Varanasi is not a place you simply visit - it's a city you absorb. It wraps itself around you through its chants, flavours, river breeze, and centuries-old artistry. On my recent trip, I realised that the essence of Kashi lies not only in its temples and ghats, but in conversations with artisans, slow breakfasts at local shops, chance encounters in narrow lanes, and the soft glow of oil lamps on the Ganga. What surprised me most was how every moment here felt both intimate and timeless - as if the city nudges you gently to pause, look closer, and breathe differently.
But this experience is only as magical as where you choose to stay. And for me, juSTa Luxe - Kashi Parampara, Varanasi became my home that connected comfort with culture.
Where I Stayed: juSTa Luxe - Kashi Parampara, Varanasi
If Varanasi had a luxury address that blended heritage and modern warmth, it would be this property. juSTa Luxe - Kashi Parampara celebrates the spirit of the city through architecture, art, and storytelling. The hotel is inspired by the traditional parampara of Kashi - its folk arts, temple motifs, classical dance forms, and even the textiles the city is known for. This charming property was once a heritage home, and has been thoughtfully transformed into a boutique hotel that exudes character and warmth. The architecture retains its original charm with restored wooden beams, vintage flooring, and curated decor that tells a story of its past.
The staff gave me a detailed show-around of the rooms. The hotel features 12 elegantly designed rooms, each with a unique theme blending modern comfort and traditional aesthetics. Every room is equipped with plush bedding, contemporary bathrooms, and tasteful furnishings. The attention to detail is evident in the handcrafted furniture and locally sourced art pieces that adorn the walls.
The property's transformation into a boutique hotel has preserved its soul while adding modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and personalized concierge services.
The food, meanwhile, deserves its own applause. Every meal at the Ssatvik (pure vegetarian restaurant) felt like home: simple, clean, flavourful. From breakfasts to thalis, the kitchen team cooked with the confidence of someone who understands how to comfort a traveller after a long day. One night, I had their traditional Benarasi thali - it was rich, aromatic, and beautifully plated, and it still remains one of my favourite meals from the trip.
What made my stay memorable was how the hotel integrated culture into its daily experiences. From guide interactions to a mesmerising Kathak performance over dinner, it felt less like a hotel and more like a living cultural space.
Varanasi Crafts, Conversations & Chaotic Lanes
One of the most humbling experiences was visiting the workshops of artisans who carry forward Varanasi's centuries-old craftsmanship. I watched the precise elegance of GI-tagged Gulabi Meenakari art and the centuries-old craft of weaving silk. It is easy to admire a Banarasi sari, but seeing how it is made - thread by thread, with generations of skill behind it - gives you a whole new respect.
Another day took me to the world of Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys, where traditional craft meets childhood nostalgia. The artisans' patience and skill were extraordinary, and each piece felt like a piece of history carved into colour.
Benarasi Food That Won My Heart
Between these immersive visits, I tasted the city through its delicious food - Benarasi chaat at Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar, a creamy lassi at Pahalwan Lassi, kulfi falooda at Deena Chat, kachori chole chaat at Vishwanath Mishthaan Bhandar, and a simple yet unforgettable lunch of dum aloo, dal, paneer and roti at Keshari R.B. Restaurant. And of course, no trip is complete without a paan - mine was from the popular spot - Keshav Tambul Bhandar.
The Spiritual Pulse of Varanasi
Kashi is a thousand emotions woven together, but nothing captures its spirit like the moments on its ghats. The Shayan Aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Temple felt deeply personal - a ritual where time slowed down. Hundreds of locals chanting the aarti in an unbelievable rhythm was nothing short of magical... and spiritual. But what truly moved me was the 5:15 am experience at Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat. The morning aarti, the golden lamps, classical music floating over the river, and a serene boat ride across the ghats - it was meditative, magical, and grounding. Justaa arranges a special boat ride overlooking the ghats, with artists playing live classical music, and that experience is something that will always stay with me.
Later visits to Sankat Mochan Temple, Sri Vishwanath Temple inside BHU, and the stunning Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum added layers of understanding to the city's intellectual and spiritual depth.
And somewhere between the heritage walk through churches, temples, and bustling gullies, I realised that Varanasi is best experienced unhurried - one step, one flavour, one story at a time.
Varanasi doesn't try to impress you; it simply reveals itself. Through craftsmanship, rituals, food, and its ancient river, it teaches you to find beauty in slow moments and meaning in everyday life. My stay at juSTa Luxe - Kashi Parampara only deepened this connection, giving me a comforting base to return to each night after soaking in the city's sensory richness.
