Varanasi
City of Lights
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities — and the holiest in Hinduism. Varanasi sits on the west bank of the Ganges, where 88 ghats step down to the river and pilgrims have come to die for over 3,000 years.
The Holiest City in Hinduism
Varanasi — also called Kashi ("City of Light") and Banaras — sits on the western bank of the Ganges in northern India. Hindu tradition makes it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with archaeological evidence of settlement going back at least 3,000 years. Mark Twain wrote that Varanasi is "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together".
The city is sacred to Hindus because Lord Shiva is said to have founded it. Dying in Varanasi — and being cremated on the Manikarnika or Harishchandra ghats — is believed to break the cycle of reincarnation and grant moksha (liberation). The Manikarnika ghat has been burning continuously for at least 2,500 years; around 300 cremations happen there every day.
Beyond death, Varanasi is also a city of music (the home of sitar legend Ravi Shankar), of silk weaving (Banarasi silk saris are India's most prized), and of Buddhism — the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, 10 km north of the city. Swotah Travel arranges Varanasi as a 2-3 day add-on to most India-Nepal multi-country itineraries.
Things to do in Varanasi
Standout experiences hand-picked by our local guides.
- 01Dawn Boat on the GangesThe single most unforgettable Varanasi experience — sunrise from a wooden boat as the ghats come alive with bathing pilgrims.
- 02Ganga Aarti CeremonyThe nightly fire-puja ritual at Dashashwamedh ghat. Seven priests, hundreds of oil lamps, conch shells — every evening, 365 days a year.
- 03Manikarnika Cremation GhatThe main cremation ghat where Hindu funeral rites have continued unbroken for at least 2,500 years. Respectful observation only — no photos.
- 04SarnathWhere the Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka pillar mark the site, 10 km from town.
- 05Kashi Vishwanath TempleOne of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva — the holiest Shiva temple in India. Recently expanded with a new corridor to the river.
- 06Banaras Silk WeaversVisit a weaver's home in the old Muslim quarter where Banarasi silk saris are made — a craft 500 years old.
- 07Galleries of the Old CityWalking the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Galli — cows, ascetics, shrines and tea stalls every few metres.
- 08Assi GhatThe southernmost main ghat — quieter than Dashashwamedh, with morning yoga sessions and a more local atmosphere.
Best time to visit Varanasi
Avoid the brutal Indian summer. November-February is gentle; the monsoon months are humid but possible.
- MONSOONSpringMarch – MayApril and May reach 40°C+ in the afternoon. Dawn and evening on the ghats remain pleasant but daytime sightseeing is punishing.18°C – 40°C
- MONSOONSummerJune – AugustMonsoon season. Floods can submerge the lower ghats; the river runs muddy. Some ferry services suspend during peak flow.25°C – 35°C
- ★ BEST SEASONAutumnSeptember – NovemberThe diwali season — the Ganga Aarti is at its grandest. Dev Diwali (November) lights every ghat with thousands of oil lamps.18°C – 32°C
- ★ BEST SEASONWinterDecember – FebruaryThe most comfortable months — cool mornings on the river, warm sun by midday. Some fog can delay dawn boats in late December.6°C – 22°C