Search flights to Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is a city situated along the banks of the River Ganges in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, with a metropolitan population of around 1.2 million people. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool, pleasant winters. Varanasi is celebrated for its rich tapestry of culture, history, and spirituality, marked by its numerous ghats, temples, and a vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions.

Historically, Varanasi has been a cultural and religious hub in Northern India for thousands of years. The city is a major center for music, education, and art, and has been an important hub of Indian philosophy, spiritualism, mysticism, and theology throughout history. This was the city where Buddha founded Buddhism around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma," at nearby Sarnath. Varanasi is often referred to as the "Spiritual Capital of India," attracting scholars, devotees, and tourists from around the world.

Varanasi is also a prime destination for tourists seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural experience. Among its numerous attractions are the sacred ghats where pilgrims perform rituals and prayers, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and the Ramnagar Fort and Museum. The city's narrow winding streets are lined with stalls selling a variety of goods from religious paraphernalia to silk sarees.

Shopping in Varanasi is an experience with its bustling markets like the Vishwanath Lane, where visitors can buy exquisite Banarasi silk sarees and fine silk fabrics, as well as brassware, intricate gold jewelry, and woodcraft. Local gastronomy is a must-try with a plethora of street food offerings that include chaats, kachoris, and the famous Benares paan.

The city's vibrant cultural scene is punctuated with numerous festivals throughout the year. Festivals such as Dev Deepavali, when thousands of diyas (lamps) are lit on the ghats, Mahashivratri, celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, and the Ganga Festival, celebrating the life-giving river, turn the city into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and festivities. These celebrations showcase Varanasi’s enduring legacy and rich cultural tapestry.