Varanasi: What Luxury Actually Means in India's Most Ancient City
July 15, 2026
Varanasi is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth - in continuous occupation for at least 3,000 years. A luxury stay here works differently from a luxury stay anywhere else in India, because what Varanasi offers is not amenities but context. The right property gives you the fullest possible access to that context.
" Varanasi has been in continuous occupation for at least 3,000 years - making it one of the oldest inhabited cities on earth. BrijRama Palace has stood on its ghats for 214 of those years. "
BrijRama Palace: What the Property Is
Built circa 1807 as a royal residence on the Ganges ghats. Age: 214+ years. Location: directly on the ghat, with the river flowing beneath the palace walls. The building has been in continuous existence for over two centuries and has not been built to look historic. It simply is.
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat - 100 metres from the property - is visible from the palace's private terraces. At dawn, the ghats fill with pilgrims; the early light hits the river at the angle that has made Varanasi one of the most photographed places on earth. Both are experienced from the property without leaving it.
A Three-Day Varanasi Itinerary from BrijRama Palace
Day 1: Arrive. Sunset boat ride from the palace - the Ganga Aarti viewed from the river, illuminated ghats in both directions. Dinner at the property.
Day 2: Dawn boat ride before 6am - the defining Varanasi experience. Morning walk to the Kashi Vishwanath temple via Vishwanath Gali. Afternoon: Sarnath (12km north) - where the Buddha gave his first teaching after enlightenment, one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism. Evening Ganga Aarti from the ghat.
Day 3: Silk weaving visit - the Banarasi silk tradition is one of India's great living craft heritages. Afternoon: Bharat Kala Bhavan museum at Banaras Hindu University - one of India's finest collections of Rajput and Mughal miniature paintings.
" Sarnath, 12km from BrijRama Palace, is where the Buddha gave his first teaching after enlightenment - one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism. "
Practical Information
Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi - direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata. Transfer: 30–45 minutes.
Best season: October to March. November–December optimal - clear skies, comfortable temperatures (15–25°C), ideal for both outdoor ghat activity and boat rides.
Recommended duration: 3 nights minimum. 2 nights covers the essentials; the third reveals the city's less visible layers - craft traditions, university campus, quieter ghat walks at midday.
Quick Facts
Property: BrijRama Palace - built c. 1807 (214+ years old)
Location: Directly on the Ganges ghats, Varanasi
Distance from Airport: 30–45 minutes from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Best Season: October to March (November–December optimal)
Signature Experience: Ganga Aarti from private terrace, dawn boat ride, ghat-side access
Group Affiliation: Part of the IHCL family since January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best luxury hotel in Varanasi?
BrijRama Palace - a 214-year-old fort palace built circa 1807, located directly on the Ganges ghats - is the most historically significant luxury hotel in Varanasi. The property is part of the IHCL family since January 2026. It offers direct ghat access, private terrace views of the Ganga Aarti, and dawn boat rides from the palace.
How old is Varanasi?
Varanasi is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, with evidence of continuous occupation for at least 3,000 years. Some historical accounts place it as one of the oldest living cities in the world, pre-dating ancient Rome and Athens.
What is the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The Ganga Aarti is a daily ritual performed by seven priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi every evening at sunset. The ceremony involves brass lamps, incense, fire, bells, and chanting, and lasts approximately 45 minutes. It is one of the most significant and visually spectacular public rituals in India, drawing hundreds of pilgrims and visitors each evening.
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March is the optimal season for Varanasi. November and December offer the best combination of clear skies, comfortable temperatures (15–25°C), and morning river mist that defines the classic Varanasi dawn experience. Avoid April to June, which are extremely hot.
How far is Sarnath from Varanasi?
Sarnath is approximately 12km from central Varanasi - about 30 minutes by road. It is the site where the Buddha gave his first teaching (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) after attaining enlightenment, making it one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath dates to 500 CE.
→ Book your stay at Brij Hotels - Part of the IHCL Family · brijhotels.com
