Varanasi
Discover Varanasi
Varanasi (Hindi: वाराणसी Vārāṇasī), once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a city at the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. Being the most sacred city in Hinduism and Jainism, and important in the history of Buddhism, Varanasi is India's most important pilgrimage destination. It was home to 1.2 million people as of 2011. Varanasi (vah-rah-nnuh-see) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlements dating back to the 11th century BCE. Many Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings salvation (variously termed as moksha, mukti or nirvāṇa) and so they make the trip to the city when they realise that they are close to death. For some, the culture shock of the burning corpses in plain view and the raw sewage flowing into the Ganges can be a bit overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganga at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries-old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world.
What to Experience in Varanasi
boat on dock near buildings during daytime
people sitting on brown wooden bench during night time
rowing boats near dock
silhouette of people riding on boat during sunset
a group of boats floating on top of a river
people riding on boat on river near buildings during daytime
a woman in a red dress is holding a stick in front of a colorful wall
boats at the market
people on boat on water during sunset
a group of boats sitting on top of a river
Taste of Varanasi...
Banarasi Khana, or local delicacies, are known for their flavours. Many dishes here are flavoured with asafoetida, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and/or dried fenugreek leaves. Benares Dum Aloo is different from the dum aloo cooked elsewhere in India because the potatoes are stuffed with and cooked in gravy that includes jaggery, fennel, and chilli paste. Varanasi is also known for its street food and chaat vendors. Aloo chaat is very common. Varanasi Paan is famous all over Ind
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Varanasi.
Yoga classes are very popular among visitors to Varanasi. Ayurveda treatment is common in Varanasi and you can take classes to learn the techniques: Varanasi is famous for its fine silk - it's on offer everywhere, but shop around and haggle! Banarasi Khana, or local delicacies, are known for their flavours. Many dishes here are flavoured with asafoetida, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and/or dried fenugreek leaves. Benares Dum Aloo is different from the dum aloo cooked elsewhere in India because the potatoes are stuffed with and cooked in gravy that includes jaggery, fennel, a
Climate
The city can be scorchingly hot in the summer months so instead, if possible, time your visit between October and March, and bring something warm to wear for chilly days and nights. Varanasi is well connected by plane, train, and bus. Varanasi is mostly on the west bank of the Ganges. The 25.32238283.0345821 Malviya Bridge on the north and 25.27134283.0199952 Ramnagar Bridge on the south connect the city to the eastern parts of India. There are multiple daily services to cities including Delhi (13 hours), Agra (13 hours), Lucknow (7 hours), Mumbai (25-27 hours), Kolkata (12-14 hours) and Silig
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsVaranasi is well connected by plane, train, and bus. Varanasi is mostly on the west bank of the Ganges. The 25.32238283.0345821 Malviya Bridge on the north and 25.27134283.0199952 Ramnagar Bridge on the south connect the city to the eastern parts of India. There are multiple daily services to cities including Delhi (13 hours), Agra (13 hours), Lucknow (7 hours), Mumbai (25-27 hours), Kolkata (12-14 hours) and Siliguri (14-16 hours). Varanasi is served by three major railway stations: Buses are a...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Many streets are too narrow to be reached by cycle-rickshaw, auto-rickshaw, and car and therefore, you may have to walk a bit to reach your destination. Walking is the only way to see the waterfront and the ghats - but be ready to be hot, sweaty, and lost - locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction. The names of ghats and signs pointing to restaurants and hotels are often painted on the walls in Roman letters. For better orientation, walk into any bookstore and pick up a small
Where to Stay
The most interesting area to stay is around the ghats, which are the main attractions for foreigners and are close to the religious attractions. However, this area is extremely noisy and many accommodation choices here are subpar, so do some research before you book. An alternative to staying in Varanasi is to stay near the main railway station (Varanasi Junction). This area has some very nice places and is about 10 minutes away on a tuk-tuk. Another alternative is the much quieter Sarnath, 10 k
Money & Budget
Varanasi is famous for its fine silk - it's on offer everywhere, but shop around and haggle! Banarasi Khana, or local delicacies, are known for their flavours. Many dishes here are flavoured with asafoetida, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and/or dried fenugreek leaves. Benares Dum Aloo is different from the dum aloo cooked elsewhere in India because the potatoes are stuffed with a
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Violent crime is rare, but still do be careful in the lanes after dark. Carry a light or phone; power outages are now rare, but due to sleeping cows and broken paving stones, the alleys are hard enough to navigate in daylight, let alone in pitch dark. Though generally well behaved, packs of stray dogs can become aggressive at night Rickshaw and taxi scams are common in Varanasi, and the driver will inevitably tell you that the hotel that you wish to go to has burned down, is flooded, or closed. Don't believe him. Drivers receive commission from hotels for bringing in new guests, and this is on
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Varanasi
boat on dock near buildings during daytime
people sitting on brown wooden bench during night time
rowing boats near dock
silhouette of people riding on boat during sunset
a group of boats floating on top of a river
people riding on boat on river near buildings during daytime
a woman in a red dress is holding a stick in front of a colorful wall
boats at the market
people on boat on water during sunset
a group of boats sitting on top of a river
boat on dock near buildings during daytime
people sitting on brown wooden bench during night time
rowing boats near dock