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Where is Varanasi Located? A Complete Guide for Curious Travelers

Have you ever wondered where is Varanasi located and why millions of people travel there every year? Picture a place where dawn begins with temple bells, the river glows with floating lamps, and every street whispers stories older than time. That place is Varanasi — a city that feels less like a destination and more like a living prayer.

Often called the spiritual heartbeat of India, Varanasi is not just a dot on the map. It is an emotion, a tradition, and for many, a doorway to peace. Whether you are planning a trip or simply feeding your curiosity, this guide will walk you through its location, significance, and all the important details you need to know.

1. Where is Varanasi Located in India?

Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. It lies on the banks of the holy River Ganga (Ganges), which gently curves around the city, giving it both life and sacred meaning.

If you imagine India as a vast canvas, Varanasi sits gracefully toward the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, close to the borders of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. This strategic position made it a major center of trade, religion, and culture for thousands of years.

So, when someone asks where is Varanasi located, the simple answer is:
👉 Northern India, on the banks of the River Ganga, in Uttar Pradesh.

2. Geographical Position and Surroundings

Key geographical facts:

  1. Latitude: 25.3176° N
  2. Longitude: 82.9739° E
  3. Elevation: About 80 meters above sea level

Varanasi is surrounded by fertile plains nourished by the Ganga. The river plays the role of a lifeline, much like veins carrying life through the body. This natural setting has made the region ideal for settlement, farming, and spiritual practices for centuries.

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3. Why Varanasi is Called Kashi and Banaras

Varanasi is known by three names:

  1. Varanasi – Official modern name
  2. Kashi – Ancient name meaning “The City of Light”
  3. Banaras – Popular colonial-era name

Each name reflects a different era of its long history, but the soul of the city remains the same — timeless and sacred.

Read more:- Read all God and Festival posts in this blog here

4. Spiritual Importance of Varanasi

Varanasi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For Hindus, it is believed that dying here brings salvation or “moksha.”

Why is it spiritually important?

  1. Considered the spiritual capital of India
  2. Center of Hindu rituals and life rites
  3. Pilgrimage hub for millions
  4. Daily Ganga Aarti rituals attract global visitors

Walking through Varanasi feels like stepping into a prayer that never ends.

5. Which God is Famous in Varanasi?

The most revered deity in Varanasi is Lord Shiva.

The city is believed to be his eternal home, and devotees consider it one of the most sacred places dedicated to him. If Varanasi had a heartbeat, it would chant "Har Har Mahadev" in rhythm with the flowing Ganga.

6. The Sacred Ghats of Varanasi

Varanasi boasts over 80 ghats, each with its own purpose.

Major Ghats include:

  1. Dashashwamedh Ghat – Famous for the grand evening Ganga Aarti
  2. Manikarnika Ghat – Known for sacred cremations
  3. Assi Ghat – Peaceful and ideal for sunrise prayers

These ghats are where life and eternity seem to shake hands.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Heart of the City

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a major pilgrimage site.

Highlights:

  1. One of the holiest Shiva temples
  2. Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat
  3. Spiritual center of the city
  4. Visited by millions annually

8. Culture and Heritage of Varanasi

Varanasi is also a cultural powerhouse.

Famous for:

  1. Banarasi silk sarees
  2. Classical music and dance
  3. Yoga and Ayurveda
  4. Legendary figures like Tulsidas and Bismillah Khan

It’s where tradition and art dance together like flames on oil lamps.

9. Food That Defines the Soul of the City

You simply cannot leave without tasting:

  1. Kachori sabzi
  2. Chaat
  3. Lassi
  4. Malaiyo
  5. Banarasi paan

These flavors tell stories just like the city’s ancient walls.

10. How to Reach Varanasi by Air

To visit Varanasi, land at:

✈️ Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
📍 Located in Babatpur, about 20–25 km from the city.

From here, you can reach major ghats and temples in about 45–60 minutes by car.

11. Best Areas to Stay for Easy Travel

Best choices:

  1. Godowlia / Dashashwamedh Ghat – Walking distance to major spots
  2. Assi Ghat – Calm, scenic, and tourist-friendly
  3. Cantonment Area – Luxury hotels, modern comfort

For easy access, Godowlia is your best bet.

12. Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The ideal time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.

Avoid peak summers if you dislike extreme heat.

13. What Makes Varanasi Unique?

Varanasi isn’t just old — it’s eternal.

  1. Continuous rituals for thousands of years
  2. Blend of life and death
  3. Spiritual energy unmatched elsewhere

14. Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

  1. Wear modest clothing
  2. Respect religious customs
  3. Keep cash handy
  4. Stay alert in crowded areas
  5. Book hotels in advance

15. Why Varanasi Feels Like a Living Museum

Every corner tells a story. Every stone remembers history. It’s like walking through a book where each page breathes.

Conclusion

Now that you know where is Varanasi located, you also understand why it holds such a special place in the world. Situated in Uttar Pradesh on the sacred banks of the Ganga, Varanasi stands as a timeless symbol of faith, history, culture, and spirituality. From ancient temples and soulful ghats to vibrant food and traditions, this city is a journey for the soul, not just the body.

If India had a spiritual crown, Varanasi would be its brightest jewel.

🌟 Must-Visit Temples in Kashi (Varanasi)

🛕 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Main Temple of Varanasi

  1. Dedicated to Lord Shiva
  2. One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India
  3. Believed to grant moksha (liberation)

👉 This is the heart of Kashi. Your pilgrimage truly begins here.

🛕 2. Annapurna Devi Temple

Located right next to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

  1. Dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, giver of food and nourishment
  2. Symbol of prosperity and abundance

🙏 Visiting this temple is believed to remove poverty and hunger from life.

🛕 3. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman

  1. Known for removing obstacles and difficulties
  2. Very peaceful and highly revered

Great place if you're seeking strength, courage, and protection.

🛕 4. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)

Dedicated to Goddess Durga

  1. Built in Nagara style architecture
  2. Surrounded by Durga Kund (holy pond)

A powerful temple for devotees of Shakti (Divine Feminine).

🛕 5. Kal Bhairav Temple

Dedicated to Kal Bhairav, fierce form of Lord Shiva

  1. Considered the Guardian of Kashi
  2. Believed no pilgrimage is complete without visiting here

Locals say: No one can stay in Kashi without Kal Bhairav’s permission.

🛕 6. Vishalakshi Temple

One of the Shakti Peethas

  1. Dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi
  2. Important for Shakti worshippers

🛕 7. Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the conqueror of death

  1. Known for Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
  2. Believed to protect from illness and untimely death

🛕 8. Tulsi Manas Temple

Built at the place where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas

  1. Dedicated to Lord Rama
  2. Walls inscribed with verses from Ramayana

Perfect for those who love devotion combined with literature.

🛕 9. Bharat Mata Temple

Unique temple where:

  1. India is worshipped as a mother
  2. Marble map of India installed inside

A beautiful blend of patriotism and spirituality.

🛕 10. New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple – BHU)

Situated in Banaras Hindu University

  1. Grand architecture
  2. Calm and spacious environment
  3. Very peaceful compared to the main Kashi Vishwanath

✅ Ideal Temple Visit Order (Suggested Route)

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  2. Annapurna Devi Temple
  3. Kal Bhairav Temple
  4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
  5. Durga Temple
  6. Tulsi Manas Temple
  7. Bharat Mata Temple
  8. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU)

This sequence helps you cover the most sacred sites smoothly without feeling rushed.

🧭 Helpful Tip for First-Time Visitors

Try to visit early morning or attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat after your temple darshan. It adds a magical touch to your journey.

🙏 In Simple Words:

If Kashi were a necklace of devotion, these temples would be its most precious beads — each shining with its own divine energy.

🛕 Kashi Temple Darshan Plan (1-Day & 2-Day Itinerary)

✅ OPTION 1: 1-Day Fast Temple Darshan Plan

🌅 Early Morning (5:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

Start early to avoid heavy crowds.

  1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    1. Reach by 5:00–5:30 AM
    2. VIP darshan available if you want to save time

  2. Annapurna Devi Temple

    1. Right next to Kashi Vishwanath
    2. Quick and powerful darshan

  3. Kal Bhairav Temple

    1. 15–20 minutes by auto
    2. Very important for completing Kashi yatra

        ☀️ Late Morning (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

        1. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

          1. Peaceful and calm environment

        2. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)

          1. Just 5 minutes from Sankat Mochan

        🌇 Evening (5:30 PM onwards)

        1. Dashashwamedh Ghat – Ganga Aarti

          1. Must-watch spiritual experience
          2. Try to reach by 5:00 PM to get good seating

          ✅ Covers all main temples in one day.

          ✅ OPTION 2: 2-Day Relaxed Spiritual Plan

          🗓️ Day 1: Core Temples of Kashi

          1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
          2. Annapurna Devi Temple
          3. Kal Bhairav Temple
          4. Visit Vishalakshi Temple
          5. Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

          Optional: Morning boat ride on River Ganga 🌊

          🗓️ Day 2: Peaceful & Cultural Temples

          1. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
          2. Durga Temple
          3. Tulsi Manas Temple
          4. Bharat Mata Temple
          5. New Vishwanath Temple (BHU Birla Temple)
          6. Walk around Assi Ghat & cafes

          🧭 Best Time for Temple Visits

          TempleBest Time
          Kashi Vishwanath5:00 AM – 8:00 AM
          Kal BhairavBefore noon
          Sankat MochanMorning or Evening
          Durga Temple10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
          Ganga Aarti6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

          🚕 Transport Tips in Varanasi

          1. Use e-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw for short distances
          2. For full day, hire a local cab or tempo traveller
          3. Walking is best around old city areas (Godowlia)

          🎒 Essential Tips for a Peaceful Darshan

          1. Wear modest clothes
          2. Carry minimal bags
          3. Keep cash & ID
          4. Stay hydrated
          5. Follow temple queues patiently
          Post no: 578

          FAQs

          1. Where is Varanasi located exactly?
          Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, on the banks of the River Ganga.

          2. Why is Varanasi considered sacred?
          Because it is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and a gateway to moksha.

          3. Which airport should I land at for Varanasi?
          You should land at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS).

          4. What area is best to stay in Varanasi?
          Godowlia and Assi Ghat are the best for easy access to temples and ghats.

          5. What is Varanasi most famous for?
          It is famous for its ghats, temples, spiritual practices, and ancient heritage.

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