Half Day Tours

Evening Tours

Top attractions

Newly Added Varanasi Experience

Varanasi Travel Guide

Popular Tours Beyond Varanasi

More About Varanasi Tourism

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. The Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

The Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of the Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract, and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days. Varanasi has long been a center of Hindu revival, with Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 kilometers away. For millennia, knowledge, religion, history, devotion to God, and Indian arts and crafts have flourished here. Varanasi is also a Jains' pilgrimage site since it is thought to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Varanasi has long been regarded as a great center of study. Varanasi is known for promoting spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga, and the Hindi language, as well as renowned writers like Prem Chand, the ever-famous novelist, and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Varanasi, India's cultural capital, has created the ideal environment for all cultural events to thrive. Varanasi has produced many dance and music artists. Ustaad Bismillah Khan (the famous Shehnai player) and Ravi Shankar (the globally renowned Sitar maestro) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for a significant portion of their lives.