Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims from all over the world come to the Ganges to wash away their sins, to cremate their loved ones, or to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Before you plan a trip, get all the details of Varanasi.

• Currency – Indian Rupee
• Location – Located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh
• Best Time to Visit – October to March

How to Reach

By Air

Varanasi Airport is very well connected to the major cities of the country.

By Train

You can get regular trains from other major cities of the country to Varanasi.

Railway Station(s): Varanasi

By Road

You can get regular buses to Varanasi.

Places to Visit in Varanasi

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dasashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Also, it shares some common features with other Ghats but it is most visited Ghat of all. However, it is the oldest and the most spectacular Ghat in entire Varanasi.

GANGA AARTI at DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT

Pundits sitting along the banks pray for the dead souls. Also, locals, tourists and pundits participate in Ganga Aarti that takes place in the evening.

You will boats at every Ghat. They are just waiting for you to get it. Moreover, these boats are available from early morning until the time of Ganga Aarti in the evening.

Timings: Anytime, 24×7

Nearby Places to Eat:

Shri Restaurant, Apex the Ganges View Restaurant, Varanasi Café & Restaurant, Niyati café, Shree Café Vegetarian Restaurant

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Moreover, it is one of the 12 holiest Shiva temples termed as Jyotrilingas.

It is located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on the banks of river Ganga. Not to mention, the main deity is known as Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning ‘Ruler of the Universe’.

In addition, this temple complex has various shrines but the main shrine has linga (Lord Shiva) placed in a silver altar.

Entry Fees:  No entry charges

Opening Hours: 4 am to 11 pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Megu Café, The Keshari Restaurant, Spicy Bites Restaurant, Dosa Café, The Siwon Lassi Shop

3. Assi Ghat

It is one of the main and biggest Ghats in Varanasi. Moreover, the Assi Ghat is very important as the River Assi meets the Ganges here. Also, pilgrims come to worship a Shiva lingam (phallic image of Shiva) beneath a peepul tree.

Nearby Places to Eat:

Pizzeria Vatika Café, Angeethe Restaurant, the Tripling Bistro, Rajat’s Roof 80 Restaurant, Green Ganga Cafe

4. Tulsi Manas Temple

It is the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in an Awadh district of the Hindu language.

Opening Hours: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

The Second Wife Restaurant, Villa 26, Canteen, Red Chilli Restaurant, Shri Sai Café and Family Restaurant, Food Bizzare

Shopping Places

• THATHERI BAZAAR
• VISHWANATH GALLI
• CHOWK AND URBAN HAAT
• LAHURABIR

What to Expect? / Tips

• You must visit Varanasi city in the winter months as the weather is very pleasant.
• Do not show too much skin, as India is a very conservative country.
• Be careful of the vendors on the streets as they might con you.

Where to stay?

There are great accommodation options throughout Varanasi.

Some of them are as follows-

• Hotel Buddha
• Rahul Guest House
• Ganpati Guest House
• Hotel Varanasi Inn
• Hotel Heritage Inn

“I am that person who dropped her B.Tech (really!) and chose to travel, specifically travel blogging. I’m Manmeet Kaur, a crazy, fun loving and adventurous person from Delhi. I knew I had an interest in writing since I was in school. I didn’t want to be an engineer, doctor or I would say a teacher. My plans were different. I wanted to travel which I guess no one,  specially girl had chosen to do in my family for a living. And like other human beings on this planet I have big dreams too. But my ultimate dream is to travel the world and share my experiences through writing and blogging.” 🙂