Things to do
Top attractions in Varanasi
Local flavor
What to eat in Varanasi
Kashi Chat Bhandar
VegTamatar chat & palak chat
The tamatar chat — crushed potato simmered in tomato broth, topped with crisp namkeen — is a Varanasi original.
Blue Lassi
VegPomegranate & saffron lassi
80-year-old hole-in-the-wall opposite Manikarnika Ghat. 80+ lassi flavours in clay kulhads.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe
VegWood-fired pizza by the river
Riverside terrace on Assi Ghat. Pizza is decent; the view of the Ganga is the real menu.
Where to stay
Stays in Varanasi
Luxury
BrijRama Palace
Darbhanga Ghat
200-year-old palace converted into a heritage hotel right on the ghats. The lobby has the only manually-operated lift in India.
₹22,000+ / night
- Ghat view
- Heritage
- Spa
- Cultural shows
Boutique
Suryauday Haveli
Shivala Ghat
Restored heritage haveli with terraces overlooking the Ganga. Yoga sessions every morning.
₹6,000 – ₹10,000 / night
- Ghat view
- Yoga
- Restaurant
- Heritage
Hostel
Stops Hostel
Assi Ghat
Backpacker hub on Assi Ghat with a sprawling common cafe-courtyard.
₹600 – ₹1,300 / night
- Common cafe
- Tours
- Free WiFi
Getting around
Local transport
Walking
The old city is a maze of car-free lanes. Best explored on foot.
Boat
Sunrise and aarti rides on the Ganga — ₹100–₹500 per boat depending on size and route.
Auto / e-rickshaw
For longer hops to Sarnath and the cantonment area.
Cycle rickshaw
Inside the old city for quick hops between ghats — ₹40–₹100.
Good to know
FAQs about Varanasi
Best time to visit Varanasi?+
October to March. The Dev Diwali festival (15 days after Diwali) is the best time — every ghat lit with lamps.
Is photography allowed during cremations?+
No — Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats are active cremation grounds. Show respect, no photos.
How early should I do the sunrise boat ride?+
Be at the boat by 5:30 AM (4:30 AM in summer) to catch the river before sunrise.
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