Jyotirlinga Temple
Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The main Shiva Jyotirlinga temple of Kashi and the central devotional identity of Varanasi.
Kashi VishwanathJyotirlingaShivaTake the scenic route · Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi
Kashi: City of Shiva, Ganga and Knowledge
Forest calmSlow trailsEarthy light
THE MOODMoss, monsoon & forest light
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Make time forA little exploration
Local discoveries19 places · 0 gems
Make room for Varanasi in your next adventure.
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GET TO KNOW THE PLACE
Varanasi: One of the Oldest Living Cities
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Its identity is shaped by the Ganga, Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath, ghats, aarti, Sanskrit learning, yoga, music, Banarasi silk, brocade and the Buddhist heritage of Sarnath.
3000+ years
Ancient Kashi
Varanasi is counted among the oldest living cities and has long been a centre of learning, faith, music, craft and Ganga culture.
Buddhist Heritage
Sarnath and Dharmachakra Pravartan
Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment; Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and the museum preserve this heritage.
Culture
Banarasi Art, Music and Silk
Varanasi is known for Banarasi silk, brocade, classical music, shehnai, yoga, Sanskrit learning and Ganga aarti.
LEAVE ROOM FOR A DETOUR
The places you’ll remember.
Ghats
Ganga Ghats
The Ganga ghats are the centre of bathing, aarti, boat rides, ritual life and living culture in Varanasi.
GangaGhatsAartiAarti Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the most famous ghats for evening Ganga Aarti and pilgrimage atmosphere.
DashashwamedhGanga AartiGhatGhat / Cultural Site
Assi Ghat
A major ghat known for Subah-e-Banaras, yoga, music, cafes and a youthful cultural atmosphere.
AssiGhatSubah-e-BanarasMoksha Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat
An ancient cremation ghat linked with moksha beliefs and Kashi funeral traditions.
ManikarnikaMokshaGhat
Buddhist Pilgrimage
Sarnath
A major Buddhist site about 10 km from Varanasi where Buddha gave his first sermon.
SarnathBuddhaBuddhist
Stupa
Dhamek Stupa
A major stupa at Sarnath associated with the Buddhist first-sermon tradition.
Dhamek StupaSarnathBuddhist
Stupa
Chaukhandi Stupa
A historic stupa at Sarnath and an important monument in the Buddhist circuit.
Chaukhandi StupaSarnathBuddhistMuseum
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
A key museum for Buddhist sculptures, antiquities and Ashokan-era art from Sarnath.
MuseumSarnathBuddhist Art
Religious Site
Saint Ravidas Temple
A grand temple at Seer Govardhan associated with the birthplace of Saint Ravidas.
RavidasSeer GovardhanTempleDevi Temple
Maa Annapurna Temple
A Devi Annapurna temple near Kashi Vishwanath, worshipped as the goddess of food and grace.
AnnapurnaKashiTempleReligious Site
Kal Bhairav Temple
An ancient temple of Kal Bhairav, revered as the guardian or Kotwal of Kashi.
Kal BhairavKashi KotwalTempleModern Temple
New Vishwanath Temple BHU
A modern temple in Banaras Hindu University associated with Malaviya vision and Birla patronage.
BHUNew VishwanathTempleReligious / Literary Site
Tulsi Manas Temple
A temple linked with Tulsidas and Ramcharitmanas, with verses inscribed on its walls.
Tulsi ManasRamcharitmanasTempleHanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple
A famous Hanuman temple associated with Goswami Tulsidas and loved by devotees.
Sankat MochanHanumanTempleDevi Temple
Durga Temple and Durga Kund
An 18th century Durga temple known for Nagara style and the adjacent Durga Kund.
Durga TempleDurga KundNagaraNational Temple
Bharat Mata Temple
A temple inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, housing a marble relief map of India.
Bharat MataMapGandhi
Fort / Museum
Ramnagar Fort and Museum
A fort and museum across the Ganga displaying royal collections, palkis, arms, vintage cars and clocks.
RamnagarFortMuseumCraft / Market
Banarasi Silk and Brocade Markets
Banarasi sari, silk, zari and brocade are world-famous craft identities of Varanasi.
Banarasi SilkBrocadeCraftA LITTLE OFF THE USUAL ROUTE
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Food of Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for kachori-sabzi, jalebi, chooda-matar, tamatar chaat, Banarasi paan, thandai, lassi, malaiyo and satvik ghat food.
Godowlia / Chowk / Ghat area
Kachori-Sabzi and Jalebi
A classic Banarasi breakfast of crisp kachori, spicy sabzi and jalebi.
Chowk / Godowlia
Banarasi Paan and Thandai
Banarasi paan, thandai and lassi are part of the city hospitality and ghat experience.
Winter markets
Malaiyo and Chooda-Matar
Malaiyo and chooda-matar are signature winter flavours of Banaras.
THROUGH ANOTHER TRAVELLER’S EYES
From the travel journal.
New stories and reels will appear here after editorial review.
वन · वर्षा · विराम
THE HINDUSTAN DEKHO CLUB
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A LITTLE PLANNING GOES A LONG WAY
Before you set off.
October to March is best. Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Ganga Aarti, Sawan and Kartik are special but crowded.
April - June · 35°C-44°C
Summer
Afternoons are hot; ghats and temples are better morning or evening.
July - September · 29°C-36°C
Monsoon
The Ganga looks beautiful, but watch water levels and slippery steps.
October - March · 12°C-27°C
Winter
Best season for ghats, temples, Sarnath and food walks.
Rail
Rail Connectivity
- वाराणसी कैंट / बनारस / काशी — शहर और मंदिर क्षेत्रों के लिए प्रमुख रेल पहुंच।
- पंडित दीन दयाल उपाध्याय जंक्शन — लंबी दूरी मार्गों के लिए वाराणसी से लगभग 16 किमी दूर महत्वपूर्ण जंक्शन।
Air / Road
Air and Road
- लाल बहादुर शास्त्री एयरपोर्ट, बाबतपुर — वाराणसी से लगभग 22 किमी दूर घरेलू और अंतरराष्ट्रीय संपर्क वाला एयरपोर्ट।
- सड़क नेटवर्क — प्रयागराज, लखनऊ, गोरखपुर, पटना और अन्य शहरों से सड़क संपर्क।