Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The principal Shiva shrine and spiritual heart of Kashi. Allow extra time for security and walking through the old lanes.
← Back to booking
History and significance
Varanasi is among India’s most ancient continuously inhabited cities. Known traditionally as Kashi, it has been a centre of Hindu learning, pilgrimage, music and crafts for centuries. Nearby Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
✓ Sunrise boat ride on the Ganga
✓ Evening Ganga Aarti
✓ Ancient Kashi lanes
✓ Banarasi silk and music
Places you should definitely see
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The best-known setting for evening Ganga Aarti. Arrive early because the riverfront becomes crowded.
Assi Ghat
A calmer southern ghat, popular at sunrise and for the morning Subah-e-Banaras programme.
Sarnath
An essential Buddhist site with Dhamek Stupa, archaeological remains and a museum area.
Ramnagar Fort
An eighteenth-century riverside fort associated with the former Kashi royal family.
Banaras Hindu University
A major campus housing Bharat Kala Bhavan and New Vishwanath Temple.
Local insight
Combine cab drops with short walks because vehicles cannot enter many old-city lanes. Try a dawn ghat walk, kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat and Banarasi paan.