Jodhpur is a royal heritage city where you can explore blue alleys, savor authentic cuisine, and lose yourself in historical forts amidst desert sunsets.

Varanasi Tourism Known as the oldest living city in the world, Varanasi is called Banaras and Kashi It is also known as the ‘Spiritual Capital of India’ and a holy city of Hinduism. Boasting a rich cultural heritage, ancient monuments, world-famous river ghats, and ancient temples, Varanasi is a tourist destination for those who are keen to explore India at its best.

It is said that Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, and older than legend Banaras is known as the city of Lord Shiva and attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. Here is the Varanasi tourist guide with which you can get detailed information about this holy city Know about popular tourist attractions in Varanasi, what to do, how to reach them, and accommodation options in Varanasi.

Why Visit Varanasi?

Among the seven holiest cities of Hinduism, Varanasi exudes spirituality and beauty. The city is located on the banks of the river Ganges and houses around 80 ghats where people take a holy dip, which is believed to wash away all sins from the body and soul. It is believed that if one dies here he will be freed from the eternal cycle of birth and rebirth The quintessential charm of this holy city enhances the Varanasi travel experience

Best known for its narrow winding lanes, numerous temples, and ghats that are the center of much religious activity, Varanasi is on par with Jerusalem and Mecca and features among the top holiest sites in the world.

A large number of pilgrims frequent the banks of the river Ganga from dawn to dusk. These ghats are busy with many activities performed by them Devotees take a dip in the holy river, perform various religious rituals, collect water in pots to return home, and seek the blessings of saints.

During a Varanasi tour, you can not only witness the unique experience of all the happenings at Varanasi Ghats but also actively participate in them. With the chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, the air returns and gives a blissful experience The ghats of Banaras have a wonderful charm which is not only apparent in words One can get the best view of these ghats while enjoying a boat ride on the river Ganga

The ancient temples of Varanasi have a unique charm These temples are architectural marvels that can leave anyone spellbound The golden spire at the Vishwanath Temple will impress any visitor Varanasi also has some of the most popular monuments, including the museum, which has an interesting collection of art and artifacts, and for shopping, you can buy some beautiful Varanasi sarees. These amazing tourist places in Varanasi make your trip memorable

Best time to visit Varanasi

Winter season is the best time to visit Varanasi From November to March, Varanasi experiences pleasant and comfortable weather that makes sightseeing and outdoor activities comfortable. The temperature remains low and the region enjoys a calm breeze throughout the day Varanasi experiences hot and humid weather during the summer and monsoon seasons, which makes sightseeing difficult. Ganga Mahotsav, Deepavali, Maha Shivratri, and Chhatra Puja are popular festivals of Varanasi that are celebrated every year during the winter season, attracting a large number of tourists. This festival is the perfect way to witness the rich cultural heritage of Banaras

Places to visit in Varanasi

There is no dearth of places to visit in Varanasi Here is a list of some of the popular tourist attractions that you can explore during your Varanasi trip These tourist places are old-world attractions and attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. Some of the top places to visit in Varanasi are:

• Assi Ghat
• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Manikarnika Ghat
• Shivala Ghat
• Ahilyabai Ghat
• Rana Mahal Ghat
• Panchganga Ghat
• Kedar Ghat
• Manmandir Ghat
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Tulsi Manas Temple
• Durga Temple
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Sita Samahit Sthal
• Batuk Bhairav Mandir
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Ramnagar Fort & Museum
• Chunar Fort
• Sarnath
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
• Man Mandir Observatory

To be done in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its temples, ghats and vibrant culture This charming city attracts travelers with its sanctity and tranquility There are many things to do in Varanasi, which can make your trip to Varanasi a memorable and lifetime experience. Here are the top things to do in Varanasi:

• Join the evening aarti ceremony on Dasashvamed
• Morning boat ride on river Ganges
• Take a holy bath in the river Ganga
• Walk on the ghats
• Explore the sacred temples
• Shopping at the local market
• Love the local delicacies
• Darshan Yatra of Sarnath
• Join the festivities in Varanasi

How many days are enough to visit Varanasi Tourism?

2-3 days are enough to explore the enchanting beauty of Varanasi During this period you can get a glimpse of the city’s rich cultural and traditional heritage. However, you can extend the trip if you want to explore the nearby tourist spots of Varanasi like Budh Gaya, Allahabad, Sarnath, and Lucknow.

Average Varanasi Travel Cost

The average price for a Varanasi tour is INR 8,000 to INR 17,000. However, it depends on various factors such as accommodation type, mode of travel, and destination This may vary depending on the number of sightseeing tours and the type of outdoor activities

Stay in Varanasi

Various accommodation options are available in Varanasi such as hotels, resorts, guest houses, lodges, ashrams, and Dharamshala. From luxury resorts to budget hotels, Varanasi has something for every type of traveler. Here are the best places to stay in Varanasi:

• Taj Ganga
• Amritara Sunday Haveli
• Ramada Plaza JHV
• Programa Palace – A Heritage Hotel
• Hotel Surya, Caesar’s Palace
• Taj Nadesar Palace
• Hotel Heritage Inc
• Visit Shiv Ganga Guest House
• Hotel Banaras Haveli
• Ganga Grand
• Palace on Ganga – Heritage Hotel

Where to eat in Varanasi?

Varanasi Tourism is one of the most important spiritual destinations of Hinduism There is another side to this holy city, it is a paradise for food lovers Varanasi offers a wide variety of food options to satisfy the taste buds Here is a list of some of the handpicked places where you can savor the flavors of local cuisine during your Varanasi tour.

• Kashi Chaat Bhandar – Tomato Chaat, Dahi Puri, Chura Matar, Palak Patta Chaat.
• Sri Shivaya Varanasi –
• Aum Café – Dal Chilla, Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Masala Chai
• Zaika Restaurant – Mughlai cuisine, Veg, and Non-Veg Kebabs.
• Ram Bhandar – Kachori Sabji, Jalebi, Samosa, Cutlet

Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi Tourism is an amazing place to buy souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones The city has several local markets where you can buy religious artifacts, silk and wool products, antique jewelry, and handicrafts. Here are some of the best markets in Varanasi where you can enjoy shopping during your visit

• Thatheri Bazar- Brass products, antiques, copper products, and religious artifacts
• Vishwanath Lane – Designer bangles, wooden toys, decorative items, and dupattas.
• Godolia Market – Clothing & Accessories
• Golgarh – Designer and trendy footwear, apparel, and home decor items
• Rajan Silk Market – Banarasi Sarees, Suits, and Dupattas
• Lahurabir – Apparel, Home Decor, Home Appliances, and Jewelry
• Banaras Art Gallery – Tribal sculptures, contemporary sculptures, paintings, both old and contemporary, and bronze statues.
• Useful tips for traveling to Varanasi
• Make sure you go for a boat trip on the river Ganges in the evening
• Keep your valuables safe
• Do not take photos of the cremation ghat
• Carry medical kit, prescribed and essential medicines
• Don’t forget to carry important documents including tickets, cash, and photo ID proof
• Book your stay in advance to save yourself the last-minute hassle
• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes while traveling to Varanasi
• Cover head and shoulders while visiting religious places
• Try local cuisines and learn about their culture

How to reach Varanasi?

The holy city of Varanasi Tourism is well connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road networks Banaras has its own airport Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, an international airport located at Babatpur, 26 km away. There are regular flights from all major cities and countries that fly to this city regularly

There are two major railway stations that connect to Varanasi namely Mughalsaar Junction and Varanasi Junction located at 18 km and 2 km respectively. Both the stations are well connected to major cities of the country through an extensive rail network Varanasi enjoys excellent road connectivity with cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi. A number of air-conditioned luxury buses and regular buses ply frequently from nearby towns and cities.

How to get around in Varanasi Tourism?

To travel within Varanasi Tourism, cycle rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws are available Minibusses are also available within the city You can also hire a cab or taxi to travel within the city Some lanes and streets in the city are very narrow and you can only walk in these lanes Boating is the best way to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing beauty of the river Ganges