Varanasi Hotels

The Varanasi Rundown

Considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India, Varanasihas become quite a vacation spot as well as religious haven. Though known to many as ‘the holy city of India’, visitors are likely to discover more than temples and shrines. This exotic holiday spot boasts rich tapestries, music, art and culture to discover as well. Of course, when visiting Varanasi,travellers should make it a point to see the breathtaking architecture of the temples, such as Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, Bharat Mata and many others. ... Read more »

For those who aren't familiar with a ghat, it is a place where many steps lead to the river’s edge. In Varanasi, there are many ghats along the Ganges, and the best way to view them is by way of a charter boat. This Indian city is also famous for its fine silks in the form of beautiful pashminas and sarees, and tourists should bring their bargaining skills to the markets and alleyways to score unbelievable handmade deals. Sightseeing can become an endless activity here with places to explore such as the Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath, or the historic Chunar Fort.

WHEN TO GO

Late September through November, as well as February and March, are some of the best times to visit Varanasi. The temperatures are comfortably mild and the days sunny, which make the weather perfect for holidays. For those visiting during the winter, which runs from December through January, temperatures can be somewhat chilly, especially since some places lack indoor heating. As for April through June, the dry heat can reach over 100°F (40-45°C). Travelling to Varanasi in July and August is typically discouraged due to the heavy monsoon rains that can cause flooding.

· Late September through November and February to March are best times to visit

· December through January can be chilly without indoor heating

· July and August experience monsoon rains and flooding

GETTING THERE

The Varanasi Airport, also known as the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, is located close to the city's centre and is serviced by several major airlines. There are daily flights available from Delhi and Mumbai to Varanasi. It is important to note that plenty of time should be set aside for reaching the airport because traffic is typically very heavy.

By train, Varanasi is easily accessible. There are several rail lines that come in daily to the Varanasi and Mughalsarai junctions. The rail travels to cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Agra, as well as Lucknow and Kolkata.

There are also daily buses to Varanasi. The stations for buses are located near the train stations and travel to areas in the northern part of India. Generally, the buses run every half hour to the hour depending on the route.

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