Hotel Surya

Varanasi

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Varanasi’s cheapest hotel with a swimming pool, Surya has standard three-star Indian rooms, but a modern makeover means the luxury rooms in particular have been tightened up a bit, with stylish new furnishings, upholstery and balconies.

Value here is palpable, as all is built around a huge lawn area that includes a colourful lounge-style bar and cafe flanked by a gorgeous, nearly 200-year-old heritage building (the former stomping grounds of a Nepali king), where the excellent Canton Royale is housed. There's also the good (but smoky) Mangi Ferra bar and the Aristo Spa.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Boats on River Ganges

    Manikarnika Ghat

    2.86 MILES

    Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…

  • 500px Photo ID: 130892773 - Photographed at Assi Ghat, Varanasi

    Assi Ghat

    3.77 MILES

    The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat

    Dashashwamedh Ghat

    2.92 MILES

    Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…

  • Harishchandra Ghat

    Harishchandra Ghat

    3.26 MILES

    Harishchandra Ghat is a cremation ghat – smaller and secondary in importance to Manikarnika, but one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.

  • The Golden Temple of Vishwanath, holiest temple in Varanasi (formerly Benares), entry forbidden to non-Hindus, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia

    Vishwanath Temple

    2.69 MILES

    There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…

  • Vishwanath Temple

    Banares Hindu University

    4.99 MILES

    Long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Banares Hindu University, established in 1916. The…

  • Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    4.01 MILES

    Set in a peaceful park containing monastery ruins is this impressive 34m stupa, marking the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The floral…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    3.9 MILES

    This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures, such as the very well-preserved, 3rd-century-BC lion…

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Nearby Varanasi attractions

2. Vishwanath Temple

2.69 MILES

There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…

3. Gate 2

2.71 MILES

Foreigners should enter gate 2 (the Hindu exit) for access to Vishwanath Temple.

4. Alamgir Mosque

2.85 MILES

Dominating Panchganga Ghat, this small mosque was built by Aurangzeb on the site of a large Vishnu temple.

5. Ram Ghat

2.85 MILES

North from Scindhia Ghat, Ram Ghat was built by a maharaja of Jaipur.

6. Manikarnika Ghat

2.86 MILES

Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…

7. Panchganga Ghat

2.87 MILES

Just beyond Ram Ghat, this ghat marks where five holy rivers are supposed to meet.

8. Dattatreya Ghat

2.87 MILES

Dattatreya takes its name from a Brahmin saint, whose footprint is preserved in a small temple nearby.