What Are Some Heritage Hotels or Good Places to Stay Near the Ghats in Varanasi? Where Culture Meets Comfort on the Banks of the Ganga. For travelers seeking an immersive Varanasi experience, there’s no better way than staying near the ghats. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a photographer, a heritage enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to wake up to the sound of temple bells and the sight of the rising sun over the Ganga, choosing a stay close to the ghats transforms your trip.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best heritage hotels and characterful stays near the ghats of Varanasi, complete with starting prices, ambiance details, and accessibility to the river and main attractions.
1: Heritage Hotels Near the Ghats
BrijRama Palace Varanasi – A Royal Experience by the Ganges
Location: Darbhanga Ghat
Category: 5-Star Heritage Palace Hotel
Distance from Dashashwamedh Ghat: 5-minute walk
Starting Price: ₹18,000 per night (including breakfast)
Overview:
Built in the 18th century by the royal house of Nagpur, BrijRama Palace is one of Varanasi’s oldest heritage buildings. This former palace is now a luxury hotel, accessible only by boat from the river, giving guests a completely traffic-free stay.
Features & Amenities:
- Restored interiors with hand-painted murals, jharokhas, and vintage furnishings
- Private ghat access for hotel guests
- Daily classical music performances in the courtyard
- Rooftop dining at Darbhanga restaurant, offering Ganga views and pure vegetarian cuisine
- Ayurvedic spa, 24-hour room service, elevator access (rare in heritage buildings)
- Boat ride arrangements, guided temple tours
Best For: Couples, cultural travelers, luxury seekers
Guleria Kothi – A Tranquil Riverside Mansion
Location: Guleria Ghat
Category: 4-Star Heritage Boutique Hotel
Distance from Manikarnika Ghat: ~100 meters
Starting Price: ₹9,000 per night (including breakfast)
Overview:
Guleria Kothi is a restored 200-year-old riverside mansion that now serves as an elegant heritage hotel. With arched balconies and Indo-Islamic architecture, it offers a serene yet central location.
Features & Amenities:
- Rooms with partial or full Ganga views
- Private boat access
- In-house dining with vegetarian and local options
- Terrace café with panoramic river views
- Comfortable yet traditional interiors with stone flooring and antique furniture
- Walking distance to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Best For: Heritage enthusiasts, families, solo travelers
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Ganpati Guest House – Popular Budget Gem on the Ghat
Location: Meer Ghat
Category: Heritage-style Mid-range Guesthouse
Distance from Dashashwamedh Ghat: 300 meters
Starting Price: ₹2,200 per night (room only)
Overview:
Set in a refurbished riverside haveli, Ganpati Guest House offers heritage charm with affordability. It’s one of the most popular guesthouses among backpackers, solo travelers, and international tourists.
Features & Amenities:
- Balcony rooms with direct river view
- Rooftop restaurant serving multi-cuisine meals
- Lounge areas with traditional decor
- Friendly staff, spiritual ambiance, and travel desk
- Short walk to Ganga Aarti venue at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, photographers
Hotel Alka – Budget Heritage with a Spiritual View
Location: Meer Ghat
Category: Heritage Budget Stay
Distance from Vishwanath Gali: Adjacent
Starting Price: ₹2,500 per night (standard room)
Overview:
A simple yet well-maintained property, Hotel Alka is located right above the ghat, offering stunning views of the Ganga at sunrise. The hotel blends a traditional Varanasi feel with modern-day affordability.
Features & Amenities:
- AC and non-AC rooms
- Ganga-facing terrace and in-house restaurant
- Ayurvedic massage services available
- Close proximity to Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and shopping alleys
- Yoga sessions and cultural workshops (on request)
Best For: Pilgrims, spiritual travelers, long-stay guests
Palace on Ganges – Art and Culture Meets Riverfront Views
Location: Assi Ghat
Category: 3-Star Heritage-Themed Hotel
Distance from Assi Ghat Steps: Just across the road
Starting Price: ₹5,500 per night (including breakfast)
Overview:
With individually themed rooms representing Indian states and culture, Palace on Ganges is a unique stay experience. Located at the peaceful southern end of the ghats, it’s perfect for those wanting quieter mornings and easy access to yoga spots.
Features & Amenities:
- Rooms with traditional murals, art decor, and wooden furniture
- Rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace with Ganga views
- Ayurvedic wellness therapies, cultural library
- Short walk to Subah-e-Banaras morning music concert
- Yoga centers and boat services nearby
Best For: Art lovers, peace seekers, international travelers
2: Additional Boutique & Comfortable Stays Near the Ghats
For those who want the convenience of being near the ghats, but prefer modern hotel facilities or boutique hospitality, these options strike the right balance.
Hotel Ganges Grand
Location: Godowlia Chowk (5 min from Dashashwamedh Ghat)
Category: 4-Star Boutique Hotel
Starting Price: ₹4,200 per night
Why Choose It:
- Air-conditioned modern rooms with elevators (rare in old city)
- Rooftop restaurant and indoor café
- Easy access to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and main ghats
- Perfect for families who want comfort plus location
Dwivedi Hotels Palace on Steps
Location: Meer Ghat
Category: Heritage Budget Hotel
Starting Price: ₹2,800 per night
Highlights:
- Riverside balconies available in select rooms
- Great budget option for those wanting to stay directly on the ghats
- Restaurant with panoramic river view
- Clean, simple rooms with helpful staff
Suryauday Haveli – A Sunrise Heritage Retreat
Location: Shivala Ghat
Category: 4-Star Boutique Heritage Hotel
Starting Price: ₹9,500 per night (with breakfast)
Overview:
Originally built by the royal family of Nepal as a retreat, Suryauday Haveli is now a tranquil boutique hotel. Located away from the busier ghats, it offers an intimate, peaceful stay.
Features:
- River-facing terrace for sunrise viewing
- Fixed menus with local and Indian delicacies
- Evening music performances and spiritual ambiance
- Private ghat steps for direct access to the river
Best For: Romantic getaways, writers, couples
Quick Comparison Table
| Hotel Name | Category | Location | Ganga View | Starting Price | Best For |
| BrijRama Palace | 5-Star Heritage | Darbhanga Ghat | Yes | ₹18,000 | Luxury + Culture Seekers |
| Guleria Kothi | 4-Star Heritage | Guleria Ghat | Yes | ₹9,000 | Quiet elegance + river lovers |
| Ganpati Guest House | Mid-range Guesthouse | Meer Ghat | Partial | ₹2,200 | Budget travelers + Backpackers |
| Hotel Alka | Budget Heritage | Meer Ghat | Yes | ₹2,500 | Pilgrims + Temple visitors |
| Palace on Ganges | 3-Star Boutique | Assi Ghat | Partial | ₹5,500 | Cultural explorers |
| Suryauday Haveli | Boutique Heritage | Shivala Ghat | Yes | ₹9,500 | Romantic + Spiritual seekers |
| Ganges Grand | 4-Star Modern | Godowlia Chowk | No | ₹4,200 | Family + Comfort-seekers |
Final Thoughts
A stay near the ghats of Varanasi is more than just a hotel booking—it’s a window into the soul of the city. From watching floating diyas at twilight to hearing morning chants drift through your window, the right accommodation near the Ganga offers unforgettable memories.
Whether you prefer a palace steeped in royal history, a simple riverside guesthouse, or a culturally themed boutique hotel, these options ensure you’re always just steps away from the beating heart of Banaras.
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