Spiritual Journeys

Varanasi Travel Guide 2026: The Ultimate Kashi Vishwanath & Ghats Itinerary

Varanasi, Uttar PradeshFeb 13, 202615 min read

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus seeking Moksha (liberation).

Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, the city is considered the spiritual heart of India.

🌸 Summary of the Place: Varanasi (Kashi)

Varanasi is known as the "Spiritual Capital of India". According to Hindu belief, a soul that leaves the body in Varanasi attains moksha, freedom from the cycle of rebirth. The city is famous for its ancient temples, sacred ghats, Ganga Aarti, classical music, silk weaving, and deeply rooted rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – History & Mythology

🔱 Deity: Lord Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath – “Lord of the Universe”)

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Hinduism. The current structure was rebuilt in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

Mythological Story:

It is believed that Varanasi is the first Jyotirlinga to manifest itself. According to the legend, it was at this place that Shiva (the Hindu god of destruction) manifested as an infinite column of light (Jyotirlinga, depicted as lingodbhava) in front of Brahma (the Hindu god of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu god of preservation) when they had an argument about their supremacy.

The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines located in a narrow lane called Vishwanatha Gali, near the river. The linga of the main deity at the shrine is 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and 90 centimetres (35 in) in circumference, housed in a silver altar.

The main temple is a quadrangle, and there are shrines to other gods all around it. There are small temples for Kala Bhairava, Kartikeya, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Ganesha, Shani, Shiva, and Parvati in the complex.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex with ornate gold spires in Varanasi.

The recently completed Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has transformed the visit, connecting the temple directly to the Ganga river, allowing pilgrims to take a holy dip and walk straight to the shrine.

Fento Pro Tips:

Don’t miss the Mangala Aarti (early morning ritual).
Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
To avoid the 3–4 hour queue, book a “Sugam Darshan” ticket on the official temple website at least 48 hours in advance.

Varanasi Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

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Clothing: Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering temples.
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Footwear: You must remove shoes before entering any temple or stepping onto sacred platforms at the ghats.

How to Reach Varanasi

✈ by Air

Feature	Details
Primary Airport	Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Distance to City Centre	Approximately 25 km (45–75 minutes drive)
Major Domestic Links	Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad
International Links	Direct flights from Kathmandu, Sharjah, and Colombo
Best Time to Land	Before 2:00 PM (to reach the Ghats in time for the Evening Aarti)

🚆 By Train

Feature	Varanasi Junction (BSB)	Banaras Station (BSB)
Connectivity	Pan-India (All major cities)	High-speed & Premium trains
Distance to Ghats	~4-5 km	~4 km
Best For	Proximity to Kashi Vishwanath	Travelers staying near Assi Ghat
Vibe	Historic, Busy, Bustling	Modern, Clean, Peaceful

Driving to Varanasi by road

Traveling by road gives you the freedom to watch the landscape shift from modern skylines to the rustic, mustard-field charm of the heart of India. You can take a state-transport bus such as Janrath or Shatabdi to reach Varanasi.

Starting City	Distance	Approx. Time	Primary Highway	Best For
Lucknow	300 km	4.5 – 5 Hours	Purvanchal Expressway	Fastest & smoothest drive
Prayagraj	120 km	2.5 Hours	NH19 (GT Road)	Shortest religious circuit
Delhi	820 km	11 – 12 Hours	Yamuna Express	Ultimate long-distance trip
Patna	250 km	5.5 Hours	NH19 / AH1	Connectivity from the East

Where to Stay

UP Tourism - Rahi Tourist Bungalow

This is the flagship state-run hotel. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the narrow, confusing alleys of the old city but still want to be close to the Railway Station.

Sarnath Tourist Bungalow

Run by the UP Government, this is located about 10km from the main city. It’s ideal if you prefer the quiet, Buddhist circuit over the bustling riverfront.

✨ Fento Pro Tips :

Book via the official portal: For state-run hotels, use the official UPSTDC website to avoid overpaying through third-party platforms.
Advance Booking: During festivals like Dev Deepawali or Mahashivratri, these public spots fill up months in advance.

Other attractions

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

The main ghat for the Ganga Aarti, offering the most vibrant and spiritual experience. The ceremony takes place here every evening.

2. Assi Ghat (Subah-e-Banaras)

Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers. Best for 'Subah-e-Banaras' at 5:00 AM with sunrise yoga and morning Aarti.

3. Sarnath

Just 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Features the massive Dhamek Stupa.

4. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Asia's largest university sprawled over 1,300 acres. Don't miss the New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum inside.

5. Ramnagar Fort

Built in 1750 by Maharaja Balwant Singh, this massive sandstone fort blends Mughal and traditional Indian architecture.

6. Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Located just 4-5 hours away, Ayodhya is another major spiritual hub. Experience the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Saryu Ghats.

Varanasi: 3-Day Essential Itinerary

Day 1

Sunrise boat ride from Assi Ghat → Darshan at the temple via the Corridor → Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 2

Morning trip to Sarnath → Explore Banaras Hindu University campus → Sunset at Ramnagar Fort.

Day 3

Old City walking tour → Banarasi silk shopping → Street food trail through Godowlia Market.

🍽 What to Eat in Varanasi (Must-Try Local Food)

Varanasi is not just spiritual — it’s a paradise for food lovers.

1. Kachori Sabzi

A spicy breakfast specialty available in the old city lanes. Thatheri Bazar is the go-to spot for the most authentic taste.

2. Tamatar Chaat

A Banarasi twist on chaat — tangy, spicy, and cooked in desi ghee. The stalls in Godowlia serve the best version of this delight.

3. Baati Chokha

A traditional UP dish served with smoked brinjal mash. Assi Ghat has several popular eateries serving this rustic meal.

4. Banarasi Paan

A must-try after dinner tradition. Head to Bansphatak for the most famous Paan shops in the city.

Frequent Traveler Mistakes

Overpaying boatmen or guides: Prices aren’t fixed. Always negotiate before boat rides, guided walks, or ceremonies.
Treating it like a normal tourist city: Varanasi is a living spiritual center. Loud behavior or casual clothing can offend locals.
Photography at Burning Ghats: Never point your camera at funeral pyres at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghats; it is deeply disrespectful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to visit Varanasi in 2026?

The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. Late November is spectacular for the Dev Deepawali festival.

Is the Ganga water safe for a holy dip?

While the government's "Namami Gange" project has improved water quality, it is recommended to take a dip at Assi Ghat or the Dashashwamedh area where filtration is better.

Is Varanasi safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Varanasi is generally safe. However, avoid walking through the narrow inner-city alleys *alone* after 10:00 PM. Stick to the main ghats and well-lit areas.

Avoid Tourist Traps

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