Durga Mandir in Varanasi is a vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, famously nicknamed "Monkey Temple" for its playful resident primates. The red-brick structure with intricate carvings exudes sacred energy, especially at dawn when devotees flock for prayers. Located near Assi Ghat, it offers an authentic glimpse into Ganga's spiritual heartbeat. Don't miss sipping lassi from nearby stalls – the perfect refreshment after exploring this cultural gem!




















Everything you need to know about durga mandir
Near Durga Mandir, BrijRama Palace is a luxury heritage hotel on the Ganges with traditional decor. Hotel Ganges Grand offers budget-friendly rooms within walking distance. For authentic local experience, Shiva Ganges View Guest House provides river-facing balconies.
Book early during peak season (Oct-Mar) as Varanasi attracts many pilgrims. Most hotels arrange guided temple tours.
Durga Mandir is famous for its red sandstone structure and multi-tiered shikharas. Built in 18th century, this North Indian-style temple houses the fierce goddess Durga. Unique features include:
Key visiting guidelines:
Foreigners may need to register at entrance. Women should consider visiting in groups.
Must-try local foods:
Deena Chat Bhandar serves excellent Tamatar Chaat (spicy tomato snack). Note: Varanasi is vegetarian-only; avoid ice/uncooked items for food safety.
Durga Mandir is 1.2km (15-min walk) from Assi Ghat through narrow lanes. To reach the main Dashashwamedh Ghat (famous for Ganga Aarti ceremony), it's 2km - take cycle-rickshaw (≈$0.60) or auto-rickshaw.
Tip: The walk passes vibrant markets selling religious items. Wear comfortable shoes as streets are uneven.
Daily opening hours:
Important notes:
See what other travelers say about durga mandir

Staying at New Hotel Broadway was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Varanasi. The hotel is incredibly clean, well-maintained, and located just steps away from major attractions—perfect for exploring the city on foot. The staff went above and beyond with their warmth and helpfulness; every interaction felt genuine and welcoming. From check-in to checkout, they made me feel at home. The value for money is outstanding—luxury amenities at a budget-friendly price. I’d highly recommend this gem to any traveler looking for comfort, convenience, and kindness in Varanasi.

The booking process was extremely confusing and frustrating. I initially booked with a pay-at-property option, but later received a QR code asking for payment instead—there was no clear explanation or consistency. To make matters worse, my reservation was canceled by the hotel without any prior notice. Being left stranded at the last minute is incredibly stressful and unprofessional. The entire experience felt disorganized and unreliable. I wouldn’t recommend staying here under any circumstances. Save your time and avoid this place.

I had an excellent stay at this hotel—peaceful surroundings, great service, and a fantastic dinner served in-room. The breakfast was delicious too, and the staff were very attentive. It's a bit farther from the city center, but a short taxi ride makes it super convenient. I’d definitely recommend this place for anyone visiting Varanasi—it’s peaceful, comfortable, and offers real value. The only downside was the Wi-Fi in the room, which wasn’t very strong, but honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. Overall, a wonderful experience!

Staying at Hotel Four Element in Varanasi was an absolutely delightful experience. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, polite service—always smiling and ready to help. The food was exceptional, fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. Cleanliness truly stood out; every corner of the hotel felt spotless and well-maintained. Located right in the heart of the city, it's incredibly convenient—just a short walk to the railway station and perfectly situated near Dashwamadh Ghat, making early morning boat rides and sunrise views super easy. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed for comfort and ease. I’d highly recommend this hotel to any traveler visiting Varanasi—it’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a true home away from home.

Staying at Hotel Zion Inn with my partner was an absolutely delightful experience. The moment we arrived, Mr. Shivesh at the front desk made us feel right at home—warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive, like family. He handled our check-in with care and professionalism, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want after a long journey. What truly stood out was the manager’s dedication; his kindness and proactive support made our stay incredibly comfortable and memorable. If you’re visiting Varanasi, don’t hesitate to book here. This place isn’t just a hotel—it’s a home away from home. Highly recommended!

Staying at Square Inn in Varanasi was an absolutely delightful experience. The room was spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with just enough space for a comfortable night’s rest. The staff were incredibly polite and welcoming—especially Ms. Mahima, who was cheerful, helpful, and always ready to assist with any request. Her positive attitude really made the stay more enjoyable. The location is excellent—right in the heart of the city, steps away from major attractions and local eateries. I loved how quiet and peaceful the inn felt while still being close to everything. It’s rare to find such a cozy, well-run place with such great value. I’d definitely recommend this gem to anyone visiting Varanasi.

Staying at this hotel in Varanasi was an absolute delight! The staff were incredibly kind and helpful—always smiling, ready to assist with anything from navigating local transportation to recommending nearby restaurants and organizing guided tours. The room itself was spotless, comfortable, and perfectly peaceful, offering a nice escape from the bustling city streets. The only minor issue was some music from a wedding celebration late at night, but the team responded quickly and made sure it didn’t disrupt our rest. Breakfast was delicious and satisfying, a perfect start to the day. I can’t recommend this place enough—seriously, if I ever come back to Varanasi, this will be my first choice again. A truly memorable stay.

My stay here was far beyond what I expected—definitely a highlight of my trip to Varanasi. Even though our visit was brief, every moment felt special. The hotel is immaculately clean and beautifully designed, with a peaceful atmosphere that made it easy to relax after a busy day exploring the city. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, professional, and always ready to help. They truly made us feel at home. From the warm welcome to the thoughtful touches throughout our stay, it was clear they care about guest experience. Location-wise, it’s perfectly placed for walking to local markets, temples, and riverside ghats. If you're looking for a quiet retreat with great service and charm in the heart of Varanasi, this is the place. Highly recommend—worth every penny!

I traveled solo to Varanasi, India, and stayed at Moustache Varanasi—truly one of the best experiences! The staff was incredibly kind and never pressured me for money like some other places do. No pushy taxis or guides trying to upsell services—just genuine hospitality. I especially loved Mani, the adorable hostel dog who greeted me with wagging tail every time I came back. He added so much warmth and charm to the stay. The vibe is cozy, authentic, and welcoming—perfect for solo travelers looking for a meaningful connection with the city and its people. This place feels like home, and I’ll definitely be returning.

We stayed at Hotel Silk City for two nights and had a generally excellent experience. The room was spotlessly clean with all the essentials—hot water, shampoo, toilet paper, and a working hairdryer. What stood out was that housekeeping cleaned our room daily, which isn’t always the case in other hotels across India. Dinner was served at the hotel restaurant, offering a mix of Indian and continental options—we found the food to be tasty and reasonably priced. The only downside was the surrounding area, which felt a bit chaotic, but honestly, that’s part of the authentic Indian experience. Despite that, we’d definitely stay here again if we’re back in Varanasi. Great value, good service, and a comfortable base for exploring the city.

My stay at Hotel Raj Kamal Palace was truly comfortable and enjoyable. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and had a peaceful vibe that made it perfect for relaxation. The staff were consistently polite, attentive, and went out of their way to assist with local recommendations and travel tips. Dining at the hotel was a highlight—food was flavorful, freshly prepared, and served quickly. Located in a convenient area, it's just a short walk from key attractions, making exploration easy. For travelers seeking a quiet, clean, and well-priced stay in Varanasi, this is an excellent choice. I’d definitely recommend it and plan to return.

My stay at Hotel Satya Inn was absolutely wonderful. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—perfect for a relaxing night's sleep. The food served at the hotel was delicious, with authentic local flavors that really stood out. Staff were attentive and friendly, always ready to help with recommendations or assistance. While the neighborhood is in a predominantly Muslim area, it didn’t affect our experience at all—it was safe, quiet, and well-kept. I appreciated how easy it was to get around using public transport. Overall, this was a great value-for-money choice, and I’d definitely return if I’m back in Varanasi.
Explore more amazing destinations