Vishwanath Dwar, Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Photo: Gannu03, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kashi Varanasi Yatra Planner
हर हर महादेव
How to reach, sacred places, hotels, crowd tips and FAQ
Planning a family yatra to Varanasi? This is Page 2 of the Kashi Vishwanath guide. It covers how to reach Varanasi by air, train and road, the sacred places to visit, where to stay and eat near the temple, crowd tips and answers to common questions. For darshan timings, the five daily aartis and Sugam Darshan booking, Read Page 1: Darshan Timings, Aarti and Live Darshan.
How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple
वाराणसी कैसे पहुंचें
By air, train and road to Varanasi - then last mile to the temple
| Mode | Nearest Point | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, VNS) | About 25 km. Taxi: 45-60 min |
| Air | Prayagraj Airport (IXD) | About 130 km |
| Train | Varanasi Junction (BSB) - main station | About 5-6 km to Godowlia |
| Train | Banaras (BSBS, earlier Manduadih) | About 6-7 km to Godowlia |
| Train | Varanasi City (BCY) | About 4 km to Godowlia |
| Train | Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn (DDU, earlier Mughalsarai) | About 17 km. Many Howrah/Delhi trains stop here |
| Road | Delhi via Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal Expressways | About 800-850 km. Overnight train or flight preferred |
| Road | Prayagraj via NH-19 | About 120 km. 2.5-3 hours by car |
| Road | Ayodhya via Sultanpur - Jaunpur | About 200-220 km. 4-5 hours by car |
| Road | Lucknow via Purvanchal Expressway or NH-731 | About 300 km. 5-6 hours by car |
Last mile to the temple - important: From the railway station or airport, take a taxi or auto to Godowlia Chowk. From Godowlia, the temple is a 5-minute walk through Vishwanath Gali (the main temple lane). No vehicles are allowed inside the galis. Senior citizens can take an e-rickshaw up to Godowlia or Maidagin (the Vishwanath Dwar side) and use the wheelchair service at the gate. On big festival days, the area around Godowlia is closed to vehicles - plan to walk from the nearest open main road.
Sacred Places to Visit in Kashi
दर्शनीय स्थल
The eternal city of Lord Shiva - a complete yatra includes these sacred spots
Every evening after sunset, a grand Ganga Aarti is performed by multiple priests simultaneously with large lamps and Sanskrit chanting. The Skanda Purana says Brahma performed ten Ashwamedha sacrifices here. Do not miss this.
The 2021 Corridor (Vishwanath Dham) connects the Jyotirlinga directly to the Ganga ghats. Wide accessible paths, 23 buildings, carved pillars, meditation area and a direct Ganga view from the temple complex.
The sacred cremation ghat of Kashi. It is believed the cremation fires here have never been extinguished. Lord Shiva is said to whisper the Taraka mantra here to departing souls. Visit with reverence and silence.
One of the most important Hanuman temples in North India. Said to be established at the spot where Goswami Tulsidas had darshan of Lord Hanuman. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially popular with devotees.
Built in 1964 at the place associated with Goswami Tulsidas writing the Ramcharitmanas. The walls of the temple are inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas. A deeply moving place for devotees of Lord Rama.
Where the river Assi meets the Ganga. Quieter than Dashashwamedh for a morning Ganga bath. Yoga and morning prayers happen here. A good choice for senior citizens who want a peaceful ghat experience without the festival crowds.
Where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and the Ashokan Lion Capital (in the Sarnath Museum) are here. Many Varanasi visitors combine a visit to Kashi Vishwanath with Sarnath as a half-day trip.
Ancient temple to Goddess Durga with a sacred kund (tank). Worth visiting in the early morning. Watch out for monkeys - hold your bags firmly. Right next to Tulsi Manas Temple.
Hotels and Food Near Kashi Vishwanath
ठहरने और खाने की व्यवस्था
Trust guest houses, dharamshalas and hotels - all vegetarian food near the temple
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust operates two guest houses directly:
Ganga Darshan Guest House has a rooftop restaurant and a Prasadam Restaurant (no onion, no garlic Veg Thali, snacks and tea). Both properties are owned by the Trust and supervised directly.
| Stay Type | Price / Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Guest Houses | Varies | Nearest to temple and ghats. Book directly at the links above |
| Dharamshalas / Ashrams | Free to Rs 500 | Near the ghats. Basic but clean. Book well in advance |
| Budget Hotels | Rs 700 - 2,000 | Around Godowlia, Dashashwamedh and main road near Lanka |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Rs 2,000 - 5,000 | On the Ganga bank or main road. Modern facilities |
| Luxury Hotels | Rs 7,000+ | Several 5-star options on the Ganga bank with river views |
For senior citizens: Hotels near Godowlia Chowk or on the Ganga bank are most convenient. From Godowlia it is a 5-minute walk to the temple. Hotels on the Ganga bank give direct ghat access without walking through the crowded galis. Book well in advance for Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Shravan month (July-August) and Dev Deepawali (November).
Food near the temple: Food in the Kashi Vishwanath area is vegetarian. Famous Varanasi foods: Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyyo (winter sweet), Baati Chokha (traditional UP dish), Lassi. The Trust's Ganga Darshan Guest House serves a Prasadam thali (no onion, no garlic).
Book Your Trip
Live Traffic and Crowd Tips
भीड़ और यातायात
Kashi Vishwanath receives tens of thousands of devotees daily and lakhs on festival days. The narrow galis need special planning.
- No vehicles in galis: The narrow lanes near the temple (Vishwanath Gali, Kachori Gali etc.) are pedestrian only at all times. Park at a designated parking such as Beniya Bagh and walk or take an e-rickshaw to Godowlia.
- Best time: 4 AM to 8 AM for peace and short queues. Right after the Mangal Aarti is a very peaceful time for darshan.
- Shravan Mondays (July-August): Lakhs of Kanwariyas and pilgrims arrive. The entire gali network is closed to vehicles. Come on foot from a distance. Arrive at least 2 hours early.
- Maha Shivaratri (February-March): Lakhs of pilgrims. The temple is open through the night. Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance.
- Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima): The ghats are lit with lakhs of diyas in the evening. Stunning spectacle. Roads to the ghats are closed to vehicles from the afternoon. Arrive early and stay near the ghats.
Check crowd right now: Tap Live Crowd at Kashi Vishwanath below. On Google Maps, scroll down to Popular times - the Live bar shows how busy the temple is right now. Use Live Road Traffic to see which roads into the temple area are congested.
Live data comes from Google Maps and appears only during temple hours. For official queries, call the Trust Helpdesk: +91 6393 131 608.
Dress Code and What Not to Bring
वेशभूषा और निषिद्ध वस्तुएं
What to wear and what to leave behind
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Men | Dhoti, kurta-pyjama or full trousers with shirt. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops |
| Women | Saree, salwar-kameez or full-length kurta with dupatta. Covering the head is optional, as a mark of respect |
| Footwear | Remove shoes before entering. Easy-to-remove slippers recommended. Free shoe counters at all entry gates |
| Not allowed | Mobile phones, cameras and large bags not allowed inside. Free lockers at all entry gates. Sugam Darshan includes a free locker |
| Leather items | Avoid leather belts, wallets and bags - deposit them in the locker |
Trust Services and Donations
ट्रस्ट सेवाएं
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust - the official body managing the Jyotirlinga
Donations by Indian citizens to the Trust are eligible for 80G tax exemption. International devotees can also donate online.
Contact the Trust:
Helpline: +91 6393 131 608 (all hours)
WhatsApp: +91 6393 131 608
Support: +91 7080292930 (9 AM - 6 PM)
Email: support@shrikashivishwanath.org | grievance@skvt.org
Ask Nandi (WhatsApp chatbot): +91 8528996606
Address: CK 37/40,41,42 Bansphatak, Varanasi - 221 001
Download Official Trust FAQ (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
What is the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga?
The Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva - the spots where he appeared as an endless pillar of divine light. The Shiva Purana says Lord Shiva appeared as this infinite column when Brahma and Vishnu disputed who was supreme. Kashi (Varanasi) holds a special place because Lord Shiva is believed never to leave this city and grants moksha to all who die here. See Page 1 for the full scriptural account.
What are the darshan timings at Kashi Vishwanath?
The temple opens at 2:30 AM and closes at 11:00 PM. General darshan starts at 4:00 AM. Mangal Aarti is at 3:00-4:00 AM (ticket required). Bhog Aarti is at 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Saptarshi Aarti is at 7:00-8:30 PM. Shringar Aarti is at 9:00 PM. Shayan Aarti is at 10:30 PM. General darshan is free throughout open hours. Sugam Darshan (queue-free) is booked at shrikashivishwanath.org. See the full aarti and darshan timing table on Page 1.
What is Sugam Darshan and how do I book it?
Sugam Darshan is the official queue-free darshan service of the Trust. A Shastri (priest) escorts you directly into the sanctum without any waiting. It is ideal for senior citizens, families with young children and devotees with limited time. It includes a free locker and Mewa Laddu Prasadam. Book online at shrikashivishwanath.org. Children below 12 enter free. Same-day booking must be done at the counter, not by phone.
Is Kashi Vishwanath Temple good for senior citizens?
Yes, with advance planning. Book Sugam Darshan to avoid all queue waiting. The new Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has wide, accessible paths, ramps and seating zones. Arrive between 4 AM and 8 AM when crowds are lightest. Wheelchairs are available at the main gate. Hotels near Godowlia Chowk or on the Ganga bank avoid the need to walk through the crowded narrow galis.
Can I take darshan from home without visiting Varanasi?
Yes. The Trust broadcasts a free Live Darshan from inside the sanctum at shrikashivishwanath.org/online/live_darshan and through the official YouTube channel @ShreeKashiVishwanathMandir. All five aartis can be watched live. The Trust also offers a 3D VR Darshan from the garbha griha. Watch the embedded live darshan on Page 1.
How do I book a Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath?
Rudrabhishek (pouring of sacred substances on the Jyotirlinga) can be booked online at shrikashivishwanath.org. Select Rudrabhishek from the list of poojas. For group Rudrabhishek, the Triyambakeshwar Multipurpose Hall can be booked at skvtmphall.com.
Which railway stations are nearest to Kashi Vishwanath?
Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main station with trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. From the station, take an auto or taxi to Godowlia Chowk (20-30 minutes). The temple is a 5-minute walk from Godowlia through Vishwanath Gali. Banaras station (BSBS, earlier Manduadih) and Varanasi City (BCY) are other options, and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) about 17 km away has many long-distance trains. By air, Varanasi Airport (VNS) is 25 km away - taxi to Godowlia takes 45-60 minutes.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
The 4 AM to 8 AM window on weekdays is the quietest and most peaceful. November to February has the most comfortable weather. Avoid Shravan Mondays (July-August), Maha Shivaratri (February-March) and Dev Deepawali (November) if you want smaller crowds - though these are the most powerful times spiritually.
Is there a VIP darshan at Kashi Vishwanath? What does it cost?
The official queue-free darshan is called Sugam Darshan. It is not free - a ticket is required and booked at shrikashivishwanath.org. Sugam Darshan for differently-abled devotees is completely free (show a disability certificate). General darshan (regular queue) is free for everyone. Do not pay any agent for "VIP entry" - all official bookings are only through the Trust website.
What does dying in Kashi mean in Hindu tradition?
The Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda) both say that dying in Kashi gives moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth). Lord Shiva is said to whisper the Taraka mantra in the ear of every soul that departs in Kashi, regardless of their past deeds or caste. This is why many devout Hindus travel to Kashi in old age to spend their final days here. Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan in Varanasi is a guest house specifically for those who come to spend their last days.
What are the biggest festivals at Kashi Vishwanath?
Maha Shivaratri (February-March) sees lakhs of pilgrims and all-night darshan. Shravan Mondays (July-August) bring lakhs of Kanwariyas every week. Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima, November) lights the entire city with lakhs of diyas on the ghats. Rangbhari Ekadashi (just before Holi) is celebrated with the gauna procession of Baba Vishwanath and Mata Gauri, and Annakoot is celebrated after Diwali. Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance for any of these festivals.
Is food near the temple vegetarian?
Yes. Food in the Kashi Vishwanath temple area is vegetarian. The Trust's own Ganga Darshan Guest House serves a Prasadam thali (no onion, no garlic). Famous local foods in Varanasi include Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyyo (a winter sweet), Baati Chokha and Varanasi Lassi.
What is the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor?
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Vishwanath Dham), completed in December 2021, is a grand complex that for the first time in centuries connects the Vishwanath Jyotirlinga directly to the Ganga ghats. It has 23 buildings including a museum, Vedic centre, meditation hall and food court, with wide accessible walkways. The Corridor has made the temple far more accessible, especially for senior citizens and families. You can now see the Ganga from the temple precincts.
Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi - Complete Guide
- Page 1: At a Glance, Scriptures, Darshan Timings, Five Aartis, Live Darshan, Facilities
- Page 2 (this page): How to Reach, Places to Visit, Hotels, Traffic, FAQ
More from Dekho Dham:
Har Har Mahadev. Om Namah Shivaya. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, Varanasi.