The spiritual capital of the country, Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, is a city on the banks of the holy River Ganges. It is the holiest of the Sapta Puri, or seven sacred cities, of both Hinduism and Jainism, and it also played a pivotal role in the development of Buddhism.
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Varanasi
Local areas in Varanasi
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Art and History
Varanasi Tour Packages by Taj Holidays
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Shop With The Locals
Shop With The Locals
Dal Mandi once used to be the courtesans’ street. Today, it is a bustling wholesale market that is frequented by locals and visitors alike. Everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to daily-use items ethnic lampshades, intricate brass lamps and traditional wall-hangings can all be found here.
Spice Up Your Life
Spice Up Your Life
Absorb the colours, aromas and rich flavours fresh spices at Kinari Bazaar. Bring back a whole or ground spices to recreate at home some of the authentic dishes you enjoyed on your visit to this beautiful city.
Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple
The most sacred temple in India’s Holy City, the Vishwanath Temple sees thousands of visitors waiting to get a glimpse of Lord Shiva’s idol. The temple, in its current form, was built by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. In 1859, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore had the tower and dome plated in gold.
Banaras Hindu -University
Banaras Hindu -University
Established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with over twenty thousand students. Its lush campus is also home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which has a priceless collection of Indian paintings.
Participate in the evening Ganga aarti
Participate in the evening Ganga aarti
Watch this spellbinding daily evening ritual performed by temple priests at the main Dashashwamedh Ghat. Breathe in the sweet smell of sandalwood and be entranced by the swirling flames of the dozen lamps used to perform the famed Ganga aarti.
Soak in the history
Soak in the history
Visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon upon attaining nirvana. Roam through the ruins of monasteries, pay your respects at the stupa housing Buddha’s relics, and be mesmerised by the incredible sculptures on display at the Archaeological Museum next door.
Sarnath
Sarnath
A short drive outside the city, Sarnath is the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first discourse after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa marks the spot at where Gautam Buddha gave his sermon. You will also see a section of the massive Ashoka Pillar here.
Get a taste of Varanasi
Get a taste of Varanasi
Varanasi’s soul beats in its narrow, winding bylanes, and wandering through them to the famed ghats that front the holy River Ganga is the best way to get to know this city. Wander along lanes like Dal Mandi, Manikarnika Galli and Vishwanath Galli to soak in the atmosphere.
Let The Magic Overwhlem You
Let The Magic Overwhlem You
Dashashwamedh Ghat is thronged by massive crowds every evening as locals and visitors come together to witness the Ganga aarti, a dramatic evening lighting of the holy flame, performed by local priests. This one-hour ceremony can also be enjoyed from a boat on the river for a unique experience.
Roam through Dal Mandi
Roam through Dal Mandi
Walk around Dal Mandi, a unique wholesale market, to find fragrant incense sticks, sandalwood, ethnic brass lamps, vibrant lampshades and other exquisite items that are difficult to find in compelling varieties.
Bring back the flavours of Varanasi
Bring back the flavours of Varanasi
Step into any of the spice-trading shops in Kinari Bazaar to shop for aromatic Indian spices to recreate for yourself, the flavours of Varanasi.
Look upon a beautiful temple
Look upon a beautiful temple
: Walk through quaint lanes to get to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, India’s holiest Hindu temple. Marvel at the towers, plated in gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. Offer a prayer to Lord Shiva along with thousands of other Hindu devotees, who pilgrim to this temple at least once in their lifetime.
Sail Down The Ganga At Sunrise
Sail Down The Ganga At Sunrise
Wake at the crack of dawn and head down to the ghats to go on a boat ride on the Ganga River. Watch as the skies turn from pink to goldenand witness the city welcome a new day, asits citizens come to bathe, pray,and meditate on the steps leading down to the river.
Bring Back A Piece Of History
Bring Back A Piece Of History
An authentic Banarasi silk is like a family heirloom – it lasts forever and and is passed down generation to generation by the women of the family. Buy some gorgeous works, shot through with rich brocade, and pick up shawls, stoles and coin bags as souvenirs from Mehrotra Silk Factory.
The Banaras Hindu University is one of Asia’s largest residential institutions. Journey through the campus, which houses four institutes, fourteen faculties and over twenty-thousand students. Stop by at the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which showcases a fantastic collection of miniature Indian paintings.
Immerse Yourself In The City
Immerse Yourself In The City
Varanasi lives in its ghats and winding bylanes, which were reputedly designed to be very narrow to prevent invasions. Take a walk through lanes like Dal Mandi, Vishwanath Galli and Manikarnika Galli to the ghats on the riverfront for an experience like no other. It is the best way to take in the sights and sounds of a city stuck in time.
Take a sunrise boat ride
Take a sunrise boat ride
Head to the ghats while it is still dark and enjoy a ride on one of the traditional boats. Hear the sound of the oars, see the colours of the skies change from inky black to gold, witness the bustling activity on the ghats of the Holy Ganges, as the locals perform their daily ablutions and enjoy the serenity of the moment.
Hotels Nearby
Taj Nadesar Palace
Taj Nadesar Palace
Nadesar Palace grounds, Varanasi
Nadesar Palace grounds,
Varanasi
20.6km from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Built by the British East India Company, this historical property is spread across 25 acres of lush gardens. The hotel offers a choice of palace rooms, historical suites, and royal suites.
Located in One of World's Oldest Cities
Set Amidst Mango orchards and Jasmine Fields
23.5 Kilo meters from Airport
Luxurious Indian Wellness Treatments