Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The Spiritual Capital of India

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual heart of India. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, it is famous for its temples, ghats, and vibrant cultural heritage. It is believed that a dip in the holy Ganges washes away sins, and many Hindus consider Varanasi the most auspicious place for moksha (liberation).

📍 Key Highlights of Varanasi:

✅ One of the oldest cities in the world (over 3,000 years old!)
✅ The spiritual & cultural hub of India, known as “Kashi”
✅ Home to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple & River Ganga Ghats
✅ Famous for its grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
✅ A major center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
✅ Renowned for Banarasi Silk Sarees, street food, and music

🏛️ Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Varanasi

1️⃣ Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Heart of Varanasi 🛕

📍 Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva
✅ An ancient temple with deep spiritual significance
✅ A must-visit for Hindus & devotees from across the world

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free (VIP Darshan ₹300-₹600)
🕰️ Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM

2️⃣ Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Grand Ganga Aarti Spot 🙏

📍 Location: Main Ghat of Varanasi
💞 Why Visit?
✅ The most famous ghat for the spectacular Ganga Aarti
✅ A vibrant place filled with spirituality & cultural performances
✅ Boat rides available to see the ghats from the river

🎟️ Ganga Aarti Timings:
🕰️ Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
🕰️ Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

3️⃣ Assi Ghat – The Perfect Sunrise Spot 🌅

📍 Location: Southernmost Ghat in Varanasi
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A peaceful ghat to experience sunrise & meditation
✅ Known for morning yoga sessions & classical music performances
✅ A quieter alternative to the busy Dashashwamedh Ghat

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM (for sunrise & yoga)

4️⃣ Sarnath – The Place Where Buddha Gave His First Sermon 🏛️

📍 Location: 10 km from Varanasi
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site
✅ Home to the famous Dhamek Stupa & Ashoka Pillar
✅ Has beautiful monasteries & a peaceful environment

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
🕰️ Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5️⃣ Manikarnika Ghat – The Eternal Cremation Ground 🔥

📍 Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the most sacred cremation ghats in India
✅ Believed to grant liberation (moksha) to souls
✅ A deeply spiritual and unique experience of Hindu traditions

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: Open 24/7

6️⃣ Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – A Hub of Learning 📚

📍 Location: Lanka, Varanasi
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s oldest and most prestigious universities
✅ Home to the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
✅ A lush green campus with beautiful architecture

🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🛍️ Shopping in Varanasi – Best Markets & Souvenirs

🛍️ Banarasi Silk Sarees – World-famous handwoven sarees.
🛍️ Handcrafted Wooden Toys & Brassware – Traditional Varanasi crafts.
🛍️ Rudraksha Beads & Spiritual Items – Found near temple markets.
🛍️ Godowlia Market & Vishwanath Gali – Best for shopping.

🍽️ Food & Drink in Varanasi – Must-Try Dishes

Famous Varanasi Dishes:

🍛 Kachori Sabzi – A crispy, spicy breakfast dish.
🍲 Tamatar Chaat – A tangy & spicy street food delight.
🍚 Banarasi Paan – A must-try after every meal.
🍛 Litti Chokha – A popular dish from UP & Bihar.
🥭 Malaiyyo – A winter-special creamy dessert.

Best Restaurants in Varanasi:

🍽️ Kashi Chat Bhandar – Best for local chaat.
🍽️ Baati Chokha Restaurant – Authentic UP cuisine.
🍽️ Shree Shivay Restaurant – Pure vegetarian delights.
☕ Brown Bread Bakery & Café – Best for coffee & snacks.

🎭 Fairs & Festivals in Varanasi

🎡 Dev Deepawali (November-December) – The grand festival of lights along the ghats.
🎶 Mahashivratri (February-March) – A massive celebration at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
🌊 Ganga Mahotsav (November) – A grand festival celebrating the Ganges.
📖 Makar Sankranti (January) – Famous for kite flying & holy dips in the Ganga.

🌙 Nightlife in Varanasi – Best Places to Hang Out

🎶 Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – A mesmerizing night experience.
🍹 The Great Kebab Factory – Best for fine dining.
☕ The Hideout Café – A trendy café for evening relaxation.
🎭 Music & Classical Dance Shows – Performed at multiple cultural centers.

🚗 How to Reach Varanasi?

• ✈️ By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) connects to major cities.
• 🚆 By Train: Varanasi Junction (BSB) is a key railway hub in India.
• 🚗 By Road: Well-connected by NH-19 & NH-31 to major cities like Lucknow & Delhi.