Varanasi, Northern India

Must-Visit Places in Varanasi

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    • Entrance Fee: Free, but donations are encouraged; special darshan tickets cost ₹300.
    • Highlights: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, spiritual energy, intricate architecture.
    • How to Get There: Located in the heart of Varanasi; accessible by auto-rickshaw or cab.
    • Opening Hours: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM (closed 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM).
    • Places to Eat Nearby: Kachori Gali for local street food.

  2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Highlights: Evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides, bustling ghat activities.
    • How to Get There: Easily accessible by rickshaw or walking if staying nearby.
    • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours; Ganga Aarti typically begins around 6:30 PM.
    • Places to Eat Nearby: Brown Bread Bakery for organic food and rooftop views.

  3. Assi Ghat

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Highlights: Morning Subah-e-Banaras program with music and yoga, serene atmosphere.
    • How to Get There: Located 3 km from the city center; accessible by cab or auto.
    • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
    • Places to Eat Nearby: Pizzeria Vaatika Café for Italian dishes and Ganges views.

  4. Sarnath

    • Entrance Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
    • Highlights: Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, Sarnath Museum.
    • How to Get There: 10 km from Varanasi; take a cab or auto-rickshaw.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Places to Eat Nearby: The Mango Tree Café.

  5. Manikarnika Ghat

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Highlights: One of the most sacred cremation ghats, a place of liberation (moksha).
    • How to Get There: Short walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat; rickshaws available.
    • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

  6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

    • Entrance Fee: Free
    • Highlights: Iconic campus, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, New Vishwanath Temple.
    • How to Get There: 7 km from city center; accessible by cab or auto.
    • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for museum; temple open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

  7. Ramnagar Fort

    • Entrance Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹150 (Foreigners)
    • Highlights: 17th-century Mughal architecture, museum with royal artifacts.
    • How to Get There: 14 km from city center; accessible by cab or boat ride.
    • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
    • Places to Eat Nearby: Gola Dinings.

How to Get Around Varanasi

  1. Auto-Rickshaws and Cycle Rickshaws: Best for short distances; negotiate fares.
  2. Cabs: Book via Ola, Uber, or local taxi services for comfort.
  3. Walking: Ideal for exploring ghats and narrow alleys in the old city.
  4. Boat Rides: Popular for ghat tours and sunrise/sunset views.
  5. Bicycles or Scooters: Rent from local vendors for independent exploration.

Popular Local Food in Varanasi

  1. Kachori-Sabzi: Spicy lentil-filled bread served with potato curry; available at Kachori Gali.
  2. Tamatar Chaat: A tangy and spicy street food; try at Kashi Chaat Bhandar.
  3. Banarasi Paan: Iconic mouth freshener; found across the city.
  4. Malaiyo: Seasonal sweet dish, available in winter mornings at local sweet shops.
  5. Thandai: Cool milk-based drink infused with dry fruits and spices; try at Blue Lassi Shop.
  6. Litti-Chokha: Baked wheat balls with spicy mashed potatoes; try at Baati Chokha Restaurant.

Top Nightlife Spots in Varanasi

  1. Tarang Bar (Hotel Surya)

    • Highlights: Cozy ambiance, good cocktails.
    • How to Get There: Located in Cantonment area; accessible by cab or rickshaw.
    • Happy Hours: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
    • Entrance Fee: No cover charge.

  2. Sol Bar (Hotel Clarks)

    • Highlights: Great selection of drinks, live music occasionally.
    • How to Get There: Near Mall Road; take a cab.
    • Happy Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
    • Entrance Fee: Depends on event.

  3. The Great Kabab Factory Bar

    • Highlights: Premium drinks, kebabs, and cozy ambiance.
    • How to Get There: Located in Radisson Hotel; accessible by cab.
    • Happy Hours: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
    • Entrance Fee: No cover charge.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

  • October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and cultural events.
  • Avoid: Summer months (April to June) due to extreme heat and monsoons (July to September).

Festivals Celebrated in Varanasi

  1. Dev Deepawali (November): Lighting of lamps along the ghats.
  2. Ganga Mahotsav (November): Cultural extravaganza by the Ganges.
  3. Makar Sankranti (January): Kite flying and rituals.
  4. Mahashivratri (February/March): Devotees throng the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  5. Holi (March): Celebrated with vibrant colors and sweets.

Varanasi blends spirituality with history, offering an unparalleled cultural experience. Whether it’s the serene ghats, divine temples, or bustling bazaars, this city leaves an indelible mark on its visitors.