Varanasi

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. This is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Pilgrims come to the Ganges here to wash away sins in the sacred waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here, hoping for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Crowd of people bathing in the Ganges.

Mark Read

Book
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Varanasi? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your India trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to India

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Varanasi

Discover the best attractions in Varanasi from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Varanasi