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

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.

#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

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

India is full of varied and wonderful experiences for the adventurous traveller. We travelled from Delhi to the ancient Holy city of Varanasi in Northern India to stay by the revered river Ganges. The city had existed since 1100 BC. A 2 or 3 night stay is perfect to explore the many temples and shopping alleys full of hand made crafts including silk saree commonly called Banarasi silk. For a full experience I would recommend staying by the river at one of the 'ghats' where you can walk to observe the daily rituals of evening arti (worship of the river). Alternatively, the views from a boat on the river are pretty spectacular too. You can hire a boat from Assi ghat and tour all the ghats on the river. For stay, I recommend the Hotel Ganges #travel view which is a boutique heritage hotel at Assi ghat. They have artists in residence, lectures, great evening homecooked vegetarian food served in the courtyard. The art and antiques in the hotel are beautiful. They also run yoga classes. so go ahead and book a trip to Varanasi!##Varanasi #india

#favouriteitinerary Immerse yourself in the timeless spirituality of Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is a place of profound religious significance and a vibrant cultural hub that draws millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. Start your visit with the iconic Ghats of Varanasi, where the city’s daily rituals unfold before you. At sunrise, the ghats are bathed in golden light as devotees perform morning prayers and bathing rituals in the river, believed to cleanse the soul. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous, where you can witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. The rhythmic chants, colorful lights, and burning incense create an atmosphere of devotion and reverence. Wander through the narrow, bustling streets of Varanasi’s old town, where you’ll find ancient temples, hidden shrines, and vibrant markets. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a must-visit for its rich history and spiritual significance. While in the city, you’ll also come across Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred cremation sites, where the cycle of life and death is on full display. Varanasi’s food scene is equally rich and colorful, offering unique local dishes such as kachaudi, lassi, and banarasi paan. Try them at local stalls or small eateries near the ghats to taste the flavors of this historic city. For a deeper cultural experience, visit Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi. This serene site is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment and is home to ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries and stupas. A visit to Varanasi is a journey into India’s spiritual soul, a place where time seems to stand still, and life’s mysteries unfold in the light of the holy Ganges. It is a city that will leave you with lasting memories of peace, reflection, and the vibrant pulse of India’s religious and cultural heritage.

life in varanasi was an amazing experience. all human beings have to try, the an amazing experience in varanasi. here its show what is the truth of life before and after we die. its can't be described, but you can feel it.

The Four Sacred Sites are significant locations in Buddhism in India and Nepal, associated with key events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and parinirvana. 1. Lumbini – Birthplace 🌿 Location: Nepal, near the Indian border Significant Event: The birthplace of Prince Siddhartha under the Sal tree over 2,500 years ago Highlights: • Ashoka Pillar, marking the Buddha's birthplace • Maya Devi Temple, built over the birthplace 2. Bodh Gaya – Enlightenment 🌳 Location: Bihar, India Significant Event: The Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree after six years of ascetic practice Highlights: • The Bodhi Tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree • Mahabodhi Temple, symbolizing enlightenment • Dhamek Stupa and important monasteries from various countries 3. Sarnath – First Sermon 🏛️ Location: Uttar Pradesh, near Varanasi Significant Event: The Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to the five ascetics Highlights: • Dhamek Stupa, believed to be the site of the first sermon • Sarnath Museum, housing Buddha statues and historical artifacts • Ashoka Pillar, with the remaining base still present 4. Kushinagar – Parinirvana 🏯 Location: Uttar Pradesh, India Significant Event: The Buddha passed away under the Sal tree Highlights: • Mahaparinirvana Stupa, believed to be the site of the Buddha's parinirvana • Parinirvana Temple, housing the reclining Buddha statue • Ramabhar Stupa, believed to be the site of the Buddha's cremation Pilgrimage Itinerary to the Four Sacred Sites You can start from Bodh Gaya → Sarnath → Kushinagar → Lumbini or the reverse route, depending on travel arrangements • From Thailand, you can fly to Kolkata/Varanasi/Gaya and then take a train or bus • There are tour companies that specifically organize 'Pilgrimage Tours to the Four Sacred Sites'

From the Divine to the Human: India—Where the Human and Divine Meet This is the most awe-inspiring and magical place in India. The Ganges River, which flows from east to west, takes a northward turn here. The city of Varanasi sits on the western bank of the U-shaped river, while the entire eastern bank is a desolate expanse of white sand. This creates a magical and breathtaking scene: each day, the sun rises over the uninhabited eastern bank, a divine realm, and sets over the bustling western bank, the human world. This perfectly embodies the metaphor of the Ganges: holy water from the divine realm, redirected by Lord Shiva to flow towards humanity. Watching the sunrise from a boat on the Ganges is a significant activity, not just for tourists, but also for the numerous pilgrims who flock here from all over India. At sunset, we also took a boat to the eastern bank of the river, where there were some spontaneous markets. In the morning, I booked a boat directly through the owner of our small guesthouse. Since we were staying near the burning ghats in the north, we negotiated a one-way trip, where the boatman rowed us all the way south to the pier near Varanasi University. We felt quite clever, as other boats offering the same price for a round trip returned quickly, while we spent a long time on the boat, taking in the entire Ganges riverbank.