Varanasi in four hours? (Pro)

I'm going to second hfot2's of getting close to Asi Ghat. GREAT area/neighborhood. I stayed at the Ganges View Hotel, just a few doors down from the Palace, and it is remarkable. It tries to be nothing more than what it is: a restored family home, more than tastefully redone. We stayed on the second floor, Room 9 I believe, and had a glass-enclosed balcony with a few chairs, small table. And the view from he balcony was ideal: to the river, main walkway to the ghat, sunrise . . . great place, though very, very hard to get into, and contacting them is difficult.

Aside from my month long stay at the Ganges View (and that due to my girlfriend, visiting me during my six month stay in Varanasi) I have lived for each of my six-month stays in Varanasi in the Asi area. There is no other area in Varanasi where I would stay, and on my first trip I stayed in the heart of it all, at the old Yogi Lodge up Vishwanath Lane.

Do note that in May, temperatures will be in the high 90s or even warmer, and you won't want to move too fast or too far.

I totally agree with WW. It will be stinking hot and the traffic is insane. I'm currently in Mirzapur near Varanasi and day before yesterday it took two hours to go just 2 km, traffic was totally nuts with large trucks everywhere. When I mentioned this thread to local friend she shook her head and made the comment "Impossible!"

Save Varanasi for another trip when you've got time and the temperatures are more reasonable.

W22

And we second Darmabum's recommendation of Ganges View Hotel, at least for its reputation: it seems to be much beloved by those who have stayed there. In the spirit of full disclosure, we thought we might try the Ganges View on our last visit; bu it was booked up, and we were quite content to return to Palace on Ganges. If you end up at the latter, I'd urge you to try to get one of the three rooms with a view toward the river. You can't really see much of the river, but you can watch the passing parade – most of the other rooms look into light courts.

wonderwomanusa and Wanderer22 make an excellent point. Of course, it seems you're bound and determined (and booked) to make this trip, and it'll be hot everywhere. Still, given the weather, there might be wiser places to go than Varanasi.

Riverair, you've referred to the Taj and Oberoi Hotel groups. I'm a fan of both and stay at both when in India. However, I agree with all the posts regarding the benefits of lodging on the ghats. However, if you are a dedicated 5 star traveler, you may be somewhat disappointed with accommodations in Varanasi. I travel to Varanasi each year (will be there for Holi in March) with a group of friends for a full luxury India experience. All Taj or Oberoi. As previously noted, there is no longer a "Taj" in Varanasi. And when there was, it did not rise to the Taj standards. There are two hotels in Varanasi that claim to be 5 star - although both are more 3+ to 4 star. The Radisson and the Ramada Plaza. Both are not near the ghats but you can reach the river by car then walking, etc. within about 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic - which as noted is usually chaotic. Both are adequate and predictable (which is the good and bad news). Between the two, I prefer the Ramada.

I hope that someone will develop a luxury, small botique hotel near the ghats. It would be filled with 5 star tourists.

Now before I get a barrage of posts about how one doesn't go to Varanasi for luxury, 5 star, etc. let me say that I agree. Varanasi is a surreal experience on every level. But if you are looking for Oberoi accommodations, food, etc. You will be dissappointed.

Thanks so much everyone for your wonderful suggestions. I will check out the suggestions for hotels - it is a shame about the Taj. As for the heat, we are not concerned, we'll be spending most of the time in (Jaipur/Vanyavilas- even hotter!)

I guess since of all the traffic chaos, we'll spend the night. I appreciate everyones feedback and I'll let you know what I end up doing

That is doable. However, I would want to spend an entire day there. Very little is as magical as watching the sun come up on the Ganges in the morning. One of the truly humbling experiences I have had the good fortune of witnessing.

I think we are going to spend the night. Has anyone stayed at this taj?

http://www.tajhotels.com/business/na...si/default.htm

Hello! We just came back from our trip to Varanasi and decided to spend the night after everyones advice. Four hours would have been tough if not impossible. In one night stay - all we had time to do really was to visit the Ganges in the evening, and again in the morning. We stayed at Nadesar Palace - next to the Taj Gateway, and that was truly five star, so if anyone is looking for that type of experience, I would stay there.

Thanks for the update.

So much city, so little time! Hope enough of Varanasi has seeped into your souls to bring you back again and again.

I loved this place: http://www.scindhiaguesthouse.com/

Very budget, very clean, good basic restaurant, very well managed. Check out the Ganges view from the rooms with private balconies. (main picture on their home page) And it is very close to the main burning ghat (but not so close that you get smoke etc). Very interesting to walk down there at night and not worry about getting lost on the way back!

Make sure to see the aarti at 6:00 pm at the D ghat every night(can't spell it, the one with the long name).

If you have just a couple of hours and want to visit the River Ganga, Then hop on to the boat for a boat ride!! Or just take a leisurely stroll on the Ghats!!

Boat Ride in Varanasi

But it would certainly be nice if you can find at least a couple of days to explore Varanasi!!