Varanasi Travel Guide

?“Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”

Situated on the banks of the holy Ganges, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world which is full of culture, history, spirituality and divine connection. Varanasi is not just a city, it’s a feeling, a tradition and an experience that touches your soul.? For centuries this city has been a spiritual hub and a major pilgrimage for Hindus and tourists. Whether you visit this city just to see the enchanting Ganga Aarti or to explore ancient temples in Varanasi, the city has a journey like no other. And to give you all information this place we are here with a Varanasi Travel Guide.

Varanasi city, the soul of India where history and godliness comes alive. The Ganges River flows calm, surrounded by ghats full of rituals and life. Every narrow street of this city have temple, lined up with markets and the scent of incense. Sunrise at the ghats is magical, with lamps and chants in the air. Every corner of this city has a story to tell, which makes it a must visit for peace and culture. So if you are a Traveller from Delhi, then what are you waiting for? Just book a Car on Rent in Delhi for Outstation and have an amazing trip.

?How to Reach Varanasi?

Delhi is the most convenient city to reach anywhere. Delhi to Varanasi Distance is around 850 km which is quite long but can be covered easily by air, rail or road.

To reach by Air:

The fastest way to reach Varanasi from Delhi is by air. Babatpur Airport (VNS) also known as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is around 26 km from city center. You can catch direct Delhi to Varanasi flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport that will take you around one and half hour to reach. Multiple flights operate daily so you will have plenty of options to choose from, then you can book a cab from there to the places you want to visit. For example, you can go from Babatpur to Kashi Vishwanath temple by hiring a car on rent.

By Train:

You can also reach there by New Delhi to Varanasi Train which will take you around 12 to15 hours depending on the train. Varanasi Junction and Mughal Sarai are the major railway station near this city. Trains like Kashi Express and Varanasi Superfast are also popular for this route.

By Road:

If you like road trips the Delhi to Varanasi distance by road can be covered in 13 to 15 hours depending on traffic and weather. The most common route is via NH 2 and the drive gives you views of rural India and smaller towns which adds to the charm of your journey.

Tip: If you are travelling with group then you can choose a Tempo Traveller on rent that are designed for group travel with spacious interiors, multiple seating options and loads of comfort features.

Best time to visit Varanasi

Best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March when the weather is good and perfect to explore the city. During this time the temperature is between 10°C to 25°C, so you can walk on the ghats, take boat rides and attend the grand Ganga Aarti. Festivals like Diwali, Dev Deepawali and Makar Sankranti also fall in this season, so the city is more vibrant. Summers from April to June are very hot and monsoon from July to September bring heavy rains so outdoor activities may not be possible.

Best Places in Varanasi

Varanasi is called as the City of Light, with its ghats, temples and streets it has a unique blend of cultural and divine. Here are some of the best places to visit in Varanasi:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The golden spire and peaceful atmosphere makes it a divine place for devotees and seekers. If you are visiting this temple for the special aarti, then mangla aarti at Kashi Vishwanath are from 3 am to 4 am every day. Other than this the Kashi Vishwanath mandir timing are:

Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Daytime Darshan: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Evening Darshan: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Assi Ghat

The peaceful Assi Ghat is perfect for watching the sunrise or taking a boat ride. Mornings here are filled with yoga sessions, Vedic chants and the city waking up. This is where the Assi River meets the Ganges, and it is one of Varanasi's most popular ghats. It is also the starting point for pilgrimages and is famous for its morning and evening rituals, including the captivating Ganga Aarti.

Sarnath

Just a short drive from Varanasi is this Buddhist pilgrimage site. This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and the Sarnath Museum to explore history and spirituality.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

This is the heart of Varanasi where you can see the grand Ganga Aarti every evening. The lamps, the chants and the scent of incense against the backdrop of the holy river is one of the most mesmerizing experience for every tourist. If you wish to attend the divine Ganga aarti then you can attend you can attend it in morning as well evening at

Ganga aarti morning time - 05:30 AM to 06:30 AM

Ganga aarti evening time - 06:15 PM to 07:00 PM

Ramnagar Fort

This 18th century sandstone fort on the eastern bank of the Ganges gives a glimpse of Varanasi’s royal past. The fort has a museum with vintage artefacts, weapons and ivory work. The fort is built in red sandstone and has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic.

Manikarnika Ghat

As one of the main cremation ghats, Manikarnika is the symbol of life and death. While somber it’s a deep reflection of the spiritual philosophy of Varanasi. The Scindia Ghat and the Dashashwamedh Ghat encircle it on both sides.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Famous for its campus and New Vishwanath Temple, BHU is a peaceful place to experience the academic and cultural vibe of the city. It is one the best tourist places in Varanasi.

What are the Things to do in Varanasi?

With all these amazing places to explore there are many things to do in Varanasi. Here are a few things to do on Varanasi tour:

Take a Sunrise Boat Ride: Begin your day with a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges River as the sun rises and the city awakens. Watch priests performing morning aartis, locals taking holy dips and the ghats coming alive. The view of the old city from the water is breathtaking.

Relax at Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat is a more laid back spot, perfect to soak in the Ganges. Attend morning yoga or enjoy a cup of chai while watching the river. It’s a favourite among locals and tourists.

Eat Local: No visit to Varanasi is complete without eating the local food. If you are wondering what to eat in Varanasi, then there are many things that you can try like:

·???????? Kachori Sabzi: consists of deep-fried, flaky pastries filled with a spicy lentil or potato mixture, served with a side of tangy potato curry.

·???????? Malaiyyo: This is a must try thing in winters. This is dessert is made from freshly churned milk foam, flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios, and served chilled in earthen pots

·???????? Banarasi paan: How can you forget this? The paan is made by wrapping a special leaf from the city of Banaras, hence called Banarasi Betel Leaf.

Explore Places Near Varanasi: As many wonder you can find in this city, there are many places near Varanasi that can be explored like

·???????? Prayagraj: Known for the sacred Triveni Sangam, this city is a major pilgrimage site and hosts the grand Kumbh Mela.

Varanasi to Prayagraj distance: 121 km

Pro tip: The Kumbh mela 2025 is going to be held from January 13 to February 25, so you can plan your trip accordingly.

·???????? Ayodhya: Famous as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is a city rich in mythology and devotion. Here you can visit the most famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

Varanasi to Ayodhya distance: 219 km

If you are a travelling enthusiast and love to explore then you can plan a Golden triangle tour with Varanasi and experience a trip that is mix of India’s cultural heritage and spiritual magic.

Conclusion

Varanasi city takes you on a soulful journey through spirituality and culture. From the sacred ghats and ancient temples to its streets and rituals makes it a city that really never sleeps. The Ganga Aarti, boat rides, cultural performances will create memories for every traveller. Sarnath, Prayagraj and Ayodhya nearby cities add to the experience with their historical and spiritual significance. A visit to Varanasi is not just a trip, it’s an immersion into a world where tradition and divinity meet and leave a mark on your soul. Just find yourself a Car rental services in Delhi and plan this spiritual journey.