2025 Varanasi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Sarnath Museum is the oldest museum under the Archaeological Survey of India, housing discoveries and excavations from the archaeological site of Sarnath conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India. Sarnath is located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Excavations began in 1904, and the museum features the famous Buddha statue in the Dharmachakra Pravartana posture, which has won numerous awards for its exquisite craftsmanship, making it one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in the world. The museum contains 6,832 sculptures and artifacts. 🕰️ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays 💰 Average Price per Person: 50 Indian Rupees 📍 Address: Museum, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Today we move to the northern Indian city of Varanasi, which is considered a holy city by Hindus because it is located on the banks of the Ganges. The travel agency arranged for us to stay at the Radisson Hotel Varanasi. Although it was rated five stars and had a grand lobby, the facilities were not well maintained and looked a bit old and scratched. The basic twin room is not very spacious, only 28 square meters, which is average, but it has a bathtub. But after taking a shower at night, I found that there was no hair dryer. After I reported it, they didn’t give it to me. They even said that the drawer was broken and had been taken apart, so there was no hair dryer. Then they could only deal with it tomorrow morning? Dumbfounded! The room rate is around NT$4,000 per night. India’s transportation and environment are very unfamiliar, and it’s more of a cultural shock. The religious beliefs and lifestyles are really different, which is why such a unique architectural art was born. It’s really an eye-opener. #IndiaTravel

Varanasi is a city that almost every travel YouTuber visits. My impression? It was worth it!!!!!! I'm so glad I mustered the courage to go!!!!!!! I was too scared to walk alone, so I had a guide show me around for a day. During the dry season, you can walk along the ghats, but in the rainy season, you have to navigate the maze-like streets of the city. Moreover, the city is full of stray dogs, cows, bikes, and people. Thanks to the guide, I was able to see the city efficiently and safely without getting lost. Every sight was fresh and shocking! If you visit India, Varanasi is a must-see place. A city that defies common sense, Varanasi. I definitely want to go again. However, while there are many good people, be cautious of persistent touts and unsolicited guides.

#springsummergoodplace2024 If someone asked me what was the most shocking scenic spot during my travels? The Ganges River is probably one of them As the mother river of India, although the Ganges has been very polluted in recent years, in the hearts of Indians, it is a holy river given by the Indian God, and it is a place that must be visited once in a lifetime. A large number of people come in every early morning, and the shore is already brightly lit before dawn. Many people buy bouquets of flowers and dress up and bathe in the river. At the same time, there are people washing clothes and brushing teeth nearby. Sometimes cows will also soak in the river. In the middle of the distant river, someone is scattering the ashes of freshly incinerated corpses. Very very shocking! Whenever you go to a place, what you should do as a traveler is to try your best to understand the local culture. It can only be said that the Ganges River cannot replace the absolutely sacred existence in the hearts of Indians! #IndiaTravel #GangesSunrise#Must-come-once-in-a-lifetime #Shocking experience

#springsummer2024 As one of the four ancient civilizations, India has many important attractions, but more than its long history, India, as the birthplace of Buddhism, is a place of pilgrimage for many believers. This trip to India is to Sarnath and the Ganges. Sarnath is located more than an hour's drive from the holy city of Varanasi. It is the place where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and preached the Dharma for the first time. Many people come here in special groups to hear the sutras preached directly on the platform! The entire scenic area is not large and can be visited in about an hour. It is highly recommended to sit on the tiles or under a nearby tree, watch the sunset quietly, and feel the unique magnetic field. It is a very, very special experience! #Buddha #Bodhi tree

#hiddengems Since long time ago, the Ganges river has been the most holiest and sacred river in Hinduism religion that over millions of local people and foreign Hindu believer will visit this place where they believe taking a bath or have a body dip in the river will help cure any illnesses. However, as there are many sewages poured into the river everyday, it has gradually became polluted as only partial of it had gone through some water treatment and nowadays, it is 1 of the most polluted river in the world. Still, people who come will bathe here but it is not that recommend as it can be dangerous with the polluted water. As a tourists, if you are not taking shower here, I would more recommend to chase the sunrise in the very early morning taking the boat and guarantee you wont be disappointed with the stunning sunrise view over the water!! Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I took a sleeper train from Agra 🚃 I went to Varanasi, a holy place for Hindus ✨ The moment I saw the Ganges, tears flowed for some reason, but Takemochi, who was next to me, was laughing (maybe) Things to do in Varanasi ✨ 🚣 Watch the sunrise over the Ganges and take a boat to see the baths. They say that bathing in the Ganges cleanses all your sins ☺️ You have to be careful because you can get ripped off for the price of the boat ride on the Ganges, but I'm sure it's okay because bathing in the Ganges cleanses your sins every day. 🥹🫶 🛎️Puja A sacred worship service is held every day and anyone can see it. Because so many people come, there are people who wait for seats from about 2 hours before the event‼ ️ Some people were crying, and the Indian next to me asked, Is this your first time seeing Puja? It's really nice, so enjoy yourself, they told me. 🚶 I walked through the narrow alleys, the winding roads like a maze, and then a tout started talking to me. If you can speak Japanese, they basically try to talk you out of being a YouTuber (I fell for it). The touts were awful~☺️lol #india #varanasi #besttrip2023

After out tour at Amer Fort, we made our way to the magnificent complex of Jantar Mahtar. If you wonder what it means, literally it refers to instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens. Basically it serves as an observatory site to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. It was built wayyy back in 1723 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. We were told he alao built another 4 sites for observation purpose. Here, there are 13 architectural astronomy instruments. He has a good educational background with keen interest on astronomy. It has become a popular tourist destination #tripblazers #mytripvlog #awesomepic

Sarnath is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon and now its place of pilgrimage and a vihara (monastery) for monks and scholars. #fallingforfall #india #sarnath #varanasi

The longest river in India and the most sacred in the world. Not much can prepare you for your visit. It is like nothing I have experienced in my life. I witnessed life and death gather together to celebrate and mourn one another in “the final resting place”. Faces displaying a mishmash of despair and hope and faith and loss all at the same time. We watched as a family of men carried their very recently deceased mother or grandmother down to the river. The men had to have their heads shaved. It was explained that there is to be no mourning or crying at the cremation that happens right on the riverbank so women usually are not present at the cremation. According to Hindu mythology, if a person breathes their last in Varanasi and is cremated at the banks of the Ganges, they will attain salvation. The locals gather in the mornings to bathe or wash their clothes and during the festive season, the river is said to have as many as 70 million visitors who all take a dip in its sacred waters. The river is incredibly polluted so I was not brave enough but I was happy to watch the others from a distance. #passionpassport

Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ” The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. #varanasi #tra #ganga #tourism #trip #culturalattractions#historicculture#beautifulsunsets

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples. Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ” The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her ‘Theosophical Society’ and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute ‘Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days. #palace#ancientlandmark#templeblessed#eventcelebration#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath. #travelguide#oldarchitecture#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#culturalattractions#naturalwonders

Went to Varanasi for a holy trip and to attend a friend's marriage. 🥰

#merrychristmas #MadinHotel #merrychristmas

Located 13 kilometers east of Varanasi, Sarnath (in state of Uttar Pradesh, India) is considered to be the place where Gautama Buddha first taught the teachings of Dharma after his enlightenment. The site was a deer park which became the birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha and is one of the major pilgrimage spot for the Buddhists in India. The name Sarnath literally means ‘Lord of the deer’ and was established by the King of Banaras who created this town as a sanctuary for the deer. Dhamekh Stupa was Built in 500 AD, the stupa marks the exact place where Buddha first taught Dharma after receiving Bodhisattva. The structure of the stupa was built in 500 AD and was commissioned to replace an earlier 249 BC structure by King Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire. #givethanks #travelinspiration #historicallandmarks #worldheritage #newyearstrip #scenicspotguide #givethanks

Varanasi, India, the treacherous labyrinth of the holy city maze-like Varanasi old town is located on the west bank of the Ganges, crowded streets and streets filled with shops, hotels and temples. In India, the cows are very clear about their sacred status, and no one wanders in the narrow alleys. Pedestrians have to stand sideways against the wall to pass. The protagonist of the epic Ramayana, Prince Rama, was assisted by the Monkey Army when he fought against the demon. From then on, the monkey was included in the gods and was worshipped by people. In India, the monkeys are also very aware of their sacred status. They are caught in the window and caught in the shackles. The helpless people are only fleeing.

Unique Indian Humanities Aspects [Aesthetic /] Ascetic monk is a popular practice method of ancient Indian religious believers. It often has an ascetic, unkempt, ragged, three-pronged stick symbolizing Shiva, and walks along the ancient scriptures. . The ascetic monk must endure what the ordinary people think is painful, such as long-term fasting or even water, lying on a bed full of nails, walking on fiery charcoal, enduring heat and cold, etc., to exercise endurance and desire. Hinduism believes that people need to go through many rounds to enter heaven and get the care of God. Some people hope to take shortcuts, and in this life they will get the gods and the scriptures. The ascetic monstrous is considered to be such a shortcut.

Best place to buy Ganga jal #summervacay #holiday

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Taj Ganges Varanasi 💡 Tips It was a say that we need to visit Kaasi twice so we planned in a way that first landing in varanasi n night stay at taj Ganges N then drive to prayagrai - triveni sangama - night stay - drive to Ayodhya - Rama mandir n aarati - drive back to varanasi n enjoy Ganga aarati Temple n all not mandatory as we don’t feel much as we cannot enter the inner mandir to see Siva lungs but 2-3 days trip is enough #summervacay

1. Assi ghat 2. Ganga aarathi 1. Thandai Hotel De Bougainville

📍Trip overview ॥First time traveling alone to India🇮🇳 as a woman 🚩Route ॥Haneda → Delhi → Varanasi → Delhi → Haneda 🏖️Photogenic spot ॥Along the guardrail of the Ganges 🚇Transportation ॥Uber or a one-day driver locally 📷Recommended photo spot ॥The streets of Varanasi 🍜Exquisite food ॥The famous blue lassi♡ 🏠Recommended accommodation ॥A hotel right in front of the Ganges 💡Notes ॥The hygiene aspect is not good, so bring disinfectant with you! I've traveled overseas alone before, but I can say that I did a good job in India! There were so many exciting things to say! When I went to a restaurant to eat curry, the waiter recommended it to me, saying, "This isn't spicy." But when I tried it, it was really spicy and I couldn't finish it, so if you don't like spicy food or spices, be careful!

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip This isn't the only city where the Ganges flows, but when you think of the Ganges, you probably think of Varanasi. The Ganges in Varanasi is one of the holiest places for Hindus. You can see many crematoriums along the river. There are a lot of people trying to recruit you for a boat, but you can see the ghats from the river, so it's worth taking one.

India's ancient City .Banaras ( Varanasi )Assi Ghat

An amazing experience in Varanasi, India. The life and the death in a single place - in the holy river of Ganga. For just a weekend spent here I’m full of impressions (and smells) of this place. Highly recommended to spend a night here, to get a boat ride along the river and to visit Manikarnika ghat to try to understand why Hindu people want to die and to be burned there. But not in June maybe. Now it’s +41 outside :) #india #varanasi #weekendgetaways

#OverseasTravelStrategy The last part of our girls trip to India was a morning in Varanasi that quietly filled our hearts🌄 We left early in the morning to watch the sunrise on the Ganges River, the biggest highlight of our trip🛶✨ We joined a half-day tour run by a travel site that included hotel transfers and a Ganges River cruise👀 Please look for a tour that suits your schedule and number of people☺️ The moment the sky gradually brightened and the surface of the river turned orange... it was a mystical sight that left me speechless☀️ The hot chai from the uncle selling chai we met on the shore gradually warmed our sleepiness and our bodies, and was the ultimate in healing🫖💛 After that, we took a boat and leisurely observed the people bathing and the historic ghats. Many people were praying at the ghats (bathing places), and it was a valuable experience to feel the spiritual culture of India firsthand🙏 This place, where noise and quietness mix together, is a time to truly feel the "heart of India"🕊️ To end the trip, we went to the famous local sweets shop "Babarassi"🍦✨ It's a luxury that you can enjoy for just a few hundred yen per cup💕 The rich and slightly sweet lassi is a reward that gently soothes the fatigue of the trip...🥛♡ Returning to Japan on an evening flight✈️It was a trip that was very satisfying both physically and mentally, with no stomach problems until the end♡ It was a little nerve-wracking for my first trip to India, but in the end it became a treasured memory that I will never forget🇮🇳💖 #IndianGirlsTrip #GangesRiver #VaranasiTourism #India #IndianTourism

#OverseasTravelStrategy The second half of the girls' trip to India is finally here🇮🇳✨ On the third day, we spent some time relaxing in New Delhi before heading to Varanasi✈️ The charm of India is that the atmosphere changes completely from city to city...it's fun even for girls' trips that never get boring💛 In the morning, we took a walk near BloomRooms👟 There are cute miscellaneous goods stores and cafes lined up, and the embroidered pouches and chai sets that are perfect for souvenirs are exciting~👜💓 If you get hungry, take a break with a drink🥤 There are also many cafes and restaurants in Connaught Place, so be sure to recharge your energy when you're tired🧡 In the evening, we took a domestic flight to Varanasi✈️ Trains and buses in India are a bit difficult, so we recommend taking a plane! It took about an hour and cost about 10,000 yen one way 🎶 I also asked for a hotel pick-up service to ensure safety and security 💡 [Hotel Introduction 🏨] I stayed at "Hotel Dolphin International" in Varanasi. The cleanliness and service were as good as the reviews said, and it was safe for first-time visitors to India 🏠✨ Here too, we arranged for a pick-up car from Varanasi Airport 🚗 They were happy to oblige after contacting us after booking! 🙆♀️ Next is the climax of the trip! We're going to see the famous sunrise over the Ganges River ☀️ #IndianGirlsTrip #VaranasiTourism #India #IndianTourism