Hotels in Varanasi
Discover your perfect stay in Varanasi.
Varanasi(India) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions
Popular Landmarks in Varanasi
Discover the most iconic attractions in Varanasi
Recommended Hotels in Varanasi
Find the perfect place to stay in Varanasi
Om Vilas Benares, Varanasi
Rivatas
Hotel Clarks Varanasi Limited
Taj Nadesar Palace
Taj Ganges Varanasi
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - by the Ganges
DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi
Hotel Madin
Guleria Kothi at Ganges
Best Hotels in Varanasi
Discover curated hotel collections in Varanasi
Hyatt Regency Lucknow
Hilton Garden Inn Lucknow
Fun n City Waterpark, Adventure n Resort
Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels Prayagraj
The Piccadily
Pugdundee Safaris- Tree House Hideaway
Renaissance Lucknow Hotel
Radisson Blu Gorakhpur
Rivatas
Marasa Sarovar Premiere, Bodhgaya
BrijRama Palace, Varanasi - by the Ganges
Saraca Hotel Lucknow
Hotel Madin
The Centrum
Clarks Avadh
Taj Mahal Lucknow
Taj Ganges Varanasi
Om Vilas Benares, Varanasi
Samode Safari Lodge
Tree of Life Resort & Spa Varanasi
Hotel Dolphin Grand
Arcadia Hotel
Hhw Buddha Lineage
Comfort Inn Benares
The Pinnacle Inn Sarnath
Amritara Suryauday Haveli
Saptapuri by Royal Orchid Hotels Limited Varanasi
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Varanasi
Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Varanasi
Top luxury options by the Ganges:
- Taj Nadesar Palace：Jewel of heritage luxury with private gardens and butler service.
- Radisson Hotel Varanasi：Modern riverside property with rooftop dining overlooking ghats. Pro tip：Book river-facing suites 3 months ahead for festival seasons (e.g., Dev Deepawali).
For budget stays in old Varanasi:
- Location：Prioritize lanes near Manikarnika Ghat for authentic culture (e.g., Hotel Ganga View).
- Facilities：Basic AC rooms cost ₹1200-2000/night; verify 24/7 water supply. Caution：Avoid ground floors during monsoon (July-Sept) due to flooding risks.
Top budget options near the ghats include Shiva Guesthouse (5-minute walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat) and Yogi Lodge (rooftop views of Ganga Aarti). For under $20/night, consider Shanti Guesthouse with basic amenities. Book via Hostelworld for last-minute deals, but check reviews for cleanliness.
The Gateway Hotel Ganges (Taj Group) provides guided heritage walks to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Radisson Hotel Varanasi offers classical music nights and Ayurvedic spa treatments. For ultimate luxury, BrijRama Palace arranges private boat tours at sunrise with explanations of Ghat rituals. All include vegetarian fine dining featuring local Banarasi cuisine.
Top budget-friendly options include:
- Hotel Surya: 5-minute walk to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, clean AC rooms.
- Zostel Varanasi: Social hostel with Ganga-view dormitories from $8/night.
- Hotel Pradeep: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, offers rooftop yoga sessions.
Pro tip: Book rooms with mosquito nets and verify hot water availability.
First-timers should consider:
- Location: Stay near Assi Ghat (quieter) or Godowlia (central but noisy).
- Amenities: Prioritize 24/7 power backup and filtered water.
- Cultural Tips: Many heritage properties (like Nadesar Palace) enforce vegetarian policies.
Recommended mid-range: Ramada Plaza with guided heritage walks included.
Top luxury picks are BrijRama Palace (a restored 18th-century heritage property with private ghat access) and Taj Nadesar Palace (royal gardens with river-facing suites). For modern luxury, Radisson Hotel Varanasi offers rooftop pool views of the Ganges.
Pro tip: Book heritage category rooms 3-6 months ahead for Kumbh Mela periods. Most 5-stars provide guided sunrise boat tours.
Prioritize hotels with ISO-certified cleanliness protocols like Ramada Plaza or Hotel Surya. Avoid budget lodges near Manikarnika Ghat (cremation area). Key checks:
- Water filtration systems
- AC with air purification
- Sealed bathroom fittings
Recommended zones: Bhelupur (quiet) or Sigra (business district). Always check recent traveler photos of bathrooms before HopeGoo.
Top picks include The Gateway Hotel Ganges (Taj group, with private ghat access) and Radisson Hotel Varanasi (infinity pool overlooking the river). For heritage stays, Nadesar Palace (former maharaja's residence) offers butler service. Pro tip: Book river-facing rooms 3+ months ahead during Dev Deepawali festival (Nov-Dec).
Affordable options cluster near Assi Ghat (backpacker area) and Godowlia Market. Recommended: Stops Hostel (dorm beds from $5, HopeGoo) and Hotel Alka (rooftop cafe with panoramic ghat views). Note: Many budget hotels list prices in INR only - carry cash. Avoid touts offering "special deals" at the train station.
Varanasi Overview
City Summary
Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and is revered as a sacred site in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, it is renowned for its profound spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage. Every morning, thousands of devotees gather at the river ghats, especially the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, for holy baths and prayers. The Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk is a mesmerizing religious spectacle not to be missed. The city's labyrinthine alleys are steeped in mysticism, dotted with ancient temples like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, drawing pilgrims and travelers from around the globe. Additionally, Varanasi is a major center for Indian classical music and philosophy, offering visitors a deeply transformative experience.
Must-See Attractions
Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most spiritual cities, is nestled on the banks of the Ganges River and revered as a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. The city is famous for its vibrant Ganga Aarti ceremony, where devotees gather at dawn for a holy dip in the river. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the prime spot to witness this mesmerizing ritual. Additionally, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, draws countless pilgrims. Strolling through its narrow lanes, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Hindu culture and explore local markets filled with exquisite silk fabrics and handicrafts. For travelers seeking spirituality and cultural enrichment, Varanasi is an unmissable destination.
Food Guide
Varanasi, one of Hinduism's holiest cities, lies on the banks of the Ganges River and is famed for its vibrant culinary culture and unique street food. Influenced by religious practices, the vegetarian cuisine here shines through street delicacies like kachori sabzi (fried bread with curry) and chaat (tangy snacks). Must-tries include lassi (yogurt drink) and malaiyo (creamy dessert), best enjoyed at stalls near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Devotees believe consuming prasad (blessed food) by the Ganges brings spiritual merit, blending dining with devotion in a way that makes Varanasi's flavors truly transcendent.
Transportation Guide
Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. The primary modes of transportation here include auto-rickshaws, taxis, and walking. The city's narrow and crowded streets make it advisable to avoid peak hours for travel.
For long-distance journeys, trains and buses are available. Varanasi Junction is a major railway hub connecting to other cities across India. Additionally, boats on the Ganges River offer a unique way to explore the riverside temples and ghats.
Travel tip: Due to the chaotic traffic, it's recommended to plan your route in advance and carry small change for fares. If walking, be mindful of uneven paths and stay alert.
Travel Tips
- Safety Tips: Varanasi is crowded—keep valuables secure, especially near the Ganges and markets. Avoid isolated areas at night.\n\n2. Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering Hindu temples and wear modest clothing (covering shoulders/knees). Always ask permission before photographing rituals.\n\n3. Weather Prep: Summer (Apr-Jun) temperatures can reach 45°C—pack sunscreen, hats, and water. Monsoon (Jul-Sep) requires waterproof footwear.\n\n4. Transport: Use prepaid taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid haggling with autorickshaws. Choose licensed boat operators with life jackets on the Ganges.\n\n5. Food Safety: Drink only bottled water and avoid raw foods. Opt for hygienic restaurants; street vendors may pose risks.\n\n6. Culture: Maintain silence during Ganga Aarti dawn ceremonies. Book certified guides to understand religious context.\n\n7. Health: Get hepatitis A vaccine in advance. Bring anti-diarrhea meds and mosquito repellent. Avoid direct contact with Ganges water.
Useful Information
Varanasi Travel Guide
Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Known for its unique spiritual atmosphere and the Ghats (stone steps) along the Ganges River, it attracts countless pilgrims and tourists every year.
Practical Information
- Language: The primary language is Hindi, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Internet & Communication: Network coverage is good in the city; purchasing a local SIM card (e.g., Airtel or Vodafone) is recommended for cost-effective communication.
- Currency & Payments: The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Cash is preferred, though some hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
- Emergency Services: For emergencies, dial 100 for police or 102 for ambulance services.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Ganga Aarti: A daily evening ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat, offering a deep dive into Hindu culture.
- Sarnath: A significant Buddhist site where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
- Varanasi Old City: Wander through its narrow lanes to experience the city’s ancient charm.
Tips: The weather can be hot, so bring sunscreen. Remove shoes before entering temples and respect local religious customs.
