A few weeks ago, a family visiting Varanasi with their disabled son reached out to me. They weren’t asking for much, just a wheelchair, an accessible place to stay, temples or ghats with ramps and safe transport around the city. Simple needs. But shockingly, there was barely any reliable information available online to help them.
This moment made me realise how overlooked accessibility still is in a city as spiritual and welcoming as Varanasi. So I decided to put together this guide to help anyone with mobility needs explore this city with dignity, clarity, and joy. Whether you’re planning a trip for yourself, a loved one, or helping someone else, I hope this guide makes things a little easier.
Quick overview: Is Varanasi wheelchair-friendly?
The truth? Varanasi is not fully wheelchair-friendly, especially in the older parts of the city, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With some planning and the right local help, many meaningful parts of the city can be explored comfortably.
- The ghats are mostly stepped, but some, like Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat, are flat and manageable.
- Temples – some modern ones are accessible; others in the old city may require assistance.
- Transport and hotels can be arranged with accessibility in mind.
Wheelchair accessible hotels near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most important things to do while booking a hotel in Varanasi is to call the property beforehand and confirm its location and accessibility.
Many hotels in Varanasi are situated in narrow, uneven lanes and may not be easily accessible by car or wheelchair. Some buildings have lifts, but not all, so if your room is on a higher floor, it’s crucial to check this in advance.
Also, take a look at the latest Google reviews and user-uploaded photos to get a more accurate idea of the current conditions and amenities.
Pro Tip:
If your only goal is to have darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, then book a hotel close to the temple, ideally on the main road leading to it.
But if you’re planning to stay in Varanasi for a few days, it’s better to stay away from the temple area. That zone is always packed with people, and traffic jams are common. Navigating through it every day can become frustrating and may spoil your overall experience.
Watching the Ganga Aarti with a wheelchair: what’s possible
Ganga Aarti is one of the top attractions in Varanasi, especially the one held at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is world-famous for its spiritual energy and grandeur.
However, despite its significance, Dashashwamedh Ghat is not wheelchair accessible. The only way to reach the aarti spot is by descending uneven stairs, often wet and crowded, which can be risky and overwhelming.
That said, with a little planning, it’s still possible to experience the magic of the Ganga Aarti. There are locals in Varanasi who are experienced in assisting visitors with wheelchairs. They know the safest routes and will help you reach the aarti spot comfortably.
Contact details for reliable wheelchair assistance are mentioned below.
If you prefer not to hire help but still want to witness the Ganga Aarti, Assi Ghat is a great alternative.
While Assi Ghat is not fully wheelchair accessible, it’s much easier to navigate compared to Dashashwamedh Ghat. There are only 4–5 steps to get down, and after that, the ghat is mostly flat. You can easily park the wheelchair under the large tree near the steps and watch the aarti comfortably from there, with a clear and peaceful view.
Although it’s not the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, the ritual at Assi Ghat follows the same process, and the atmosphere is just as spiritual and moving.
Wheelchair accessibility at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The newly built Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is well-planned in terms of accessibility and has been designed keeping senior citizens and differently-abled devotees in mind. The area is spacious, clean, and much easier to navigate than the older temple approach.
Wheelchairs are available from Gate No. 4, located on Gyanvapi/Bansphatak Road. This gate is well-connected by rickshaws and e-rickshaws. If you’re coming from Godowlia, you can also arrange a wheelchair with an assistant for around ₹300-₹400, who will help you get to the temple smoothly.
Inside the temple premises, wheelchairs are available free of cost, provided by the government. The staff and volunteers are generally cooperative and respectful towards accessibility needs.
Wheelchair-friendly boat options in Varanasi
While taking a boat ride in Varanasi is generally safe for senior citizens and differently-abled travellers, the real challenge lies in getting to and into the boat. Most ghats are not wheelchair-friendly, and local boatmen often lack the sensitivity or training to assist those with special mobility needs.
If you’re travelling with a local assistant, you might manage a last-minute booking. But if you’re on your own, preplanning becomes essential to avoid discomfort or unsafe situations.
For those concerned about accessibility, Namo Ghat is the best place to board. It has fewer stairs, better road connectivity, and flat surfaces that make it easier to reach the boats, even with a wheelchair.
There are also services in Varanasi (including ours) that offer supportive boat rides for seniors and differently-abled guests, with trained staff who understand these needs. Planning ahead can really make all the difference.
Wheelchair-Friendly Places to Explore in Varanasi
While the city of Varanasi wasn’t originally designed with accessibility in mind, there are still several places and temples that can be visited comfortably by senior citizens and differently-abled travellers.
One such place is the Sankat Mochan Temple, one of the most revered temples in the city. It is relatively easy to access and doesn’t involve difficult stairways or narrow lanes.
To make the visit smoother, try going during non-peak hours. The best time depends on the day and local events, so it’s always a good idea to ask your hotel manager for the most suitable time to visit based on your travel dates. Locals usually know the crowd patterns well and can guide you better.
The new corridor area is well-planned for accessibility. With wide, smooth paths and government-provided wheelchairs, visitors can comfortably reach the temple sanctum with some assistance. Use Gate No. 4 (Gyanvapi/Bansphatak Road) for the easiest access.
Assi Ghat is one of the most manageable ghats. There are just 4–5 steps, and the rest is flat ground. It’s a good spot to witness Subah-e-Banaras, Ganga Aarti, or simply relax by the river under the shade of trees.
Namo Ghat is a modern, newly developed ghat with ramps, wider steps, and road-level access, making it one of the best options for wheelchair users. Ideal for boat rides or quiet evenings by the Ganga.
The expansive BHU campus is flat and fully accessible by vehicle. You can visit the iconic New Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Kala Bhawan museum(Ground floor is accessible, there are a few steps at the entry gate), or just drive through the shaded roads. It’s peaceful, clean, and easy to navigate.
Tulsi Manas Temple has manageable entry steps and a quiet environment. Durga Kund is nearby, and while it may need a bit of help at the entrance, the overall layout is easy to move around with assistance.
Sarnath is one of the most accessible sites in the region. The archaeological site, museums, and temples are mostly wheelchair-friendly with paved walkways and ramps. A must-visit for history and Buddhist heritage lovers.
Wheelchair accessible street food shops
While Varanasi is famous for its street food, the narrow, uneven lanes can be tough to navigate in a wheelchair. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the iconic flavours of the city. Here are a few relatively accessible food spots where you can still enjoy the true taste of Kashi.
Kashi Chat Bhandar is fairly popular and located conveniently on the main road near Godowlia. You can try tamatar chaat, aloo tikki, chooda matar, and a hundred other items here to get that real kick of Varanasi street food. In the morning, try the uttapam right near the Godowlia parking, it’s simple, hot, and finger-licking good.
If you’re in the Assi Ghat area, there’s a local vendor who serves soft idlis with chutney in the early morning. It’s a humble setup, but located in a relatively flat and open area that’s easier to access compared to other street food corners.
If you’re looking for a hearty kachodi breakfast, try Golka Kachodi near the Manikarnika Dwar; it’s just 10 meters off the main road and is quite accessible with a wheelchair. Another great option is Neelu Kachodi Bhandar, just about 20 meters from Chowk Thana in the famous Kachodi Gali. Despite being in the old city, this spot is reachable without needing to navigate through too many congested alleys.
Please note: all these places are in different parts of the city, so make sure to check which one is nearest to you before heading out. Asking your hotel staff for help with directions or timing is always a good idea.
Exploring Varanasi with mobility challenges isn’t easy, but with the right information and a bit of planning, it’s absolutely possible. From darshan at Kashi Vishwanath to catching the Ganga Aarti and tasting local flavours, there’s still so much you can experience.
If you have more information or resources that you think might help others, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram. I’ll keep updating this guide as I receive new input. Let’s work together to make Kashi accessible to all.
