special pujas and festivals.

A serene ghat at the Ganges’ southern end, ideal for sunrise boat rides and cultural events like Subah-e-Banaras.

• Location: 3 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Tip: Join the morning rituals at 5:00 AM for a quieter experience.

• Entry Fee: Free; boat rides ₹200–₹400.

• Timings: Open 24/7.

Varanasi’s primary cremation ghat, where Hindu funerals occur around the clock, symbolizes the impermanence of life.

• Location: 1 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Tips: Maintain respect; photography is discouraged.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: Open 24/7.

A historic Buddhist site 10 km from Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon, featuring stupas and museums.

• Location: Sarnath, 10 km from Varanasi

• Tips: Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Archaeological Museum; ideal for a half-day trip.

• Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners (museum extra).

• Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

A sprawling campus with the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and New Vishwanath Temple, blending education and culture.

• Location: 5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Tips: Explore the museum’s artifacts; visit the temple for peace.

• Entry Fee: Free; museum ₹20 for Indians, ₹250 for foreigners.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (museum); temple 4:00 AM–8:00 PM.

A 17th-century Mughal fort across the Ganges, housing a museum with royal artifacts and vintage cars.

• Location: 8 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, across the Ganges

• Tips: Take a boat to reach; visit during Ram Lila (October).

• Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹150 for foreigners.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

A historic hilltop fort 40 km from Varanasi, offering Ganges views and tales of Mughal and British rule.

• Location: Chunar, 40 km from Varanasi

• Tips: Combine with a Sarnath day trip; hire a taxi (₹1,500–₹2,000).

• Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners.

• Timings: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

A bustling market near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, offering silk sarees, handicrafts, and street food.

• Location: 0.3 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Tips: Bargain for 20–40% off; visit evenings for vibrant energy.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

It is worth visiting Varanasi to experience India’s vibrant colors, rich traditions, and diverse culture.

Visitors come to this place to bathe in the Ganges River, make offerings at the ghats, and worship at ancient temples.

There are a total of 88 ghats in Varanasi, and each of the ghats has a story to tell of devotion and life.

People there will be seen lighting lamps, singing prayers, and even holding funerals along the river.

There are sweet shops, silk men, and priests everywhere, and those are the narrow streets which are alive.

You will be able to purchase a beautiful Banaras silk saree, savor a paan, or sit and watch people go about their daily rituals.

Diwali Deepawali adds to the city’s magic as thousands of diyas are lit up all over the ghats.

Quote: Just as in Varanasi, the sunrise seems like a blessing, and the street tells the stories of the past.

Varanasi is not just a tourist destination; it is an experience that remains in your heart forever.

Varanasi will give you the water-based pleasure just like Udaipur does through the river Ganges.

A Ganges boat ride early in the morning is another option: reports suggest you need to leave at around 5:00 AM to start from Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat at sunrise.

It is a 1-2 hour boat ride, costing 200-500 rupees per person, which offers a view of priests chanting, people praying, and the gradual rise of the sun.

The golden rays on the water and the bells ringing are a relaxing start to your day.

Then there is the Ganga Aarti Cultural Performance at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which takes place at 6:30 PM.

It can be viewed freely, or a seat or boat can be taken up (300-600 rupees) to view it.

The zeal will lighten up your heart with the chants, the fire, and the lamps in the aarti.

Additionally, consider attending a Heritage Walk, such as the one in Udaipur.

Just stroll around the ancient streets and take a tour of the temples, stores, and markets.

They are morning tours ( 800?1500) that offer you the legends about the past and the culture of Kashi.

Finally, do a Banarasi food tour/ cooking lesson.

Take cooking lessons taught by local chefs and learn to make kachori, lassi, and Banarasi paan in 2-3 hours.

These fun activities can be booked through existing and certified websites, or you can book with driverindiaprivatetour.com to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.

Varanasi boasts a diverse food scene, which is one of the reasons people enjoy the city.

You should not leave out kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat, thandai, and of course, the special Banarasi paan.

Sweet malaiyo, rabri, and jalebi taste delicious at Blue Lassi Shop, located near Manikarnika Ghat.

In Assi Ghat, visit Brown Bread Bakery for healthy and international cuisine.

They offer organic food and Italian cuisine, and also host music nights.

Want to learn to cook?

Sign up for a cooking class where you will learn to prepare Indian vegetarian cuisine with a local family.

Its price is 1200-2500 rupees for 2-3 hours, and you get to taste your cooking!

Quote: Tastes of Varanasi linger on, so do its memories.

It can be a hot chai on the streets or a rich thali in one of the Varanasi dhabas, but food in the city speaks to your soul.

Varanasi is a pleasant shopping place and a colorful experience for every traveler.

The city is renowned for its Banarasi silk sarees, handcrafted jewelry, brassware, and wooden toys.

Shop like a local in Godowlia Market, Chowk, and Thatheri Bazaar.

Purchase a saree in a store owned by the family, and witness how they manually weave it in their stores.

There are also small presents available, such as Rudraksha beads, sandalwood idols, and incense sticks.

When you’re a music enthusiast, consider purchasing sitars or tablas in Dashashwamedh Lane, where musicians often shop.

Always be prepared to negotiate and bring cash with you, as small shops may not accept cards.

Varanasi is not the place to shop; it is the place where things are made with love, where you can meet the people who create them.

Take away a snippet of the Indian culture, in a package of smiles and silk.

Luxury:

• • BrijRama Palace (0.2 km from the ghat): A heritage palace on the Ganges with river views and fine dining. Approx. ₹15,000–₹25,000 per night.
• • Taj Nadesar Palace (3 km from the ghat): Royal retreat with lush gardens and a spa. Approx. ₹20,000–₹35,000 per night.

Mid-Range:

• • Hotel Ganges View (0.3 km from the ghat): Heritage hotel with Ganges-facing rooms and rooftop dining. Approx. ₹4,000–₹8,000 per night.
• • Suryauday Haveli (0.2 km from the ghat): Cozy stay with traditional decor and aarti views. Approx. ₹3,500–₹7,000 per night.

Budget:

• • Hotel Alka (0.1 km from the ghat): Simple rooms with ghat proximity and vegetarian dining. Approx. ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night.

Tips: Book early for the peak season (October–March) or Dev Deepawali; choose river-facing rooms for the best aarti views.

Kedareswar Homestay (Assi Ghat, Rating: 4.7/5): Riverside stay with home-cooked meals and cultural insights. Approx. ₹1,500–₹3,500 per night.

Marigold Guest House (0.5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rating: 4.6/5): Cozy rooms with Ganges views and warm hospitality. Approx. ₹1,200–₹3,000 per night.

Shiva Ganges View (Assi Ghat, Rating: 4.5/5): Traditional ambiance with rooftop cafe and boat ride access. Approx. ₹1,000–₹2,500 per night.

Tips: Homestays offer authentic Banarasi experiences. Confirm Wi-Fi and river views before booking. Check Booking.com for reviews.

Zostel Varanasi (Assi Ghat, Rating: 4.8/5): Vibrant hostel with dorms, private rooms, and rooftop cafe. Approx. ₹500–₹1,200 per night (dorm), ₹2,000–₹3,500 (private).

Moustache Hostel Varanasi (0.5 km from Dashashwamedh Ghat, Rating: 4.7/5): Social vibe with cultural events and Ganges views. Approx. ₹450–₹1,000 per night (dorm).

The Hosteller Varanasi (1 km from Assi Ghat, Rating: 4.6/5): Modern dorms with a travel desk and bonfire nights. Approx. ₹400–₹900 per night (dorm).

Tips: Book early for festivals, ensure locker availability, and consider this ideal for backpackers.

Dolphin Restaurant (0.2 km from the ghat): Riverside vegetarian dining with Ganges views, serving Banarasi thalis. Approx. ₹300–₹600 per person.

Brown Bread Bakery (Assi Ghat): Organic cafe with lassi, pizzas, and Banarasi sweets. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

Kashi Chat Bhandar (0.3 km from the ghat): Famous for tamatar chaat and Banarasi paan. Approx. ₹150–₹400 per person.

The Bread of Life Restaurant (Assi Ghat): Multi-cuisine with vegan options and river views. Approx. ₹250–₹550 per person.

Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe (Assi Ghat): Rooftop with Ganges views, serving pizzas and Indian dishes. Approx. ₹200–₹500 per person.

Tips: Reserve river-facing tables, specify your vegetarian or spice preferences, and try Banarasi specialties.

Popular Shopping Items:

• • Banarasi silk sarees and dupattas are famous for their intricate weaves.
• • Handicrafts like wooden toys, brass idols, and Ganesha statues.
• • Beads and jewelry, including rudraksha malas and silver bangles.
• • Local sweets, such as peda and Banarasi paan kits.
• • Musical instruments like the sitar and tabla are often favored by cultural enthusiasts.

Top Markets:

• • Godowlia Market (0.3 km from the ghat): Silk sarees, handicrafts, and street food; bargain for 20–40% off.
• • Vishwanath Gali (0.2 km from the ghat): Religious items, jewelry, and Banarasi textiles.
• • Chowk Market (1 km from the ghat): Spices, sweets, and traditional crafts.

Tips: Verify saree authenticity; visit during evenings for vibrant energy.

Must-Try Dishes:

• • Tamatar Chaat: Spicy tomato-based snack with crispy toppings.
• • Kachori Sabzi: Deep-fried pastry with lentil filling and potato curry.
• • Banarasi Paan: Betel leaf with sweet-spicy fillings.
• • Malaiyo: Frothy saffron milk dessert, winter specialty.
• • Lassi: Creamy yogurt drink, sweet or salted.

Best Spots for Street Food:

• • Godowlia Market: Stalls for kachori and tamatar chaat.
• • Vishwanath Gali: Known for paan and lassi.
• • Assi Ghat: Evening stalls for malaiyo and chaat.

Tips: Choose stalls with high foot traffic for freshness; avoid monsoons (July–September); carry bottled water.

Ganges Sunrise Boat Ride: Witness ghats and rituals at dawn (₹200–₹500, book via driverindiaprivatetour.com).

Ganga Aarti Viewing: Experience the nightly ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat (free, 6:30 PM).

Heritage Walk in Old Varanasi: Explore lanes and temples (₹800–₹1,500 via Varanasi Heritage Walks).

Culinary Workshop: Learn Banarasi dishes at Brown Bread Bakery (₹1,200–₹2,500).

Sarnath Day Trip: Visit Buddhist stupas and museums (₹1,000–₹2,000 with taxi).

Tips: Book through Viator or Varanasi Tourism; wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes; respect ghat customs.

Festivals: Celebrate Dev Deepawali (November) or Maha Shivratri (February–March) for illuminated ghats and rituals.

Cuisine: Savor Banarasi dishes like tamatar chaat, kachori, and malaiyo at local eateries.

Music and Dance: Enjoy classical music concerts or Dhrupad performances at venues like Assi Ghat.

Silk Weaving Tours: Visit weaver homes in Chowk to see Banarasi saree craftsmanship (book via local guides).

Tips: Dress modestly for temples; book cultural events during festivals for a vibrant experience.

How to Reach:

By Air: Reach Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (25 Cms away).

Train: There is a train to Varanasi junction, which is only 3 km away, that heads towards the main ghats.

Road: The route by road is via NH19, either to Agra (600 km) or Lucknow (300 km).

Local Travel:

Use auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, or app cabs like Ola.

Scout to rent out a scooter at 500/day, in case you prefer to go where you want.

Helpful Tips:

Have money on hand in case of market fluctuations and tips.

Never drink water from sources other than bottles, and avoid eating at establishments with unhygienic conditions.

You should dress decently when attending temples and ghats.

Stay away from any tout and book your travel or tours through driverindiaprivatetour.com.

Be safe and remember to consider the local culture. Also, don’t forget to take sunscreen and a hat with you when you spend time outside during the day.

In Varanasi, when you visit, you should accept the local practices and comply with the local etiquette.

You should be barefoot when entering temples, and you should cover your head if necessary.

Do not take pictures at Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations take place.

Women who travel or visit the country are advised to dress modestly and avoid wandering at night.

Always have a copy of your guide/group’s information with you, as well as your identification.

Carry minimal clothing, drink water at regular intervals, and wear sunblock during the day for sightseeing.

Where you are in doubt, consult your guide or the hotel.

The safety problems for tourists are related to health, because there is nothing to be afraid of.

However, like everywhere in crowded places, you should keep a close eye on your wallet and phone in the markets.

When you are at Varanasi, please do visit nearby sacred locations:

Sarnath (10 km): See where the first sermon of Buddha was given.

Ayodhya (200 km): Visiting old temples and the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi.

Prayagraj (120 km): Watch the sacred Triveni Sangam, where the three rivers converge.

These are places of peace, beauty, and grand narratives about India’s past.

These are places where you can visit on a day trip with the assistance of driverindiaprivatetour.com.

Varanasi does not just provide you with a holiday, but it also helps you adopt a different perspective on life.

Its holy ghats, spiritual vibes, and local culture remain forever.

See the sun rise on the boat, have the chaat with the locals, stroll around the streets filled with stories, and experience the soul of India in every nook.

Now, plan your tour with driverindiaprivatetour.com and get an impressive, cultural, and secure trip to Varanasi.

They also assist you in arranging a comprehensive Golden Triangle India tour, including a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise, making your India tour complete and unforgettable.