Boutique hotel situated 100 metres from Assi Ghat, the Banaras Haveli combines traditional stone architecture with contemporary comfort. With around thirty rooms, a restaurant overlooking a green garden and rooftop terrace, and a location directly connected to Varanasi's southern ghats, it makes an ideal base for exploring the sacred city.

Why stay here

• Prime position on the southern ghats, within walking distance of Assi Ghat (100 m) and Chet Singh Ghat (1.4 km)
• Haveli architecture featuring stone walls and local artisanal details
• Ganges views from select rooms and the rooftop terrace
• Full facilities: 24-hour reception, wheelchair-accessible lift, complimentary private parking, currency exchange on-site

Atmosphere and architecture

The establishment draws on the region's traditional architectural vocabulary: exposed stone walls, artisanal details, and classically decorated lounges. The communal spaces, serene and understated, provide a striking contrast to the vibrancy of the nearby ghats. The rooftop terrace and green garden extend the hotel into the surrounding landscape, offering unobstructed views of the city and river.

The rooms

The hotel offers around thirty rooms arranged across several categories to suit different traveller profiles:

• Standard rooms: designed for one or two guests, with lounge area, dining space and private bathroom (walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries).
• Superior rooms: upgraded amenities, some with Ganges views.
• Family suites: generous dimensions, multiple beds and lounge area, ideal for families or small groups.
• Executive rooms: refined décor and Ganges-facing views.

All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen television with satellite channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, safe, and kettle with tea and coffee facilities.

Dining and services

The restaurant spans an indoor dining room, green garden, and rooftop terrace. The menu blends Indian dishes with international offerings. At breakfast, local specialities such as chaat and kachaudi sit alongside classic Western options.

The 24-hour reception can provide guidance on ghat visits and ceremonies. Room service, packed meals for excursions, laundry, dry cleaning and pressing are available (supplementary charges apply for textile services). The hotel features a wheelchair-accessible lift, ATM, and currency exchange. Pets are not permitted.

Location and access

Banaras Haveli stands 100 metres from Assi Ghat, in the quieter southern section of the ghats compared to the Dashashwamedh area. Dashashwamedh Ghat, venue for the evening Aarti ceremony, lies 3 km away, reachable on foot along the river or by rickshaw. The railway station and bus station are approximately 5 km distant, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport 20 km away—allow for traffic on the taxi journey. Complimentary private parking is available on-site, supplemented by municipal parking 50 metres away.

Nearby attractions

• Assi Ghat: the closest ghat, a site of daily prayers and morning ceremonies.
• Chet Singh Ghat: 1.4 km away, distinguished by its sandstone fort, one of the most photogenic ghats.
• Dashashwamedh Ghat: 3 km away, stage for the grand Ganga Aarti each evening.
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: one of India's most visited Shiva sanctuaries.
• Ganges river cruise: embark from Assi Ghat, best experienced at dawn.
• Sarnath: around twenty kilometres away, the site of Buddha's first sermon.

Planning the rest of your journey

Varanasi fits naturally into a broader itinerary spanning Rajasthan, the Ganges plain and the Himalayan foothills. To extend your stay, the Ranthambore Heritage Haveli offers a transition toward Rajasthan's wildlife, while Woodville Palace Hotel in Shimla and the Wonderland Tourist Camp in Ladakh open towards the Himalayas. To build a complete circuit, explore our India journeys.