As a city, Varanasi is not uniform. It has a wide range of areas that suit a wide variety of people. Where one section of the city is densely populated and has vehicle-free alleys, another part of the city has modern avenues stretching far and wide. As such, where you choose to stay can mar or make your experience. This choice alone can determine how much noise, crowds, and walking you’ll have to deal with on your journey. The three most popular places to stay in Varanasi are Assi Ghat, Godowlia, and Cantonment. If you are confused as to how to select between these three, this unstumbled guide is here to help you out!
Assi Ghat Vs Godowlia Vs Cantonment: Where To Stay In Varanasi?
Assi Ghat: The ‘Goldilocks’ Base
Location-wise, Assi Ghat’s position is enviable. It is located right at the southern tip of the main riverfront. Owing to this, it is the perfect balance, providing the right amount of modern convenience to its ambiance steeped in spirituality. The area is heavily populated with students of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Yoga practitioners, artists, and long-term travelers. Here are a few of its pros and cons to further help you make up your mind about this place:
Pros
- You can experience the intimate morning Subah-e-Banaras of aarti, classical music, and open-air yoga.
- Great cafe culture offering yummy pizza, baked goods, cakes, and more. Additionally, it also has traditional lassi stalls.
- Getting autos and taxis here is quite easy, so you’re not forced to drag your luggage through unnavigable alleys.
Cons
- It is quite far away from the main Dashashwamedh Aarti or the Kashi Vishwanathan Temple. You’ll have to either walk for 30 to 40 mins or take an auto for 15 to 20 mins to reach the main area of action.
Best For: Assi Ghat is an amazing stay area for you if you’re visiting Varanasi for the first time ever. It is also perfect for light sleepers, digital nomads, couples, and travelers who are staying here for more than three days.
Godowlia And Central Ghats: The Heart Of Action
This is the center of Kashi. The galis in the area lead to the Dashashwamedh Ghat where the Ganga aarti happens. It is also very close to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Pros
- As a location, Godowlia is unbeatable. You’ll be able to walk to the Ganga aarti in just a few minutes.
- You have ready access to Varanasi’s street food, ancient markets, and alleyway culture.
Cons
- You cannot access this area with cars. You will have to rely on e-rickshaws for local transportation.
- There is a near-constant onslaught of noise, heavy foot traffic, and air congestion.
Best For: It is perfect for backpackers, pilgrims, and those who are only in Varanasi for a short trip of one to two days. Photographers and those looking to experience the Ganga aarti from up close won’t find a better location than this one.
Cantonment: The Comfort And Luxurious Haven
Located approximately six to eight kilometers northwest of the ghats, this is the most opulent and luxurious area of Varanasi. It is modern and manicured and perfect for those looking to experience the more elevated side of the city. It has large, gated properties, shopping malls, and tree-lined avenues.
Pros
- The luxury and 5-star hotels here feature lush manicured lawns, swimming pools, and other amenities like fine dining.
- There is easy access for vehicles with ample parking.
- Peace away from the chaos of the city.
Cons
- It is isolated from the old-world charm of Varanasi.
- You are also very far away from the ghats. Traveling all the way there will require at least 30 to 45 minutes.
Best For: This area is best for senior citizens, luxury travelers, and those who are not used to crowds, chaos, and the hustle and bustle of city life.
Also Read: Which Ghat Is Best For Ganga Aarti In Varanasi? What First-Time Visitors Should Know
How To Pick Your Stay In Varanasi?
If you’re still confused about which place to pick for your stay, here are a few criteria that might help in making up your mind.
Pick Godowlia And The Central Ghats IF
- You’re in Varanasi on a short trip or just two to three days. This location will help in saving travel time, which will enable you to cover more places.
Pick Assi Ghat IF
- You’re on a longer trip, for more than three days.
- If you enjoy going on long walks and exploring new cafes.
- If you like your nights to be quieter.
Pick Cantonment IF
- You are looking for 5-star amenities.
- You are traveling with elderly people or older parents.
Also Read: How Many Days Do You Need In Varanasi? Here’s What You Can See In 1, 2 Or 3 Days
Author’s Note
I have stated this in another article on the website, and I will say it here again. If you are traveling in the Godowlia Chowk area, don’t rely on private cabs or SUVs. The lanes are smaller, and there isn’t a lot of space. You should rely on the e-rickshaws as they are better equipped to navigate the narrow spaces.
If, like me, you had a lot of luggage, you might face certain challenges in transporting your luggage in these vehicle-free zones. One thing you can do is call up your hotel in advance and let them know that you will need help with your luggage. They usually send helpers, and that makes it easier to transport luggage.
Summing Up
Varanasi is arguably the biggest spiritual hub of India. As such, millions of people travel to this place throughout the year. Assi Ghat is the perfect base as it has the perfect blend of everything you might want from your Varanasi trip. It is particularly suitable for first-timers. The Cantonment area is great for people for whom budget is no bar. It offers excellent luxury stay options that prioritize your comfort over all. The Godowlia Chowk area is perfect for people who want that old-world charm and the quaint ambiance that is so distinctive of Varanasi. No matter where you end up staying, your Varanasi trip is sure to be spiritually enriching and fulfilling.
