Varanasi Hotels from S$13

Sigra reveals Varanasi's spiritual soul away from the main tourist areas. Ancient temples with ornate spires and saffron walls fill this authentic area. Devotees ring brass bells at countless shrines while incense smoke drifts through narrow lanes. Traditional silk shops and religious artefact vendors line the bustling Sigra Road. The area balances commercial energy with pockets of peaceful residential life. Morning prayers and evening aartis showcase unchanged Hindu traditions that travellers can experience first-hand. Temple courtyards provide tranquil retreats from the lively markets. Walking to the sacred Ganges ghats takes just 15 minutes through winding streets.

Lanka offers a peaceful retreat from Varanasi's bustling ghats, with tree-lined streets and authentic local life. The prestigious Banaras Hindu University campus creates a scholarly atmosphere with its historic buildings and green spaces. Visit the notable Bharat Kala Bhavan museum to explore impressive art collections. Small area temples dot the quiet residential streets where daily life moves at a gentler pace. The area provides comfortable walking experiences with minimal tourist crowds. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws make getting to Varanasi's famous riverside attractions like Assi Ghat convenient and straightforward.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam reveals the soul of ancient India through its sacred landscapes. The golden spires of Kashi Vishwanath Temple rise above narrow lanes filled with saffron-robed sadhus. Stone ghats cascade down to the sacred Ganges where pilgrims perform dawn rituals amid floating marigolds. Walk the labyrinthine streets echoing with temple bells and Sanskrit chants. Traditional vegetarian eateries and silk merchants occupy centuries-old buildings showcasing intricate architecture. Experience the mesmerising evening Ganga Aarti ceremony with locals as oil lamps illuminate the river.

Mahmoorganj bustles with energy as local vendors display colourful textiles, electronics, and handicrafts along narrow streets. The aroma of street food mingles with incense from nearby temples, creating an authentic Varanasi experience. Bargaining is expected in this budget-friendly shopping paradise. This commercial hub serves mainly locals, making it perfect for travellers seeking genuine Indian culture away from tourist traps. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws navigate the congested lanes where budget guesthouses offer simple accommodation. The sacred Ganges River remains just a short ride away.