bigtravelbuzzVaranasi, also known as Benares, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be a major spiritual and cultural hub of India.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
Some of the top things to do in Varanasi include:
Visit the Ghats: Varanasi is famous for its Ghats, which are a series of steps leading down to the River Ganges. These Ghats are an important religious and cultural center, and you can witness several religious rituals and ceremonies taking place here.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges: Taking a boat ride on the River Ganges is one of the best ways to experience Varanasi. You can watch the sunrise or sunset over the river and witness the daily life of the people living along the banks.
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places of worship for Hindus.
Visit the Sarnath Museum: Sarnath is a nearby town that is famous for its Buddhist heritage. The Sarnath Museum houses several artifacts and exhibits related to Buddhism and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Try the local cuisine: Varanasi is famous for its street food and local cuisine. Be sure to try the famous chaat, lassi, and thandai.
Attend the Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is a religious ceremony that takes place every evening on the Ghats of Varanasi. It is a beautiful and mesmerizing experience that you should not miss.
Overall, Varanasi is a city that is steeped in culture and tradition. It offers a unique and immersive experience that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Best Time To Visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, which is the winter season in India. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with the temperature ranging from 5°C to 15°C, making it the perfect time to explore the city and its attractions. The monsoon season in Varanasi starts in July and lasts until September, which can be very humid and rainy, making it difficult to explore the city. The summer months, from April to June, can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 45°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the city. Therefore, the winter season is the ideal time to visit Varanasi, with pleasant weather and several festivals and cultural events taking place during this time, making it a great time to experience the city’s rich culture and traditions.
Things to Do in Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Benares, is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered to be a major spiritual and cultural hub of India. Here are some of the top things to do in Varanasi:
Visit the Ghats: Varanasi is famous for its Ghats, which are a series of steps leading down to the River Ganges. These Ghats are an important religious and cultural center, and you can witness several religious rituals and ceremonies taking place here.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges: Taking a boat ride on the River Ganges is one of the best ways to experience Varanasi. You can watch the sunrise or sunset over the river and witness the daily life of the people living along the banks.
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places of worship for Hindus.
Visit the Sarnath Museum: Sarnath is a nearby town that is famous for its Buddhist heritage. The Sarnath Museum houses several artifacts and exhibits related to Buddhism and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Try the local cuisine: Varanasi is famous for its street food and local cuisine. Be sure to try the famous chaat, lassi, and thandai.
Attend the Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is a religious ceremony that takes place every evening on the Ghats of Varanasi. It is a beautiful and mesmerizing experience that you should not miss.
Explore the old city: Varanasi’s old city is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with old buildings and temples. Exploring this area on foot is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
Visit the Banaras Hindu University: The Banaras Hindu University is one of the most prestigious universities in India and is located in Varanasi. The campus is home to several museums and galleries, and you can also visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which houses an impressive collection of Indian art and artifacts.
Visit the Ramnagar Fort: The Ramnagar Fort is located on the banks of the Ganges and is a great example of Mughal architecture. It houses several museums and exhibits related to the history of Varanasi and the surrounding region.
Attend a cultural event: Varanasi is known for its rich cultural heritage, and several cultural events and festivals take place throughout the year. Be sure to check the calendar of events and attend a cultural event during your visit.
Overall, Varanasi is a city that is steeped in culture and tradition. It offers a unique and immersive experience that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
How to get around in Varanasi
Varanasi has a well-connected network of roads, railways, and waterways, making it easy to get around the city. Here are some ways to get around in Varanasi:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Varanasi. They are affordable, and you can easily hire them from any part of the city.
Cycle-rickshaws: Cycle-rickshaws are another popular mode of transportation in Varanasi, especially for short distances. They are affordable and can easily navigate through the narrow lanes of the old city.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Varanasi, and you can book them through online ride-hailing apps or from any taxi stand in the city.
Buses: Varanasi has a well-developed bus network, and you can take a bus to travel within the city or to nearby towns.
Boats: Boats are a popular mode of transportation in Varanasi, especially to explore the Ghats and the river. You can hire a boat from any of the Ghats, and they are also available for hire for longer journeys.
Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially the old city, which is a maze of narrow lanes and alleys. Walking tours are also available, and they provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s history and culture.
Overall, getting around in Varanasi is relatively easy, and there are several modes of transportation to choose from depending on your budget and preferences.
Where to eat in Varanasi
Varanasi is known for its delicious food and rich culinary heritage. Here are some of the best places to eat in Varanasi:
Kachori Gali: Kachori Gali is a famous street food lane in Varanasi, known for its delicious kachoris and other chaat items. It is located near the Godowlia intersection and is a must-visit for food lovers.
Baati Chokha: Baati Chokha is a popular restaurant in Varanasi that serves authentic Bihari cuisine. It is located near Assi Ghat and is known for its delicious baati, chokha, and litti.
Blue Lassi: Blue Lassi is a famous lassi shop located in the heart of the old city. It serves a variety of lassi flavors and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Varanasi.
Kashi Chat Bhandar: Kashi Chat Bhandar is a popular street food joint in Varanasi that is known for its delicious chaat items like papdi chaat, dahi bhalla, and samosas.
Brown Bread Bakery: Brown Bread Bakery is a cozy little bakery located in the old city of Varanasi. It serves a variety of freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries.
The Dining Room: The Dining Room is a popular restaurant in Varanasi that serves a variety of Indian and international cuisine. It is located in the Taj Hotel and offers a fine dining experience.
Deena Chat Bhandar: Deena Chat Bhandar is another popular street food joint in Varanasi that is known for its delicious chaat items like gol gappas, aloo tikki, and bhel puri.
Pizzeria Vatika Cafe: Pizzeria Vatika Cafe is a popular cafe located near Assi Ghat. It serves a variety of pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches and offers a cozy and relaxed ambiance.
Open Hand Cafe: Open Hand Cafe is a popular cafe located in the old city of Varanasi. It serves a variety of international cuisine and is known for its organic and sustainable practices.
Overall, Varanasi is a food lover’s paradise, and you will find several food joints and restaurants that serve delicious and authentic cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for its street food culture, and there are many street stalls and food vendors offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Varanasi:
Kachori Gali: Kachori Gali is a famous street food lane in Varanasi, known for its delicious kachoris and other chaat items.
Ram Bhandar: Ram Bhandar is a popular street food joint in Varanasi that is known for its delicious kachoris and sabzi.
Deena Chat Bhandar: Deena Chat Bhandar is a popular street food joint in Varanasi that is known for its delicious chaat items like gol gappas, aloo tikki, and bhel puri.
Kashi Chat Bhandar: Kashi Chat Bhandar is another popular street food joint in Varanasi that is known for its delicious chaat items like papdi chaat, dahi bhalla, and samosas.
Vishwanath Gali: Vishwanath Gali is a narrow lane in Varanasi that is lined with several street food vendors offering a variety of dishes like chaat, sweets, and snacks.
Blue Lassi: Blue Lassi is a famous lassi shop located in the heart of the old city. It serves a variety of lassi flavors and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Thandai Ghar: Kashi Vishwanath Thandai Ghar is a famous street stall in Varanasi that is known for its delicious thandai, a refreshing milk-based drink.
Pappu Tea Stall: Pappu Tea Stall is a popular tea stall in Varanasi that serves a variety of teas, including masala chai and ginger tea.
Overall, Varanasi is a food lover’s paradise, and you will find several street stalls and food vendors offering delicious and authentic cuisine.
Where to stay in Varanasi
Luxury accommodation
Varanasi is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of luxury accommodations for visitors. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Varanasi:
Taj Nadesar Palace: Taj Nadesar Palace is a luxurious heritage property located in the heart of Varanasi. It offers elegantly designed rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a range of dining options.
Brijrama Palace: Brijrama Palace is another luxurious heritage property located on the banks of the Ganges river in Varanasi. It offers well-appointed rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, a spa, and an in-house restaurant.
Suryauday Haveli: Suryauday Haveli is a luxurious boutique hotel located on the banks of the Ganges river in Varanasi. It offers beautifully designed rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, and an in-house restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.
Radisson Hotel Varanasi: Radisson Hotel Varanasi is a modern luxury hotel located in the Cantonment area of Varanasi. It offers well-appointed rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a range of dining options.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges: The Gateway Hotel Ganges is a luxurious hotel located on the banks of the Ganges river in Varanasi. It offers elegantly designed rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa, and an in-house restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.
Overall, Varanasi has several luxury accommodations that offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Where to stay in Varanasi
Budget accommodation
Varanasi is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of budget accommodations for visitors. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Varanasi:
Zostel Varanasi: Zostel Varanasi is a popular budget hostel located in the heart of the city. It offers dormitory-style and private rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a communal kitchen.
Stops Hostel Varanasi: Stops Hostel Varanasi is another popular budget hostel located near the Assi Ghat. It offers dormitory-style and private rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a communal kitchen.
Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast: Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast is a budget guesthouse located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It offers well-appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace, and complimentary breakfast.
Ganpati Guest House: Ganpati Guest House is a budget guesthouse located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It offers well-appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace, and an in-house restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.
Hotel Alka: Hotel Alka is a budget hotel located on the banks of the Ganges river. It offers well-appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace, and an in-house restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine.
Overall, Varanasi has several budget accommodations that offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and affordable stay.
Travel Tips Varanasi
Here are some travel tips for visiting Varanasi:
Dress appropriately: Varanasi is a spiritual city, so it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Be prepared for crowds: Varanasi is a busy city, and many of the popular attractions can get crowded. Be prepared for large crowds, especially during festivals and religious ceremonies.
Respect local customs and traditions: Varanasi has a rich cultural and religious heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Take off your shoes before entering temples and other religious sites, and avoid touching offerings and other sacred objects.
Be cautious when shopping: Varanasi is known for its silk saris and other handicrafts, but be cautious when shopping. Stick to reputable stores and be prepared to haggle for prices.
Be cautious when eating street food: Varanasi has a vibrant street food scene, but be cautious when eating street food. Stick to food that is freshly cooked and avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Take a boat ride on the Ganges: Taking a boat ride on the Ganges river is a must-do activity in Varanasi. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and experience the spiritual significance of the river.
Hire a guide: Varanasi has a rich history and culture, and hiring a guide can help you get a deeper understanding of the city’s traditions and customs.
Be aware of scams: Like many tourist destinations, Varanasi has its share of scams. Be cautious of people offering to take you to special ceremonies or events, and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Respect the environment: Varanasi is a beautiful city, and it’s important to respect the environment. Don’t litter, and avoid using single-use plastics.
Be prepared for the heat: Varanasi can get very hot, especially in the summer months. Be prepared with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.