Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi

The oldest continuously inhabited city most visitors will ever see.

Quick Answer

What is Varanasi known for? Varanasi sits on the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The ghats along the river are the centre of daily life — bathing, cremation rites, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony all happen within view of each other.

Manikarnika Ghat and the Kashi temples along the Ganges in Varanasi
Manikarnika Ghat — Varanasi

Highlights

  • Dawn boat ride past the ghats
  • Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, 10km away
  • Old-city lanes and silk-weaving workshops

Best Time to Visit

October to March.

Getting There

Direct flights from Delhi; also reachable by overnight train.


Tours Featuring Varanasi

See it with a private guide


Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit to Varanasi

Why visit Varanasi?

Varanasi sits on the Ganges and is among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with daily life centred on the ghats along the river.

What is Varanasi famous for?

Varanasi sits on the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The ghats along the river are the centre of daily life — bathing, cremation rites, and the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony all happen within view of each other.

How much time do you need in Varanasi?

Two days allows for a dawn boat ride, the evening Ganga Aarti, and a half-day trip to Sarnath.

What is the best time to visit Varanasi?

October to March.

Is Varanasi worth visiting?

Yes — among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, its riverside rituals are unlike anywhere else in India.

How do you get to Varanasi?

Direct flights from Delhi; also reachable by overnight train.


Nearby Destinations

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National Capital Territory

Delhi

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