Varanasi - Historical city in northern India

Varanasi, once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Some people believe that Varanasi is a must see destination on any trip to northern India. Others do not find it particularly interesting to see Hindus bathing themselves in the Ganges, and are turned off by the feces that floods the Ganges and covers the alleys of Varanasi.


By foot is the only way to see the waterfront and the ghats but be ready to be hot, sweaty, and lost - locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction. The names of ghats and signs pointing to restaurants and hotels are often painted on the walls in Roman letters. For better orientation, walk into any book store and pick up a small guide/map book that will have the list of all the ghats and their historical background. 

A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims, and riverside Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these.

Varanasi Ghats

Some of the main ghats, from north to south:

•  Panchganga Ghat
•  Manikarnika Ghat
•  Dasaswamedh Ghat
•  Rana Ghat
•  Kedar Ghat
•  Narad Ghat
•  Harishchandra Ghat
•  Hanuman Ghat
•  Shivala Ghat
•  Tulsi Ghat

Varanasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations as such: instead, the experience is in watching the spectacle of life and death on the river and meandering through the alleys of the old city.

Vishwanath Temple

Kaal Bhairav Temple

Durga Temple

Banaras Hindu University

Gauri Matha Temple

Sarnath