Panoramic view of the Varanasi river ghats along the Ganges at sunrise, featuring golden sunlight reflecting on the water, boats docked along the shore, and red sandstone temples line the riverbank.

EXPERIENCE VARANASI – WHERE FAITH AND HERITAGE COME TOGETHER

Few cities capture the spirit of India quite like Varanasi. Set on the banks of the Ganga, this ancient city unfolds through riverside rituals, bustling temple lanes, age-old traditions, and the sound of evening prayers. From the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the illuminated ghats, every corner offers a glimpse into a way of life shaped by faith and history.

Whether you're here for a pilgrimage, a boat ride along the Ganga, or an introduction to the city's cultural heritage, make your stay memorable with the warm hospitality and welcoming accommodation of Summit Hotels & Resorts.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN VARANASI – HANDPICKED FOR YOU

A silver and orange Hindu deity statue draped in yellow and orange flower garlands sits inside an ornate metal archway.

SHRI SANKAT MOCHAN HANUMAN TEMPLE

Seek Blessings of Lord Hanuman

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Priests performing the evening Ganga Aarti ritual with multi-tiered brass oil lamps emitting smoke and light along the river ghats.

ASSI GHAT

Witness the Spirit of Varanasi

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A fortified stone building with towers and terraces stands along a riverbank with a bridge visible in the distance.

RAMNAGAR FORT

Step into Varanasi's Royal Past

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Light-coloured stone astronomical observatory instruments with curved walls and steps standing under a clear blue sky.

MAN SINGH OBSERVATORY

The Wonders of Ancient Astronomy

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Multi-story buildings and stepped stone ghats line a riverbank where boats are moored along the water's edge.

DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT

The Sacred Ganga Aarti

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A carved stone archway framing a view of a gold-spired temple and people gathered in a courtyard below.

SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

The Abode of Lord Shiva

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A cylindrical brick and stone stupa monument rises from a green lawn bordered by trimmed hedges under a blue sky.

SARNATH

Walk in the Footsteps of Buddha

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A multi-tiered sandstone temple building with central and side spires stands framed by trees under a clear blue sky.

TIBETAN TEMPLE

Peace Amidst Tibetan Buddhist Traditions

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A silver and orange Hindu deity statue draped in yellow and orange flower garlands sits inside an ornate metal archway.

SHRI SANKAT MOCHAN HANUMAN TEMPLE

Traditionally attributed to poet-saint Tulsidas and dating back to the 16th century, this revered temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and attracts devotees throughout the year.

Location: Along the Assi River, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning & Evening

Priests holding lit multi-tiered brass lamps surrounded by smoke and onlookers during an evening riverside ceremony.

ASSI GHAT

A popular riverside landmark known for its morning rituals, spiritual gatherings, and the daily Subah-e-Banaras programme, which begins before sunrise.

Location: Southern Varanasi, near Assi
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning

A fortified stone building with towers and terraces stands along a riverbank with a bridge visible in the distance.

RAMNAGAR FORT

Built by Raja Balwant Singh around 1750, this historic fort features sandstone architecture, royal courtyards, and a museum displaying royal artefacts.

Location: Ramnagar, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Morning & Afternoon

Light-coloured stone astronomical observatory instruments with curved walls and steps standing under a clear blue sky.

MAN SINGH OBSERVATORY

Established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, this historic observatory houses traditional astronomical instruments designed to study celestial movements and measure time.

Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Morning & Late Afternoon

Multi-story buildings and stepped stone ghats line a riverbank where boats are moored along the water's edge.

DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT

One of Varanasi's most prominent ghats, this sacred riverside destination is renowned for its daily evening Ganga Aarti.

Location: Banks of the River Ganga, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Evening Aarti

A carved stone archway framing a view of a gold-spired temple and people gathered in a courtyard below.

SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, this revered temple is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees across India.

Location: Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning

A cylindrical brick and stone stupa monument rises from a green lawn bordered by trimmed hedges under a blue sky.

SARNATH

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sarnath is home to ancient stupas, monasteries, and archaeological remains.

Location: Sarnath, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Morning & Afternoon

A multi-tiered sandstone temple building with central and side spires stands framed by trees under a clear blue sky.

TIBETAN TEMPLE

A Buddhist place of worship featuring traditional Tibetan architecture, colourful Buddhist paintings, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, and prayer wheels.

Location: Sarnath, Varanasi
Best Time to Visit: Morning & Afternoon

HOW TO REACH VARANASI – YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

By Air

• Nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (24 km).

By Train

• Nearest railway station is Varanasi Junction Railway Station (2 km).

By Road

• From Prayagraj: 122 km (2.5 hrs)
• From Ayodhya: 218 km (4.5 hrs)
• From Lucknow: 315 km (5.5 hrs)
 

VARANASI WEATHER GUIDE – BEST TIME TO VISIT

Silhouettes of wooden boats on the Ganges as the golden sun sets over Varanasi

Winter (Oct - Feb)

Temperature: 10 - 28°C
Highlights: Pleasant weather, peak pilgrimage and sightseeing season
What to Pack: Light jackets and comfortable clothing

A view of Varanasi's ancient riverside ghats and historic buildings reflected in the Ganges at dusk.

Spring (Mar - Apr)

Temperature: 11 - 33°C
Highlights: Warmer days, favourable sightseeing conditions, peak to moderate tourist season
What to Pack: Light cotton clothing

Varanasi's historic ghats lined with riverside buildings and colourful boats along the Ganges during daylight.

Summer (May - Jun)

Temperature: 27 - 40°C
Highlights: Hot weather, cloudy skies, fewer tourists
What to Pack: Light cotton clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen

Wooden boats floating on the Ganges with Varanasi's illuminated ghats in the background at twilight

Monsoon (Jul - Sep)

Temperature: 25 - 32°C
Highlights: Seasonal rainfall, rain-washed ghats, lush surroundings
What to Pack: Light clothing, umbrellas, raincoats

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Summit Heritage Kashinaama, Varanasi

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NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR VARANASI GETAWAY?

Let local experts lead your pilgrimage with ease, blending sacred temple visits, reflective spiritual walks, vibrant market explorations, and personalised plans tailored to your journey.

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