Varanasi Travel Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Varanasi, also called Kashi and Banaras, climbs the west bank of the Ganga in a long curve of stone ghats, with the Kashi Vishwanath temple behind them and a maze of old lanes between the two. Everything that matters to a visitor happens within a short walk of the river, and almost none of it can be reached by car. That single fact should decide where you sleep: a room in the lanes puts you at the dawn boat and the evening aarti on foot, while a room in Cantt gives you an easy taxi and a hotel with a lift, but a daily trip through traffic.
Where to stay in Varanasi
| Area | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Dashashwamedh and Godowlia | Kashi Vishwanath, the evening Ganga aarti and the old market lanes | Cars stop short of the river, so expect a walk or a cycle rickshaw with your luggage |
| Assi Ghat and Lanka | A calmer riverside, cafes, Subah-e-Banaras at dawn, and Banaras Hindu University close by | A boat or a ride up to the main temple, not a stroll |
| Cantt, Sigra and Mahmoorganj | Families, older travellers and business trips: larger hotels, lifts, parking, and close to the main station | Traffic to the ghats can be slow, particularly in the evening |
| Sarnath | Buddhist pilgrims and a quiet stay among gardens and monasteries | About 10 km from the ghats |
For a first visit of two or three nights, stay near the river if everyone in the party can manage steps and narrow lanes. If anyone cannot, choose Cantt or Sigra and hire a car with a driver who knows where the road ends.
Getting to Varanasi
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is at Babatpur, about 25 km north-west of the city. Allow an hour to reach the ghats, and more at peak times.
- By train: Varanasi Junction, also called Cantt, is the main station. Banaras station is on the south side, closer to Lanka and Assi. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, the old Mughalsarai, is across the river and takes many long-distance trains.
- By road: Prayagraj is about three hours away, and Ayodhya and Bodh Gaya are each a long half day, so many pilgrims combine them in one trip.
What to see in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple — the Jyotirlinga at the heart of the city, now reached from the river through the Vishwanath Corridor. Phones and bags are not allowed inside, so leave them at your hotel or in a locker.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat — the main ghat and home of the evening Ganga aarti. Arrive early for a place on the steps, or watch from a boat.
- A dawn boat ride — the ghats from the water at sunrise, from Assi down towards Manikarnika and Panchganga.
- Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats — the cremation ghats. Be respectful, and do not take photographs.
- Sankat Mochan and Kaal Bhairav — two temples many pilgrims add to their round.
- Sarnath — where the Buddha gave his first sermon, with the Dhamek Stupa and a fine museum.
- Ramnagar Fort — across the river, with its old royal collection.
When to go to Varanasi
October to March is the best time, with pleasant days and cold mornings on the water, though winter fog can delay flights and trains. April to June is very hot. In the monsoon the Ganga rises over the lower ghats, the walkway between them can close and boats may stop, so check before you plan a river trip. Book early for Dev Deepawali at Kartik Purnima, when the ghats are lit with lamps, and for Mahashivratri, the Mondays of Sawan and the Ganga Mahotsav. Hotels near the river fill first on those dates and the lanes are closed to most traffic.
Keep a morning for the food: kachori and jalebi for breakfast, tamatar chaat, lassi in a clay cup, malaiyo in winter and a Banarasi paan. Silk is the classic thing to buy, so take your time and ask for a proper bill.
What to check before booking
- Where the road ends, and how far you will carry your bags after that.
- Stairs and lifts: many riverside houses are old, tall and steep.
- Whether "Ganga view" means your room or only the terrace.
- Air conditioning and hot water for the season you are travelling in.
- Cancellation terms, especially around Dev Deepawali.
Varanasi hotel FAQs
Which is the best area to stay in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh and Godowlia are best for the temple and the aarti. Assi is quieter, and Cantt or Sigra suit families who want a car at the door.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two nights covers the aarti, a dawn boat ride and Kashi Vishwanath. Add a third night for Sarnath and Ramnagar.
Can a car reach hotels on the ghats?
Usually not. Cars stop at the edge of the old city, around Godowlia, and the last stretch is on foot through the lanes. Ask the hotel where to meet and whether someone can help with bags.
Are Kashi and Banaras the same as Varanasi?
Yes. All three names are for the same city, and you will see them all on signs, trains and hotel addresses.
Can I book a stay in Varanasi on WhatsApp?
Yes. Send your dates and number of guests to the Pulp Hotels desk on WhatsApp or +91 86790 08600 and we will tell you what we can offer.
वाराणसी में कहाँ ठहरें?
काशी विश्वनाथ और गंगा आरती के लिए दशाश्वमेध या गोदौलिया की तरफ कमरा लें। बुज़ुर्गों और परिवार के लिए कैंट या सिगरा आसान रहता है, क्योंकि वहाँ गाड़ी होटल तक जाती है।
