Varanasi
(Uttar Pradesh)
Introduction
Varanasi — the spiritual capital of India — is one of the world’s oldest living cities, where life, faith, rituals, devotion, and culture flow continuously along the sacred Ganga.
Here, mornings begin with golden sunrises on the ghats, days unfold through ancient temples & narrow lanes, and evenings glow with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
From the grand Kashi Vishwanath Temple, vibrant ghats like Dashashwamedh, peaceful boat rides, silk markets, yogis, rituals, cremation ghats, to the divine aura that fills the air — Varanasi is a city that transforms every visitor spiritually.
Varanasi is not just a destination; it is an experience of soul, culture, and eternal peace.
Quick Info Box
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Uttar Pradesh, North India |
| Best Time to Visit | October–March |
| Ideal Duration | 2–4 Days |
| Famous For | Ghats, temples, Ganga Aarti, spirituality |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport |
| Railway Stations | Varanasi Junction, Kashi Station |
| Local Transport | Autos, e-rickshaws, taxis, boats |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupees |
City Overview
Varanasi is the beating spiritual heart of India — a place where traditions thousands of years old are still alive today. It is divided into:
Old City (Kashi)
Narrow lanes, temples, ghats & traditional life.
Riverfront / Ghats
Boat rides, Ganga Aarti, rituals & scenic mornings.
New Varanasi
Hotels, markets, cafes & wide roads.
Varanasi is ancient culture, faith, river beauty & spiritual serenity.
Top 11 Attractions in Varanasi
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Famous For: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Timings: Open all 7 days; 3 AM – 11 PM
Expanded Description:This iconic temple is the heart of Varanasi. The golden-domed shrine attracts millions of devotees yearly. The temple’s energy, chants, and rituals create an atmosphere of pure devotion.
Tips:Visit early morning. Dress modestly. Mobile phones must be stored in lockers.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Famous For: Evening Ganga Aarti
Timings: Open 24 hrs; Aarti at 6:30 PM
Expanded Description: One of the most vibrant ghats, known for its grand Aarti performed by priests with lamps, chants, and drums.
Tips: Arrive 1 hour earlier for a good view. Boat seating offers the best experience.
3. Assi Ghat
Famous For: Morning Subah-e-Banaras Program
Timings: Open daily; 4 AM – 10 PM
Expanded Description: A peaceful and spacious ghat where morning yoga, prayers, and classical music performances create a soothing atmosphere.
Tips: Perfect for sunrise boat rides and photography.
4. Sarnath
Famous For: Buddhist pilgrimage site; Dhamek Stupa
Timings: Open daily; 8 AM – 7 PM
Expanded Description: Located 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. It features stupas, monasteries, and museums.
Tips: Hire a guide for historical understanding.
5. Manikarnika Ghat
Famous For: Oldest cremation ghat
Timings: Open daily; 5 AM – 6 PM
Expanded Description: A place that showcases the deep spiritual belief of life and death in Hindu culture. Photography is prohibited.
Tips: Respect privacy of rituals. Do not record videos.
6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Famous For: Vishwanath Temple (New Kashi Vishwanath), green campus
Timings: Open daily; 6 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description: One of Asia’s largest universities, known for its calm atmosphere and historic campus.
Tips: Visit the central temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
7. Ramnagar Fort
Famous For: 17th-century fort and museum
Timing: Open daily; 10 AM – 5 PM
Expanded Description: Located across the Ganga, this sandstone fort showcases royal collections, vintage cars, and weapons.
Tips: Combine visit with sunset views near the fort.
8. Tulsi Manas Temple
Famous For: Walls engraved with Ramcharitmanas verses
Timings: Open daily; 5 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description: A beautiful white-marble temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Tips: Visit early morning for peaceful darshan.
9. Bharat Mata Temple
Famous For: Unique map of undivided India made in marble
Timings: Open daily; 10 AM – 8 PM
Expanded Description: Features no deities; dedicated to Mother India. A rare place celebrating nationalism and unity.
Tips: Good for quick visits and photography.
10. Godowlia Market
Famous For: Banarasi sarees, handicrafts
Timings: Open daily; 10 AM – 9 PM
Expanded Description: The most famous market of Varanasi, filled with silk shops, handicrafts, local snacks, and jewelry.
Tips: Bargain politely. Carry cash for small shops.
11. Boat Ride on the Ganga
Famous For: Sunrise & sunset experiences
Timings: Available daily; Sunrise – best time
Expanded Description: A boat ride gives a panoramic view of ghats, temples, and rituals — a must-do in Varanasi.
Tips: Choose a manual boat over motorboats for a peaceful ride.
Best Cafés & Local Eateries
1. Blue Lassi Shop
Best for: Thick lassis in clay cups
Tip: Try the mango & dry fruit lassi.
2. Kashi Chat Bhandar
Best for: Tamatar chaat, tikki, golgappe
Tip: Evenings are crowded but fun.
3. Annapurna Bhojanalaya
Best for: Satvik thali meals
Tip: Affordable & clean.
How to Reach
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Spiritual Start
Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
Dashashwamedh Ghat Walk
Evening Ganga Aarti
Street Food Night
Day 2: Heritage + Culture
Assi Ghat Morning Program
BHU Campus
Tulsi Manas Temple
Durga Kund
Godowlia Market Shopping
Day 3: Nearby Attractions
Sarnath
Ramnagar Fort
Sunset Boat Ride
Café Hopping
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600–2000/night |
| Food | 200–500/day |
| Local Travel | 100–300/day |
| Boat Ride | ₹100 – ₹500 |
| Shopping | Optional |
Hidden Gems of Varanasi
1. Nepali Temple
Traditional wooden Nepalese architecture near Lalita Ghat.
2. Kedar Ghat
Less crowded ghat with peaceful views.
3. Reewa Ghat
Quiet ghat with artistic vibes..