Varanasi is also known as Banaras and Kashi. It is not only one of the oldest cities in the world but also the land of ancient culture, history and spirituality. Banaras is famous for its Ghats, Temples and unique traditions which attract millions of devotees every year. This city is located on the banks of the Ganga River which is one of the holiest rivers for Hindus.
Why Travel from Delhi to Varanasi?
Travelling from Delhi to Varanasi provides various opportunities to explore the ancient history of India and ways to get closer to spirituality. Whether you are a spiritual or religious person, a history lover or just a seeker, who loves wandering around, Varanasi offers something unique for everyone.
How to Reach Varanasi from Delhi?
There are three optimal methods to travel from Delhi to Varanasi, you can travel by road, train or flight, for road trips between Delhi NCR and Varanasi, a personal car or cab, Bus or Tempo Traveller is suggested for a private travel experience. You can choose a transportation mode depending on your comfort, budget and custom requirement.
By Air
Travelling via flight is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach. There are several flight options available from Delhi, the flight departs from IGI (Indira Gandhi International) Airport to Varanasi, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. You can book tickets through online portals such as MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and Yatra, you might extra discount by booking tickets online. It Costs you around ₹2,000 to ₹7,000 depending on various factors, season, airline and time.
By Train
There are various trains available between Delhi and Varanasi with travel times between 10 to 14 hours.
Vande Bharat Express – It is one of the fastest trains between two cities and it runs twice a day from New Delhi Railway Station.
Varanasi Express (Train No. 14257) which departs from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 5:30 PM and arrives at Varanasi Junction (BSB).
Kashi Vishwanath Express (Train No. 15151) which departs from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 10:40 PM and arrives at Varanasi Junction (BSB).
Satyagrah Express (Train No. 15273) which departs from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) at 10:10 PM and arrives at Varanasi Junction (BSB).
By Road
There are several transport modes available to reach Varanasi by roadways. You can choose any option depending on your comfort and budget. For a road trip to Varanasi from Delhi NCR, you need to know the distance, best route, travel time, route stops and budget of travelling.
Delhi to Varanasi Distance
The Delhi to Varanasi distance by road is approximately 820 km and it takes around 12 to 14 hours to reach there depending on the route, traffic, weather and road condition. You can take Yamuna Expressway and NH19 and H44 and NH19 (via Kanpur) for a smooth journey to Varanasi.
Suggested Read: How to Travel from Noida to Varanasi
The Route between Two Cities
There are two popular routes to travel from Delhi to Varanasi. Both routes offer a unique experience. Opting for a Force Urbania Van on this route ensures a comfortable journey, especially for families and groups. Here are the details of both routes to make your journey more reliable.
Route 1 – Yamuna Expressway and NH19
Your Journey will start from Delhi via Yamuna Expressway (NH2) to Agra which is around 200 km from Delhi, continue to National Highway (NH19) and pass through Kanpur to Varanasi. The total distance is 820 km and it takes around 12 to 14 hours to reach there. The toll between the routes might cost you around ₹1,000 to 1,200.
You can take a stop at the restaurant, Highway Masala near Agra which is famous for its North-Indian food and Moti Mahal Delux near Kanpur to try North Indian and Chinese delicacies.
Delhi> Yamuna Expressway> Agra> NH9> Kanpur> Varanasi
Route 2 – NH44 and NH19 (via Kanpur)
Your Journey will start from Delhi to National Highway (NH44) to Kanpur, from Kanpur you will be headed to Prayagraj, continuing to National Highway (NH19) to Varanasi. The total distance is 830 km and it takes around 13 to 14 hours to reach there. The toll between the routes might cost you around ₹1,200 to 1,400.
You can take a stop at the restaurant Kesar Da Dhaba to try Punjabi cuisine and Shree Raj Restaurant which is famous for its North-Indian thali.
Delhi> NH44> Kanpur> Prayagraj> Nh19> Varanasi
By Private Vehicle
Travelling in your car gives you the freedom to take breaks based on your needs and travel at your own pace. It takes around 12 to 14 hours to reach by car. It is better to choose this option if you are travelling with a small family or children. You can also rent a car with a driver for a comfortable family trip or book Tempo Traveller on rent in Delhi to Varanasi for a group of 9 to 25 persons. This option is suggested for a luxurious travel and private trip. Tempo travellers’ charges are based on the seating capacity, distance and time duration.
By Bus
For a budget-friendly cost, you can also travel by Delhi to Varanasi bus which departs from Kashmiri Gate ISBT and Anand Vihar ISBT and drop-offs at Varanasi Cantt or Mughal Sarai Depot. It takes around 12 to 14 hours of travelling with key stops at Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. The average bus fare might cost you around ₹1200–₹3,500 for a round trip based on the bus type and service you will choose. You can also book seats in a Volvo Bus or tempo traveller for a fixed departure tour to Varanasi.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
There are two best times to visit Varanasi from Delhi which will not just make your trip remarkable but also give you a chance to create the best road trip memories. The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and you can participate in festival celebrations that fall during this month such as Maha Shivratri and Deepawali.
Best Places to Visit in Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord shiva. It is one of the holiest places for Hindus. It is believed that the temple was built by King Vikramaditya and continued to be renovated by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar and the Gupta dynasty.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is located on the banks of the holy Ganges. You can witness that aarti that occurs on the Ghat, every day. Priests do aarti with fire, flowers and incense sticks. You can also try boat riding to enhance your experience.
Sarnath
Sarnath is located 10 km from Varanasi. It is a Buddhist pilgrimage site. You can visit Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum which has a collection of Buddhist artifacts.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is a cremation ground. It is believed that those who cremated here attain Moksha (liberation) which means to break the cycle of birth and death.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. This temple is made of white marble depicting the Ramcharitmanas (a version of the Ramayana). This temple will take you to the ear of Treta Yug.
Conclusion
No matter, if you are choosing to drive your own car, take a train, bus or tempo traveller, each of them will provide you with an unique experience. For group travelers, hiring a 20 seater tempo traveller in Delhi ensures convenient and enjoyable travel, and for solo or groups of small families, they can travel by their own vehicle. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the land of rich culture and spirituality.