2025 Varanasi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Today we move to the northern Indian city of Varanasi, which is considered a holy city by Hindus because it is located on the banks of the Ganges. The travel agency arranged for us to stay at the Radisson Hotel Varanasi. Although it was rated five stars and had a grand lobby, the facilities were not well maintained and looked a bit old and scratched. The basic twin room is not very spacious, only 28 square meters, which is average, but it has a bathtub. But after taking a shower at night, I found that there was no hair dryer. After I reported it, they didn’t give it to me. They even said that the drawer was broken and had been taken apart, so there was no hair dryer. Then they could only deal with it tomorrow morning? Dumbfounded! The room rate is around NT$4,000 per night. India’s transportation and environment are very unfamiliar, and it’s more of a cultural shock. The religious beliefs and lifestyles are really different, which is why such a unique architectural art was born. It’s really an eye-opener. #IndiaTravel

Varanasi🇮🇳, also known as Kashi, is the spiritual heart of India, where faith, culture, and history blend seamlessly. From the sacred Ghats along the Ganges to the mesmerizing rituals, this city is a journey of devotion and discovery. Day 1: Arrival & Spiritual Immersion • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing ritual of fire, chants, and devotion. • Stroll along the Ghats (Assi, Manikarnika, and Harishchandra) to witness the essence of life and death in Hindu beliefs. Day 2: Cultural & Culinary Delights • Explore the narrow lanes of Godowlia, famous for its street food and local shopping. • Try Banarasi Paan, Malaiyyo (winter delicacy), and sweets like Rasgulla & Launglata. • Visit the Ramnagar Fort and enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunset. Day 3: Sarnath & Beyond • Take a short trip to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. • Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum. • Enjoy a peaceful evening at Tulsi Manas Temple. Kumbh Mela Experience (If during Kumbh Mela) • Witness the Shahi Snan (Royal Bath), a grand ritual of devotion and purification in the Ganges. • Explore the vibrant spiritual camps where saints and seers share wisdom. • Participate in bhajans, kirtans, and yoga sessions for a deeper spiritual connection. Varanasi is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling. The sacred Ghats, the echo of temple bells, and the unwavering faith of pilgrims create an atmosphere of divine energy. The trust in God is palpable as people from all walks of life come to seek blessings. The food, especially the sweets, adds to the richness of the experience. Whether you’re exploring the mystical alleys of Kashi or bathing in the holy waters during Kumbh Mela, Varanasi leaves an unforgettable imprint on the soul. #varanasi #india #travel

Varanasi is a city that almost every travel YouTuber visits. My impression? It was worth it!!!!!! I'm so glad I mustered the courage to go!!!!!!! I was too scared to walk alone, so I had a guide show me around for a day. During the dry season, you can walk along the ghats, but in the rainy season, you have to navigate the maze-like streets of the city. Moreover, the city is full of stray dogs, cows, bikes, and people. Thanks to the guide, I was able to see the city efficiently and safely without getting lost. Every sight was fresh and shocking! If you visit India, Varanasi is a must-see place. A city that defies common sense, Varanasi. I definitely want to go again. However, while there are many good people, be cautious of persistent touts and unsolicited guides.

#springsummergoodplace2024 If someone asked me what was the most shocking scenic spot during my travels? The Ganges River is probably one of them As the mother river of India, although the Ganges has been very polluted in recent years, in the hearts of Indians, it is a holy river given by the Indian God, and it is a place that must be visited once in a lifetime. A large number of people come in every early morning, and the shore is already brightly lit before dawn. Many people buy bouquets of flowers and dress up and bathe in the river. At the same time, there are people washing clothes and brushing teeth nearby. Sometimes cows will also soak in the river. In the middle of the distant river, someone is scattering the ashes of freshly incinerated corpses. Very very shocking! Whenever you go to a place, what you should do as a traveler is to try your best to understand the local culture. It can only be said that the Ganges River cannot replace the absolutely sacred existence in the hearts of Indians! #IndiaTravel #GangesSunrise#Must-come-once-in-a-lifetime #Shocking experience

#springsummer2024 As one of the four ancient civilizations, India has many important attractions, but more than its long history, India, as the birthplace of Buddhism, is a place of pilgrimage for many believers. This trip to India is to Sarnath and the Ganges. Sarnath is located more than an hour's drive from the holy city of Varanasi. It is the place where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and preached the Dharma for the first time. Many people come here in special groups to hear the sutras preached directly on the platform! The entire scenic area is not large and can be visited in about an hour. It is highly recommended to sit on the tiles or under a nearby tree, watch the sunset quietly, and feel the unique magnetic field. It is a very, very special experience! #Buddha #Bodhi tree

#hiddengems Since long time ago, the Ganges river has been the most holiest and sacred river in Hinduism religion that over millions of local people and foreign Hindu believer will visit this place where they believe taking a bath or have a body dip in the river will help cure any illnesses. However, as there are many sewages poured into the river everyday, it has gradually became polluted as only partial of it had gone through some water treatment and nowadays, it is 1 of the most polluted river in the world. Still, people who come will bathe here but it is not that recommend as it can be dangerous with the polluted water. As a tourists, if you are not taking shower here, I would more recommend to chase the sunrise in the very early morning taking the boat and guarantee you wont be disappointed with the stunning sunrise view over the water!! Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I took a sleeper train from Agra 🚃 I went to Varanasi, a holy place for Hindus ✨ The moment I saw the Ganges, tears flowed for some reason, but Takemochi, who was next to me, was laughing (maybe) Things to do in Varanasi ✨ 🚣 Watch the sunrise over the Ganges and take a boat to see the baths. They say that bathing in the Ganges cleanses all your sins ☺️ You have to be careful because you can get ripped off for the price of the boat ride on the Ganges, but I'm sure it's okay because bathing in the Ganges cleanses your sins every day. 🥹🫶 🛎️Puja A sacred worship service is held every day and anyone can see it. Because so many people come, there are people who wait for seats from about 2 hours before the event‼ ️ Some people were crying, and the Indian next to me asked, Is this your first time seeing Puja? It's really nice, so enjoy yourself, they told me. 🚶 I walked through the narrow alleys, the winding roads like a maze, and then a tout started talking to me. If you can speak Japanese, they basically try to talk you out of being a YouTuber (I fell for it). The touts were awful~☺️lol #india #varanasi #besttrip2023

After out tour at Amer Fort, we made our way to the magnificent complex of Jantar Mahtar. If you wonder what it means, literally it refers to instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Basically it serves as an observatory site to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. It was built wayyy back in 1723 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. We were told he alao built another 4 sites for observation purpose. Here, there are 13 architectural astronomy instruments. He has a good educational background with keen interest on astronomy. It has become a popular tourist destination #tripblazers #mytripvlog #awesomepic

Sarnath is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon and now its place of pilgrimage and a vihara (monastery) for monks and scholars. #fallingforfall #india #sarnath #varanasi

The longest river in India and the most sacred in the world. Not much can prepare you for your visit. It is like nothing I have experienced in my life. I witnessed life and death gather together to celebrate and mourn one another in “the final resting place”. Faces displaying a mishmash of despair and hope and faith and loss all at the same time. We watched as a family of men carried their very recently deceased mother or grandmother down to the river. The men had to have their heads shaved. It was explained that there is to be no mourning or crying at the cremation that happens right on the riverbank so women usually are not present at the cremation. According to Hindu mythology, if a person breathes their last in Varanasi and is cremated at the banks of the Ganges, they will attain salvation. The locals gather in the mornings to bathe or wash their clothes and during the festive season, the river is said to have as many as 70 million visitors who all take a dip in its sacred waters. The river is incredibly polluted so I was not brave enough but I was happy to watch the others from a distance. #passionpassport

Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ” The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. #varanasi #tra #ganga #tourism #trip #culturalattractions#historicculture#beautifulsunsets

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples. Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ” The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her ‘Theosophical Society’ and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute ‘Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days. #palace#ancientlandmark#templeblessed#eventcelebration#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath. #travelguide#oldarchitecture#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#culturalattractions#naturalwonders

Went to Varanasi for a holy trip and to attend a friend's marriage. 🥰

#merrychristmas #MadinHotel #merrychristmas

Located 13 kilometers east of Varanasi, Sarnath (in state of Uttar Pradesh, India) is considered to be the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the teachings of Dharma after his enlightenment. The site was a deer park which became the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha and is one of the major pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists in India. The name Sarnath literally means ‘Lord of the deer’ and was established by the King of Banaras who created this town as a sanctuary for the deer. Dhamekh Stupa was Built in 500 AD, the stupa marks the exact place where Buddha first taught Dharma after receiving Bodhisattva. The structure of the stupa was built in 500 AD and was commissioned to replace an earlier 249 BC structure by King Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire. #givethanks #travelinspiration #historicallandmarks #worldheritage #newyearstrip #scenicspotguide #givethanks

Varanasi, India, the treacherous labyrinth of the holy city maze-like Varanasi old town is located on the west bank of the Ganges, crowded streets and streets filled with shops, hotels and temples. In India, the cows are very clear about their sacred status, and no one wanders in the narrow alleys. Pedestrians have to stand sideways against the wall to pass. The protagonist of the epic Ramayana, Prince Rama, was assisted by the Monkey Army when he fought against the demon. From then on, the monkey was included in the gods and was worshipped by people. In India, the monkeys are also very aware of their sacred status. They are caught in the window and caught in the shackles. The helpless people are only fleeing.

Unique Indian Humanities Aspects [Aesthetic /] Ascetic monk is a popular practice method of ancient Indian religious believers. It often has an ascetic, unkempt, ragged, three-pronged stick symbolizing Shiva, and walks along the ancient scriptures. . The ascetic monk must endure what the ordinary people think is painful, such as long-term fasting or even water, lying on a bed full of nails, walking on fiery charcoal, enduring heat and cold, etc., to exercise endurance and desire. Hinduism believes that people need to go through many rounds to enter heaven and get the care of God. Some people hope to take shortcuts, and in this life they will get the gods and the scriptures. The ascetic monstrous is considered to be such a shortcut.

Taj Ganges amazing place to stay

The advantage of traveling to India with a tour group is that the food and accommodation are great; I still miss the taste of Indian curry and naan. In terms of transportation, you can take a tour group bus, so you don’t have to worry about bumpy gravel roads on long journeys; it is especially safe for girls to travel in and out with the group. Experience in person the city that the Buddha once walked through as described in the Buddhist scriptures, and you will have deeper feelings and insights when you are there! The places where the Buddha preached the Dharma three times were Deer Park, Vulture Peak, and Vaishali. <> As soon as we arrived at Sarnath, we saw many people circumambulating the pagoda, chanting mantras, and buying flowers as offerings. Although only cultural relics are left, the pilgrims are still very pious. After the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, he first came to Deer Park to convert five monks and preached to them the thirty-seven factors of enlightenment, including the Agama Sutra. His teachings are now generally classified as self-salvation Hinayana Buddhism (Shravakayana). <> Climbing Mount Vulture Peak requires a bit of physical strength. Older people can take a sedan chair up the mountain. On the mountain, you can also capture the touching moment of the lamas chanting sutras together! There are several caves on the mountain. According to legend, these are the caves where the ten great disciples of Buddha and some Arhats practiced seclusion. Now many tourists will stick gold foil on the stones or light lamps in the caves for offerings. Several years after the Buddha preached the Dharma, he gave the second turning of the Dharma wheel on Vulture's Peak outside Rajgir, expounding the wisdom of emptiness such as the "Prajna Sutra". His teachings are classified as Mahayana Buddhism (Bodhisattva Vehicle) of self-salvation and salvation of others. <> Compared with the previous two pilgrimage sites, the ruins of Vaishali are relatively well preserved, and pilgrims will look for open spaces nearby to meditate. The Buddha taught according to the individual’s aptitude, knowing that each person’s capacity for enlightenment was different, so he developed 84,000 methods suitable for people with different aptitudes. However, all things are inseparable from their essence. The Buddha's final teaching of "Madhyamaka-Vijnanavada" emphasizes the middle way view and equality view that everyone has Buddha nature and everyone can become a Buddha. Some people classify it as part of the Mahayana (Vajrayana) method; but in fact, the Lotus Sutra states very clearly that "there are no three vehicles, only one Buddha vehicle." #Deer Park #Ragir #Lingjiu Mountain #Vaisali City

🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷 Sarnath Deer Park Offering-This pagoda commemorates the Buddha's first turning of the Dharma wheel, preaching to 5 monks, and the establishment of the Sangha. We made ten crystal offerings and chanted around the pagoda Then we went into the Sarnath Museum, which was opened a few days ago and you can bring your phone in to take pictures. There are Buddha sculptures from 500-600BC, and the main character is the Asoka pillar (4 lion heads) from the Maurya Dynasty in 300BC

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Varanasi, India is a world-famous tourist resort city. Every day, thousands of tourists come here for sightseeing and vacation. This time I will introduce a travel guide to Varanasi. Varanasi is unlike any other place I have been. Here you can find the oldest Indian religious culture, colorful docks, sacred cows wandering around freely, ascetics in different costumes, messy docks, and dilapidated walls. No matter what, this is what Varanasi looks like. It is recommended to stay here for two days, so as to catch a Ganges sunrise and a Ganges night sacrifice, which will be worth the trip. Sunrise on the Ganges: Every morning, thousands of Hindus, male and female, young and old, locals and foreigners, come to the Ganges with a pious heart, and walk into the Ganges, hoping to use the holy water to wash away the filth or sins on their bodies, so as to achieve their wish of transcending the mundane world and achieving eternal life in heaven after death. Ganga Aarti: Every night, many priests hold a ceremony to worship the God of Fire on the bank of the Ganges next to Dasaswamedh Ghat. During the process, different priest utensils will be changed to pay tribute to several gods: Lord Shiva, Lord Ganges, Lord Sun, Lord Fire, and the entire universe, singing and chanting in a low voice. The whole process takes about an hour.

The atmosphere of the "Puja (Aarti)" held on the Ganges River in Varanasi is truly divine and overwhelming. The moment when the flames sway with the flow of the Ganges River, the sound of bells and mantras resound, is a spiritual experience unique to India. The road to Dashashwamedh Ghat is also full of energy, and the chaotic atmosphere of food stalls, pilgrims, and cows is also one of the attractions. The Puja itself is a ritual to offer gratitude and prayers to the Hindu gods, but the nice thing about it is that tourists can easily watch it! If you participate, it is recommended to go early and secure a place at the front where you can see it! There were also paid seats for about 500 yen. It is also fantastic to ride a boat and view it from the river, and you can enjoy it from a different angle. If you are planning to go to Varanasi, this is a spot you should definitely not miss. #Varanasi #IndiaTrip #VaranasiTrip #Spring0YenTrip Opening hours: After sunset (around 7pm in summer, around 6pm in winter)

#Spring0yenTrip I participated in a Holi party, and the next day, many people came to bathe in the Ganges River. Sunrise from a boat.

I went to Varanasi, India! This is the famous Ganges River, and it is crowded with people. If you go in the dry season, the Ganges River is not so muddy and does not smell so bad, so I recommend it. It is far from New Delhi, so you need to travel by plane or sleeper train. The sleeper train takes a long time, so it is a fun experience, but I think that the plane is easier and faster! ⚠ Be careful as there are many touts! #0 yen trip February 2025

I went to a restaurant in Varanasi, India! Here you can eat a lot of curry at a very cheap price. The lassi is also thick and very delicious. Why not give it a try?! #0yentravelFebruary2025 📍Location: Girja Ghar Chauraha, near HP Petrol Pump, Misir Pokhra, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010 India

I went to see Puja, a Hindu prayer ceremony held every night on the Ganges River! Every day after sunset, Hindus gather to pray. There are a lot of people, so be careful of pickpockets and molesters. If you go to the Ganges River, why not go and see this Puja? #0 Yen Travel February 2025

I went to the very famous Ganges River in India! There were many people bathing here, so it is clear that it is a sacred river. It is recommended to go early in the morning as it will be crowded with many people. Be careful of pushy salesmen. #0yentravelFebruary2025 📍Location: near Lalita Ghat, Ghats of Varanasi, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001 India