India
Varanasi travel guide
Plan a trip to Varanasi: what to eat, where to stay, the best day trips and ready-made day-by-day plans.
What to eat in Varanasi
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Kachori SabziDeep‑fried dough filled with spiced lentils, eaten for breakfast at street stalls.
Banarasi Dum AlooPotatoes simmered in a jaggery‑fennel gravy, served at lunch in local eateries.
Aloo ChaatCrisp potatoes tossed with chutneys and spices, popular on evenings near the ghats.
PaanChewed leaf with sweet or tobacco fillings, sold by vendors after meals.
Where to stay in Varanasi
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backpackers
Budget hostels and guesthouses near the river, lively evenings and easy access to cafés.
families
Mid‑range hotels close to transport, quieter streets, good Wi‑Fi.
peace‑seekers
Boutique lodges in a quieter suburb, ideal for Buddhist sites and sunrise walks.
culture lovers
Heritage guesthouses within narrow lanes, close to temples and markets.
Day trips from Varanasi
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Chunar Fort
24 km
A hilltop sandstone fort with panoramic views of the Ganges, reachable by a short drive from Varanasi.
Jaunpur
57 km
A historic city known for its medieval mosques and the impressive Jaunpur Sharif tombs, offering a glimpse of Sultanate architecture.
Mirzapur
15 km
A town on the Ganges famous for its stone carving workshops and the nearby Vindhyachal temple, good for cultural insight.
Best time to visit
Best time to go: November – February
Midday highs, based on last year's weather. Green months have comfortable temperatures and few rainy days.
Turn this into a day-by-day plan with Triptime AI, or start from a ready-made one.
Plan 2 days in Varanasi
What to pack in October
Ready-made plans for Varanasi
Questions about Varanasi
When is the best time to try street food?
Early evenings, especially after 6 pm, when stalls are fully stocked and the weather is cooler.
Are power outages common in hotels?
They occur in summer; choose accommodation that mentions a backup generator.
Do I need to tip at local eateries?
A small tip of 5‑10 % is customary but not required.
Is it safe to walk around the ghats at night?
Violent crime is rare, but it’s wiser to stay in well‑lit areas and avoid isolated alleys after dark.
