Travel Guide to The Spiritual Capital of India - Varanasi

Reaching Varanasi is super easy, whether you plan to board a flight, hop on a train and take a bus (or car)! So, decide which one suits your travel plans the most and here are some more details that you will need!

Varanasi has its own international airport. It has regular flights from most cities of India. It also receives international flights. That means, if you are travelling from abroad, you can directly land in Varanasi.

You can board a train to the Varanasi Railway Station from any part of India. There is another railway station, 18 km away from the main city. We are talking about the Mughal Sarai Railway Station. You can take a train to this railway station as well when you are visiting Varanasi.

The road connections between Varanasi and the rest of India are quite good. You can hop on buses, private taxis or drive to Varanasi yourself.

Once you have reached the city, you can travel here and there by rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and minibuses. The best part is these options are pocket-friendly!

The winter months, starting from November till February, are the best time for you to plan a trip to Varanasi. The weather in this season remains quite pleasant and you can comfortably explore all the best places to visit in Varanasi. Monsoon can be a good time too! Cloudy sky, moderate to heavy rain, all in all, the weather remains nice. If there is not too much rainfall, you can actually have a nice trip.

The one season you should avoid planning a trip to Varanasi is summer. The summer months here are just too hot and you won’t be able to enjoy the trip that much!

The list of the best places to visit in Varanasi is going to be a long one. So, here we have some of the must-visit ones!

Ask anyone and they will tell you to start your Varanasi trip by taking blessings from here! This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has mentions in the sacred Hindu sculptures. While the inside of the temple will fill you with devotion and calm, the intricate carvings outside will mesmerise your eyes. A few things to remember here. To enter the sanctum, you must be dressed in traditional clothes (sari for women and dhoti-kurta for men). Also, mobiles, cameras and such electronic gadgets are not allowed inside.

We are talking about the famous places in Varanasi and a ghat or two doesn’t come on the list, is it even possible! And on that note, here’s the next name on our list, the Dashashwamedh Ghat. As mythology goes, Lord Brahma performed the sacrificial ritual of Dasa Ashwamedha here on this ghat and hence, the name.

By the Assi River, you will find this revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You should definitely pay a visit to this place because this is considered to be one of the most famous places to see in Varanasi. And when you visit, do try the famous laddoo offered at this temple.

Yes, we have another beautiful ghat waiting for you at the confluence of Ganga and Assi river. You will find a large Shiva lingam under a peepal tree here. Take blessings from the lingam and just sit by the ghat and see locals passing by. Also, this is the perfect place to watch a beautiful sunset in Varanasi.

After a fun sightseeing tour, you must be wondering, what else you can do in Varanasi other than exploring its amazing tourist places. So, here are the best things to do in Varanasi.

As we know, the Ganga river adds to the aura and beauty of the city. Along with that, it also offers the perfect boating opportunity. We will suggest you go boating in the evening because you can catch a perfect sunset and also enjoy another mesmerising activity on this list. Which one? Read on to know!

Pandits dressed in white and vermilion, chanting mantras and worshipping the Ganga with traditional lamps, the sight will keep you captivated, that’s for sure! Just find your way to a ghat, take a seat and see the magic! And another great way to enjoy Ganga aarti is from a boat!

If you are looking for the finest, handmade silk, Varanasi is where you should be! This city produces some of the finest quality of silks in the country. So, how can you leave the city without getting your hands on some Benarasi silk sari!

In every nook and corner of the city, you will find small stalls, serving delicious street food! Kachoris, different chats, jalebis, oh, the list goes on! We highly suggest you dig in the street food of Varanasi whenever you get the chance!

Thousands of devotees and travellers visit Varanasi on a regular basis. The many hotels, resorts, homestays and guest houses scattered across the city ensure a delightful experience for all visitors. For your pleasant stay during your time in Varanasi, here are our top suggestions. Moustache Varanasi, Stay Inn Heritage, Hotel Surya (Kaiser Palace), Bhadra Kali Guest House and Hotel Buddha.

How to reach, when to visit, which places to explore, what activities to indulge in and where to stay, all details of your Varanasi trip are sorted! Bookmark this travel guide to Varanasi and start planning your trip right away!