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🏖 About & Historical Insights
Welcome to Varanasi, the city as old as time itself. Known as Kashi or Benares the “City of Light,” this is a place that defies simple description. It is chaotic, intense, and profoundly moving. Here, on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, the cycles of life and death are on public display, and spirituality is woven into the very fabric of existence. Varanasi isn’t a destination you simply see; it’s an experience you absorb with all your senses. Let Rryokou guide you through the ancient alleys and spiritual theatre of India’s most sacred city.
Considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi's history is a living manuscript. For millennia, it has been the ultimate pilgrimage site for Hindus, who believe that to die here is to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Lord Shiva is believed to be its patron deity, and the city has been a preeminent center of learning, philosophy, art, and religion for over 3,000 years. From its legendary Banarasi silk sarees to its role as a hub for Indian classical music, Varanasi is a cultural treasure trove. The city's cultural contributions are immeasurable - it's the birthplace of classical Indian music traditions, the Banarasi silk weaving craft, and numerous spiritual and philosophical schools. Literary giants like Kabir, Tulsidas, and Bharatendu Harishchandra called Varanasi home, while musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan elevated its musical heritage to global recognition.Read More
🕰 Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (October – March): The weather is perfect – cool, dry, and sunny. This is the ideal time for boat rides, walking the ghats, and exploring. The city is especially magical during festivals like Dev Deepavali (October/November), when thousands of oil lamps light up the ghats, and Maha Shivaratri (February/March).
Shoulder Season (July - September): The monsoon season brings a dramatic flair. The Ganga flows full and strong, and the cloudy skies create a mystical atmosphere. It's less crowded, but be prepared for high humidity and muddy lanes. Off-Season (April - June):The summer is intensely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40∘C (104∘F). Sightseeing can be very challenging, and this period is best avoided. Rryokou Tip:Visit during Dev Deepawali (November) to see the ghats lit up with millions of diyas.Read More
🛣 Transport Tips / How to Reach
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is located about 25 km from the city center and is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
By Train: Arriving by train is a classic Indian experience. Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main station in the city, while Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU), formerly Mughalsarai, is a major hub just 18 km away. By Road: A good network of national highways connects Varanasi to other cities in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Getting Around Varanasi: The ancient heart of the city, with its ghats and narrow alleys (galis), is a maze best explored on foot. For longer distances, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the primary modes of transport. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey. 👉 Rryokou Tip: Book early morning boat rides (5 AM) for the best sunrise views.Read More
📸 Key Attractions/Popular Places to Visit
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it draws millions of devotees. The recently inaugurated Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor has made the temple complex more accessible and spacious.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- Open daily from approx. 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM (different timing for different rituals)
- Entry is free.
🎯 What To Do:
- Join the queue of devotees to offer prayers and experience the fervent atmosphere of devotion.
- Darshan of the golden spire, participates in aarti, temple complex exploration.
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Opt for special darshan tickets to skip long queues.
- Security is extremely tight. Carry minimal belongings (no phones, cameras, leather items and large bags). Use the free lockers available nearby.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
- Expect crowds during festivals, early morning visits are peaceful.
The Ghats of Varanasi
The soul of Varanasi resides on its 80+ ghats—the long flights of stone steps leading down to the River Ganga. They are the stage for everything from sacred rituals and morning baths to yoga sessions and cricket games.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- Open 24/7, (Ganga Aarti at 7:00 PM at Dashashwamedh Ghat) and (morning aarti at 6:00 AM at Assi Ghat)
- No entry fee, (boat charges ₹100-500)
🎯 What To Do:
- Walk the entire stretch from Assi Ghat in the south to Raj Ghat in the north. Observe the vibrant tapestry of life. Pay special attention to Dashashwamedh Ghat (for the Aarti) and Manikarnika & Harishchandra Ghats (the main cremation ghats).
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Be deeply respectful at the cremation ghats. Photography is strictly forbidden, and it's a place for quiet observation, not tourism. Start your walk at the quieter Assi Ghat to ease into the experience.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
One of India's largest residential universities, beautiful campus.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM for visitors
- Entry is Free
🎯 What To Do:
- Campus tour, Bharat Kala Bhavan museum visit, New Vishwanath Temple.
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Carry ID for entry, visit museum for art collection, peaceful environment for walks, student guide services available.
Sarnath
Just 10 km from Varanasi lies the serene deer park of Sarnath, a place of immense significance for Buddhists. It is here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It offers a tranquil and peaceful contrast to the chaos of Varanasi.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- Archaeological site & museum open from approx. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays).
- ₹25 Indians, ₹300 foreigners for museum
🎯 What To Do:
- Admire the massive Dhamek Stupa, see the remains of the Ashokan Pillar, and explore the excellent Archaeological Museum, which houses the famous Lion Capital of Ashoka (India's national emblem).
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Combine with Varanasi visit, peaceful atmosphere, early morning visits ideal, respect meditation areas.
- Hire an auto-rickshaw for a convenient half-day trip. Visiting Sarnath provides crucial context to the deep, multi-faith history of the region.
Ramnagar Fort
18th-century fort and palace, residence of Kashi Naresh (King of Varanasi).
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- ₹50 Indians, ₹100 foreigners
🎯 What To Do:
- Palace museum visit, vintage car collection, royal artifact viewing, river views.
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Take a boat across Ganga for a scenic journey, photography allowed in the courtyard.
- Visit during Dussehra Festival for royal celebrations.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Modern marble temple dedicated to Lord Rama, site where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM.
- No entry fee.
🎯 What To Do:
- Temple visit, wall carvings of Ramayana scenes, peaceful meditation.
Chunar Fort
Ancient fort with panoramic Ganges views, 40km from Varanasi.
🕒 💰Timings & Entry Fee:
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- ₹25 Indians, ₹300 foreigners
🎯 What To Do:
- Historical exploration, Ganges valley views, archaeological site visit.
🌟 Rryokou Tip:
- Day trip from Varanasi, carry water and snacks, best in winter months, historical significance often overlooked.
🍜 Places To Eat
🍽️Street Food Hotspots
- Kashi Chaat Bhandar: A legendary spot for tasting Varanasi's famous street food, especially the Tamatar Chaat.
- Kachori Gali: Famous for kachoris, jalebis, and morning snacks.
- Godowlia Market: Chaat, lassi, and evening snacks hub.
- Thatheri Bazaar: Traditional sweets and local delicacies.
- Vishwanath Lane: Quick bites near main temple.
🍽️ Traditional Thalis & Local Cuisine
- Baati Chokha Restaurant: For an authentic, banarasi thali, rustic dining experience featuring cuisine from eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Keshav Reddy Ka Dhaba: Authentic local thalis and street food since 1950s.
- Shree Cafe: Popular for traditional breakfast and Banarasi specialties.
- Ayyar's Cafe: South Indian food with local Banarasi fusion.
🍽️Fine Dining & Cafes
- Varuna Restaurant: Upscale dining with Ganges views.
- Niyati Cafe: A small, highly-rated family-run place known for its delicious and hygienic home-style Indian food.
- Open Hand Shop & Cafe: Organic food, fair trade products.
- Pizzeria Vatika Cafe: An old favourite on Assi Ghat, continental cuisine, rooftop dining, famous for its apple pie and river views.
- Dolphin Restaurant: Multi-cuisine with AC comfort.
- Brown Bread Bakery: Offers continental organic food with a great river view.
✨ Unique Experiences (Rryokou Originals)
✅Dawn Boat Meditation
Start with a 5 AM boat ride from Assi Ghat, witness city awakening, practice guided meditation on water, experience sunrise colors reflecting on Ganges, conclude with traditional chai at riverside.
✅ Get Lost in the Galis
Ditch the map and explore a 2000-year journey through narrow lanes with an expert guide, visit hidden temples, tiny shops, roaming cows, understand urban planning of ancient cities, interact with traditional craftsmen, scenes of daily life that haven’t changed in centuries and conclude with family dinner in a heritage home.
✅ Discover the World of Akharas
With permission, visit a traditional wrestling school (akhara) to see wrestlers practice this ancient form of Indian martial arts.
✅ Classical Music Evening
Varanasi is a famous gharana (school) of Indian classical music. Seek out a small, intimate concert to experience soulful performances of sitar or tabla. Attend a private raga performance by a local maestro, learn about Varanasi’s musical heritage, participate in basic lessons, experience classical Indian instruments, enjoy traditional dinner with a musician family. Attend the morning Subah-e-Banaras cultural program at Assi Ghat.
✅ Silk Weaving Workshop
Visit a traditional Banarasi silk loom, learn ancient weaving techniques from master craftsmen, understand motif significance, try hand at weaving, purchase authentic pieces directly from weavers.
✅ Spiritual Philosophy Session
Engage with Sanskrit scholars at riverside, discuss ancient Hindu philosophy, participate in traditional debate format, learn meditation techniques, understand concepts of moksha and liberation.
✅ Food Trail with Local Family
Market visit to select ingredients, traditional cooking lessons in the family home, understand significance of food in Hindu rituals, prepare and share complete Banarasi meals, learn family recipes.
🍲 Local Cuisine & Cafes
Must-Try Banarasi Specialties
- Banarasi Paan: Betel leaf preparation with various ingredients
- Malaiyo: Winter delicacy made from milk foam
- Banarasi Langda Mango: Famous mango variety (seasonal)
- Kachori Sabzi: Spicy lentil-stuffed bread with curry for breakfast, the unique tomato-based.
- Tamatar Chaat: Tangy tomato street food unique to Varanasi
- Banarasi Thandai: Don't leave without trying Banarasi Thandai, a flavoured cold milk drink with nuts and spices.
Authentic Local Eateries
- Deena Chaat Bhandar: One of the famous for tamatar chaat and local snacks
- Shyam Sweets: Traditional sweets and breakfast items
- Madhur Milan Cafe: Local gathering spot for discussions
- Ram Bhandar: Century-old paan shop with secret recipes
- Vishnu Tea Stall: Traditional tea preparation and local gossip hub
Cultural Cafes
- Open Hand Shop: Fair trade products with social mission
- Brown Bread Bakery: Cultural events, book readings, art exhibitions
- Manmandir Ghat Cafes: River-view dining with cultural programs
- Assi Ghat Cafes: International traveler hub with diverse cuisine
- Aum Cafe, Shiva Cafe and German Bakery: Known for its healthy, sattvic menu.
🌲 Hidden Gems/Less Crowded
Sakshi Vinayak Temple
Unique Ganesha temple where devotees visit before Kashi Vishwanath. It is near Kashi Vishwanath, hidden in narrow lanes. Traditional rituals, local devotees, spiritual energy that you will feel. Essential stop in traditional pilgrimage route, most tourists miss this important temple
Alamgir Mosque (Beni Madhav ka Darera)
Built on destroyed Kashi Vishwanath Temple, architectural fusion which represents the complex religious history of Varanasi. You will see Indo-Islamic architecture, peaceful atmosphere & panoramic city views. Controversial yet historically significant, it offers a unique perspective on the city's layered heritage.
Nepali Temple
Kathmanduesque architecture in the heart of Varanasi. Their unique features are wooden carvings, different architectural style & serene environment. You will get a peaceful atmosphere, unique photo opportunities, and cultural diversity. Built by Nepali community, showcases Varanasi's inclusive spiritual culture.
Rajghat
Northern-most ghat, least commercialized and authentic local life which is best for understanding daily life, peaceful boat rides & sunrise meditation. Local fishermen, traditional activities, minimal tourist infrastructure you will get to see. Experience Varanasi as locals do, perfect for contemplative travelers.
Chausathi Ghat
64 shrines representing 64 tantric goddesses, tantric significance which is important for tantric worship, esoteric practices. You will see unique shrine arrangements, local tantric practitioners & mystical atmosphere. Rarely visited by mainstream tourists, significant for understanding Varanasi's tantric traditions.
📷 Photo Spots to Pin
![]( "Grand-spectacle-Ganga-Aarti-at-Dashashwamedh-Ghat")
Grand spectacle of the Ganga Aarti, captured from a boat on the river at Dashashwamedh Ghat.![]( "Assi-Ghat-at-sunrise-bathed-in-golden-light-with-sadhus-and-devotees-and-boats-varanasi")
Steps of Assi Ghat at sunrise, bathed in golden light with sadhus and devotees and boats lined along the ghat.![]( "Frame-filling-shot-of-the-colourful-chaotic-lantern-lit-and-narrow-galis-of-the-old-city-Vishwanth-Gali")
A frame-filling shot of the colourful, chaotic, lantern-lit and narrow galis of the old city (Vishwanth Gali).![]( "Panoramic-view-of-the-crescent-shaped-ghats-from-the-opposite-bank-of-the-Ganga")
Panoramic view of the crescent-shaped ghats from the opposite bank of the Ganga.![]( "Portrait-of-a-sadhu-Varanasi")
Portrait of a sadhu or a boatman, capturing the timeless faces of Varanasi (always ask for permission first).![]( "Sunset-at-Ramnagar-Fort-varanasi")
Sunset at Ramnagar Fort.
🛏 Stay Recommendations
Heritage & Luxury Hotels
- BrijRama Palace: A stunning 18th-century heritage palace right on the Ganga ghats with royal charm.
- Taj Nadesar Palace: An oasis of colonial luxury.
- Suryauday Haveli: Boutique heritage property with river views
- Ganpati Guest House: Traditional haveli-style accommodation
- The Gateway Hotel: Modern luxury with cultural touches
Budget & Backpacker Stays
- Zostel Varanasi: Modern hostel with social atmosphere
- goStops Varanasi: Popular choices for backpackers and solo travellers, located near the ghats.
- Shanti Guest House: Budget rooms near ghats
- Yoga Mandir Guesthouse: Simple accommodation with spiritual focus
- Sahi River View Guesthouse: Basic but clean with Ganges views
🎒 What to Pack
- Light cotton trousers, long skirts, and tops with sleeves. A scarf/stole/shawl is essential for covering your head at temples, and woolens for winters.
- You will be walking. A lot. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or sandals (Easy to remove for boat rides) for ghats & alleys are non-negotiable.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a powerful portable charger/power bank & camera for capturing ghats & temples.
✅ Rryokou Picks / Insider Tips (Rryokou Verified).
- Hire a local storyteller official guide for hidden legends of ghats who wear ID badges, negotiate rates beforehand.
- Visit early mornings to avoid rush and experience peace.
- Pre-paid taxi most reliable, app cabs may not know exact ghat locations.
- Sarnath is best combined with BHU visit; Chunar Fort requires a full day.
- Enter through VIP darshan (₹300) to avoid hours-long queues, especially during festivals.
- 4-6 AM for peaceful darshan; avoid Mondays (Shiva’s day) unless you enjoy crowds.
- Wake Up Early as the city’s magic is at its most potent at sunrise. The soft light, the morning rituals, and the peaceful atmosphere are worth the early alarm.
- Stay Near the Ghats to truly immerse yourself in the city’s lifeblood, choose accommodation in the old city with access to the ghats.
- Choose boats with life jackets; avoid during monsoon high waters
- Dress modestly, always ask before taking photos of people, and never photograph cremations.
- The best discoveries in Varanasi are made on foot. Walk, Walk, Walk. Every hidden alley and winding lane has a story to tell. Be curious and explore.
Ready for Spiritual Awakening? Plan your transformative Varanasi journey with Rryokou’s expert guidance and authentic local connections.
