City guide

Varanasi

Varanasi also known as Benares, is a city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Lucknow and is India’s holiest Hindu city, w...

Destination overview

Varanasi Travel Guide

Varanasi also known as Benares, is a city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Lucknow and is India’s holiest Hindu city, with a spiritual and religious legacy that goes back nearly 3,000 years. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and in older times was known as Kashi or `Shiv ki Nagri’. The most sacred stretch of the Ganga is at Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Dawn on the Ganga is a fabulous sight. The river flows south to north, with the city on the west bank, and fields and trees to the east. Varanasi's complex Old City has a rich culture, attracting many tourists.  

 

 

Uttar PradeshState North IndiaRegion 4+Stays
Population 3,676,841
Geo Location North
Average Climate
Summer 25° C - 42° C Winter 12° C – 22° C
Best Time To Visit October to March
Highlights

Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

Vishvanath Temple

Vishvanath Temple

Dedicated to Shiva, this shrine is topped by 750 kg of gold. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning Ruler of the universe. The present structure was built in 1777 by Abilyabai of Indore. It is closed to non-Hindus, but visitors can climb surrounding buildings to see the gilded dome.

Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan Temple

It is one of the sacred temples of Hindu god Hanuman. Sankat Mochan in Hindi means reliever from troubles. Mostly on Tuesdays and Saturdays devotees gather here to ask for his help. The current temple structure was built in early 1900s by the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat

Situated at the confluence of Ganga and Assi rivers, Assi Ghat is the southernmost Ghat in Varanasi, where pilgrims bathe before paying their homage to Lord Shiva. A linga stands beneath a pipal tree, which marks the confluence of the Asi and Ganges rivers. Assi Ghat also constitutes the southern end of conventional city

Sarnath

Sarnath

Sarnath is a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Gomati rivers. To Buddhists, Sarnath is as sacred as Varanasi to Hindus. The Buddha came to the Deer Park here in 528 BC, to preach the Dharmachakra, or the wheel of Law, his first major sermon after gaining enlightenment

Selected stays

Stay in Varanasi

Plan My Journey
Hotel Clarks Varanasi

Hotel Clarks

Hotel Clarks Varanasi is an island of tranquility in the ancient city of Varanasi. The hotel has very spacious room aesthetically designed and tast...

Varanasi, India View Hotel
Radisson Hotel Varanasi

Radisson Hotel

Located in the heart of the city's illustrious business district, the Radisson provides easy access to major cultural attractions like Kashi Vishwa...

Varanasi, India View Hotel
Suryauday Haveli Varanasi

Suryauday Haveli

Suryauday Haveli on Shivala Ghats is a reflection of the spirit of the holy city of Benaras. The Haveli traces its history back to the early 20th c...

Varanasi, India View Hotel