Conference Venue
The Venue
Shatabdi Auditorium
A purpose-built academic venue at the heart of the BHU campus.
Shatabdi Auditorium is one of the largest and most versatile academic venues on the Banaras Hindu University campus, purpose-built to host large-scale conferences, convocations and cultural programmes. With comfortable seating for over 1,500 delegates, it accommodates NIMACON 2026's full scientific programme with ease across both days.
The venue is equipped with a modern audio-visual system — a large projection screen, professional sound reinforcement and stage lighting suited to keynote sessions, panel discussions and paper presentations alike. Dedicated registration and green-room areas support smooth delegate flow, while a generous foyer accommodates poster displays and exhibition stalls.
Accessibility has been a key consideration throughout: the auditorium offers ramp access, reserved seating near the entrance for delegates with mobility needs, and is served by wide, well-lit walkways connecting it to the rest of the BHU campus.
Seating Capacity
1,500+ delegate seats in tiered auditorium seating
Audio-Visual
Large projection screen, professional sound and stage lighting
Accessibility
Ramp access and reserved seating near the entrance
Parking
On-campus parking available for delegates arriving by car
Location Significance
New Vishwanath Temple
Directly Adjacent
A modern replica of the sacred Kashi Vishwanath, sitting immediately beside Shatabdi Auditorium. It is impossible to miss and serves as the primary landmark for wayfinding on campus — many delegates pause here before or after sessions.
BHU Central Library
Directly Opposite
Sitting directly opposite the auditorium, the Central Library is the other unmistakable landmark bordering the venue — useful both as a wayfinding reference and, time permitting, worth a visit for its collection of rare Ayurvedic manuscripts.
Wayfinding
Reaching the Venue
Step-by-step directions from the BHU Main Gate to Shatabdi Auditorium.
Enter Through BHU Main Gate (Lanka Gate)
All delegate traffic should enter the university campus via the Main Gate on Lanka Road — the primary and most direct entrance to BHU from the city.
Head Towards the Faculty of Agriculture
From the Main Gate, follow the principal campus road towards the Faculty of Agriculture / Institute of Agronomy. Conference signage will be posted along this route closer to the event.
Pass the New Vishwanath Temple
Continue past the New Vishwanath Temple, one of the campus's most recognisable landmarks — Shatabdi Auditorium is just beyond it.
Arrive Opposite the Central Library
Shatabdi Auditorium sits directly opposite the BHU Central Library. Look for the NIMACON 2026 registration desk and volunteer signage at the entrance.
Getting Here
How to Reach Varanasi
Three ways into the city, each with an easy onward journey to BHU.
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
~25 km from venue · 40–60 mins by road
Varanasi's international airport connects the city to major Indian metros and select international routes. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are readily available outside the terminal for the drive to BHU.
Search FlightsBy Rail
Varanasi Junction (Cantt)
~6–7 km from venue · 20–30 mins by road
Banaras Station (Manduadih)
~5–6 km from venue · 20–25 mins by road
Varanasi is well connected by rail to every major Indian city. Varanasi Junction (Cantt) is the larger, more frequently used station; Banaras Station at Manduadih is a useful secondary option depending on your route.
Book via IRCTCBy Road
Varanasi Bus Stand
~6–7 km from venue · 25–30 mins by road
State and private long-distance buses connect Varanasi to neighbouring cities including Lucknow, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur, arriving at the main bus stand near Varanasi Junction.
Search BusesCampus Map
Find Your Way Around BHU
Select any campus landmark to view it on the map and get directions.
Where to Stay
Accommodation Options
From walkable budget stays to premium hotels, plus official conference accommodation.
Lanka
Adjacent to BHU Main Gate
The neighbourhood immediately outside BHU's Lanka Gate is dense with budget guesthouses, lodges and eateries — the most walkable option for the venue.
Sigra / Bhelupur
~3–5 km from venue
A short cab ride from BHU, this area offers a wider selection of well-rated hotels and serviced apartments at moderate rates.
Cantonment (near Varanasi Junction)
~6–8 km from venue
Home to most of the city's larger chain and heritage hotels — convenient if you're also arriving by train.
Specific hotel partnerships will be published here once confirmed — in the meantime, search hotels near BHU, Varanasi.
Official Conference Accommodation
Booked Directly Through Registration
NIMACON 2026 also offers accommodation arranged directly by the Organizing Committee, on a twin-sharing basis, requested during the registration process.
Delegates
₹1,500 / day
Students
₹1,200 / day
Spouse
₹1,500 / day (sharing basis)
Quick Reference
Varanasi City Tips
A brief practical guide for delegates — see the full Explore Varanasi page for more.
Best Ghat Times
Sunrise (6:00–7:30 AM) for calm ghats and boat rides, or just after sunset for the Ganga Aarti.
Ganga Aarti Timing
Held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, roughly 5:30–6:30 PM depending on sunset — arrive early for a good spot.
Auto & Cab Tips
Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are the easiest way around; agree on a fare beforehand or use a cab app where available.
Local Food
Try kachori-sabzi, Banarasi chaat and a Banarasi paan to finish — malaiyyo if you visit in winter.
December Weather
Cool and pleasant — daytime highs around 20–23°C, cooler mornings and evenings near 8–12°C. Carry a light jacket.