The guide
Banaras from Shivpur.
Shivpur is not the postcard. It is the part of Varanasi where Varanasi actually lives - quieter, residential, about six kilometres from the river. Stay here and the river is something you go to, not something you sleep above. The mornings start at six. The aarti at Dashashwamedh is in the evening. We will book you a boat if you ask the night before.
Distances from the hotel
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple6km
- Dashashwamedh Ghat6km
- Sarnath5km
- Varanasi Junction Railway2km
- LBS International Airport20km
Dawn rituals (winter)
- 05:45 wake-up tea in the room, if you ask the night before
- 06:30 cab to Assi Ghat, the most peaceful start, a little south of Dashashwamedh, around 20 min
- 06:45 first light on the river
- 07:15 boat downstream to Dashashwamedh
- 09:00 breakfast at Flavours or in the room
Plan it properly
Checked, dated guides to the things guests ask us most - each one lists its sources.
- Dev Deepawali 2026 in Varanasi: the date, the ghats, and how to see it
- The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh: timings, where to sit, and getting there
- Kashi Vishwanath darshan: the aartis, the phone rule, and Sugam Darshan
- Sarnath in a day: the stupa, the museum, and the Friday rule
- The sunrise boat ride in Varanasi: when to leave, where to board
- Two days in Varanasi: a plan that fits the river's clock
- The best time to visit Varanasi, season by season
- Arriving in Varanasi by train: which station, and the ride to Shivpur
- Varanasi airport to the city: the drive to Shivpur, and what to book
- Varanasi with your parents: an easier pace, and what to plan around