About Kashi (Varanasi)
Varanasi, also called Kashi and Banaras, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its life runs along a crescent of stone ghats on the Ganga, where bathing, prayer, music and cremation happen in full view.
The city rewards early mornings and slow walking, with at least two full days.
Kashi Vishwanath
The golden-spired temple of Shiva is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, opened in 2021, now links it directly to the river. Phones are generally not allowed inside, so plan to leave them in lockers.
The ghats by boat
A sunrise boat ride from Dashashwamedh passes Assi, Manikarnika and the old palaces along the bank. In the evening, the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh fills the steps. Please be respectful around the cremation ghats and avoid photography.
Sarnath, silk and music
Sarnath, about 10 km away, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Banarasi silk weavers work in the Muslim quarters of the city, and classical music has a long home here. Try kachori sabzi and a Banarasi paan.
