Chennai to Varanasi Flights, Fares Starting from ₹ 7818

Varanasi, often referred to as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Nestled along the sacred banks of the River Ganges, it is renowned for its spiritual and educational heritage. This city is a beacon for pilgrims and visitors seeking enlightenment and peace, earning it titles such as 'the city of temples', 'the holy city of India', and 'the religious capital of India'. Besides its spiritual allure, Varanasi is also an industrial center, housing the Diesel Locomotive Works, a significant manufacturing plant for Indian Railways. The city is also famous for its exquisite Banarasi sarees, woven in local cottage industries.

Airports

Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), located approximately 26 kilometers from the city center. This airport connects Varanasi to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and international destinations. Frequent flights operated by airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet ensure seamless connectivity.

Hotels and Restaurants

Varanasi offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For a luxurious stay, consider the Ramada Plaza JHV or BrijRama Palace, both offering excellent amenities and comfort. Mid-range travelers can opt for Hotel Alka or Suryauday Haveli, which provide a blend of comfort and affordability. Budget-conscious visitors might find stays at Zostel Varanasi or Ganpati Guest House ideal. When it comes to dining, Varanasi is a haven for food lovers. Savor local delicacies like kachori, chaat, and the famous Banarasi paan at eateries such as Kashi Chat Bhandar and Blue Lassi Shop.

Transportation

Getting around Varanasi is convenient with various transportation options available. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are popular for short distances, while taxis and app-based services like Ola and Uber are suitable for longer journeys. The city also has a network of buses operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). For a unique experience, you can explore the ghats and narrow lanes on foot or take a boat ride on the Ganges.

Must-See Places

• Ganga Ghats: The riverfront steps where rituals and ceremonies are performed
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Sarnath: The site where Buddha delivered his first sermon
• Bharat Mata Temple: A unique temple dedicated to Mother India
• Alamgir Mosque: A blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture
• Bharat Kala Bhavan: A museum showcasing Indian art and artifacts

Climate

Varanasi experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and cool winters. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, while the monsoon (July to September) brings heavy rainfall, which can sometimes disrupt travel plans.

About Chennai

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal. It is the fifth largest urbane settlement in India, a hub for culture, commerce, and education in all of South India. The main city and its adjoining regions form the limits of what was initially known as Madras, presently called the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Chennai is visited by many foreign and domestic tourists. While one of the reasons is that Chennai is considered among the safest cities in India, many tourists come here seeking health.

How to reach Chennai

• Chennai By Air

– Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA) is the main airport serving people taking flights to Chennai or from Chennai. Located in Meenambakkam, the airport is 21 km from Chennai’s city centre. Major domestic carriers operate direct flights to Chennai and from the city, while all major international carriers fly from and to the city too.

• Chennai By Rail

– Chennai houses the headquarters of Southern Railway, one of the 17 zones of the Indian Railways. Three of the major railway stations in the city are Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore (2 km from the city) and Tambaram (which lies in the suburbs). Most super-fast and express trains travel to Chennai on a daily basis, with direct connectivity to top metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

• Chennai By Road

– The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal (CMBT) connects cities like Tirupati, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli. Among the bus services offered, one could select between deluxe, semi-deluxe, hi-tech, Rajahamsa executive, and sleeper buses; they also connect major cities like Bangalore and Calicut to Chennai.
Chennai is well connected to most neighbouring cities by a network of highways. The five major highways connect Kolkata, Bengaluru, Madurai, Tiruvallur, Nellore, Vellore, and Pondicherry to Chennai.

What to do in Chennai

Chennai has some very classical looking structures and is one of the metropolitan cities in the country, which has the largest number of heritage monuments. The Marina Beach has a 6 km coastline, the longest coastline in India. The San Thomas Cathedral Basilica, built by the Portuguese in 1523 and designed in the Neo–Gothic style, is one of the only 23 Basilicas in India. Chennai is also about 74 km away from spiritual destinations like Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Pondicherry and Vellore are two cities that are a drive’s distance from the metropolitan capital city. This city is combination of experiences that bring in foreign and domestic tourists on a daily basis. One must-explore beyond the obvious to really soak in that well-preserved southern culture of the country. If you also want to experience the famous Pongal festival, try to travel here around January. Following places should form your list of must-see places when in Chennai.
1. Mylapore temple
2. Fort Saint George Secretariat
3. Madras High Court
4. George Town Markets and Bazaars
5. Marina Beach
6. T Nagar
7. Cholamandal Artists’ Village
8. Kalakshetra Arts Academy
9. Vivekananda House (Vivekananda Illam)
10. The Turtle Walk: To See Olive Ridley Turtle
11. The Ripon Building
The best time to visit the city is from November until February, when the temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C. During the day, cool breeze from the sea provides relief from the regular sultry weather. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, makes this a special season to travel to Chennai. From March to June, summers make the city extremely hot and humid, with temperatures rising to a whopping 40°C and above. However, the city is less crowded then, and one can expect good hotel deals during this time. Monsoons in Chennai last from July to September, with the city being engulfed in heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Major Airports in and near Chennai

Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA) is the main international airport, serving people taking flights to Chennai or from the city. It is located in Meenambakkam, which is 21 km from Chennai. The airport is ranked as the fourth busiest airport in India. The Chennai International Airport has two adjacent domestic and international terminals, which were the first of its kind back in the day. They are named after former chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj and C. N. Annadurai.
• The Chennai airport serves as the South Indian regional headquarters for the Airports Authority of India.
• The airport also serves as the nucleus for Blue Dart Aviation, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and IndiGo airlines, and a focal point city for Air India and GoAir airlines.
MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Chennai. One can easily use the website to book a flight to Chennai or from Chennai, with the major airport being a hub to domestic and international airlines. MakeMyTrip flights to Chennai can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.