Top reasons to visit Varanasi
- Spiritual Significance: Varanasi is a sacred city, renowned for its temples and ghats along the Ganges, offering profound spiritual experiences.
- Cultural Richness: The city boasts a vibrant blend of traditions, arts, and festivals, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in local customs.
- Scenic Ganges River: Rowing along the Ganges provides a unique perspective of the city's beauty and historic significance.
- Historic Exploration: Wander through ancient streets and explore significant sites and temples that narrate Varanasi's rich history.
- Diverse Accommodation: A wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to quaint guesthouses, ensures comfort for every traveller.
Find great hotels in Varanasi
Varanasi offers a diverse selection of accommodations to suit every traveller's needs, from hotels and guesthouses to hostels. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly hotel, a pet-friendly retreat, or a convenient base for business travel, you will find plenty of options, including the renowned Hilton Varanasi and Varanasi Inn. Experience the unique charm of this ancient city while enjoying comfortable lodging tailored to your preferences.
- Taj Ganges, Varanasi: A distinguished 5-star hotel, Taj Ganges, Varanasi offers a serene retreat for families and pet lovers alike. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this property features a full-service spa and pool, ensuring relaxation with amenities such as massage treatment rooms and steam rooms. Families will appreciate the thoughtful children's services, including babysitting and childcare options, as well as safety features like window guards. The hotel also welcomes pets, providing designated areas and specific amenities for furry companions. Its tranquil setting and luxurious comforts make it an excellent choice for a rejuvenating stay in Varanasi.
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi: This 5-star hotel is an epitome of luxury and sophistication, ideally situated for business travellers seeking a productive yet comfortable environment. With a range of upscale facilities, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi is designed to cater to the needs of professionals. The hotel's elegant rooms and comprehensive amenities create an atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation. Guests can expect high standards of service and a central location that allows for easy access to local attractions, making it a prime choice for those visiting Varanasi on business.
- BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - By the Ganges - An IHCL brand: Nestled in a historic building, this 4-star hotel boasts a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, reflecting its unique blend of luxury and heritage. BrijRama Palace is ideal for travellers seeking an authentic experience steeped in history while enjoying modern comforts. The property offers elegantly appointed rooms that showcase traditional architecture and design, creating a captivating atmosphere. Its prime location along the Ganges enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Varanasi. This hotel is well-suited for both luxury seekers and business travellers.
Where to stay in Varanasi
Varanasi, a city steeped in culture and history, offers a captivating experience for every traveller. Wander through its ancient streets to discover the essence of Varanasi, where vibrant markets present delightful shopping adventures. Explore serene ghats along the Ganges for stunning scenery, or immerse yourself in the city's rich traditions. Nearby regions also beckon with their historical atmosphere, making Varanasi a perfect base for adventure and exploration in Uttar Pradesh.
- Sarnath: This serene village is located a short distance from Varanasi and is renowned for its spiritual significance as the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of culture and history by exploring ancient temples and monuments. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it an ideal spot for reflection and meditation. The scenic beauty of the area, characterized by lush greenery, adds to the allure. Don't miss the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art.
- Lanka: Nestled within the vibrant city of Varanasi, Lanka offers a unique blend of educational and cultural experiences. This bustling neighbourhood is home to historic colleges and universities, making it a hub for students and intellectuals. The area’s charm lies in its lively streets filled with local eateries and shops. Visitors can explore nearby monuments and temples that reflect the region's heritage. Lanka is particularly enchanting during the peak months of February and September, when cultural events and festivals light up the atmosphere.
- Sigra: Located in proximity to Varanasi, Sigra is a lively neighbourhood that attracts both locals and tourists with its vibrant energy. Known for its educational institutions, Sigra is teeming with youthful enthusiasm. The neighbourhood features several monuments and temples, offering glimpses into the rich cultural history of the area. Visitors can enjoy scenic views around the local harbour, making it a pleasant spot for leisurely walks. The peak tourist months of February, July, and September bring a lively buzz to Sigra, showcasing its dynamic community spirit.
Things to do in Varanasi
Shopping
In Varanasi, visit the bustling Vishwanath Gali for exquisite handwoven silk sarees and traditional handicrafts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Varanasi Mall, located 19km away, which features a range of shops, eateries, and entertainment options for a more modern shopping experience.
Recreation
Experience tranquillity at the Ayurvedic Healing Centre, where traditional therapies like massages and herbal treatments promote relaxation. Engage in yoga sessions at the Ganga Yoga Retreat, offering serene views of the Ganges, allowing for rejuvenation amidst the spiritual ambience of Varanasi.
Adventure
In Varanasi, explore the Ganges River on a thrilling boat ride at dawn, witnessing the vibrant rituals along the ghats. Venture into the narrow lanes of the old city for a captivating rickshaw ride, discovering local markets and historic temples filled with rich culture and heritage.
Nightlife
In Varanasi, the vibrant Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat offers a captivating spiritual experience. For a lively atmosphere, visit the local cafes and rooftop bars along the ghats, where you can enjoy music, food, and stunning views of the river, creating a memorable evening.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Varanasi
Varanasi is an affordable destination for travellers, offering free entry to attractions like Sant Ravidas Ghat and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. For budget-friendly transport, consider using auto-rickshaws or boats. The best time to visit for lower prices is from May to June and August, while Sundays typically offer the cheapest accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for further savings, and utilise the price filter to find the best offers.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Varanasi are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to October to December, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Varanasi about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Varanasi is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Varanasi is Wednesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To uncover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation in Varanasi with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Varanasi
Varanasi offers a unique blend of culture and history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rich cultural experience. Visitors can explore renowned temples, historic buildings, and significant sites within the central area of the city. The vibrant atmosphere of Varanasi, with its stunning scenery and spiritual essence, provides an enriching backdrop for tourists eager to immerse themselves in local traditions and heritage.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This revered temple is a significant spiritual site in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its intricate architecture and deep cultural heritage create a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and rituals.
- Dasaswamedh ghat: This bustling ghat serves as a picturesque waterfront, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Ganges River. It is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during the evening Ganga Aarti, which showcases spectacular rituals and local artistry.
- Assi Ghat: Known for its historical significance, Assi Ghat offers a tranquil setting where you can witness the daily life of locals. The ghat is a hub for cultural activities, making it an ideal spot to experience the essence of Varanasi.
Best time to go to Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Varanasi falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Varanasi falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Varanasi
Flying into Varanasi is convenient with its primary airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), located 19km from the city centre. Nearby, luxurious accommodation options include the 5-star Taj Ganges and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV, both situated 18km away, offering various airport transportation services. Additionally, the historic Taj Nadesar Palace is also close by. If you're considering alternative airports, Gorakhpur (GOP) is 166km away and Allahabad (IXD) is 126km from Varanasi, with notable hotels such as Radisson Blu Gorakhpur and WelcomHeritage Badi Kothi , respectively, providing shuttle services and easy access to their respective airports.