Varanasi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
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 kilometres) 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

Default Image

Lanka

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

Lanka
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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
Default Image

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 Hanuman Ghat and Tulsi Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
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 ₹7,500 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹7,500
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Varanasi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat are ...
7.4/10 Good! (280 reviews)
"Spacious rooms excellent service cleanliness good ambience"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV 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 ₹11,500 per night from 30 May to 31 May
₹11,500
per night
30 May - 31 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.8/10 Excellent! (346 reviews)
"It was all good"

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Taj Ganges, Varanasi
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - By the Ganges
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - By the Ganges
4.5 out of 5
Munshi Ghat, Near Dashaswamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹20,699 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹20,699
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 24-hour room service.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (160 reviews)
"Stay was great and enjoyed the service."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - By the Ganges
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 ...
Garden villa Banaras
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

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.

Cities near Varanasi