Varanasi Guide

1. Sarnath

Sarnath is a popular religious destination for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains and is located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. Also referred to as Isipatana, this site was mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places his devout followers should visit.

The city is famous as the site of the Buddha"s first teaching after attaining enlightenment in which he spoke of the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it.

There are many historical monuments to see in Sarnath, the Dhamekh Stupa being the most famous. The Dhamekh Stupa was built by the great Mauryan King Ashoka in 249 and marks the spot where the Buddha preached his first lesson.

Other important monuments include the Chaukhandi Stupa, the place where Buddha met his 5 disciples, the Dharmarajika Stupa, the temple that holds the remains of Buddha, and the Mulagandhakuti Vihara Buddhist temple, the place where Lord Buddha spent his first rainy season.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Situated on the western bank of the Ganges River, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, a devotional representation of Lord Shiva, and holds tremendous religious significance.

Throughout its history, this temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It was first destroyed in 1194 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak"s army when he defeated the King of Kannauj. The final rebuilding of the temple was in 1780 by the local king, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered temples in Varanasi. It is widely believed that a visit to the temple followed by a dip in the Ganges River is the ultimate way to attain liberation or "Moksha".

The temple complex consists of many shrines located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli. The main temple is surrounded by shrines dedicated to other deities.

The temple's main Shivalinga, an abstract representation of Lord Shiva, is made out of black stone and is enshrined in a silver altar. The complex also contains a holy well called Gyaan Vapi which is where the Shivalinga was hidden to protect it from foreign invaders.

3. Dasaswamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and holiest sets of riverfront steps in Varanasi. This ghat is situated near the Vishwanath Temple and is the location of the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Every year, crowds of Hindu devotees will visit the ghat because of its religious significance. The Dashashwamedh is also surrounded by various Hindu temples and religious sites.

The most popular religious activity that occurs here is the evening Ganga Aarti, a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering. The offering is made to the goddess Ganga who is also referred to as Maa Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti ritual begins with the blowing of the conch shell and a choreographed performance. Afterward, thousands of earthen lamps are lit and set on the Ganges as a floating offering. The ceremony is accompanied by chanting of songs in praise of the Mother Ganga.

4. Ramnagar Fort

Located on the eastern banks of the Ganges, the Ramnagar Fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras and is the current home of Pelu Bheru Singh, the Maharaja of Varanasi.

The fort was built in 1750 and contains several carved balconies, arcades, towers, open courtyards, and pavilions. The fort also has two stunning temples.

One temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other was built to honor Ved Vyasa, the author of the great Indian epic Mahabharata, the longest poem in the world.

The Ramnagar Fort is also home to a museum known as the Vidya Mandir or Saraswati Bhawan Museum. Here, visitors can see displays of royal items including old guns, traditional cars, armor, swords, daggers, and portraits of the Maharajas.

5. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is where the Ganges River meets the Assi River. It is located at the extreme southern end of the city, near the Shivala. This place has immense religious importance and has been mentioned in various legends and sacred Sanskrit writings.

According to the story, Assi Ghat was created when the goddess Durga threw her sword in the river after killing the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha. The spot where she stood became the ghat and since then has been an important ritualistic place in Varanasi.

It is believed that taking a holy dip here during the months of Chaitya and Magh (between January and April) and on eclipses, will grant one the power to get rid of all their mortal sins.

The ghat is also a famous spot to enjoy an amazing view of the sunset and sunrise over the Ganges River.

A massive Shivalingam, an abstract representation of Lord Shiva, can also be found under a Peepal tree near the ghat. Pilgrims often bathe in the river before worshiping Lord Shiva at the Shivalingam.

6. New Vishwanath Temple

The New Vishwanath Temple, also known as Shri Vishwanath Mandir, is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located inside the Banaras Hindu University.

The original Vishwanath Temple was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times during the reign of the Mughal emperors. The Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya decided to replicate the temple and call it the New Vishwanath Temple to honor the original. The construction took 35 years and was finally completed in 1966.

This temple stands 77 meters tall and is made mostly of marble. Although primarily dedicated to the god Shiva, the complex also consists of nine other temples. The Shiva temple is situated on the ground floor while the Durga and Lakshmi temples are located on the floor above.

The New Vishwanath Temple also contains the tallest temple tower in the world, Shikhara. The marble walls of the tower were carefully engraved with the entire Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture, as well as illustrations from other holy scriptures.

1. Taj Ganges

Spread over 40 acres of tropical gardens, the Taj Ganges is an ancient-style property located in the heart of Varanasi. This hotel was completely renovated in 2010 and is now ready to offer accommodation in 130 rooms.

The Taj Ganges is located 3.7 miles from Varanasi city center, commonly known as The Chowk. It is also 0.6 miles from Varanasi Junction Railway Station and 13 miles from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport.

All the modern air-conditioned rooms here are equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities. They also enjoy views of the garden, the pool, or the city. Room rates range between 8,000 and 23,000 rupees.

Here, guests can exercise at the fitness center, relax with a massage, and buy souvenirs at the shopping center. The hotel's Chowk Coffee Shop also serves Indian, Pan-Asian and international dishes.

2. Ramada Plaza

The Ramada Plaza is located in the heart of Varanasi. It is 3 miles from Varanasi City Railway Station, 3.7 miles from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and 14 miles from the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

The rooms here have modern décor and feature wood-paneled walls and carpeted floors. Each room is equipped with internet access and a TV with cable channels. The marble bathrooms also come with a bathtub and hairdryer. Rooms cost between 7,000 and 12,000 rupees per night.

At this hotel, guests can book an appointment at the beauty salon, relax in the sauna, or take a dip in the spa bath. There is also an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy. Tadka, the in-house restaurant, offers Indian specialties while The Palate features all-day international buffet spreads.

3. Taj Nadesar Palace

The Taj Nadesar Palace is the former palace of the maharaja of Varanasi turned into a five-star hotel. This property is located amid lush gardens and mango orchards less than a quarter of a mile from the banks of the Ganges River.

Guests here can choose to stay in a palace room, a historical suite, or a royal suite. All rooms feature four-post beds and traditional furnishings, a flat-screen TV, DVD player, and a mini-bar. Room rates range between 45,000 and 65,000 rupees.

Here, guests can enjoy a swimming pool, a four-hole golf course, a fitness center, and Sanskrit classes. The Jiva Spa also provides aromatherapy massages, body scrubs, and other beauty treatments. Boating, guided nature walks, and cultural excursions can also be arranged by the hotel butlers.

4. BrijRama Palace

Built in the 18th century, the BrijRama Palace is a heritage hotel and also one of the oldest structures in Varanasi. The hotel is conveniently perched on banks of the Ganges near the Darbanga Ghaat.

This property overlooks the river and is a stone's throw away from the popular Dasashwamedh Ghat.

The hotel offers 32 well-appointed rooms all of which are equipped with a flat-screen TV, in-room tea and coffee maker, Wi-Fi, and convenient bathrooms with luxurious bath amenities. Prices range from 26,000 to 44,000 rupees.

Here, guests can experience sunrise yoga under the guidance of trained yoga instructors at the rooftop terrace with a breathtaking view of the Ganges River. Live classical music and traditional dance performances are also available at Bada Angan.

5. Hotel Madin

Located in the popular and peaceful Cantonment area of Varanasi, Hotel Madin offers a refreshing mix of opulent design and traditional local service.

The hotel is 3.4 miles away from the Dasaswamedh Ghat and Kedar Ghat, and 15 miles away from Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

Hotel Madin offers 85 luxurious rooms including a deluxe room, a premium room, an executive suite, and a presidential suite. Rooms are spacious and fitted with touch panels and other modern-day amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a bathtub, and a minibar. Room prices range from 17,000 to 50,000 rupees.

The facilities offered by this hotel include a gym, a swimming pool, foot spa, massage center, and a sauna. The rooftop restaurant Voodoo also serves an expansive menu of international dishes while offering great views of the surrounding area. Guests can also dine at the poolside barbecue and grill.

By plane

Traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Lucknow or Agra to Varanasi. From Lucknow, the travel time is around 4 hours while it will take around 2 hours from Agra to arrive in Varanasi.

By train

Traveling by train is cheaper than by plane, but the journey by train is much longer. Typically it takes around 12 hours to travel from Lucknow or Agra to Varanasi by train.

By chauffeured car

The advantages of traveling by a chauffeured car are more comfort and better flexibility in when you leave and where you stop. Driving from Lucknow to Varanasi typically takes around 7 hours while it is around 8 hours from Agra to Varanasi.