Hotel Surya

Varanasi


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

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.