These are the best places to travel this summer

Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh

India Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Crowd of people bathing in the Ganges.

Mark Read

Overview

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.

Lonely Planet's Recommended eSIM

Stay connected in Varanasi

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Must-see attractions

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Varanasi