Varanasi Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Varanasi Tours & Trips

• What are the must-see religious sites and ceremonies in Varanasi?

  The spiritual heart of Varanasi beats strongest at Dashashwamedh Ghat where the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony unfolds with traditional prayers and rituals. The sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a cornerstone of Hindu worship while dawn boat rides on the Ganges reveal centuries-old bathing rituals at the ghats. The Bharat Mata Temple displays an impressive marble relief map of India and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery provides a peaceful counterpoint to the city's Hindu traditions. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The sunrise boat trip was unforgettable and our guide Mr. Neelesh was exceptional in sharing Varanasi's rich history and spiritual significance."

• What's the best time of year to visit Varanasi?

  October through March offers the most pleasant conditions for exploring Varanasi. Winter months from December to February bring temperatures between 5-15°C creating ideal conditions for walking tours and temple visits. Summer (April-June) sees temperatures reach 45°C making outdoor activities challenging. The monsoon season from July to September often leads to slippery streets and occasional boat cancellations. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The early morning boat ride during winter was peaceful and offered perfect photography conditions."

• What are the accommodation options in Varanasi?

  The city provides lodging across all budget ranges. The upscale Taj Gateway Hotel in Nadesar Palace brings heritage luxury while mid-range choices include Hotel Meadows near the ghats and Costa Riviera in the city center. The Ganges Grand Hotel provides river views with easy ghat access. Most hotels cluster around the Cantonment area and Assi Ghat putting major attractions within reach. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The hotels they booked me in were really nice. I felt very comfortable and they had restaurants on site."

• What unique local experiences should I not miss in Varanasi?

  The city offers rich cultural encounters beyond the ghats. Visit silk weaving centers to see craftsmen create Banarasi silk saris wander the old city's maze-like lanes at dawn or watch traditional wrestlers train at the Akhadas. Food enthusiasts should explore the bustling markets near Godowlia and sample evening street food at Assi Ghat. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Life-changing experience! Our guide was exceptional in sharing Varanasi's rich history and cultural significance. The sunrise boat trip combined with local market visits was unforgettable."

• How long should I spend in Varanasi to experience its essence?

  Plan for 2-3 full days to properly experience Varanasi. This timeline allows for morning Ganges boat rides evening Aarti ceremonies at Dashashwamedh Ghat and thorough exploration of the old city's temples and lanes. Most visitors include nearby Sarnath a significant Buddhist site 12km away. One TourRadar traveler shared: "A three-day stay gave us enough time to explore both the spiritual aspects and local culture though you could easily spend more time here discovering hidden gems."

• What are the dining options in Varanasi?

  Food options range from traditional vegetarian thalis to contemporary international menus. The area around Assi Ghat features authentic Banarasi cuisine while the Cantonment area hosts modern cafes. Local specialties include Banarasi paan malaiyo (a seasonal winter dessert) and thandai. Hotel restaurants like the one at Ramada Plaza serve both Indian and global dishes. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The local food experiences especially around the ghats and in the old city were incredible and added another dimension to our spiritual journey."