Map of Varanasi, India

🕉️ What to do in Varanasi

Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi through boat rides on the Ganges River and witness mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremonies along the ghats.

• Best Budget Activity in Varanasi:

  Explore Sarnath: Visit the historical site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, offering a peaceful retreat from the city buzz.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Varanasi:

  Visit the Ramnagar Fort: Explore this 18th-century fort filled with artifacts, vintage cars, and a museum showcasing the rich heritage of Varanasi.

• Best Luxury Activity in Varanasi:

  Enjoy a private Ganges River boat tour: Sail in luxury along the Ganges River, witness the sunrise or sunset, and soak in the mystical ambiance of Varanasi from a different perspective.

🍽️ Where to eat in Varanasi

In Varanasi, experience a culinary adventure with must-try foods like chaat, kachori sabzi, and famous Benarasi paan.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Varanasi:

  Deena Chat Bhandar•$-$$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Varanasi:

  Vishnu Tea Emporium•$$-$$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Varanasi:

  Bona Cafe & Bistro•$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Varanasi:

  The Open Hand Cafe•$-$$:

  Lassi and Masala Chai

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Varanasi:

  The Brown Bread Bakery•$$-$$$:

  Freshly brewed coffee and Banana Walnut Cake

• Best Luxury Bar in Varanasi:

  The Terrace Café•$$$:

  Signature cocktails with a stunning view

🕌 What to see in Varanasi

Varanasi is a treasure trove of ancient wonders and spiritual landmarks, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage and cultural heritage of India.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

  One of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its grand architecture and religious significance.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat

  The main ghat in Varanasi where the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every evening, providing a mesmerizing view of the spiritual rituals.

• Sarnath

  The place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, showcasing Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and tranquil gardens.

• Manikarnika Ghat

  One of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, known for its cremation ceremonies and the eternal flame said to have been burning for centuries.

• Ramnagar Fort

  An ancient fort located on the banks of the Ganges River, housing a museum with a collection of vintage cars, royal artifacts, and showcasing the cultural heritage of Varanasi.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi is a shopper's paradise, offering a blend of traditional handicrafts, textiles, and spiritual artifacts amidst bustling markets and lively streets.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Varanasi:

  Godowlia Market: A vibrant market known for its affordable textiles, jewelry, and street food, offering a glimpse into local Varanasi life.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Varanasi:

  Vishwanath Gali: A bustling lane lined with shops selling Banarasi sarees, brassware, and exquisite silk products, perfect for a mid-range shopping spree.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Varanasi:

  IP Sigra Mall: A modern shopping destination with designer boutiques, luxury brands, and upscale shopping outlets, ideal for indulging in a luxurious shopping experience.

🚌 Getting Around Varanasi

• Public Transport

  In Varanasi, public transport options primarily include buses and trains. The local buses are a common and affordable mode of transportation, with frequent services connecting key areas of the city. Prices for bus rides are typically low, offering a budget-friendly way to get around. Additionally, Varanasi Junction is the main train station in the city, providing both local and long-distance train services. Travelers can check schedules and ticket prices at the station or online for convenient travel planning.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Varanasi Junction Railway Station serves as a major transportation hub in the city, facilitating train travel to various destinations across India. For bus travel, the Varanasi Bus Terminal is a key hub where travelers can find buses to different parts of the city and neighboring regions. The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the primary air transport hub near Varanasi, connecting the city to major domestic and international destinations.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental Services: Visitors in Varanasi can opt for car rental services from providers like Zoomcar and Avis. Prices for car rentals vary based on the type of vehicle and duration, starting from around $20 per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental Services: Travelers looking for a more eco-friendly option can rent bicycles from shops like Varanasi Bike Rental. Prices for bicycle rentals are affordable, ranging from $5 to $10 per day.