Mark Read

Varanasi Uttar Pradesh

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.

Top Sights

Unmissable sights for your itinerary

Discover more Sights

Discover more sights

Articles

Latest stories from Varanasi

Spirituality & Religion

The trip that changed my life: Varanasi, India

Jan 23, 2020 • 3 Min read

Not to sound melodramatic, but I didn’t think I was going to make it home. India was calling, and on my back was a bag half-full of 300 hypodermic needles.

Photography
Bangladeshi photographer snaps daily life in the holy city of Varanasi
Jun 23, 2017 • 2 Min read
Every year, the Indian city of Varanasi draws curious visitors from all around the world. Steeped in history, myth and ritual, ceremonies around death…
Art
Varanasi: how to survive – and thrive – in India's most atmospheric city
Jul 11, 2013 • 10 Min read
So you’ve visited the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and survived the crowds? You've earned your India stripes and now you're ready to take on…