Sunrise over the ghats of Varanasi and the Ganges river

Free Travel Guide

Varanasi: The Complete First-Timer's Guide

Temples, ghats, food and practical tips — everything you need to plan your trip to the world's oldest living city.

Top Places to Visit

Distances are from House499 — you're never far from the action.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

4 km

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the heart of Varanasi.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

4.5 km

Famous Ganga Aarti every evening at sunset.

Assi Ghat

5 km

Peaceful morning aarti and yoga by the river.

Sarnath

10 km

Where Buddha gave his first sermon — stupas & museum.

Varanasi Junction (Station)

3 km

Main railway station, easy auto/tuk-tuk ride.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport

26 km

Around 45–60 minutes by taxi.

Travel Tips

Best time to visit: October to March — pleasant weather for ghat walks and sightseeing.
Book Ganga Aarti viewing early at Dashashwamedh Ghat; it gets crowded at sunset.
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the easiest way to move around the old city.
Carry cash — many small shops and boat rides are cash only.
Dress modestly at temples; leather items and phones aren't allowed inside Kashi Vishwanath.
Try the street food: kachori-sabzi breakfast, tamatar chaat and Banarasi paan.

Suggested 2-Day Plan

Day 1: Morning aarti at Assi Ghat → Kashi Vishwanath → evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh.
Day 2: Sunrise boat ride → Sarnath → silk weaving markets → thali dinner at House499.

How to Reach

By train: Varanasi Junction (3 km) or Banaras Station (~10 km).
By air: LBS Airport (26 km) — pre-paid taxis available.
By road: Well connected from Lucknow (300 km), Patna (250 km), Delhi (~800 km).

Staying in Varanasi?

House499 is minutes from the ghats and the station — clean rooms from ₹499, fresh thali meals and 24x7 support. Use coupon HOUSE10 for 10% off direct bookings.

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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 10 min to Ghats

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