Varanasi Travel Guide 2024: Stay, Travel & Food Expenses

Everyone is looking for that one perfect Varanasi Travel Guide. And why they won’t. Varanasi is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in 2024 in India. The variety of attractions it offers, the activities that one can enjoy and the peacefulness in the air of Varanasi attracts every sort of tourist. A Varanasi Travel Guide should include everything from how to reach Varanasi, finding hotels and restaurants, exploring each of the most famous tourist places and finally the total trip cost. In this Varanasi Travel Guide, I have incorporated everything that you need to know. In this Varanasi Travel Guide, we will pave the way to embark on a memorable journey to the city of Ghats.

Varanasi Travel Guide 2024: Stay, Travel & Food Expenses

Varanasi is home to Asia’s largest residential university i.e. The Banaras Hindu University. It hosts one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Hinduism, Visheshwar Jyotirlingam. The city houses 5 Swyambhu (Self-emerged) Shivlingas namely Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev, 2,3,4,5. Varanasi is also very much renowned for the 5th Dham, Kapildhara. It is believed that one’s 4 dham yatra can only be completed if they visit here. Varanasi has the Shiva temple with the world’s largest temple tower.

It is home to the cremation ground which is never out of cremations and is also believed that if that day comes that shall be the end of everything. It is a place where death is perceived as salvation, a new beginning and not an end. I know it seems like the more you get to know about Varanasi the less you feel like knowing about it. If you feel the same then check out this post where we talk just about Varanasi and its forms.

What’s in this post?

I know you are already excited, so without wasting time anymore, let’s begin this article. In this post, I will share my first visit to Varanasi and how I planned my 4 days Varanasi Trip and I will try to answer all your questions in this Varanasi Travel Guide.

In this post, I will answer:

• How to plan a 4-day Trip to Varanasi?
• How to reach Varanasi?
• How much time do I need to explore Varanasi?
• What are the best places to visit in Varanasi: Varanasi Tourist Places
• Where to stay in Varanasi?- Best Hotels in Varanasi
• Where can I eat in Varanasi? – Best Restaurants in Varanasi
• How much did this Varanasi trip cost me?

Varanasi/Kashi/Banaras

Varanasi, Kashi & Banaras, are the names given to this place over time. There are several reasons for it and every name has its own story. The name Varanasi is derived from two words, namely Varuna and Assi. These two rivers are the core of Varanasi. Ganga is the river on the banks of which this city is located. River Assi passes through it and finally falls into River Ganga like it’s showing the city its real destination.

Kashi is derived from the Sanskrit word “Kash” which means light or knowledge. Therefore, Kashi is renowned as a place to attain knowledge and gain conscience.

Banaras has got two stories. According to one, some believe that this name was given by the Mughals. Whereas, the 2nd story says that Varanasi was termed Baranasi in Buddhist texts and that over time became Banaras.

How to reach Varanasi?

So, be it Varanasi, Kashi or Banaras the place and its uniqueness remain the same. Although this city is known as the cultural capital of India by some, it has adapted technology very perfectly. This city is well connected by wide roads, highspeed trains and continuous flights.

There are two major railway stations located in the city connecting this salvation ground to the rest of the nation. These are Varanasi Junction and Banaras Railway Station. There is one more major railway station located on the outskirts and that is Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction.

How to reach Varanasi from Delhi by Train, Road and Flight?

You can directly drive to Varanasi from Delhi which is 843kms, from Patna (255kms), Kanpur (331kms) and so on. Roads leading to Varanasi are quite wide and smooth. Visiting Varanasi by your car may benefit you in exploring the city. However, if you are new to this city then that might be a little difficult.

Flights landing in Varanasi from various cities nationwide are frequent and time-friendly. The Lal Bahadur International Airport is very beautiful reflects the culture of Varanasi and is Instagrammable.

Although Varanasi is a place which will embrace you like a child. You may seem to feel every piece of this like your own and you always belonged here. Still, you need someplace to stay during your trip. Varanasi offers 5-star hotels like Taj Nadesar and The Clarks, and heritage hotels like the Brijrama Palace. Along with you can easily find amazing stays, hostels and hotels within a budget range of Rs 1,000 – Rs 2,000 / night.

Finding a comfortable stay is hectic, so I will share some names for your ease in the end. Meanwhile, let me tell you the places which you can visit in Varanasi.

Top 22 Varanasi Tourist places

1. Kashi Vishwanath

It is said that when Lord Vishnu established Kashi in the place it is now after building it. He then requested Lord Shiva to reside here as he quoted that it was nothing without him. Then Lord Shiva along with Goddes Parvati incarnated in the form of a Jyotirling which is Visheshwar Jyotirlinga which is as per belief located inside the Gyanwapi region in the Kashi Vishwanath campus.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

It is one of the most famous Ghats in Varanasi. Legend says that once Lord Brahma performed Dashashwamedh (10 Ashwamedh yagya) Yagya at this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva in Varanasi. It is believed that taking a dip at this ghat and then visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple is very fruitful. Thousands of people take a dip at this ghat every day.

3. Kaal Bhairav Temple

The most fierce form of Lord Shiva is known as Kaal Bhairav. He is the Dwarpal(the security guard). In Varanasi, visiting the Kaal Bhairav Temple is a must. Locals strictly suggest that you must not leave Kashi before visiting Kaal Bhairav. He is the caretaker of this ancient city and everyone must take permission from him.

4. Mahamrityunjay Temple

Located just 10 minutes away from the Kaal Bhairav Temple, this beautiful temple is one of a kind. You might feel that you have arrived in a factory of Shivlings. Lord Shiva is present in the form of Mrityunjay(who has conquered death). It is also believed that one who worships Mahamrityunjay overcomes unnatural death and leads a peaceful life. There is also a well in the middle of the temple. It is said that once the inventor of Ayurveda, God Dhanvantri could not treat his patient and out of frustration poured all the medicines into that well. Since then, people have believed that drinking water from this well cures many diseases.

5. Tilbhandeshwar Temple

As evident from its name, it translates to piling of Sesame Seeds which is said to be growing continuously. Yes, you heard it right, it is believed that it increases by the size of 1 Seasame seed in a particular time. Some of the locals even claim this as if they have seen it happening. The Shivaling is very huge and you will see the Sun god and Moon god on top of it.

6. Ganga Aarti

It is a live show of devotion which even foreigners die to have a glimpse of. You can experience this vibrant flow of energy and devotion free of cost. You can even book a seat on the boat @ 100 Rs to embrace the devotion while floating on the water.

7. Ramnagar Fort

On the other side of the Ganges is located the fort of Ramnagar, reminding the heritage of Varanasi. Holding back that time in it, the fort is an amazing place to explore in Varanasi. The then used arms, vehicles, clothing and many more things remind us of those times when some great kings used to nourish this place. The fort houses a museum, a few temples and a speculating view of the Ganges.

8. The 300-year-old Durga Temple, Ramnagar

This 300-year-old Durga temple is located on the outskirts of the city. Situated amidst lush greenery, the aura of this temple is so divine and the ambience is very peaceful. The main deity here is Goddess Durga and there are some other small temples in the premises of other deities. There is a Shivaling as well in the area. It is one of the unexplored beauties of Varanasi.

9. The major Ghats of Varanasi

Here are the 5 most famous Ghats of Varanasi. Although, all of these 84 ghats(now even more) are unique in their way and are known for some reason. Here are the most famous ones and also the most important ones as per my limited knowledge and understanding.

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Where Lord Brahma performed dash(10) Ashwamedh Yagya(Yajna) to welcome Lord Shiva in Varanasi. Therefore, this ghat can be considered as the spectator of Lord Shiva arriving coming to and residing in Varanasi. That is why Ganga aarti is performed every day without a miss along with the astounding Shiva Tandav at this ghat for ages.

2. Tulsi Ghat

This is the very ghat which has witnessed every verse of the Ramcharitmanas being written by Tulsidas. Locals say Assi and Tulsi Ghat were the places where Tulsidas used to sit for hours and do his literary work although no one has seen him doing so this legend has been coming along in stories.

3. Kedar Ghat

Alongside the Mansaroval ghat is located the Kedar ghat. Named after the temple Shri Gauri Kedareswar, this ghat is very important for the locals. There used to be a Gauri Kund at the Ghat, the water of which was considered very pure and blissful.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

It is the only place in the world where death is celebrated in the form of salvation. It is said that that shall be the last of everything when the cremation will stop at Manikarnika. Hindus firmly believe that whoever is cremated at this place, becomes free from the cycle of birth and death and attains salvation.

5. Panchganga Ghat

You might have never heard of it. But it is considered to be the place of confluence of 5 rivers namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutpapa. Nowadays only Ganga is visible. On the banks of it is located the Yugas old Bindu Madhav Temple. It is considered very auspicious to pray in this temple after taking a bath at the Panchganga ghat, especially in the month of Kartik.

10. Bindu Madhav Mandir

According to a legend, Maharishi Agni Bindu invited Lord Vishnu to reside at this place which is now known as Bindu Madhav Temple. Locals believe that Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, destroyed the original temple to build a mosque he named after himself i.e. The Alamgir Mosque. This incident took place in the year 1669 however later on in 1672, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rebuilt the Bindu Madhav Temple at the place where it is now.

11. Tourist attractions in Sarnath

Sarnath comes with a package of a few beautiful Buddhist temples, an attractive Shiva temple, a museum, an archaeological site and a park. Apart from that, it also offers a good range of shopping options including some souvenir shops and many food outlets. It is located Here are some of the must-visit places in Sarnath:

1. Sarnath Main Temple

This is the main temple in Sarnath which is built over the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his first five disciples. It is visited by almost every tourist coming to Sarnath because of its historical importance.

2. Sarnath Archaeological Park and Stupa

The archaeological park is a must-visit place as it exhibits the remains of the Buddhist site which existed centuries ago. The light and sound show is organized in the evening to showcase the life of Lord Buddha. You can avoid sunny days as it might get too hot to explore this open park.

3. Sarnath Museum

It exhibits the archaeological findings from this site and others related to Buddhism. You can spend at least 1 hour in this amazing museum.

4. Sarangnath Mahadev Temple

Also known as the brother-in-law of Lord Shiva, Sarangnath Mahadev temple is located in the Sarnath region of Varanasi. It is situated over a beautiful pond and you need to climb approx. 20 stairs to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The peacefulness and calmness of the temples attract everyone towards it.

5. Sarnath Group of Temples

Apart from the above-mentioned temples and Buddhist sites, there are some other Buddhist temples in Sarnath which represent Buddhism in various countries. For example, there is a Korean Buddhist Temple, Chinese Buddhist Temple, Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, Thai Temple and so on. These temples are very beautiful and reflect the cultures of related countries.

12. Banaras Hindu University

Don’t worry you need not be a student to visit the University. Also, we are not going to do any academic activities there. It is just so beautiful that if you are coming to Varanasi you cannot skip it. The evenings at the New Vishwanath Temple are fabulous and memorable. Bharat Kala Bhawan is a must-visit for every history or archaeology enthusiast.

Where to Stay in Varanasi? Finding the best hotels in Varanasi

Considering the locality and the tourist places to explore, Godowlia is the best locality to book a hotel in Varanasi. You can find an endless number of hotels with rates starting from Rs 600 per person per night.

Although most of the hotels do not offer single rooms you may find some. However, it is important to remember that you won’t find much difference in the rates for a room for 1 person or 2 persons. To make it even easier, I have provided the list of Hotels that you can go through and make your booking. However, if find any difficulty in booking hotels in Varanasi then let us help you out to book a hotel in Varanasi.

5 Star Hotels in Varanasi (Rs 8,000 onwards)

1. The Taj, Nadesar, Varanasi
2. The Clarks, Varanasi
3. Radisson
4. Ramada

3-4 Star(Premium) Hotels in Varanasi(Rs 3,500 onwards)

1. Hotel Pradeep
2. Castillo
3. Hotel Zeeras
4. HHI Varanasi
5. Hotel Padmini International

Budget Hotels in Varanasi(Rs 600 onwards)

1. Hotel Akash Ganga
2. Vagabond Stay Hostel
3. Hotel Blue Star
4. Hotel Kanishka
5. Moustache Hostel Varanasi

Where to eat in Varanasi? Best Restaurants in Varanasi

It’s not very hard to find a good restaurant in Varanasi as whichever I have gone to, all are amazing and offer delicious food. Still, for your ease, let me share with you the list of food outlets that you can check out. Also if you are a food enthusiast just like me then checking out the 10 best dishes of Varanasi becomes a mandate.

In high range(RS 500 for 1)

1. Roma’s Cafe & Diner
2. Aman – E – Khaas
3. Sagar Ratna

In medium range (Rs 300 for 1)

1. Saffron restaurant
2. Rahil Restaurant
3. Zaika

Best Restaurants to get home-cooked meals (Rs 250 for 1)

If you are looking for home-cooked meals in Varanasi then you don’t need to be disappointed. Here are some good options for you.

1. Thakur Ji Ki Rasoi
2. Assi Ka Diljeet Cafe

Best Cafe’s in Varanasi

1. Flavours Cafe
2. Ming Garden
3. Sparrow Cafe

Best streets in Varanasi to find the best Street Foods

1. Kachori Gali
2. Dashashwamedh Road
3. Ravindrapuri Road
4. Chowk

How much does this trip cost? 4 Days Varanasi Trip Cost

Calculating a budget is never easy especially for travelling. You never know how much you are going to spend at a particular destination. However, if you have already such a Varanasi travel guide in hand, you can then at least figure out what you would do at the destination and what you want.

Things that decide your budget?

Although it completely depends on how you spend a day at a destination in Varanasi if we go through this travel guide it is much easier. You already know how to reach Varanasi and how much you are going to spend on it. For example, if you take a train to Varanasi you know the fares and you can decide the coach type as per your convenience and budget. You have other options like flight and road if budget is not a constraint.

The hotels you choose to stay in and the restaurants you pick to satiate yourself can also move your budget upside down. The mode you choose to explore the city is also a factor but the impact is not huge.

How to minimize your Varanasi Travel Budget?

Although Varanasi is still not a location where your budget would go very high. Most of the amenities and services available in Varanasi are within the reach of a middle-class man.

But if you are like me planning for various things at the same time and trying to visit Varanasi on a limited budget then these tips can save you from drowning.

Tips to Minimize Your Varanasi Travel Budget

Well, the real trick is that you can’t avoid eating food or booking a hotel in Varanasi but you can choose where to eat and where to stay. To visit Varanasi you can either take a seat in the general compartment or I would suggest taking the sleeper one as it is economical, safe and more convenient.

Varanasi Travel Budget Guide (in Figures)

Now let’s have a look at some figures on how much have I spent on travel, stay and food in Varanasi to get a real-time data.

I took a sleeper class ticket to Varanasi and it cost me around 300Rs each way making it 600Rs per person.

To stay in Varanasi I took a hotel which charged me 1200Rs per night for 2 people so it cost me 600Rs per night.

I picked medium-range restaurants to satiate myself and that cost me 100Rs per meal. In Varanasi, there are a lot of snack options which I tried like Lassi, Chaat, and Kachori Jalebi and they cost around 50Rs per plate. So every day I had to spend around 250Rs on my meals and 100Rs for water as we mostly buy water while travelling.

Now when you are in Varanasi, you just can’t miss the boat ride. I managed to get a boat in 1200Rs from Assi Ghat to Khirkiya Ghat (now Namo Ghat) and then participated in the grand Ganga aarti while sitting on the boat at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Apart from all valid expenses I realised spending more 500Rs on various things like taxi fare or something I couldn’t get a record of.

Finalizing the Varanasi Travel Budget

While I state the Varanasi Travel Budget, it is important to note that I did not purchase any souvenirs, nor did I go shopping or anything. But at the same time, I did all the engaging activities, tasted the delicacies and visited every tourist attraction in Varanasi. And at the end of the trip, I spent a total of 5000Rs for myself alone.

Luckily, I went with my friend so we did half for boating and stay expenses. You can also do the same otherwise it would cost you around 2400Rs more and you will end up spending almost 7500Rs. So going with a friend is not only fun but also economical.

Conclusion

I just shared my own 4-day Varanasi Travel itinerary with you with some modifications to look like a guide. I have also incorporated all the information as well as tips and tricks that I have learnt over time. Preparing such a detailed Varanasi Travel Guide felt hectic for me at first. But when I started writing about it, it just came out of me like was waiting for this moment.

I am one hundred percent sure that this Varanasi Travel Guide will answer all your questions related to visiting Varanasi. It includes a brief description of Varanasi. It then moves to the part describing how to reach Varanasi by different means i.e. train, road and flight. While discussing all the top tourist places in Varanasi, it also covers the best hotels to stay and the best restaurants to eat in the city. It incorporates the Varanasi trip cost as well as tips to minimize your budget and that is why it is the perfect Varanasi Travel Guide in 2024.

I hope you liked this post and found the answers you were looking for. We will meet in another post till then keep travelling, stay safe!