Varanasi Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city on the banks of the Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of India
About Varanasi
Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together Varanasi (vah-rah-nnuh-see) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the 11th century BCE. Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings salvation (nirvāṇa) and so they make the trip to the city when they realise that they are close to death. For some, the culture shock of the burning corpses in plain view and the faeces overflowing from the Ganges can be a bit overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganga at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries-old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. The city can be scorchingly hot in the
Top Attractions in Varanasi
Explore the best things to see and do in Varanasi:
- ★Alamagir Mosque
- ★Assi Ghat
- ★Bharat Mata Temple
- ★Dashashwamedh Ghat
- ★Durga Temple
- ★Gauri Matha Temple
- ★Gyanvapi Mosque
- ★Hanuman Ghat
Where to Eat in Varanasi
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Brown Bread Bakery
- 🍴Dolphin Restaurant
- 🍴Filocafe
- 🍴Ganga View
- 🍴Hotel Clarks
- 🍴Madhur Milan Cafe
Where to Stay in Varanasi
- 🏨A Palace on the River, Rashmi Guest House
- 🏨Bhadrakali Guest House
- 🏨Brijrama Palace
- 🏨Diamond Hotel
- 🏨Ganga Fuji Home
- 🏨Ganges Nirvana Free Hostel
Varanasi Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: