Welcome to Varanasi – a city that goes by many names, including Banaras and Kashi, and holds a special place in the heart of Northern India. Nestled along the sacred banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a city that pulsates with spirituality and history, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on the globe.
Varanasi’s signature feature is its ghats – a series of steps that cascade down to the river, serving as a stage for the faithful to bathe in the holy waters and engage in religious rituals. The city’s landscape is dotted with numerous temples and shrines, making it a magnet for Hindu pilgrims from around the world.
For travellers, a stay in Varanasi offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in India’s rich cultural tapestry and time-honoured traditions. However, for those new to the city, selecting the right accommodation and navigating the city’s vibrant streets can be a bit overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. It’s designed to simplify your journey by providing valuable insights into the best neighbourhoods to stay in Varanasi. It also explores the range of 3-star hotels available, offering a balance of comfort, convenience, and value. Additionally, it provides tips to help you navigate the city and fully experience the unique culture that makes Varanasi so special.
5 Best 3-Star Hotels in Varanasi
1. Itsy by Treebo – Ashoka Grand
Treebo Ashoka Grand is a budget-friendly hotel located in Varanasi, offering various amenities and following hygiene standards. It is conveniently situated near transportation hubs such as the railway station and bus stand.
The hotel provides excellent services, including security, laundry, and room service, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. The rooms are well equipped with comfortable beds, TV, air conditioning, and attached clean washrooms. Treebo Ashoka Grand has a total of 15 rooms across 4 floors, offering different room categories to choose from.
Location: A short 9-minute walk from Varanasi Junction Station, and within 2.3 miles of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Features: A restaurant, laundry facilities, tour/ticket assistance, free WiFi, and free self-parking.
Price: The average nightly price is Rs. 2200.00.
2. Hotel Abhinav International
Hotel Abhinav International is a highly recommended 3-star hotel in Varanasi, conveniently located near Varanasi Train Station. It has received a rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating its excellent quality.
The hotel offers easy access to major transit points such as Varanasi Bus Station, Varanasi Junction Railway Station, and Varanasi Taxi Stand. There are several popular tourist attractions nearby, including Bharat Mata Temple, IP Mall, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Location: Nestled in the heart of Varanasi, it’s just a 14-minute walk from Varanasi Junction Station and 2.1 miles from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Features: A smoke-free environment, a restaurant, a conference center, coffee/tea in a common area, 24-hour room service, a business center, dry cleaning, free WiFi, and free self-parking.
Price: The average nightly price is Rs. 2000.00
3. Hotel City Inn Varanasi
Hotel City Inn is a highly recommended 3-star hotel located near Varanasi Train Station in Varanasi. It has a good rating of 3.8 out of 5 and is recommended by 87% of its guests.
The hotel is conveniently situated near popular transit points such as Varanasi Bus Station (230 meters) and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (22.3 kilometers).
Location: Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Varanasi Junction Station and 2.5 miles from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Features: Two restaurants, a 24-hour health club, 24-hour room service, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi, and free self-parking.
Price: The average nightly price is 2050.00
4. Pearl Courtyard
Pearl Courtyard is a hotel 400 meters away from Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Main Ghats at River Ganges. It features a rooftop restaurant, a massage service, and free parking. The air-conditioned guest rooms have a television, while dormitory rooms have shared toilet and bathroom facilities. Private rooms have attached bathrooms.
The hotel offers assistance with travel arrangements and laundry services. Guests can also hire cars to explore the area. The rooftop restaurant serves a variety of international and Mediterranean dishes. Atithi Satkaar Hotel is another option, situated within 5 km of Ramnagar Fort and Varanasi Junction Railway Station, and 24.5 km from Varanasi Airport.
Location: Situated in the heart of Varanasi, within 1 mile of the Sri Annapoorani Devi Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Features: A smoke-free environment, a restaurant, concierge services, dry cleaning, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, express check-out, complimentary buffet breakfast, and free WiFi.
Price: The average nightly price is Rs. 3500.00
5. Hotel Surya
Hotel Surya is a highly recommended 3-star hotel located in Varanasi Cantonment, making it a great choice for travellers. It has received high praise from 89% of its guests and has a rating of 4.1 out of 5, signifying its quality. The hotel enjoys a favourable location that offers convenient and quick access to the city’s major transit points.
Location: Located in the historical district, within 3 miles of the Alamgir Mosque and Bharat Mata Temple.
Features: Two restaurants, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, a nightclub, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, free WiFi, and free self-parking.
Price: The average nightly price is Rs. 2500.00
These hotels not only offer a comfortable stay but also provide easy access to the city’s major attractions. Choose the one that suits your needs and enjoy your stay in the spiritual capital of India.
Here are some of the must-visit places in Varanasi:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, or luminous lingas, of Lord Shiva.
Dasaswamedh Ghat: This is one of the most important and busiest ghats in Varanasi. The evening Ganga Aarti performed here is a sight to behold.
Manikarnika Ghat: Known as the burning ghat, it’s the place where the majority of cremations in Varanasi take place. It’s a powerful place that provides a stark reminder of the cycle of life and death.
Assi Ghat: This ghat is where pilgrims pay homage to Lord Shiva by worshipping a huge lingam situated under a peepal tree. It’s a peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by.
Sarnath: Located just outside Varanasi, it’s the place where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum are the main attractions here.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): One of the largest residential universities in Asia, with a beautiful sprawling campus. The university also houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum that showcases a vast collection of Indian art.
Ramnagar Fort: Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, this 18th-century fort is the home of the former Maharaja of Varanasi. It houses a museum displaying the royal collection of vintage cars, royal palkies, an armory of swords, and old guns.
Alamgir Mosque: Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of architecture. It offers a panoramic view of the city and the Ganges.
Chunar Fort: Located about 23 kilometers southwest of Varanasi, this ancient fort holds a significant place in Indian history.
Jantar Mantar: An observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, who had a keen interest in astronomy. It houses several instruments to track the path of the celestial bodies.
How to Reach Varanasi:
Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is revered for its spiritual significance and is nestled along the sacred banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, about 25 kilometers from the city center, connects Varanasi with major Indian cities and select international destinations, serving as a convenient entry point for travelers.
By Rail
Varanasi Junction, a pivotal rail hub, offers extensive connectivity through regular trains from India’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, making rail travel a preferred option for reaching Varanasi.
By Road
A network of national highways and regular bus services, both state-run and private, link Varanasi to surrounding cities and towns, catering to a range of preferences from luxury to budget-friendly travel.
Around the City
Once in Varanasi, visitors can explore the city’s nooks and crannies via auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis, or by walking, offering a closer look at its historical and cultural fabric.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period for visiting Varanasi is from October to March, when the weather is most conducive for exploring the city’s myriad attractions, from its spiritual ceremonies to its ancient architecture.
With its spiritual ambiance, historical depth, and the enchanting Ganga Aarti, Varanasi offers a profound journey into the heart of India’s religious and cultural heritage, promising an experience that resonates with the soul.
Explore More:
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- Varanasi’s Most Popular Museums
- Why You Should Visit Varanasi Once in a Lifetime
- Varanasi’s 5-Star Hotels Near Ghat
- 10 Popular Things to Do in Varanasi
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