Kashi — the spiritual capital of India

Varanasi

Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of India Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a sacred city in…

2 Varanasi tours

Best time to visit

October to March. Dev Deepawali (Nov) and Mahashivratri (Feb/Mar) are spectacular but crowded.

Ideal duration

2–3 days

How to reach

By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), 25 km from the ghats. By train: Varanasi Junction / Banaras station, well connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. By road: 4–5…

Must see

Top places to visit in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, now with the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to the ghats.

Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat

The nightly fire ceremony with lamps, conch shells and chants — best seen from a boat.

Sunrise boat ride

Glide past Assi, Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh ghats as the city wakes up.

Sarnath

Dhamek Stupa and the museum with the Ashoka lion capital, 10 km from the city.

Ramnagar Fort

18th-century fort-palace of the Maharaja of Banaras with a museum and sunset views.

Old city lanes

Silk weavers, kachori-jalebi breakfasts and hidden shrines in the galis behind the ghats.

About Varanasi

Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of India

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a sacred city in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and a hub of spirituality, culture, and history.

Highlights of Varanasi

Ghats by the Ganges: Over 80 iconic ghats like Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika, known for rituals, cremations, and evening Ganga Aarti.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Spiritual Significance: Believed to grant liberation (moksha) to those who die here.
Silk Weaving: Famous for exquisite Banarasi silk sarees.
Sarnath: Nearby Buddhist site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Cultural Hub: Known for classical music, art, and literature.
Street Food: Delightful local delicacies like kachori, chaats, and malaiyo.

How to reach Varanasi

By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), 25 km from the ghats. By train: Varanasi Junction / Banaras station, well connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. By road: 4–5 hrs from Ayodhya, 3 hrs from Prayagraj.