Varanasi is one of India’s famous cities, with a history spanning at least 3,000 years. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in the northern part of the country, the city holds a central place in Hindu tradition and culture. Founded as an important city of the ancient kingdom of Kashi, Varanasi became a centre of Vedic religion and philosophy. The city was also known for its production of muslin and silk, perfumes, ivory work and sculptures. By the 6th century BC, Varanasi had become the capital of the Kashi kingdom and played an important role in the development of Buddhism, with the Buddha delivering his first sermon near Sarnath, which is part of northern Varanasi. The city continued to be a centre of religious, educational and artistic activity over the centuries.

Varanasi experienced a decline during three centuries of Muslim occupation, which began in 1194, when many of the city’s Hindu temples were destroyed. The Muslim occupation led to scholars fleeing to other parts of the country. However, the Mughal Emperor Akbar brought some relief to the city’s religious and cultural activities in the 16th century. Varanasi continued to be an important religious and cultural centre during the later British rule, and the city played a role in India’s independence movement. After India’s independence in 1947, Varanasi became part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, and the city has of course continued to be an important place in Hinduism, which can be clearly experienced on a visit today.

Varanasi’s famous ghats are, so to speak, a series of steps leading from the city down to the Ganges, where thousands of pilgrims come to perform religious rituals and ceremonies. The ghats are not only religious sites, but also an important part of India’s cultural heritage, reflecting the diverse traditions and customs of the people living in and around the city and the rest of India. Historically, the ghats were constructed by different kings and emperors over the centuries, and each ghat has its own unique history and significance.

Among the most famous ghats in Varanasi are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the most popular ghats and is the site of the daily Ganga Aarti, a ritual in which priests perform an elaborate ceremony with lamps, incense and flowers. It is said that Brahma created this ghat to welcome Shiva and perform a sacrifice of ten horses. Manikarnika Ghat is considered the holiest ghat in Varanasi and is the place for cremation of the dead. According to Hindu mythology, a person who is cremated at this ghat attains salvation and is freed from the cycle of birth and death. Harishchandra Ghat is also a famous ghat and is known for its association with charity and is considered one of the most auspicious places for performing charitable acts.

A boat ride on the Ganges during the ceremonies is an unforgettable experience. One of the most popular activities is a morning boat ride, where you can admire the sunrise over the ghats and watch the city wake up to the sound of prayers and bells. The boat ride provides a unique perspective on the sacred rituals that take place at the ghats, including the early morning dip in the Ganges, which is believed to cleanse the body and soul of sins. In the evening, take a boat ride to experience the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat, where priests perform a synchronized ceremony with fire, flowers and prayers, while thousands of spectators watch with devotion, and where funeral pyres are burned at several points along the river.

The ghats of Varanasi are also a center of art and culture. Many musicians, poets and artists find inspiration here, making Varanasi famous for classical music and dance. Events such as the Ganga Mahotsav celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage with music, art and delicious food. A walk along the ghats feels like stepping back in time, where ancient traditions and modern life coexist. Behind the ghats is a maze of narrow streets where small shops sell tea, flowers, silk and much more, adding to the charm of the city. Everywhere there are stories to hear and experiences to sense, whether from an elderly priest, a boatman or the decorations on the temple walls and the smoke from the ceremonies by the river.

With easy access to and from the Ganges, you can visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu Shiva temples in India. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple and was originally built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. It is one of the twelve so-called Jyotirlinga shrines, which are especially sacred to Shiva worshippers. The temple has undergone several destructions and reconstructions throughout history, and the current temple complex is a construction that was built after the destruction of the original temple by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1669. In 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, which connects the Ganges River to the temple, was inaugurated, which has significantly increased the number of visitors. Visitors can enjoy the impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere, and get acquainted with the prayers and ceremonies that thousands of pilgrims perform here daily.

A little south of the city center, on the eastern bank of the Ganges, you can visit the Ramnagar Fort, built in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Balwant Singh. The fort was constructed with light sandstone, which gives it a characteristic color. The fort was built on high ground, which protected it from flooding. The fort is a large complex that houses important parts such as the Veda Vyasa Temple and the Saraswati Bhawan, which is a museum that was formerly the Durbar Hall or public audience hall. The museum exhibits a unique collection of ornate palanquins, ivory works, medieval costumes, gold-embroidered palanquins and much more. You can also enjoy balconies, open courtyards and pavilions, typical of Mughal architecture. The fort is also known for its two white towers, which can be reached via a staircase leading to an archway and several courtyards. The private residence of the Maharaja is on one side of the tower, while the Durbar Hall is on the other.

For those interested in more history, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University. Bharat Kala Bhavan is a university museum that was founded on January 1, 1920 and has played an important role in disseminating knowledge about Indian art and culture. Originally established as Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad and later renamed as Bharat Kala Bhavan, the museum houses an extensive collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, manuscripts, Mughal artifacts, paintings, brocade textiles, modern art, etc. The museum also has a significant archaeological collection.