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Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh | India
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
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Varanasi is categorised as Pilgrimage


Ghats of Varanasi (Nivalink Trip Dated - 19 August 2018)
Dashashwamedh ghat (Nivalink Trip Dated - 19 August 2018)
Dashashwamedh ghat (Nivalink Trip Dated - 19 August 2018)
Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 19 August 2018)
Old City (Nivalink Trip Dated - 19 August 2018)
Ghats seen while boating in Ganga (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
Morning Ganga Boat ride (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
Ganga Aarti at Varanasi (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
St Marys Church (Photo Courtesy: Dcastor)
Durga Temple (Photo Courtesy: Shishir KS)
Gyanvapi Mosque (Photo Courtesy: kawanet)
Alamgir Mosque (Photo Courtesy: Man)
Central Library (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
Entrance to the New Vishwanath Temple
Ramangar Fort and Museum (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
Bharat Mata Temple (Nivalink Trip Dated - 1 February 2011)
Ghats of Varanasi
Ghats of Varanasi

Reasons to Visit
  • Varanasi is seat of Hindu religion and culture for several thousand years and today visited for its Ganges side spiritual experience.
  • Varanasi has its own style of classical music, and has produced many a writers, poets and philosophers.
  • Varanasi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (One of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples).
  • Banarasi Sarees, a unique brand of Sarees and other crafts (Brassware, woodcraft etc.) are also popular in Varanasi.
  • Banarasi paan, a betel leaf wrapped over a mixture of arecanut, cardamom and lime, which many Indians chew habitually, is a well-known product of Varanasi.
  • Area around Varanasi grows a special variety of much sought after mango variety.
  • Varanasi has also been a center of education, art and craft. Since 6th century BC it has attracted scholars and philosophers from all over India.
  • Sarnath, where Buddha got his enlightenment is 12 km from Varanasi. Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveler, came here in the 7th century.
  • Varanasi is the cultural and religious nerve center of the North India. It is a preferred destination for any inbound itinerary.
  • Overseas guests like the spirituality in the ambience and like to be next to the river ganges and take a boatride which considered an experience.
  • Staying by the ghats of Varanasi and living the spirituality is something of an experience worth traveling all the way for.
Recommendations
  • Major Hindu Pilgrimages in Uttar Pradesh"Varanasi is most significant for Shiva devotees being home to Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples. Mir Ghat area is home to Vishalakshi temple which is considered one of the Shakti Peetha temples. Varanasi is an all year round pilgrim getaway and visited by guests from all over India."
  • Shaktipeetha Temples in North India"From Hindu Pilgrimage perspective, Varanasi is most significant for Shiva devotees being home to Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples. Mir Ghat area is home to Vishalakshi temple which is considered one of the Shakti Peetha temples. Varanasi is a renowned pilgrim getaway and combines well with Allahabad for a pilgrim break."
  • Destinations to Visit as part of Central India Heritage Circuit"Khajhraho - Varanasi flight is a popular mode of arrival for travellers on Central India Heritage Circuit. Varanasi is renowned for its riverside old city character, spirituality experience by the holy river ganges and Buddhist heritage of Sarnath (12 kms). Typical stay - 2 nights"
  • Airports and Access Points for Uttar Pradesh"Varanasi Railway Station and Airports are a convenient access point to Buddhist pilgrimage of Sarnath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple (a Jyotirlinga), Spirituality of the old city and to visit Allahabad (110 kms)."
  • Destinations to visit Jyotirlinga Temples of Lord Shiva"Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) is home to the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple and is one of the most visited and sacred shrines of Hinduism"
Access Information

Varanasi has 18 Hotels approved and listed with Nivalink

CategoryCount
Mid-segment4
Premium12
Luxury1
Experiential1
Type of HotelsCount
Hotel15
Homestay1
Resort2

For Reviewing all Varanasi Hotels, rates, offers and making online reservation requests Click here

7 verified holiday itineraries are listed for Varanasi

CategoryCount
Getaway (1-3 nights)2
Short Break (4-6 nights)1
Holiday (7 or more)4

Click here - For reviewing summary, detailed itinerary, route map, access points, expert comments, departure dates (where applicable), rates and customisation options

List of Holidays for Varanasi

Getaway

  • Varanasi Extended Pilgrim Getaway (3 Nights)
  • Varanasi Spiritual Getaway (2 Nights)

Short Break

  • Ayodhya - Allahabad - Varanasi Pilgrimage (4 Nights)

Holiday

  • Buddhist Circuit Itinerary (8 Nights)
  • Buddhist Circuit Itinerary with Delhi Stopover (8 Nights)
  • North and Central India Heritage Itinerary (8 Nights)
  • North and Central India Heritage Itinerary with Buddhist circuit extension (10 Nights)

For an itinerary customised to your tastes and preferences email to holidays@nivalink.co.in or call +91-22-61506363 to speak to our travel planners.

Varanasi has 14 Transport services that can be booked online. Click here for reviewing and booking them.

Airport Pickup or Drop

ServicesRates Starting From
Pickup/Drop between Varanasi Airport and Hotel in VaranasiRs. 817

Day Sightseeing

ServicesRates Starting From
Allahabad Day visit from VaranasiRs. 5565
Day Sightseeing in VaranasiRs. 700
Day visit to Ramnagar FortRs. 778
Varanasi Temple visitRs. 700
Varanasi to Sarnath Day visit and backRs. 700

Point to Point Transport

ServicesRates Starting From
Khajuraho to Varanasi with an overnight stay in AllahabadRs. 13167
Pickup/Drop between Varanasi and AllahabadRs. 5300
Pickup/Drop between Varanasi Hotel and SarnathRs. 667
Same Day Pickup from Bandhavgarh and drop to VaranasiRs. 9445
Same Day transfer from Khajuraho to Varanasi or Vice VersaRs. 8223
Transfer between Agra and VaranasiRs. 17556

Railway Station Pickup or Drop

ServicesRates Starting From
Pickup/Drop between Varanasi Railway Station and Hotel in VaranasiRs. 556
Transfer between Mughal Sarai Railway Station to Varanasi hotelRs. 889

For any other transport services for Varanasi email to transportations@nivalink.co.in or call +91-22-61506363 to speak to our travel assistants.

Varanasi has 7 Add Ons approved and listed with Nivalink.

CategoryCount
Activities2
Guide Services4
Walking Tours1

Click here for Reviewing all Varanasi Add Ons, rates and making online reservation requests.

List of Service Add Ons for Varanasi

Activities

Services Rates Starting From
Essential Varanasi - Heritage Walk in Varanasi-
River Ganges Boat Ride at VaranasiRs. 556

Guide Services

Services Rates Starting From
Audio Guide for SarnathRs. 250
Audio Guide for VaranasiRs. 250
Full Day Guide Service in VaranasiRs. 1774
Half Day Guide Service in VaranasiRs. 1399

Walking Tours

Services Rates Starting From
Walk by the GangesRs. 1800

7 Travel Ideas listed for Varanasi. Click here for reviewing them.

Destination Ideas

  • Kashi Vishwanath Pilgrimage
  • Sarnath Experience
  • Varanasi Ghat Experience
  • Varanasi Spiritual Getaway

Stay Ideas

  • Nadesar Palace – Heritage Getaway
  • Nadesar Palace Spa Getaway

Festivals linked to Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

  • Ganga Mahaotsav

For expert insights and recommendations - email to expert@nivalink.co.in

  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    Dedicated to Mother India, this unadorned temple has a marble relief map of India instead of usual images of gods and goddesses. The temple was opened by Mahatma Gandhi.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Other
    2
    St Marys Church is situated in the cantonment area. St. Marys Church has a low tower, spire and projecting portico. Instead of windows the church has louvred doors to the sides and hooded ventilation slots beneath the cornice. St. Marys Church is visited for its history and kind of different from otherwise temple and heritage centric varanasi.
    Church
    Roman Catholic Church
    3
    4.8km from the railway station, this Mosque was constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb on the ruins of an ancient temple. Rare specimens of ancient temple art are still evident in the foundation and at the rear of the mosque
    Mosque or Dargah
    Mosque
    5
    Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples and most significant in Hinduism especially for a Lord Shiva devotee. The security around here is tight making entrance off limits to foreigners.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Shiva, Jyotirlinga
    5
    Alamgir Mosque is popularly known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, was originally a Vishnu temple, and is now a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture worth seeing.
    Mosque or Dargah
    Mosque
    7
    The ruler of Jaisingh built an observatory in Varanasi in line with those built in Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. The Varanasi observatory has all the instruments which were required to record the motion, speed and properties of various stars and planets and other cosmic objects. The observatory was built in 1600 and still the instruments give the exact measurements which can match any modern instrument today.
    Heritage Site
    Observatory
    7
    The archeological survey of India (ASI) has rediscovered the art behind the science of Man Mandir, the third observatory by the creator of Jantar Mantar, hidden for decades under a coat of crude lime plaster. The palace was built by Raja (King) Man Singh of Amber (Rajasthan) and the observatory houses five astronomical instruments for the study of the heavenly bodies.
    Heritage Site
    Observatory
    7
    Lord Shiva temple depicted here as God of Death. Devotees are not allowed to touch the Shivalinga here.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Shiva
    7
    Nepali temple is situated on Lalita Ghat, was constructed by the late King of Nepal. Made of wood brought from Nepal, the walls have exquisite and lively carvings. Also known locally as mini Khajuraho for its erotic carvings.
    Heritage Site
    Heritage Temple
    8
    Unlike many temples in Varanasi, this temple is open to all, irrespective of caste or religion. The interior has a Siva lingam and verses from Hindu scriptures inscribed on the walls and is supposed to be a replica of the earlier Vishwanath Temple destroyed by Aurangazeb.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Other
    8
    Banaras Hindu University is a large campus having approx. 124 independent departments built during Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. Guests also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside the university having collection of sculptures, paintings and textiles.
    Heritage Site, Museum
    Archeological Museum, University Campus
    8
    The mosque has minarets towering 71m above the Ganges and was constructed using columns from the Bineswar temple razed by Aurangzeb
    Mosque or Dargah
    Mosque
    8
    New Vishwanath temple is situated inside the premises of the Banaras Hindu university and has Geeta engraved in its marble walls. Its about a 30 minute walk from the gates of the university to the New Vishwanath Temple
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Shiva
    8
    A short walk south of the Durga Temple is the modern marble sikhara-style Tulsi Manas Temple, built in 1964. Its walls are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ram Charit Manas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana. Its author, poet Tulsi Das, lived here while writing it. You can watch figures performing scenes from Hindu mythology on the 2nd floor for a small fee. The temple is open from 5.30 am to noon and 3.30 to 9 pm daily.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Other
    9
    Jateshwar Mahadev temple houses a black stone statue of Shiva and has tantric overtones. Locals believe that a devotee must offer his prayers here, before going to Vishwanath Temple.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Shiva
    9
    Annapurna Temple is located next to the Vishwanath temple was built in the 18th century by Peshwa Baji Rao I. The idol of Annapurna Bhavani is made in solid gold and carrying a cooking pot is housed here. There is also a striking silver-faced image of Shani (Saturn) within the temple.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Devi Temple, Other
    9
    Durga temple is One of the important temples in Varanasi and is built in the 8th century. This temple is built in north Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). The shikhara of the temple is formed by many small spires which are built one on top of the other. It is also commonly known as Monkey Temple due to many frisky monkeys that have made it their home.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Devi Temple
    10
    Bhairaon Nath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. Some important ones include Chandi Bhairav, near Durga Temple; Batuk Bhairav, Kamachha and Rucha Bhairav, near Hanuman Ghat.
    Temple or Holy Place
    Lord Shiva
    10
    17th century fort is the home of the former Maharaja of Benaras. It looks impressive from the river. During the monsoon access is by ferry. The interesting museum here contains old silver and brocade palanquins for the ladies of the court, gold-plated elephant howdahs, an astrological clock, macabre elephant traps and an armoury of swords and old guns.
    Heritage Site, Museum
    Heritage Museum, Royal Heritage, Fort
    10
    Govt Museum is home to a large collection that includes stone sculptures, bas reliefs, architectural fragments, inscriptions of various faiths and creeds, coins, terracotta, inscribed bricks, pottery pieces, clay seals, bronze objects and paintings. The museum has a rch collection of the Mathura School of Sculptures of 3rd century B.C - 12th century A.D
    Museum
    Heritage Museum
    12
  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a Museum in Sarnath. Stupas in Sarnath and Buddhist temples around here built by different Asian countries are worth a visit.
    Monastery
    Buddhist Monastery
    12
    Archeological Museum is located in Sarnath. The main attraction at this excellent archaeological museum is the superb Ashokan pillar. It has the Ashokan symbol of four back-to-back lions which has been adopted as the state symbol of modern India. Other finds from the site include many figures and sculptures from the various periods of Saranath - Mauryan, Kushana, Gupta and later. Among them is the earliest Buddha image found at Sarnath, Buddha figures in various positions dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, and many images of Hindu gods such as Saraswati, Ganesh and Vishnu from the 9th to 12th centuries
    Museum
    Archeological Museum
    12
  • NameDescriptionCategorySub-CategoryDistance(Kms)
    A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims, and riverside Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these. The best option for viewing the ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river. Hindus consider it auspicious to die in Varanasi, so some ghats are known as burning ghats, where bodies are cremated (in full view) before their ashes are placed in the Ganges.
    Temple or Holy Place, Rides
    Boating, Other
    9

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Average Day / Night Temperature of Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh,India

January
25°C / 11°C
February
28°C / 14°C
March
36°C / 22°C
April
41°C / 28°C
May
45°C / 33°C
June
41°C / 32°C
July
37°C / 30°C
August
36°C / 28°C
September
35°C / 26°C
October
35°C / 22°C
November
31°C / 17°C
December
27°C / 14°C

Today's Weather

Temperature High:

Locality      Please click on the marker for more detailed Information

Getting There

Bus:
Varanasi
Locality NameDescriptionSuitable ForHotels (Nos)
AssighatA crowded area full of narrow bylanes right on the riverfront, 6 kms from Varanasi railway Station and 25 kms from Airport. Here guests looking for a riverside expereince stay in value centric hotel options.Experiential/Pilgrimage1
Mall Area7 kms from Assighat area and 20 kms from Airport. Mall area is home to many mid-segment / premium hotels. Guests looking for a bit of comfort and less of narrow bylanes feel prefer to stay here.Business/Holiday6
NadesarA riverside area at 1.5 kms from Mall area and about 22 kms from Airport. Nadesar has premium and heritage experience hotels from Taj group here.Business/Holiday2
Railway Station2 kms radius around Varanasi Junction Railway station there are number of mid-segment and premium hotels catering to business and transit travellers. Airport is 22 kms away.Transit/Business1
Shivala GhatGhat area overlooking river ganges, excellent for a spiritual experienceExperiential/Pilgrimage2
Manikarnika GhatManikarnika Ghat represents a typical Holy Ganga Ghat Riverfronts of Varanasi at 6 kms from town centre. Manikarnika Ghat is home to Jukaso Ganges, a heritage style hotel built having riverfront architecture of VaranasiExperiential4
KatesarKatesar lies on the other side of River in Varanasi and good for transit stays.Transit/Business-
Airport in Varanasi
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport ( VNS ) , Varanasi
Railway Stations in Varanasi
  • Mughal Sarai Junction ( MGS ), Varanasi
  • Varanasi City ( BCY ), Varanasi
  • Varanasi Junction ( BSB ), Varanasi
Recommended travel connections to Varanasi from Major Cities.

Expert Connect

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