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Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh, India Spiritual Capital Best: Oct - Mar 4.8 / 5 Rating
Golden Jyotirlinga temple
Nightly ritual of lamps
Sacred riverfront steps
Where Buddha first taught
Ganga at dawn
Home of BHU
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Set on the western banks of the holy Ganga, it has been a centre of learning, spirituality and culture for more than three thousand years.
For Hindus, Varanasi is the holiest of cities - a place where the cycle of birth and death is believed to dissolve. Its winding lanes, ancient temples and eighty-odd ghats pulse with an intensity of devotion found nowhere else on earth.
From the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat to a silent boat ride at sunrise, from the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Buddhist stupas of Sarnath nearby, Varanasi offers an experience that stays with every traveller long after they leave.
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| District | Varanasi |
| Language | Hindi, Bhojpuri |
| Best Season | October - March |
| Famous For | Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti, Ghats, Sarnath |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km) |
| Nearest Railway | Varanasi Junction (Cantt) |
| Ideal Duration | 2 - 3 Days |
The most revered of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, crowned with a golden spire. The rebuilt Vishwanath Corridor connects the temple directly to the Ganga ghats.
The main and most spectacular ghat, famous for the elaborate Ganga Aarti held every evening with fire, conch and chanting.
The primary cremation ghat, considered the most auspicious place for the final rites in Hindu tradition.
Just 10 km away, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Home to the Dhamek Stupa and an excellent archaeological museum.
A famous Hanuman temple founded by the saint Tulsidas, always alive with devotion and music.
One of Asia's largest residential universities, home to the beautiful New Vishwanath Temple within its green campus.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur is ~25 km from the city, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and international hubs.
Varanasi Junction (Cantt) and Banaras station are major railheads connected to almost every large city in India by daily express trains.
Well linked by NH-19 and NH-31. Prayagraj is ~120 km (3 hrs), Ayodhya ~200 km (4 hrs) and Lucknow ~300 km (6 hrs). Cabs and buses run frequently.
Varanasi is a year-round destination, but the cool winter months and festival season offer the most comfortable and atmospheric experience.
The sunrise boat ride and the evening Ganga Aarti were unforgettable. Everything was organised down to the last detail. Truly a spiritual reset.
Our guide navigated the narrow lanes and darshan queue at Kashi Vishwanath so smoothly. The Sarnath visit was a peaceful bonus.
Dev Deepawali on the ghats is a sight everyone must see once. The city is crowded but the arrangement made it stress-free.
