Want to witness India’s spirituality at its most alive? Go to Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi. One of the holiest destinations for Hindus is this historic city, which has been inhabited continuously for around 2,800 years. Varanasi, one of the seven sacred towns in Hinduism, is sometimes referred to as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi. Hindus have the view that anyone who is blessed to pass away in Varanasi would be saved and be released from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Table of Contents
- Why Travel from Lucknow to Varanasi
- Travelling from Lucknow to Varanasi by car
- Best time to visit
- Popular routes from Lucknow to Varanasi
- How to reach Varanasi from Lucknow
- Popular attractions in Varanasi
- Places to eat in Varanasi
- Hotels and Resorts in Varanasi
Why travel from Lucknow to Varanasi?
India’s spiritual heartland Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, embodies the authentic spirit of India. Varanasi is one of those sites where you can discover a great combination of ancient and modern civilization, and you should make it a top priority for your Lucknow to Varanasi itinerary. When traveling from Lucknow to Varanasi by taxi, you can enhance your experience by taking in everything along the way. With Savaari’s cab services in Lucknow, you can turn your drive into a fun adventure while also customising the trip according to your preferences, travel schedule, and budget.
Traveling from Lucknow to Varanasi by car
The Lucknow to Varanasi distance is approximately 314 km. The trip from Lucknow to Varanasi allows you to gradually escape the Nawabi atmosphere of Lucknow and enter a divine and pious metropolis. The road traverses through Uttar Pradesh suburbs and small towns before entering the Varanasi region, with amazing nature spots, lovely pine trees, and mountains along the way. For the best Lucknow to Varanasi trip experience, book a car rental in Lucknow and enjoy a comfortable and smooth journey between the two cities. You can pause at any of these locations and do some sightseeing with our entirely personalized Lucknow to Varanasi tour packages. Allow us to assist you in determining the finest vehicle routes from Lucknow to Varanasi.
Best time to visit
The city is exceptionally dry and humid because it is located at an elevation of 80.71 meters above sea level. However, when it relates to culture and religious ceremonies, the city shines all year.
- Summer in Varanasi
Summer in Varanasi begins in April and lasts until June. The temperature swings from 32 and 45 degrees Celsius. During the summer, you will encounter scorching, dry winds known as “loo.” Because the summer season is off-season, you may find amazing rates on accommodations and see the temples without crowds.
- Monsoon in Varanasi
Showers are common in Varanasi from July through September. During the Monsoon season, temperatures range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. If you plan your vacation during this time of year, you may find it difficult to visit many locations due to the rain. The temperature lowers, but the humidity remains excessive. However, you may find the evening cold and invigorating.
- Winter in Varanasi
Winter is regarded as one of the greatest times to visit Varanasi. It begins in October and concludes in March. The mornings are pleasant, but the nights are frigid, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, several religious holidays take place during the winter season, one of which is the Diwali festival. It will be fun to see the city’s festive spirit throughout this season.
Best routes from Lucknow to Varanasi
Route 1: Distance and time taken from Lucknow to Varanasi via Purvanchal Expressway
The quickest and most efficient way to get from Lucknow to Varanasi is by taking this route. Because there are no road closures and regular traffic on this route from Lucknow to Varanasi, it is also the fastest. On this route, the distance from Lucknow to Varanasi is approximately 314.1 KM, which takes about five and a half hours. For the most recent information on the state of the roads from Lucknow to Varanasi, always check live maps and instant traffic updates.
A basic map of the trip from Lucknow to Varanasi via Purvanchal Expressway is provided below:
Popular sights/monuments along this route
- Ayodhya: Being the birth place of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is a prominent spot of visit for Hindus. Moreover, the construction of Ram Mandir has made it a greater attraction. Ayodhya is situated on the bank of the holy river Saryu and is well-connected to Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, and Varanasi via roadways and railways.
- Sitakund, Sultanpur: The divine Sita kund (pond) is in the North of the Sultanpur city on the banks of Gomti River. This is where Sita is believed to have taken a bath on her way to exile. People gather at this pond to take a holy bath in the months of Chaitra (March/April) and Kartika (Oct/Nov).
- Atala Masjid, Jaunpur: The Atala Masjid, built by Ibrahim Shah Sharki, was afterwards regarded as the model for the creation of all other mosques in Jaunpur. Beautiful galleries were constructed in this mosque and were encircled by elegant walls. It is taller than 100 feet. There are three enormous entrances.
Places to eat along this route
- The Urban Terrace: Great food, elegant ambiance, breathtaking views, and heartwarming hospitality all make this place an extraordinary stop to eat.
- Royal Sky: Head into the Royal Sky if you are craving some scrumptious Mughlai Cuisine along your travel route.
- Moti Mahal Restaurant: If you are looking for an exotic variety of Indian and Continental cuisines, make sure you visit Moti Mahal.
Route 2: Distance and time taken from Lucknow to Varanasi via Purvanchal Expy and NH 28
The quickest and most amazing way to get from Lucknow to Varanasi is by taking this route. Because there are no road closures and regular traffic on this route from Lucknow to Varanasi, it is also the fastest. On this route, the distance from Lucknow to Varanasi is approximately 335 KM, which takes about 5 hours and 40 minutes. For the most recent information on the state of the roads from Lucknow to Varanasi, always check live maps and instant traffic updates.
A basic map of the trip from Lucknow to Varanasi via Purvanchal Expy and NH 28 is provided below:
Popular sights/monuments along this route
- Temple of Lohramau Devi: Sultanpur is roughly 8 to 10 kilometers from Lohramau Devi Temple. It is a historic temple where people frequently go to pray. A sizable number of people go to the temple during Navratri to present Goddess Durga with nariyal, chunari, and other offerings.
- Parijaat Vriksha: The JilaUddyog Kendra campus, PWD road, and Parijat Vriksha are all located in the Civil Lines area. It is a very old tree that satisfies the wishes of visitors who pray to it and come to this place. The Parijaat tree is revered by many, and they regularly offer sacrifices there.
- Dhamek Stupa: The primary stupa in Sarnath is called Dhamek Stupa. In the third century BC, King Ashoka gave the order to renovate the existing pre-Buddhist tumuli, which was finished 2,500 years ago. The towering 28-meter-diameter cylindrical stupa is entirely constructed of bricks.
Places to eat along this route
- Sakhawat Restaurant: If you are looking for some pocket-friendly restaurants, the Sakhawat should be your ideal restaurant. Food served here is not only pocket-friendly but also the most authentic and Lucknowi.
- Green Restaurant: Craving for some local cuisine? Stop by this local restaurant, for some lip-smacking appetizers to delicious mains.
- Barabanki Burger Point: A mix of North Indian plus Chinese cuisine. You’ll find burgers, fast food, beverages, Chinese, sandwiches, momos, all in one spot.
Route 3: Distance and time taken from Lucknow to Varanasi via NH19
The trip from Lucknow to Varanasi can be traveled more slowly and over a longer path using this method. Lucknow and Varanasi are separated by about 319.7 KM along this road, which takes about six and a half hours. On this route, you can anticipate typical Lucknow to Varanasi traffic. To get a better idea of the state of the roads, kindly check for real-time traffic updates and follow real-time maps.
A basic map of the trip from Lucknow to Varanasi via NH19 is provided below:
Popular sights/monuments along this route
- The Mahabodhi Society Temple in Sarnath: One of India’s oldest temples is the Mahabodhi Society Temple in Sarnath, which was constructed completely of bricks during the Gupta era. Lord Buddha acquired enlightenment through the proselyte.
- Ayodhya’s Kanak Bhavan Temple: A well-known Hindu temple with significant religious significance that was masterfully constructed and attracts tens of thousands of followers from all over the world is the Kanak Bhavan Temple. Lord Rama and his wife Sita are the temple’s designated patron saints. The shrine, which is located in the revered town of Ayodhya, is a perfect illustration of brilliant architectural design.
- Vijethua Maaveeran: In Tehsil Kadipur, there is a revered Hindu temple called Vijethua Maaveeran. The Bijethua Mahavir temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district. The shrine is well-known in Surapur-Sultanpur. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, lots of people gather here to unwind after visiting Hanuman Mandir.
Places to eat along this route
- Shriram line hotel: Stop by this restaurant for a good tea and to taste some local cuisines.
- PVR Restaurant: If you are looking for a light meal and tea, this restaurant would be your ideal stop.
Other means of traveling from Lucknow to Varanasi
By Bus
You have two options for getting from Lucknow to Varanasi on the road: take a bus or reserve a taxi or cab. Here, we’ve provided a thorough description of how to get from Lucknow to Varanasi via bus.
The bus is Lucknow’s second option for public transportation after the railway. UPSRTC, or Uttar Pradesh State Transport. Your trips will be relaxing and delightful thanks to the best amenities and comfort offered by Uttar Pradesh State Transport-UPSRTC. Whether you’re traveling from Lucknow to Varanasi for business or pleasure, Uttar Pradesh State Transport-UPSRTC has a choice for you. Bus travel from Lucknow to Varanasi takes roughly 06:53 hours.
Ten buses operated by Uttar Pradesh State Transport-UPSRTC run between Lucknow and Varanasi, making it simple and practical for commuters to travel between cities. An A/C, SEATER, VOLVO bus is the first Uttar Pradesh State Transport-UPSRTC bus to travel on this route at 8:00, and an A/C, SEATER, VOLVO bus is the last to depart at 23:00.
Alambagh and Varanasi are the boarding and dropping locations for Uttar Pradesh State Transport-UPSRTC in Lucknow. Depending on your bus type, the fare might range from Rupees 400 (basic seats) to 3000 (AC sleeper). Additionally, you can speak with private transportation companies.
By Train
Varanasi’s two major railway stations, Kashi Junction and Varanasi Junction, are well-connected to major Indian cities by rail. Traveling by train from Lucknow to Varanasi is an option. The train from Lucknow to Varanasi takes roughly 11 hr 40 min. You can take a train from Lucknow and arrive in Varanasi. The railway ticket costs around Rs. 228. For the latest and most accurate information on Lucknow to Varanasi train timings, you can evaluate the timetables of IRCTC before you book your tickets.
By Flight
As one would imagine, numerous flights are operating between Lucknow and Varanasi. Babatpur has a public airport called Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is located 26 kilometers northwest of Varanasi. The typical travel time between Lucknow and Varanasi is 3 hours, depending on the air route. Flights are reasonably priced, ranging from INR 1576 to 2500, based on the booking window, flight availability, and trip season. You can also look for the greatest airline deals on any online travel portal. You can get a dependable Lucknow airport cab to take you to your accommodation in town.
Attractions in Varanasi for sightseeing
- River Ganges
The Ganges River, named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, is one of India’s most revered natural wonders. From the Himalayas in the northeast to the Bay of Bengal, the river flows southeast. For between 400 million and 600 million people, the Ganges River is the only source of water for daily needs like drinking and bathing.
- Temple of Shri Kashi Vishwanath
To get to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a holy site four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station next to the Manikarnika Ghat, Hindu pilgrims and visitors alike travel thousands of kilometers. The spectacular building, which is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, is known as “The Golden Temple” because of its towering spire, which is 800 kg pure gold-plated.
- Ruchika Gallery of Art
Want to bring some Varanasi with you when you go home? The Ruchika Art Gallery, located off Ravindrapuri Road, is the only place to go. Ruchika Mehrotra, the gallery’s namesake owner, has designed a cozy, charming shop to display a colorful selection of paintings that vividly depict the spirit of Varanasi and the ghats.
- Fort Ramnagar
In India, there aren’t many places without a fort, and Varanasi is one of them. Ramnagar Fort is located about 14 kilometers from the city center. The sandstone fort and palace from the 18th century is no longer in use as a defensive construction; instead, it now serves as the home of a bizarre museum filled with antique weapons, ornate hookahs, sedan chairs adorned with jewels, and a unique astronomical clock that is more than 150 years old.
- Dashamedh Ghat
This specific ghat is unique because it is thought to be the oldest one in the city. Most likely, the ghat you saw was where people bathed in the Ganga and offered prayers while holding diyas on the banks of a river in videos. Because so many people come there to pray and atone for their sins, it is frequently busy. Every day, pilgrims, ascetics, and tourists all congregate at Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. It is a must-see on any trip to Varanasi because it is such a significant landmark and the location of the well-known Ganga aarti!
- Manikarnika Ghat
As the primary cremation ghat in the city, this ghat is once more significant to Hindus. In the hope of achieving moksha, cremations of the deceased are commonplace here. According to a legend, when Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati arrived here, her ear ornament dropped on this ghat’s exact location. Even though the mood is generally somewhat gloomy, this is nevertheless a highly historical location that you should see if you’re in Varanasi. It’s also known as the flaming ghat, and it plays a crucial role in Varanasi, much like death does in life!
- Mosque of Alamgir
Alamgir mosque boldly stands out among a series of temples as a symbol of the Muslims who have resided in this area for generations. This mosque, which is renowned for its magnificent Islamic architecture, is distinctive in that it is situated along the Ganges River. It is thought to have been built by the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb, who was Akbar’s great-grandson. The name of this mosque comes from the emperor Aurangzeb’s other name, Alamgir. In the past, it has been reported that Aurangzeb was in charge of tearing down a temple to build a mosque. Nevertheless, the mosque has kept a lot of its Hindu roots, as evidenced by its distinctive architecture and artwork.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Varanasi
Varanasi has developed into a multicultural community with residents moving there from around the nation, like most other cities. Varanasi has become a melting pot of cultures as a result, bringing the city the best of each culture’s food. The classic north Indian cuisine is still the most common dish, nevertheless. These are some of Varanasi’s best restaurants and food stalls.
- Ram Bhandar in Chowk and Madhur Milan near Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Kashi Chat Bhandar
- Baati Chokha Restaurant at Telibagh
- Madhur Jalpan
- Roma’s Cafe Diner
Hotels and Resorts in Varanasi
| Hotel Name | Address |
| Taj Ganges, Varanasi | Nadesar Palace Grounds Cantonment, Varanasi 221002 India |
| Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV | Varanasi, CantonmentJHV Mall Complex, The Mall Road, Cantonment, Varanasi 221002 India |
| Ramada by Wyndham Varanasi Katesar | Padao Katesar Ramnagar, Varanasi 221008 India |
| Hotel Clarks Varanasi | The Mall Road Cantonment, Varanasi 221002 India |
| Hotel Heritage Inn | Shivala B – 3/26 – A near Assi Ghat, Varanasi 221001 India |