Varanasi

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Crowd of people bathing in the Ganges.

Mark Read

Overview

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.


Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Varanasi

March 15, 2017: The sacred city of Varanasi with people taking a morning bath on the Ganges River.
1088906144
RFC,  Shutterstock,  asia,  asian,  banaras,  bath,  benares,  boat,  boats,  city,  colorful,  cremation,  crowd,  crowded,  cultural,  culture,  dirty,  ganga,  ganges,  ghats,  hindu,  hinduism,  holy,  india,  indian,  landscape,  panorama,  panoramic,  people,  pilgrim,  poor,  poverty,  pradesh,  puja,  religion,  religious,  river,  sacred,  spiritual,  tourism,  traditional,  uttar,  varanasi,  water,  ganges river,  indian people,  morning bath,  sacred city,  sacred river,  tourist town,  uttar pradesh,  varanasi view,  Boat,  City,  Cityscape,  Flag,  Handbag,  Person,  Port,  Urban,  Vehicle,  Water,  Waterfront
March 15, 2017: The sacred city of Varanasi with people taking a morning bath on the Ganges River.

Art and Culture

A first-time guide to Varanasi, India

Sep 19, 2024 • 9 min read

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Varanasi with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Varanasi