Varanasi Travel Information

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is known for its ancient temples, ghats, vibrant culture, and spiritual ambiance. Here’s a complete guide for first-time foreign tourists visiting Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Description: One of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the western bank of the River Ganges. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Timings: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free; however, there may be charges for specific rituals.
Highlights: Golden spire, sacred rituals, and Aarti

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Description: The most vibrant and famous ghat in Varanasi, known for the evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular spiritual ritual involving fire, chanting, and music.
Timings: Open all day; Ganga Aarti is held daily at sunset (around 6:30 PM).
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Ganga Aarti, boat rides, street food stalls

Assi Ghat

Description: The southernmost ghat in Varanasi, popular among both tourists and locals for its serene atmosphere and morning Subah-e-Banaras program, which includes yoga, music, and prayers.
Timings: Open all day.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Morning yoga sessions, classical music performances, and boat rides

Manikarnika Ghat

Description: The main cremation ghat in Varanasi, believed to be one of the holiest places to be cremated as per Hindu beliefs. A visit here offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Timings: Open all day.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Cremation rituals, spiritual ambiance

Sarnath

Description: Located about 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The site includes the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indian tourists, ₹100 for foreign tourists.
Highlights: Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Buddhist temples

Ramnagar Fort

Description: A 17th-century fort and palace located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. The fort houses a museum showcasing vintage cars, weapons, medieval costumes, and an astronomical clock.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹150 for foreigners.
Highlights: Fort architecture, museum exhibits, panoramic views of the Ganges

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Description: A prominent educational institution with a beautiful campus that houses the New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: New Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Tulsi Manas Temple

Description: A modern temple built of white marble, dedicated to Lord Rama. It is located near the Durga Temple and has verses from the Ramcharitmanas inscribed on its walls.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Marble architecture, serene environment

Durga Temple (Monkey Temple)

Description: A popular temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its vibrant red color and a large pond called Durga Kund.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Durga Kund, religious rituals, monkeys around the temple

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Luxury Hotels

  • Taj Ganges, Varanasi: A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, fine dining, a swimming pool, and spa facilities.
  • BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel: Located on Darbhanga Ghat, this heritage hotel offers stunning views of the Ganges, opulent rooms, and personalized services

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hotel Alka: A budget-friendly hotel near Dashashwamedh Ghat, offering river-view rooms and a rooftop restaurant.
  • Palace on Ganges: A boutique hotel on Assi Ghat, featuring rooms themed after different Indian states and cultures

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

  • Moustache Varanasi: A popular backpacker hostel with dormitory and private rooms, offering a friendly atmosphere and travel assistance.
  • Zostel Varanasi: Another great option for backpackers and budget travelers, offering a vibrant social environment

Homestays

  • Suryauday Haveli: A riverside haveli-style homestay offering traditional decor, homely food, and great views of the Ganges.
  • Kedareswar Bed & Breakfast: Offers cozy rooms with a view of the Ganges, personalized service, and a warm ambiance

Where to Eat in Varnasi

Local Restaurants and Eateries

  • Kashi Chat Bhandar: A popular street food joint offering delicious chaat varieties like Tamatar Chaat, Pani Puri, and Aloo Tikki.
  • Deena Chaat Bhandar: Another famous chaat shop in Varanasi known for its crispy and spicy chaats

Fine Dining Restaurants

  • Varuna Restaurant (at Taj Ganges Hotel): Offers an exquisite dining experience with a variety of Indian and international cuisines.
  • The Palate (at Ramada Plaza JHV): A multi-cuisine restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes

Multi-Cuisine Restaurants

  • Brown Bread Bakery: A popular spot for organic food lovers offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Aum Café: A cozy café offering healthy food options, smoothies, and freshly brewed coffee

Local Specialties

  • Blue Lassi Shop: Famous for its delicious and refreshing lassis in various flavors like mango, pomegranate, and banana.
  • Baati Chokha Restaurant: Offers authentic local dishes like Baati Chokha, Litti Chokha, and other Bihari delicacies

Rooftop Restaurants

  • Lotus Lounge: A rooftop café near the ghats offering a relaxed ambiance with a view of the Ganges, serving Indian and Continental cuisine.
  • Ganga View Café: A rooftop café with stunning views of the Ganges, known for its laid-back atmosphere and variety of dishes

Multi-Cuisine Restaurants

  • Brown Bread Bakery: A popular spot for organic food lovers offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.
  • Aum Café: A cozy café offering healthy food options, smoothies, and freshly brewed coffee

Activities for Tourists in Varnasi

  1. Boat Ride on the Ganges

    • Description: A boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise or sunset provides a mesmerizing view of the ghats, temples, and daily life along the riverbank.
    • Best Time: Early morning (sunrise) or evening (sunset).

  2. Ganga Aarti Ceremony

    • Description: Witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual experience filled with chanting, fire rituals, and music.
    • Best Time: Evening (6:30 PM onwards).

  3. Explore the Old City

    • Description: Take a walking tour through the narrow alleys of Varanasi, explore its bustling bazaars, street food, and local markets.
    • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.

  4. Visit Sarnath

    • Description: Explore the Buddhist heritage site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
    • Best Time: Morning or late afternoon.

  5. Yoga and Meditation

    • Description: Varanasi offers various yoga and meditation centers where you can join sessions to experience spiritual awakening and inner peace.
    • Best Time: Early morning.

  6. Attend Classical Music and Dance Performances

    • Description: Varanasi is known for its rich tradition of classical music and dance. Attend a performance at a local cultural center or ashram.
    • Best Time: Evening.

  7. Try Local Cuisine

    • Description: Savor the local delicacies like Banarasi Paan, chaat, kachori sabzi, and sweets like malaiyyo, jalebi, and rabri.
    • Best Time: Any time.

  8. Shopping in Varanasi

    • Description: Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts, brassware, wooden toys, and religious artifacts.
    • Best Markets: Vishwanath Gali, Thateri Bazaar, Godowlia Market

Tips for Visiting Varanasi

Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
Stay Hydrated: Carry bottled water, especially during the summer months.
Beware of Scams: Be cautious of touts and scams, especially near the ghats and temples.
Plan Ahead: Book boat rides, accommodation, and guided tours in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Local Transportation: Rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws are common modes of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your ride.
Safety: Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay alert and avoid isolated areas after dark

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Varanasi

Shimla, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are some of the popular souvenirs that foreign tourists can buy in Shimla

Banarasi Silk Sarees

  • Description: World-renowned for their intricate weaving, luxurious texture, and elaborate embroidery, Banarasi silk sarees are a must-buy. They often feature gold and silver zari work, making them perfect for special occasions.
  • Where to Buy: Vishwanath Gali, Thateri Bazaar, Godowlia Market, Banaras Silk Emporium

Wooden Toys and Lacquerware

  • Description: Varanasi is known for its beautifully handcrafted wooden toys and lacquerware items. These toys are usually painted in vibrant colors and are perfect souvenirs for children and collectors.
  • Where to Buy: Thateri Bazaar, Godowlia Market

Rudraksha Beads and Mala

  • Description: Rudraksha beads are considered sacred and are used for meditation and prayer. You can find Rudraksha malas (garlands) and bracelets, which are believed to have spiritual and healing properties.
  • Where to Buy: Shops near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Godowlia Market

Religious Idols and Artifacts

  • Description: Varanasi is a spiritual hub, and you’ll find a wide range of religious idols, especially of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and other Hindu deities, made from brass, copper, and stone. Pooja (worship) items like bells, incense holders, and lamps are also popular.
  • Where to Buy: Vishwanath Gali, Kashi Vishwanath Temple market

Banarasi Carpets and Rugs

  • Description: Handwoven carpets and rugs from Varanasi are known for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and high-quality craftsmanship. These carpets often feature traditional designs and make great additions to any home.
  • Where to Buy: Bhadohi Carpet Market, local craft shops

Ganga Jal (Holy Water from the Ganges)

  • Description: Ganga Jal is considered holy water by Hindus and is believed to have purifying properties. Bottled Ganga water is often taken home by pilgrims and tourists as a sacred souvenir.
  • Where to Buy: Shops near the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi Glass Beads and Jewelry

  • Description: Varanasi is famous for its colorful glass beads, which are crafted into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry items. These unique pieces of jewelry are affordable and make great gifts.
  • Where to Buy: Bead shops in Golghar Market, Chowk

Hand-knotted Rugs and Dhurries

  • Description: Varanasi is also known for its beautiful hand-knotted rugs and dhurries (woven carpets). These are often adorned with traditional patterns and colors, making them popular among tourists.
  • Where to Buy: Local markets and handicraft stores

Musical Instruments

  • Description: Varanasi has a rich tradition of classical music, and you can buy locally made musical instruments like sitars, tablas, and flutes. These instruments are great for music enthusiasts and serve as unique souvenirs.
  • Where to Buy: Shops near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Vishwanath Gali

Itar (Perfume)

  • Description: Itar, or traditional perfume, is a popular item in Varanasi. These natural, alcohol-free perfumes come in various scents like rose, sandalwood, jasmine, and musk.
  • Where to Buy: Shops in Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali

Handmade Brassware and Copperware

  • Description: Brass and copper utensils, decorative items, and religious artifacts are popular souvenirs. These handcrafted items are often etched with traditional designs and are both functional and decorative.
  • Where to Buy: Thateri Bazaar, Godowlia Market

Banarasi Paan

  • Description: Though not a traditional “souvenir,” Banarasi paan is an iconic symbol of Varanasi. You can buy packaged ingredients to make paan at home, such as betel leaves, areca nuts, and various fillings.
  • Where to Buy: Paan shops across Varanasi, especially near the ghats and Vishwanath Gali
  1. Miniature Paintings and Sculptures
  • Description: Local artisans create miniature paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, daily life in Varanasi, and more. Sculptures of deities and religious symbols are also popular.
  • Where to Buy: Art galleries and craft stores in Varanasi

Ayurvedic Products and Herbal Teas

  • Description: Varanasi is known for its Ayurvedic traditions, and you can buy various herbal teas, natural beauty products, and Ayurvedic medicines.
  • Where to Buy: Shops near Assi Ghat, Godowlia Market

These souvenirs not only capture the essence of Varanasi’s spiritual and cultural heritage but also make for thoughtful gifts and cherished memories of your visit to this ancient city