Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities, and people have lived there since ancient times. There are so many Facts About Varanasi that you will be amazed to discover about these facts and trivia about this ancient holy city. The oldest Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva is in Varanasi and is known as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Varanasi has been a pilgrimage site for ancient Indians for millennia. It is said that whoever dies in Varanasi or Kashi attains moksha (freedom from life and death). Varanasi is deeply cultural and even more spiritual. You can plan a trip to Varanasi with Varanasi Excursion and experience the spiritual vibes.
Varanasi at a Glance
| Information | Details |
| Location | Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Also Known As | Kashi, Banaras |
| Famous For | Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, Ancient Ghats, Spiritual Heritage |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March (pleasant weather and major festivals) |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 2–3 days for the main attractions; 4–5 days with Sarnath and nearby excursions |
| Nearest Airport | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), about 25 km from the city centre |
| Nearest Railway Station | Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras Railway Station (BSBS), Kashi Railway Station (KEI) |
| Major Attractions | Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Bharat Kala Bhavan |
| Must-Do Experiences | Sunrise boat ride, Evening Ganga Aarti, Temple walk, Street food tour, Silk weaving visit |
| UNESCO Recognition | ‘City of Music’ under UNESCO Creative Cities Network |
| Local Languages | Hindi, Bhojpuri, English (widely understood in tourist areas) |
| Best Local Transport | Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis, cycle rickshaws, walking in the old city |
| Recommended Dress Code | Modest clothing, especially when visiting temples and religious sites |
| Photography | Allowed at most ghats and public areas; restricted inside Kashi Vishwanath Temple |
| Average Daily Budget | ₹1,500–₹3,000 (budget), ₹3,000–₹6,000 (mid-range), ₹6,000+ (luxury) |
| Famous Food | Banarasi Kachori, Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, Malaiyyo (winter), Banarasi Paan, Lassi |
| Popular Festivals | Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Ganga Dussehra, Kartik Purnima, Makar Sankranti |
| Time Required for Ganga Aarti | Around 45–60 minutes (arrive at least 45–60 minutes early for a good viewing spot) |
| Temple Timings | Most temples open early morning and close by late evening; timings vary by temple |
| Travel Tip | Book guided tours and boat rides in advance during festivals and the winter tourist season. |
25 Interesting Facts About Varanasi
The Facts About Varanasi are such that you will be surprised to find out about them. Some facts are well-known, while others are not so famous. You may have hardly heard about some facts about this ancient Indian city. Getting to know these facts will make your Varanasi tour even more memorable and thrilling. So if you are planning your Varanasi Tour Package with Varanasi Excursion, then you will enjoy Varanasi even more after knowing these amazing facts.
Varanasi Is Among the World’s Oldest Living Cities
You will find a very amazing fact about Varanasi, and that is that Varanasi is one of the oldest cities. In fact, people have been living in Varanasi for over 3000 years. Historians and archaeologists have enough evidence to suggest that human civilization has prospered in Varanasi from ancient times. Evidence of this has been found that dates back to 1200 BC. Mark Twain, the great American writer, has described Varanasi in the following words: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
Lord Shiva Is Believed to Have Founded Kashi
Hindu legends have mentioned that Lord Shiva founded Varanasi. In mythological times, Lord Shiva chose Kashi (the older name of Varanasi) as his abode and appeared here in the form of a shiv linga. This shiv linga has manifested itself, and no human being has made it. It is the first Jyotirlinga to appear on earth. This is the reason why Lord Shiva is directly connected to Varanasi. In fact, Kaal Bhairav, who is a fierce form of Lord Shiva, is considered to be the guardian deity of Varanasi. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple as Vishweshwara or Vishwanath (The Lord of the Universe).
Varanasi Has More Than 80 Ghats
The city of Varanasi is blessed with more than 80 ghats. It has 84 ghats on the Ganga River. This amazing facts about Varanasi will surprise you even more. With such a huge number of ghats, Varanasi ranks among the cities with the most river ghats in India. Each of these ghats is a place where you can experience culture, folk traditions, spirituality, and local street life of Varanasi. These ghats are public spaces where you can go for holy baths in the Ganga and do religious rituals. You can also meditate here, interact with the yogis, practice Yoga, and have a casual time in Varanasi. Each ghat has a name to it, and some of the famous ghats are Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and others.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Is One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas
There is a very strong reason why Varanasi is one of the holiest cities. The city is home to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This temple is not an ordinary temple, but a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide will be very handy for you to understand the spiritual significance of this temple. The Hindu god Shiva is one of the three major gods of Hindu mythology, and he is one of the three main gods, the others being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva appeared in Varanasi in the form of a Jyotirlinga, or pillar of light. He manifested himself in the physical form of a shiv linga, and this shiv linga is worshiped in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Kashi, which is the older name of Varanasi, is where Lord Shiva established himself first. So Varanasi has the first Jyotirlinga temple in India.
The Ganga Flows Northward in Varanasi
Although Ganga flows southeast naturally, in Varanasi, it flows northwards. The flow of the Ganga in Varanasi is from south to north. This is a very amazing fact about Varanasi that you should know. This is due to the tectonic fault and the Ramnagar cliff, which makes the flow of the Ganga northwards. This northern flow of the Ganga is most prominent between Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Hosts the Famous Ganga Aarti Every Evening
If you want to see the evening aarti in Varanasi, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat. This ghat is famous for its evening Ganga Aarti. This Ganga Aarti is almost 45 minutes in duration and is a ritual that takes place after sunset around 7.00 PM during summers and 6.45 PM in winters. The temple priests take huge lamps with them and sing Sanskrit hymns on Dashashwamedh Ghat. Hundreds of devotees sing in synchrony with the priests and accompany them. For anyone visiting Varanasi for the first time, here is our Ganga Aarti Guide for more details. The occasion is very grand and devotional. Although devotees take the early spots for the Ganga Aarti, some of them even hire boats and view the Ganga Aarti Boat ride.
Manikarnika Ghat Has Been a Cremation Ground for Centuries
You will not believe this amazing facts about Varanasi. Among the many ghats that are located in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is the holiest of ghats. And this ghat is open at all times of the day and even at night. The reason will astonish you, and it is an even more bizarre fact that you should know about Varanasi. Manikarnika Ghat is considered to be so sacred that cremations are done here and those who die here attain moksha. This is why Manikarnika Ghat is open 24 hours and people come here to cremate their loved ones. This ritual has been going on at Manikarnika Ghat for centuries.
Moksha Is the Main Reason Millions Visit Varanasi
The facts about Varanasi that is so very amazing is that it is the holiest of cities. Varanasi is the holy abode of Lord Shiva, and he chose this city as his favourite city in the whole of India. He chose to stay at Varanasi for an eternity, and this makes Varanasi so holy. It is a widespread belief that whoever dies in Varanasi does not take birth again in any form. In fact, people come to stay in Varanasi in their final years so that they can get moksha. Even spiritual people come to Varanasi to get spiritual insights from yogis and ascetics.
Varanasi Is Also Known as the City of Temples
The most amazing facts about Varanasi is related to temples. You will be surprised to know that Varanasi has around 23000 big and small temples and shrines. This is the reason why Varanasi is called the City of Temples. Among these temples are some major temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir. Most of these temples are located along the 84 ghats in Varanasi. But you will find temples in the interior parts of the city also.
Banarasi Silk Sarees Are Famous Worldwide
Did you know that Banarasi Silk Sarees have a GI tag? Yes, these are high luxury items that are hand-woven by the artisans in Varanasi. There are specific areas in and around Varanasi where these sarees are made. The artisans make use of special mulberry silk to make these sarees. They weave these sarees with special handloom techniques that have been perfected through centuries. They have gold and zari embroidery and opulent brocade work on them. The weaver can take months to make these sarees. A Banarasi silk saree can cost Rs.1,50,000 and above.
Sarnath Is Just a Short Drive Away
The Buddhist site of Sarnath is just 10 km from Varanasi. You can drive to Sarnath in just about 30 to 45 minutes by cab. In fact, you can go on the Sarnath Tour and return to Varanasi on the same day. In Sarnath, you can visit Buddhist monuments like Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar among others. Sarnath Museum has the Lion Capital of Ashoka, Buddhist sculptures, ancient relics, and galleries. Sarnath was the first place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to a few of his disciples. It ranks among the most historic sites for Buddhism in India.
Varanasi Is a Major Centre for Classical Music
The city of Banaras has been a major center of Hindustani Classical Music. The Banaras Gharana originated in Varanasi. Many famous artists like Bismillah Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar were born in Varanasi. The contribution of Varanasi to Indian Classical Music is immense. UNESCO has recognized this and has bestowed Varanasi with the title of a City of Music. You can catch a glimpse of this musical legacy of Varanasi by enjoying a musical programme at Assi Ghat. Varanasi also hosts major cultural festivals like Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh where reputed artists gather and perform their music.
The Narrow Lanes Hide Hundreds of Ancient Temples
In the intricate network of gallis of Varanasi, there are almost 2000 hidden temples. These gallis are the narrow alleys that run through Varanasi. A walk through these alleys will give you your best cultural experience of Varanasi. You will find some amazing temples and shrines here, like the subterranean Shiv linga. This Shiv linga is 40 ft under the ground, and you can have darshan of the Shiv linga only by peeping through the hole. Mrityunjaya Mahadev Temple is another temple, and there is a well near the temple, whose water has healing properties.
Dev Deepawali Is Celebrated on Every Ghat
We would urge you to try and visit Varanasi during the Dev Deepavali festival. This time usually falls in the last week of October or the first week of November. All the 88 ghats in Varanasi are illuminated during Dev Deepavali. In fact, you will see lights and lamps in all the houses of Varanasi. It is as if Varanasi is transformed into a glittering city at the time of this festival. Earthen lamps glow on the riverfront and cast their glowing reflections in the Ganga. You should go for the evening boat ride in Varanasi and view the breathtaking beauty of this sacred city with your own eyes.
Mark Twain Once Described Varanasi as Older Than History
One of the most amazing facts about Varanasi is deeply rooted in the history of Varanasi. The city is so old that it is impossible to trace its historical roots. Mark Twain, the famous American writer and author, has described Varanasi in the following words: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” His words portray Varanasi as one of the earliest cities to have existed continuously since ancient times. The next time you make a Varanasi tour plan with us, you can just remind yourself of these lines and reflect on the historic legacy of this ancient city.
Thousands Attend Subah-e-Banaras Every Morning
Subah-e-Banaras is the name given to Mornings in Banaras. It is not just a name, but a cultural experience of Varanasi, which you can have in the early morning hours on the ghats. The Subah-e-Banaras takes place every day at Assi Ghat. It is a showcase of spirituality, culture, and Yoga. People join a thousand others in Ganga Aarti in the morning. They chant Vedic hymns and sing in harmony with the temple priests. Morning yoga sessions take place, and classical music performances are held. This is the best chance to take a Ganga Boat ride and watch the spectacular sunrise over the Ganga.
Varanasi Is One of Hinduism’s Seven Sacred Cities
One of the most unique facts about Varanasi is related to its names. The old name of Varanasi is Kashi, and it is also called Banaras. Varanasi ranks among the seven spiritual centers in India. It is a Sapta Puri, or seven sacred places where you can get moksha. The pilgrimage cities also include Dwarka, Haridwar, Ujjain, Kanchipuram, Ayodhya, and Mathura. The collected Sapta Puri Yatra is a pilgrimage circuit that includes visiting these places. All these places are immensely sacred for the Hindus and are ancient cities that have mythological origins.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Has Improved Pilgrim Access
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a four-lane path that has created direct access between the temple and ghats on the Ganga. Previously, pilgrims had to walk through narrow lanes and congested gallis to reach the ghats or the temple. This made the darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple difficult for them. The corridor widened the approach road to the temple considerably and connected the ghats directly. Improvements were made, such as a viewing gallery, waiting rooms, a museum, a library, food courts, etc. The tourists get more pedestrian space to walk on and reduce their travel time.
Varanasi Has Inspired Countless Saints and Scholars
You can deny the facts about Varanasi, that it is counted among the oldest cities of India, it is not surprising to know that many ancient saints, rishis, and spiritual personalities were inspired by Varanasi. Swami Vivekananda, Adi Shankaracharya, and other prominent personalities spent some of their time in Varanasi. Sant Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas while sitting on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. Buddhist culture spread across the world from Varanasi. This heritage city has inspired countless people with its divine energy, cultural vibes, and spiritual wisdom.
Banarasi Cuisine Is as Famous as Its Temples
It is an amazing facts about Varanasi that it is a food connoisseur’s delight, and its street food dishes are famous all over the world. Banarasi Paan is the one thing that reminds us of the food culture of Varanasi. You will get North Indian food in Varanasi, but with a twist of its own flavours. While you visit temples and ghats in our Varanasi Tour Packages, do take time to taste the delicious street food of Varanasi. You can relish Banarasi Chaat, Thandai, Kachori, Samosa, Tamatar Chaat and other street food dishes of Varanasi during the tour. Some food dishes like Malai Toast are very innovative and tasty.
Boat Rides Offer the Best View of the Ghats
There is nothing more interesting than a boat ride on the Ganga in Varanasi. You can view all 88 ghats in Varanasi through this boat ride. Along with the ghats, you can view temples, shrines, the rituals on the ghats, and the local vibes of Varanasi from the boat. You can choose from types of boats, from wooden boats to motorized boats. Morning Boat Ride Tour and Varanasi sunset boat ride are available, and you can watch and participate in the Ganga Aarti boat ride. You can enjoy the panoramic views of Varanasi from the boat ride.
Festivals Transform the Entire City
Varanasi celebrates its festivals with full devotional energy and cultural events. You should plan your Varanasi trip during these events to experience the festive side of Varanasi. These festivals almost transform Varanasi into a dazzling and colourful city. Dev Deepavali is celebrated with great festive spirit in Varanasi. The entire city is lit with lamps and diyas. You can enjoy a Dev Diwali Boat Ride in Varanasi during this time and participate in the Ganga Aarti. Maha Shivratri is an immensely sacred festival where you will see a totally different side of Varanasi. Devotees take part in a massive procession and chant Har Har Mahadev. Other cultural festivals in Varanasi are Ganga Mahotsav and Mahindra Kabira Festival.
Every Ghat Has Its Own Story
If you find it amazing that Varanasi has got around 84 ghats, then it is still amazing to know that they have a story to tell. For example, Assi Ghat is named after the Assi River, which flows and meets the Ganga. Dashashwamedh Ghat is named after the yagna or sacred ritual called Dashashwamedh Yagna, where ten horses were sacrificed. Every ghat is special in its very own way. Scindia Ghat, for example, is famous for a Shiv temple, which is partially underwater. Panchganga Ghat is where people believe that five rivers meet. You should visit these ghats, and the best way to do so is to book our Varanasi Travel Packages.
Spiritual Tourism Continues Throughout the Year
It is not just in festival times that you can experience the spiritual side of Varanasi. In fact, you can visit Varanasi any time and have a first-hand experience of its spirituality. You can take part in charitable activities and do spiritual things in Varanasi. You can feel the spiritual vibes in Varanasi in many ways. From the Ganga Aarti to Mornings in Varanasi heritage walks in Varanasi, you can do many things and feel the spiritual vibes of Varanasi. We have designed our Varanasi Soul Tour to give you just the cultural and spiritual experience you want to feel in Varanasi.
Every Visit to Varanasi Feels Different
You will learn something new every time you visit Varanasi. This is an amazing facts about Varanasi that will surprise you. In fact, every season in Varanasi has its own charm. The early morning fog on the ghats during winter is simply too scenic. The side of Varanasi during monsoons is one of spirituality and culture. You can feel the warmth of the sun during peak summer. Every visit to Varanasi will reveal a different side of Varanasi you have not experienced before.
Lesser-Known Facts About Varanasi
- Varanasi has ancient stepwells known as Kunds. These kunds were community spaces, where people gathered for gossip and to worship their gods. Lokark Kund and Manikarnika Kund are two such kunds in Varanasi. They have the stepwell architecture, which is a unique feature of these stepwells.
- You may not believe the fact that Varanasi has around 110 Sanskrit schools. These do not look like schools with modern facilities of today. Rather, these are the gurukuls, where students used to learn from their gurus in ancient India. These gurukuls do not just teach Sanskrit, but also Vedic rituals and chants, Hindu philosophy, and other subjects.
- Varanasi has preserved its ancient culture, and one of the most striking reminders is the wrestling schools called Akhadas. These akhadas are located near the ghats and are schools where wrestlers get trained in wrestling and body building.
- Many shrines in Varanasi are such that they are located underground. Pita Maheshwar Mahadev Temple is one such shrine where the shiv linga is 40 feet under the ground. Varahi Devi Temple, Shri Manikarnikeshwar Temple and Lolark Kund are some other shrines where the main linga is deep under the ground.
- It is hard to believe, but a fact that the bazaars in Varanasi are centuries old. Vishwanath Gali and Chowk are centuries old places where traders traded for goods. You can still shop in these bazaars. Thatheri Bazaar and Godowlia Market are other market places which are centuries old.
💡 Did You Know?
- Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
- The city is also known as Kashi and Banaras.
- More than 80 ghats line the Ganges.
- The famous Ganga Aarti is held every evening.
- Banarasi silk sarees are recognised worldwide.
Explore Varanasi with Varanasi Excursion
It is one thing to explore Varanasi on your own and a totally different experience to explore Varanasi with Varanasi Excursion. Whether you are on a Morning Varanasi Tour or a 3 Day Varanasi trip, we are there at all times to serve you. Our guided Varanasi tours have become well-known among tourists.
We help you discover the hidden gems in Varanasi along with the popular sightseeing places. We can help you customize your Varanasi tour with your travel preferences and budget. You can choose from private sightseeing tours of Varanasi, Ganga Aarti, boat rides, excursions to Sarnath, and multi-day tour itineraries that include Varanasi.
You can stay in luxury hotels, travel in AC cabs, hire local guides, and gain deeper insights about Varanasi with our daily Varanasi heritage walks. Varanasi Excursion has designed the Varanasi tours with travel experts. You can experience the best of Varanasi with us and have an authentic cultural view of this sacred city. Just book a tour with Varanasi Excursion and be prepared to explore Varanasi like never before. We specialize in:
- Private city tours
- Sunrise boat ride
- Ganga Aarti tour
- Temple tours
- Sarnath excursions
- Customized itineraries
FAQ
Varanasi is popularly called the City of Death because Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi gives moksha.
Lord Shiva cursed the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.
The other names of Varanasi are Kashi and Banaras.
The cremation rituals take place at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.
It is not advisable to take Gangajal water from Kashi to your homes as it is very sacred water.
Yes, in fact, it is a must-do thing to bathe and have a holy dip in the Ganga at Varanasi.
Females are allowed in Manikarnika Ghat, but they are not allowed to participate in the death rituals.
You should be wary of fake babas and people who pose as ‘tour guides’. Do not fall into their trap when they offer you fast-track access to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
2 or 3 days are enough for visiting every major tourist attraction in Varanasi.
The winter season between October and March is considered to be the best time to visit Varanasi.
Varanasi is estimated to be at least 3000 years old.