Beware of scammers on the ghats. Touts and self-styled “guides” or “priests” roam the Ganga ghats and temple lanes, offering VIP darshan, pujas, boat rides or “donations for cremation wood”. Never pay anyone in advance, and never pay for a service before you have actually received it. Book temple services only through the official trust.
Flight durations are for direct flights where available; schedules change seasonally. Check airline and IRCTC websites for current options.
Getting there
| From | By air | By train |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | Direct flights on some days; otherwise one stop via Delhi, Bengaluru or Hyderabad | Long-distance trains via Nagpur/Itarsi; check Ganga Kaveri Express and others; ~35–40 h |
| Bengaluru | Direct flights daily on most schedules | Trains via Itarsi and Prayagraj; ~38–45 h |
| Hyderabad | Direct flights on most schedules | Trains via Nagpur; ~28–32 h |
| Kochi / Thiruvananthapuram | One stop via Delhi, Bengaluru or Hyderabad | Weekly long-distance trains; 45 h+ |
| Visakhapatnam / Vijayawada | One stop, or direct seasonally | Trains via Raipur or Nagpur; ~30–36 h |
| Coimbatore / Madurai | One stop via Chennai or Bengaluru | Weekly trains or connect via Chennai |
Many South Indian trains terminate at Varanasi Jn (BSB), Banaras (BSBS) or pass through Pt. DDU Jn (DDU) — check which station before booking your hotel pickup.
Local tip. A popular plan: fly in, then take the train home — the journey back gives elders time to rest, and 2AC berths book easily if you plan 60 days ahead.
Where South Indian pilgrims stay
The stretch around Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat is Kashi’s South Indian quarter. You will hear Tamil, Telugu and Kannada in the lanes, find mutts and choultries offering simple rooms and meals, and priests who can perform rituals in your family’s tradition — including pitru karyam and Kashi yatra sankalpam.
- Kedareswar temple at Kedar Ghat is especially dear to South Indian pilgrims, with worship in the southern style.
- Mutts and ashrams of several South Indian lineages are located near Hanuman Ghat and Kedar Ghat; many accept bookings by phone. See mutts, ashrams & dharamshalas.
- Hotels near Godowlia and Assi are a comfortable alternative for families who prefer private bathrooms and lifts.
Food from home
You will not miss your idli. Several South Indian restaurants and mess-style eateries serve idli, dosa, sambar-rice and filter coffee near Kedar Ghat, Godowlia and the Lanka–BHU area, and the mutts serve simple meals to residents. Ask for “South Indian” and you will be pointed the right way.
Do also try Banaras’s own vegetarian food: kachori-sabzi breakfast, malaiyyo in winter, tamatar chaat and the famous lassi. See our food guide.
Rituals South Indian families often plan
- Kashi–Rameswaram yatra: many families bring sand from Rameswaram to immerse in the Ganga and carry Ganga jal back to Rameswaram.
- Pitru karyam / shraddha on the ghats or at Gaya.
- Kashi yatra and Ganga snanam at Dashashwamedh, Kedar or Manikarnika.
- Darshan of Vishalakshi — one of the Shakti Peethas, revered in the South.
Local tip. Kashi Tamil Sangamam, held in Varanasi in recent years, celebrates the Kashi–Tamil Nadu bond. Check whether it overlaps with your dates.
Extend the yatra
~120 km · 3 h
Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam)
Bathe where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati meet.
~200 km · 4–5 h
Ayodhya
The new Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi. Easy by road or the Vande Bharat.
~250 km · 5–6 h
Gaya & Bodh Gaya
Pind daan at Vishnupad, and the Mahabodhi temple.
~10 km
Sarnath
Half a day at the site of the Buddha’s first sermon.
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Planning a family yatra?
Tell us your city, dates and the rituals you have in mind. We will suggest stays near Kedar Ghat or the temple, and help with pujas and transfers.
- English-speaking coordinator
- International numbers welcome
- No payment to enquire
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