A visit to Varanasi, also known as Benaras, Benares, or as Kashi (meaning ‘resplendent with light’), is an experience unlike any other. It’s the epitome of a holy city, inundated with religious pilgrims and sacred cows. Yet, it’s also a city firmly grounded in the commerce and reality of day-to-day existence.
“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” – Mark Twain
Co-founders Shiv and Maddie on our private boat ride tour along the River Ganges, Varanasi
A visit to Varanasi is thrilling but exhausting, and never dull. Each drop of the Ganges water is believed to hold the power of salvation. Immersing oneself in it is said to cleanse one not just of sins in this life, but of all the sins of past lives, too. As a result, millions of pilgrims come to this city every year to take part in ritual cleansing. Dying here and being cremated is believed to give instant enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Here we share our top tips on where to go and where to stay to ensure you experience the very best of Varanasi:
1. When in Varanasi, take a guided walk along the ghats of the River Ganges
Locals cool off with a dip in the holy Ganges
The river looks stunning at dusk
Spiritually enlightening and fantastically photogenic, Varanasi is at its brilliant best by the ghats – the long stretch of steps leading down to the water on the western bank of the Ganges. Most are used for bathing, but there are also several ‘burning ghats’ where bodies are cremated in public around the clock. A stroll along the river provides the perfect introduction. It’s a world-class ‘people watching’ adventure as you mingle with the fascinating mixture of individuals who come to the Ganges not only for a ritual bath but also to wash clothes, do yoga, offer blessings, sell flowers, get a massage, play cricket, scrub their buffaloes, improve their karma by giving to beggars, or simply hang around. Each of the many ghats holds a different significance for Hindus. Some are exclusively for cremations. Others are for followers of various sects. A few were simply built as philanthropic acts by former rulers, and several are noted for their pundits who may be consulted on any subject.
2. Take a boat ride on the river Ganges at sunset, to catch the aarti (prayer) ceremony
A boat ride on the Ganges will take you past the burning ghats, where cremations take place around the clock
The evening aarti ceremony on the river Ganges is a unique experience
A boat ride at both sunset and sunrise is a must for any visitor to Varanasi. The ghats come alive as hundreds of pilgrims return for evening worship, and young priests from neighbouring ashrams complete their daily rituals, looking out onto the holy Ganga while chiming bells create a cacophony. The steps fill with people singing Vedic hymns, lighting lamps, and praying along with the priests. The Ganges is worshipped as a living goddess, with the power to cleanse earthly sins. This is an unforgettable and special experience, as the scent of sandalwood and incense swirls around, and the sounds of prayer reciting and clashing cymbals rise to a climax. Devotees light little flicking oil lamps that are floated down the river, and it looks stunning in the early evening light.
Rituals are performed on the banks of the Ganges every morning and evening
Aarti rituals on the river Ganges
As part of the ceremony, 33 lights are lit to reflect the 33 different types of Hindu gods
3. Visit the holy Buddhist site of Sarnath
The famous stupa at Sarnath, near Varanasi
Close-up, the stupa has intricate carving work
Sarnath is as sacred to Buddhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. This is where the historical Buddha first taught the Buddhist dharma. In 528 BC, about five weeks after having attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, he came to Sarnath and preached his first sermon (now called Dharma Chakra Pravartan, or ‘Set in the Motion of the Wheel of Law’) in what is today Sarnath’s Deer Park. The central monument of the existing complex is the 5th century AD Dhamekh Stupa, which is built at the very spot where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his sermon to five disciples. Onsite, the Archeological Museum exhibits a superb collection of Buddhist artefacts. The highlight is the Ashokan lion capital in polished sandstone – the inspiration for India’s national emblem.
4. Shop for stunning Varanasi brocades
Varanasi is known for its beautiful brocade work
Besides being India’s oldest pilgrimage centre, Varanasi is also known for its beautiful textiles. Famous for its gossamer-fine cotton weave for over 2,000 years, its weaving traditions acquired new splendour from the 16th century onwards, with the patronage of the Mughal emperors. Varanasi’s weavers soon became adept at weaving silk with gold and silver thread, at creating stunning brocades for royal costumes and court furnishings, embellished with the exquisite floral, animal and geometric motifs favoured by the Mughals. Today, a wide range of brocade saris, scarves and Tibetan-style fabrics are made and sold in the city.
5. Explore Varanasi’s Old City
A milkman’s bicycle rests in the small streets of Varanasi’s old city
The river is a crucial part of daily life for animals and people alike
The old city of Varanasi surrounding the ghats is a maze of streets and alleys crammed with derelict palaces, homes, and hundreds of temples and shrines. Here you’ll see funeral processions, and cows and goats munching on whatever they can find. On a private guided walking tour of Varanasi’s old city with Indian Excursions, you’ll explore a winding lane known as Vishwanath Gali, which is lined with a multitude of shops selling all manner of religious objects. It leads to the city’s principal shrine, the Vishwanath Temple.
Where to rest your head when in Varanasi?
- Taj Nadesar Palace – for a luxury Indian palace hotel experience away from the bustle of the river
Taj Nadesar Palace – one of India’s legendary palace hotels
Historical Suite at Taj Nadesar Palace
The palace’s signature spa treatment uses locally-sourced ingredients, including holy Ganges water
A peaceful oasis away from the bustle of the Ganges, Nadesar Palace has accommodated royals, politicians and stars since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in front of the palace. Set amongst lush greenery, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of serenity. The palace has just ten luxurious suites, all of which are decorated with works of art from the Maharaja’s collection. Each suite evokes the atmosphere of a bygone era, with original pieces of furniture and colours of marigolds, jasmine and lotuses. Each of the ten suites is named after the celebrities who stayed here as the Maharaja’s guests. The butlers at Nadesar Palace can recommend the perfect meal, or help you choose an ideal treatment at the spa. Throughout your stay, subtly and unobtrusively, your butler will guide you through the pleasures that lie within the palace walls. Taj Nadesar Palace typically books up months in advance so we recommend getting an early start with your planning if you’d like to stay here.
2. BrijRama Palace – for luxury on the banks of the river, amongst the heart of the action
BrijRama Palace boasts stunning views of the Ganges from the rooftop terrace
A river-facing room at BrijRama Palace, a luxury boutique hotel in Varanasi
This luxury boutique hotel is nestled right on the banks of the river Ganges, just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. BrijRama Palace is the place to stay for those who wish to be in the heart of the action and soak up Varanasi in all its intensity. Activities along the water – including the evening aarti and morning prayers – can all be absorbed from the palace itself. The stunning rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the river and horizon. Guests staying at BrijRama Palace should note that no alcohol or meat is served here due to the property’s location on the holy ghats.
How to best fit Varanasi in your itinerary?
Varanasi is a beautiful addition to a broader tour of north India, and slots in ideally between Delhi and Agra. Direct flights are available daily to/from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, as well as Mumbai. For inspiration, do check out our suggested Rajasthan with Varanasi Tour, our Luxury Rajasthan with Varanasi and Khajuraho Tour, and our Spiritual India Tour. Do remember, however, that all our tours are completely tailor-made, with every detail designed around you. The ones described on our website are merely a starting point to share a flavour of the possibilities. If you’re feeling inspired and ready to get started, please get in touch and we’ll discuss your ideas.
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