Best Hotels in Varanasi

About Varanasi

Varanasi stubbornly clings to its reputation as the city where days begin with the clanging of temple bells and end with marigold petals drifting down the ancient Ganges. The lanes twist tighter than a tangled sari; don’t expect your phone’s map to rescue you. Sandalwood mingles with the bite of incense, and the distant thump of a daal fry skillet means you’re getting warm – figuratively and physically. There’s a cyclical chaos here, guarded by cows, priests, and chaiwallahs. This isn’t just another stop for pilgrims; it’s a place where funeral pyres flicker by sunrise and sadhus sketch cartoons in the dust by afternoon. The trick: don’t search for logic in the route – Varanasi’s poetry is found off-beat, in the moments you didn’t expect.

Tiny details matter in Varanasi’s hotel scene. Pillow mints might be swapped for tulsi leaves, and a sacred cow could decide your taxi route near Godowlia. Hotels in Varanasi range from centuries-old palaces perched above the ghats to snug modern apartments tucked into calmer lanes. It’s not all about the river view, either-sometimes, it’s about the proximity to a dusk aarti or a cinnamon bun at the bakery on Assi Road. The soundscape never really stops. Earplugs, by the way, are worth their weight outside festival windows.

Local wisdom: tea stalls blossom near every major Varanasi hotel by 6 a.m.-try the smoky “kulhad chai” near Singh Dwar, especially after a cold Ganga mist. Experience all this with Varanasi tour packages with Akbar Travels Online.

Varanasi Airport Address

Varanasi’s international gateway is officially known as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Here’s where it sits (and how to contact):

• Address: Babatpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221006, India
• Phone: +91 542 2622 297
• Email: apdvns@aai.aero 

Taxis line up aggressively at the curb; government prepaid counters (inside baggage claim, small blue sign) are best for avoiding the post-midnight surcharge – around ₹800 to ₹1,200 into town, though this sometimes flickers up by 10% after 10 p.m.

The Best Time to Visit Varanasi

Peak season is cool, dry, and comes with the sharpest Ganga sunrises – November through February. Room tariffs stay 20–35% higher during this span; book hotels in Varanasi at least 45 days ahead for the lowest rates. Discount hunters (and ferociously humid air lovers) should try late June–September. During Diwali and Dev Deepawali, the city pivots: double-check with akbartravels.com – last year, they flagged 85% room fill nearly three weeks prior. One rainy-season flaw: sporadic power cuts tend to hit smaller guesthouses first, so check for backup generators if booking outside the core season.

How to Reach Varanasi

By air:

Direct flights connect Varanasi to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The airport is about 24 kilometers from town, so factor in 50–60 minutes for traffic-sometimes 80 minutes during late-October wedding weekends.

By rail:

Varanasi Junction, often abuzz even at 3 a.m., links to all major North Indian cities. Beware: earlier trains get the cleanest platforms and the fastest rickshaw pickups. Try hotels in Varanasi near railway station to save a bleary-eyed ride.

By road:

National Highway 31 forms the city’s main vein, with AC buses and taxis from Lucknow, Allahabad, and Gorakhpur. Unexpected rallies and festive parades can snarl traffic, so build in an awkward margin for potential delays, especially on Fridays and public holidays.

Things to Do in Varanasi

• Witness Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – evening rituals by the river with lamps and mantras.
• Walk the twisted alleys of Vishwanath Gali – a sensory overload of silk, sweets, and temple bells.
• Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple – one of the holiest Shiva temples, buzzing with pilgrims.
• Rowboat ride at sunrise – essential for those iconic river photos and peaceful meditations.
• Explore Sarnath – the tranquility where Buddha first taught after enlightenment.
• Banaras Hindu University Campus – sprawling gardens, Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and intellectual conversations.
• Wander around Assi Ghat – relaxed vibe mixing students, artists, and backpacker cafes.
• Witness cremation ceremonies at Manikarnika Ghat – a powerful, deeply spiritual experience.
• Ramnagar Fort – faded grandeur, quirky clock museum, excellent river view.
• Bharat Mata Mandir – India’s only temple dedicated to the Motherland, with marble relief map.
• Stop for lassi at Blue Lassi – fragrant, frothy, and covered with petals.
• Hanuman Ghat – famed for its old akharas (wrestling schools) and peaceful river stretch.
• Tulsi Manas Mandir – notable for verses of the Ramcharitmanas engraved on the walls.
• Shop at Chowk – sarees, brocade, street snacks, and jostling crowds.
• Snap photos of morning wrestlers (pehelwans) near Panchganga Ghat – friendly, but ask politely.

Shopping in Varanasi

• Godowlia Market: pulses with sarees, brassware, and haggling.
• Vishwanath Gali: silk stores by the dozen, sometimes closed after 1 p.m. puja.
• Thatheri Bazaar: acclaimed for copper and brass pots.
• Lahurabir: best for affordable kurtas and daily-wear cotton.
• Chowk: maze of jewelry, street food, and trinkets.
• Madanpura: fine Banarasi silk, worth elbowing through.
• Dashashwamedh Road: perfume shops with old-school scales.
• Bengali Tola: used books, beads, and chilled lassi.
• Rathyatra Market: embroidered purses, budget gifts.
• Assi Ghat Lane: indie boutiques, quirky postcards.
• Vishwanath Lane: miniature idols and ritual paraphernalia.
• Bhelupur: hardware, baskets, and housekeeping essentials.
• Shivala: utensils and devotional music shops.
• PDR (“Pardesiya”): cut-rate ready-made for backpackers.
• Luxa Market: giant sweet stores, midrange saris.

Famous Restaurants in Varanasi

• Kashi Chaat Bhandar: trust the crowds for true chaat.
• Blue Lassi: fruit-laden lassis, legendary since ages.
• Deena Chat Bhandar: evening queues spill onto the street.
• Brown Bread Bakery: rooftop, organic breads, river view.
• Lotus Lounge: tranquil riverside, good pasta.
• Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe: apple pie with an Assi Ghat breeze.
• Shree Cafe: quiet, plant-filled – try the pancake stack.
• Open Hand Cafe: salted caramel coffee and art.
• Baati Chokha: earthy, wood-fired wholewheat treats.
• Bhojanalaya at Ashok Book Depot: pure vegetarian, library-smell in the air.
• Ram Bhandar: saffron milk and melt-in-the-mouth jalebis.
• Dosa Cafe: Southern flavors in a snug corner.
• Niyati Cafe: Nepalese momos paired with Bollywood hits.
• Hot Continental: local legend for late night egg curry.
• Apsara Restaurant: classic North Indian, old-world fans.

Popular Hotels in Varanasi

• Taj Ganges Varanasi: business-class luxury, old trees, sharp staff.
• BrijRama Palace: riverside opulence, boat-only after 2 p.m., dazzling Ganga views.
• Hotel Central Residency: close to everything, mid-budget, free airport shuttle.
• Ganpati Guest House: peaceful river spot, popular among long-haul travelers.
• Stay Banaras: youthful vibe, hostel and private rooms.
• Hotel Pearl Courtyard: strong Wi-Fi, robust breakfast.
• Hotel Madin: outdoor pool, spa, large lobby for meetings.
• Costa Riviera Hotel: modern, fuss-free, slow elevators (on Wednesday, inexplicably).
• Hotel Dolphin Grand: cheerful service, top for railway station runs.
• Monu Family Guest House: family-run, quirky décor.
• Sun Rise Lodge: five-minute walk to Vishwanath Temple, goats included.
• Shiva Inn: neat, basic, super location for rituals.
• Ma Vishalakshi Paying Guest House: quickest for late-night arrivals.

For up-to-the-minute packages, check with akbartravels.com – locals often use them to snag last-minute deals and quirky new openings.

Popular Resorts in Varanasi

• Taj Nadesar Palace: colonial style, lavish lawns, poolside dinners.
• Kashi Anandam Spiritual & Wellness Vedic Village: wellness, yoga, bird calls at dawn.
• Amritara Suryauday Haveli: historic mansion, evening aarti views.
• Om Vilas Benares: spa, quiet retreat.
• Shiv Ganga Resort: budget riverfront, splashy for kids.
• The Elegance Hotel Resort: contemporary, close to Sarnath.
• Tent City Varanasi: unique tents, luxury washrooms.
• Hotel Uday Palace: pool, function lawns, family favorite.
• Pearl Grand Resorts: minimalist decor, city edge.
• Raga Residency Resort: spa, riverside café.
• Palash Residency: compact, good for couples.
• Sarnath Resort: affordable, 15-minute drive to ruins.
• The India Benares: rooftop views, bar.
• Swastik Grand Resort: spa-centric, air scented like lemongrass.
• Alokah Kashi Resort: yoga, bicycles, random peacocks at sunrise.

Akbartravels.com sometimes opens flash sales for these-especially when wedding leftovers remain unbooked.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

The best places to stay in Varanasi pair proximity with personality. For ceremonies or river rituals, booking hotels in Varanasi near beach (meaning the more accessible riverfront “beach” areas, typically Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghats) offers immersive access. For families, hotels in Varanasi near railway station ease mobility concerns, especially for sunrise travelers with early trains. Small tip: river views cost 22–30% more per night, but last-minute deals do occur on certain off-peak days-Fridays, oddly, often have a few “price drops.”

Places to Stay in Varanasi Near Popular Attractions

• Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Ganpati Guest House, Shiva Inn, Sun Rise Lodge.
• Close to Assi Ghat: Stay Banaras, Brown Bread Bakery Guest Rooms.
• Near Sarnath: Sarnath Resort, Om Vilas Benares.
• With riverfront access: BrijRama Palace, Hotel Dolphin Grand.
• Walkable to Banaras Hindu University: Open Hand Guesthouse, Hotel Pearl Courtyard.
• For the “beach” (Ganga riverbank): Tent City Varanasi, Shiv Ganga Resort.

Akbartravels.com aggregates new openings and overbookings in real time – good for tracking pop-up deals or getting a big-picture Varanasi hotel price comparison before booking.

Budget Hotels in Varanasi

Cheap hotels in Varanasi usually mean shrewd compromise. Expect basic bedding, hot water by request, and potentially unpredictable Wi-Fi.

• Monu Family Guest House: family vibe, odd stair angles.
• Hotel Dolphin Grand: known for value fares on weekday stays.
• Sun Rise Lodge: spartan, well-located, strict noon checkout.
• Shiva Inn: river-watching, budget room, simple breakfast.
• Ma Vishalakshi Paying Guesthouse: close to temple, one no-shoes floor.
• Alokah Kashi: reliable water geysers.
• Rathyatra Hostel: student area, lowest rates during exam season.
• Assi Backpackers Hostel: youth-hubbub, flexible check-in.
• Pardesi Hostel: artistic wall murals, shared kitchen.

Varanasi Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 star hotels in Varanasi: BrijRama Palace, Taj Ganges, Taj Nadesar Palace.
• 4-Star: Hotel Madin, The India Benares, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, Pearl Grand Resorts.
• 3-Star: Pearl Courtyard, Hotel Dolphin Grand, Costa Riviera Hotel.
• 2 star hotel Varanasi: Hotel Shilva Inn (known for its tiny garden and bicycle rentals).
• Cheap hotels in Varanasi: Monu Family Guest House, Rathyatra Hostel.

Local note: several “unrated” hotel apartments in Varanasi have been quietly opening up – mostly near Lanka and Assi for longer-stay guests; expect a basic kitchenette, but bring your own dish soap.

Best Hotels in Varanasi Based on Location

• Railway Station: Hotel Dolphin Grand, Hotel Central Residency.
• Ghat/River: BrijRama Palace, Ganpati Guest House, Shiv Ganga Resort.
• University vicinity: Hotel Pearl Courtyard, Open Hand Guesthouse.
• Sarnath: Om Vilas Benares, Sarnath Resort.
• Assi Area: Stay Banaras, Brown Bread Bakery Guest Rooms.

Each cluster has its own micro-local feel: railway zone is fast-paced, a tad noisier; ghats are damp at dawn, full of priests and flute sellers by 9 a.m.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Varanasi

• Taj Ganges Varanasi: lawns, kids’ pool, children’s menu.
• Stay Banaras: family rooms, games, no-music-before-8 a.m. policy.
• Hotel Pearl Courtyard: interconnected rooms, quick laundry.
• Hotel Madin: play area, in-room cribs, helpful front desk.
• Shiv Ganga Resort: gardens, safe play space, indulgent breakfast buffet.
• Sun Rise Lodge: “no-shout” floors strictly enforced in the main building.

Brief aside: one guest once reported a parrot rescued by staff after tumbling off the lobby balcony – not every day, but definitely a story for the scrapbook.

Varanasi Hotels Tariff

Varanasi hotel price comparison is rarely apples-to-apples. Tariffs swing widely: expect ₹800–₹1,500 per night for a cheap room, ₹3,500–₹6,500 for a mid-tier choice, and ₹15,000–₹45,000 for luxury hotels in Varanasi. Taxes and “Ganga view” premiums spike festival weeks by as much as 70% above the median rate. For last-minute clarity, use akbartravels.com to check available stock and pop-up deals, especially when competing with local weddings for inventory.

Varanasi Travel Tips

1. Book Early for Cheapest Flight Fares: Varanasi flight tickets can swing by as much as 40% depending on season and demand. To score the lowest fares, book cheap flights to Varanasi at least 4–6 weeks ahead in mid-week departures (especially Tuesday or Wednesday) that are rarely overbooked.
2. Embrace Early Mornings: Plan major sightseeing like boat rides or temple visits between 5 and 8 a.m. The streets are calmer, ghats less crowded, and light mist makes for stunning photos.
3. Stay Near the Ghats for True Local Flavor: Book hotels in Varanasi near Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat that place you in the heart of rituals and riverside activity. The extra 20% on the room rate pays for itself with sheer convenience.
4. Watch Your Belongings in Crowded Places: The old city lanes and ghats teem during peak aarti hours (6–8 p.m.). Use zipped bags and carry cash in multiple pockets to minimize risk.
5. Avoid Peak Traffic Hours for Airport and Railway Runs: Leave at least 90 minutes before your train or flight; roads from city to airport jam up fast after 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., sometimes taking 30% longer than Google Maps predicts.
6. Try a Heritage Walk: Walk the tangled lanes around Vishwanath Gali with a local, either a guide or through a reputable operator. Stories and shortcuts that don’t show up in apps can save time and reveal real surprises.
7. Go Local with Food: Eat where student crowds or priests gather, spots like Kachori Gali, Ram Bhandar, or Blue Lassi serve fresh, authentic street food for ₹20–₹60.
8. Book Boat Rides in Advance During Festivals: Festival weeks like Dev Deepawali and Diwali; see boat prices double on the spot. Smart travelers pre-book through their hotel or a known ghat vendor for set rates and a safe ride.
9. Pack for All Weather: Winter nights can drop to 6°C, but midday sun in October or March still bites. Layer up, bring cotton for day, a sweater or light jacket for evenings, and a scarf to tackle unpredictable Ganga winds.
10. Use Small Notes and Change Often: Local vendors, especially at temples and markets prefer exact change. Carry ₹20 and ₹50 denominations for offerings, snacks, and rickshaw rides.
11. Watch for Festival-Driven Surges in Hotel Rates: Rates spike by 40–60% during key festivals. Always check akbartravels.com before finalizing hotels in Varanasi for your dates; last-minute deals often sell out 10–14 days ahead.
12. Respect Holy Sites and Rituals: Shoes, photography, and mobile phones are restricted at most major temples. Watch what locals do first; if unsure, ask the nearest temple volunteer rather than assuming.
13. Stay Hydrated, Carry Filtered Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Use a portable water purifier or stick to sealed bottles, ghats sometimes sell filtered options for ₹15, which saves plastic.
14. Pre-arrange Pickups Late at Night: If your train or flight lands after 10 p.m., book a prepaid taxi or ask your Varanasi hotel to organize a transfer; rickshaws get scarce and quoting can triple after midnight.
15. Be Patient With Local Paces: Rituals can delay queues, cows may block narrow lanes, and aarti schedules are occasionally revised for lunar events, factor in a margin of error, and keep plans loose when timing is tight.

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