Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi / Kashi
Where faith lives
The oldest living city on earth, and the spiritual capital of Bharat. Kashi is not a place you visit once — it is a place that keeps calling. Sunrise on the Ganga, the Ganga Aarti at dusk, lanes that have carried pilgrims for three thousand years.
Best time
October to March. Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri are the most powerful, and the most crowded.
The oldest living city on earth, and the spiritual capital of Bharat. Kashi is not a place you visit once — it is a place that keeps calling. Sunrise on the Ganga, the Ganga Aarti at dusk, lanes that have carried pilgrims for three thousand years.
How long to stay: Three days for the ghats and principal temples; five to include Sarnath and Vindhyachal.
Experiences - Sunrise boat ride from Assi to Panchganga - Evening Ganga Aarti with reserved ghat seating - Subah-e-Banaras yoga and classical music - Banarasi silk and Thatheri Bazaar walk - Annapurna prasad and a Kashi thali
Temples & ghats to visit
Kashi Vishwanath
The Jyotirlinga at the heart of the city, within the new corridor.
Kaal Bhairav
Kotwal of Kashi — tradition asks you to seek his permission first.
Sankat Mochan
Hanuman temple founded by Tulsidas; Tuesdays and Saturdays overflow.
Durga Kund & Tulsi Manas
Twin stops, one for shakti and one for the Ramcharitmanas.
Sarnath
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon — ten kilometres out, half a day well spent.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Ghat
The main ghat, and the stage for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Assi Ghat
Ghat
Quieter mornings, subah-e-banaras yoga and the confluence of the Assi.
Manikarnika Ghat
Ghat
The eternal cremation ground — approached with silence and respect.
Panchganga Ghat
Ghat
Five sacred rivers believed to meet here; a favourite of Kartik snan.
Prefer to read first? Stories & knowledge or watch a virtual tour.