Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Best time to visit

October to March

The cooler, drier months from October to March are the peak season and the most comfortable for walking the ghats and lanes. Diwali falls in autumn and Holi in March, both lively times to be here. Hotel prices rise and rooms near the river fill quickly in peak season, so book ahead. Summers are very hot.

History and culture

Varanasi is often described as among the oldest living cities on earth. In tradition it was first called Kashi, and Hindu belief holds that Lord Shiva lived here. By the close of the 2nd century BC it was already a thriving and prosperous center. Over the centuries it became a hub of learning in philosophy, Sanskrit, yoga, medicine, music, and dance, and it remains known for Banarasi silk brocades with zari work. Hindus come here to bathe in the Ganges and, ideally, to die or be cremated in hope of moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The city has roughly 3,000 Hindu temples and shrines, and about a third of its residents are Muslim, whose artisan traditions are central to the textile trade. Nearby Sarnath is where the Buddha gave his first sermon, adding a major Buddhist layer to the city's heritage. Festivals such as Diwali and Holi are celebrated with particular vigor.

Sights

Places to see. 7 places besides the lead pick.

Food and drink

Places to eat and drink. 6 places.

Stays

Places to sleep. 7 places.

Articles it was based on

The pages the research read. Each opens on its own site.