India's holiest city, on the banks of the Ganges.
Varanasi — also called Banaras and Kashi — is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the most sacred place in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges from the stone ghats that line the river for several kilometres, and many Hindus hope to be cremated here, believing it brings release from the cycle of rebirth.
Life and death take place openly along the river, which makes Varanasi intense, moving and unlike anywhere else in India.
Nowhere else shows India's living traditions so vividly: the evening aarti with its fire and chanting, the dawn bathers, the cremation grounds, and the labyrinth of lanes behind the river. Ten kilometres away is Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon.
A rowing-boat trip along the river at dawn, as the city wakes and pilgrims bathe and pray.
An evening fire ceremony performed by young priests every night, watched from the steps or from boats on the river.
The main cremation ghat, where fires burn day and night. Visitors may watch respectfully from a distance; photography is not appropriate.
Narrow alleys full of shrines, sweet shops, silk weavers and cows, best explored with a guide.
The deer park where the Buddha preached his first sermon, with the Dhamek Stupa, monastery ruins and an archaeological museum holding the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem.
Two nights is ideal: one evening for the aarti, one sunrise on the river and an afternoon at Sarnath. One night is possible but rushed.
October to March is the best time. The Dev Deepawali festival, in November, when the ghats are lit with thousands of lamps, is spectacular but very crowded. Summer is extremely hot, and during the monsoon the river can rise over the lower ghats and boat trips may stop.
Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport has flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities; it is about 45–60 minutes from the ghats. Overnight trains connect Varanasi with Delhi and Agra.
Opening hours, fees and seasonal conditions change. We confirm current details when we plan your trip.
Yes, with preparation and a good guide. It is crowded and confronting in places, but it is also one of the most memorable places in the country.
By overnight train (about 12 hours) or by flying from Agra, when there are flights, or from Delhi. Our Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi shows both options.
Private itineraries you can take as they are or change to suit you.
9 nights / 10 days
Mughal monuments, Rajput palaces and two of India's holiest river towns, Varanasi and Rishikesh, in ten days.
Price on request, quoted for your group
6 nights / 7 days
The Golden Triangle followed by Varanasi's evening aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Price on request, quoted for your group
11 nights / 12 days
Our most complete North India journey: the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's royal cities and the ghats of Varanasi.
Price on request, quoted for your group
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