Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Taj Ganges, Varanasi is a Taj Group hotel on Raja Bazar Road in the Nadesar Palace Grounds of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, within the Cantonment district north-west of the old city. The location is calmer and greener than the crowded lanes around the ghats, and the hotel is generally the first choice for upscale visitors to the city. The ghats and Kashi Vishwanath area lie several kilometres away, so most guests use a car or the hotel's arranged transfers to reach the riverfront for the evening Ganga Aarti or a sunrise boat ride. Varanasi Junction railway station is a short drive, and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport lies roughly 25 kilometres away. The hotel is a modern low-rise property set in landscaped gardens, with a swimming pool, lawns and shaded walkways that offer relief from the heat and noise of the city. Rooms are offered as Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms and Suites, and the estimated rate of INR 10,000 to 24,000 per night puts it in the upper bracket for the city. Dining is provided through several restaurants and a bar, covering Indian regional dishes, Awadhi-influenced cooking and international food, with a breakfast buffet that suits both Indian and Western tastes. Wellness amenities include a Jiva spa, a fitness centre and the garden pool, making it a comfortable place to recover after intensive sightseeing. Service is polished and chain-standard, with a concierge and travel desk able to arrange early-morning boat rides, guided walks through the old city, and excursions to Sarnath, the Buddhist site about 10 kilometres away. The hotel suits couples, families and international leisure visitors who prefer comfort and quiet over proximity to the riverfront, and it also serves business guests. Because it lies near the neighbouring Taj Nadesar Palace, visitors can compare the two properties within the same grounds area. Demand peaks between October and March, so advance booking is advisable.