This study investigates the impact of smart signage on Varanasi, India, with a focus on visitor satisfaction and sustainable tourism. Varanasi, a culturally significant temple city, faces challenges in managing high tourist numbers while preserving its heritage. The study focuses on the value of QR-code-based smart signage along the river Ganga’s 84 Ghats, providing tourists with detailed information on landmarks, events, and nearby amenities to improve their exploration experience and promote eco-tourism. The structured surveys used a longitudinal design to collect feedback from domestic and international visitors over a year, assessing their experiences in areas such as cleanliness, safety, and overall satisfaction. Key findings indicated increased tourist satisfaction, particularly concerning site/event information and cleanliness ratings. The novel V-A-R-A-N-A-S-I model presented here provides a replicable framework for other temple towns to implement smart technologies that combine navigation assistance, cultural insights, and sustainability. This approach promotes enhanced visitor experiences, cultural preservation, and economic benefits, laying the groundwork for smart tourism in heritage cities.