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Varanasi
Spiritual Destination
4.8 (1100 reviews)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Spiritual Capital of India: Sacred ghats, Ganga Aarti & timeless heritage

Generate Varanasi Itinerary
Best SeasonOct to Mar
Ideal Duration2 - 3 Days
Avg Daily Cost₹1,800 / traveler
Typical Weather22°C Crisp & Spiritual

About Varanasi

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi (Kashi) sits on the sacred banks of the Ganges. Renowned for hypnotic dawn boat rides past bathing pilgrims, the divine spectacle of the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple, and tranquil Buddhist ruins of Sarnath.

Verified Landmarks

Top Places to Visit in Varanasi

01

Dashashwamedh Ghat & Evening Ganga Aarti

Free to watch from steps; boat seat ₹150 - ₹300

Grand ritual where young priests offer multi-tiered brass oil lamps to the sacred river to the sound of conch shells and Vedic hymns.

Hours: Every evening at sunset (6:30 PM summer / 5:45 PM winter)
Tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before aarti starts to secure an unobstructed seat on the steps or book a wooden boat.
02

Sunrise Boat Ride (Assi to Manikarnika Ghat)

Hand-rowed boat ₹400 - ₹800 per hour

Magical dawn rowboat journey watching ancient ghats bathed in pastel pink and gold morning light as bells echo across the river.

Hours: 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Tip: Opt for a traditional hand-rowed boat rather than a noisy motorboat for a serene experience.
03

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

Free; Special VIP Darshan tickets available via temple trust

One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, newly renovated with a grand river-facing temple corridor.

Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tip: Lockers available for phones and leather items outside; carry government ID proof.
04

Sarnath Deer Park & Dhamek Stupa

₹25 (Indians) / ₹300 (Foreigners)

Sacred site 10 km from Varanasi where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tip: Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to see the original Ashoka Lion Capital (India's national emblem).
Curated Blueprint

Recommended 2 - 3 Days Itinerary

Day 1

Ancient Ghats & Evening Grand Aarti

  • Arrive and walk through the labyrinthine alleys of the Old City
  • Savor famous Banarasi breakfast of kachori and jalebi
  • Afternoon Darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
  • Witness the sublime Ganga Aarti from Dashashwamedh Ghat
Day 2

Dawn on the Ganges & Buddhist Sarnath

  • 5:30 AM sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika
  • Morning yoga session at Subah-e-Banaras (Assi Ghat)
  • Afternoon excursion to peaceful Buddhist stupas in Sarnath
  • Explore authentic Banarasi silk weavers and saree cooperatives
Flavors of the Region

What to Eat in Varanasi

Kachori Sabzi & Jalebi Breakfast

Hot crispy lentil kachoris served with spicy potato curry and coiled saffron jalebis fresh from the kadai.

Best at: Ram Bhandar (Thatheri Bazaar) or Madhur Milan

Blue Lassi & Malaiyo (Winter Sweet)

Rich yogurt lassi topped with seasonal fruits, rabdi, and saffron froth that melts on your tongue.

Best at: Blue Lassi Shop (near Manikarnika Ghat) & Shreeji Sweets

Banarasi Paan

Iconic betel leaf folded with gulkand, sweet spices, catechu, and silver foil.

Best at: Keshav Tambool Bhandar (near Assi Ghat)
Where to Stay

Accommodation Styles in Varanasi

Heritage Ghat Stays & Haveli Hotels

₹3,500 – ₹10,000 / night
Top Stays:
• BrijRama Palace (Darbhanga Ghat)
• Amritara Suryauday Haveli
• Scindhia Guest House

Modern City Hotels

₹2,500 – ₹6,000 / night
Top Stays:
• Taj Ganges Varanasi
• Radisson Hotel Varanasi
• Hotel Madin

Backpacker Hostels on the Ghats

₹500 – ₹1,500 / night
Top Stays:
• Zostel Varanasi
• Moustache Varanasi
• goSTOPS Varanasi