Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India

<p>The religious and cultural heartbeat of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/india"><u>India</u></a> can be found in Varanasi, the most sacred city for Hindus, and the oldest living city in the world, dating back to 2,000 BCE. Also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi, Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism. Devout Hindus believe that if you die here, you will be forever liberated from the endless cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation). However, if you did not have the luck to die in Varanasi, your ashes can be immersed in the Ganges for salvation.</p><p>I’ve heard many people say that Varanasi is the best place to end your journey, but in my opinion, Varanasi is the ideal place to begin your travels in India. It’s only here where you’ll begin to understand many other things about the country itself, like its caste system, Hindu beliefs, birth status, customs and so much more. Here are some of the key things to see and do in this deeply spiritual city.</p><h3><strong>The Ganges River</strong></h3>

<blockquote><p>“<i>The Ganga is the river of India, beloved of her people, round which are intertwined her racial memories, her hopes and fears, her songs of triumph, her victories and her defeats. She has been a symbol of India’s age-long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga.</i>”<br>-Jawaharlal Nehru</p></blockquote><p>It’s hard to put into words the all-encompassing significance of the Ganges, or Ganga, to Indians. The revered ‘mother river’ of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/india"><u>India</u></a> originates in the Himalayas, snakes through northeast India, and empties in neighbouring Bangladesh. Considered a living goddess and featuring in many Hindu creation stories, the Ganges is sacred all along its 2,525-kilometre (1,569-mile) route. It’s said that bathing in its waters (especially on auspicious days) will destroy ten lifetimes of sins. Her eternal waters nourish, feed and give life to millions of Indians in this cradle of civilization.</p><h3><strong>Vishwanath Temple</strong></h3><p>The most famous temple in town, the golden gleam of Vishwanath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities of Hinduism; it was first built in 1776. If you visit the temple, you won’t be allowed to take bags, cameras, phones, or electronic devices in; it may be best to simply leave them at your hotel (or deposit them in lockers on-site). It’s said that bathing in the Ganges and visiting this temple will absolve you of your sins.</p>

<h3><strong>The Ghats of Varanasi</strong></h3><p>Especially in Varanasi, you will see the unblemished, everlasting pageantry of the cycle of life and death on full display. The city’s famed ghats, a series of stepped embankments built along the banks of the Ganges River, are awash with activity, ancient rituals and practices, to the everyday mundane. You’ll see people bathing, washing laundry, engaging in commerce, paying respect to loved ones through ritual cremation and much more. Some of the ghats are designated for cremations and puja (ritual devotionals), and others for bathing.&nbsp;There are 88 ghats in the city; these are just a few of the most notable.</p>

<h4><strong>Manikarnika Ghat</strong><br>&nbsp;</h4><p>Mentioned as early as the 5thC in records, Manikarnika Ghat is the main burning ghat, where bodies are cremated to receive moksha (liberation). It’s also the source of two Hindu creation legends. Hindus believe that this is the ideal place to be cremated; dead bodies are handled and cremated in grand funeral pyres by <a href="https://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/in-varanasi-a-lifetime-spent-in-a-world-of-death/?mcubz=0"><i>doms</i></a>, outcasts, who are also tasked with keeping the eternal flames of the ghats burning. Many <i>doms</i> have become quite wealthy as they preside over cremation ceremonies and other rituals.</p>

<h4><strong>Dashashwamedh Ghat</strong></h4><p>The most colourful and impressive ghat of all, you’ll find nightly rituals performed by priests here at at 7 p.m. every single day of the year. The <i>agni puja</i> is a fire offering and worship to Lord Shiva, the Ganges River, the sun, the nature of fire and the universe itself. Its name derives from the Hindi legend that ten horses were sacrificed here by Lord Brahma, and that it was created to welcome Lord Shiva himself. It is also the closest ghat to Vishwanath Temple.</p>

<h3><strong>Get Lost</strong></h3><p>Simply walking around this indescribable city and its ages-old, maze-like streets, is something that must be experienced. No matter where you are, most streets lead to the ghats along the Ganges — no map necessary.</p>

<h3><strong>Silk Shopping</strong></h3><p>A centre of silk in the country, experiencing the ritual of silk shopping in Varanasi is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. It’s a whole ritual here: there’s a bit of colour, flair and flamboyance as merchants display their wares for you. Sit down for a tea, have a chat and shop away!</p><h3><strong>Sarnath</strong></h3><p>The religious atmosphere pervading Varanasi can also be found in nearby Sarnath (also known as Isipatana), about 13 kilometres (8 miles) to the northeast, where&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha">Gautama Buddha</a>&nbsp;founded Buddhism in 528 BCE when he gave his <a href="https://tricycle.org/magazine/the-first-sermon-of-the-buddha/">first sermon</a> here. You’ll see still-standing stupas, and an 80-foot statue of the Buddha. This popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists also features additional Buddhist temples supported by various nations: China, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and more, all worth a look.</p>

<h3><strong>Make a Move</strong></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Another popular activity to do in India is taking a traditional yoga class. What better place to practise than in the country of its origin? One of B&amp;R’s good friends, Smrti, who comes from a family of yoga instructors, often leads classes in town. There’s nothing like working your way through a series of sun salutations (maybe even as the sun rises) in the city.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/india"><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);"><i><u>India</u></i></span></a><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);"><i> is like no other place in the world. Discover all the charm with none of the chaos on a </i></span><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/india"><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);"><i><u>B&amp;R adventure</u></i></span></a><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);"><i> to this far-off land.</i></span></p>

Discover Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart—where ancient rituals, sacred ghats, and the Ganges River reveal a deeply immersive cultural and religious experience.


Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India | Culture, Rituals & the Ganges

India

<p>India is like no other place in the world. You’ll see things that you would never have imagined and witness surprises you’ll never forget. As you travel through a vibrant collage of farmland and villages, hills and valleys, prepare to be overwhelmed by the people, the history and the chaos—and to be amazed by the sights, sounds, tastes and smells. India is not a country to elicit indifference. All your senses will be stimulated during your time here, so take the time to appreciate the enormity of the experience. &nbsp;</p>

A tapestry of colour, culture and tradition

See the Taj Mahal at sunrise, explore Rajasthan's royal palaces and track tigers in Ranthambore on a bespoke luxury India tour with expert guides since 1970.

Luxury Private Tours India | Butterfield & Robinson

Breathtaking Landscapes

Regional Expertise

Cultural Immersion

<p>India doesn’t just show you things, it shakes you up—in the best way possible. One moment you’re dodging tuk-tuks in a city older than time, the next you’re sipping chai in a jungle retreat. With ancient temples, bold flavours and soul-stirring colour everywhere, India offers sensory overload, with meaning. And with our local friends, you get the real magic.</p>

A kaleidoscope of vivid exploration

Bike Rajasthan's golden forts, safari for tigers and sleep in converted maharaja palaces on a custom itinerary. India's most extraordinary experiences, built

India Private Tours: Rajasthan Forts, Tiger Safaris & Palace Stays

Witness the Taj Mahal twice at golden hour, get exclusive access to Jaipur's shimmering pink City Palace after dark, and experience the rich culture, natural wonders and warm hospitality that make Rajasthan such a special place. When you're not hopping from one regal palace hotel to the next, you'll set out to track leopards on exhilarating safaris, discover why Jodhpur is dubbed the 'Blue City,' and follow your nose through secret bazaars to a kaleidoscope of spices and fragrant cuisine. This trek through India's most colour-infused state is a journey fit for the Maharaja, where the sights, sounds and flavours of rural Rajasthan are like sensory overload. 

In the Wild

Luxurious Stays

Historic Sites

<p>India is sensory overload in the best possible way. Zipline Jodhpur’s blue skies, cycle hidden Rajasthan roads, and track leopards through Jawai’s hills (by jeep, of course). From candlelit forts and spice-scented kitchens to sunrise safaris and secret dinners, this 60th Anniversary ride is India served with a side of wonder—and plenty of masala.</p>

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designers

Spend 6 nights in Rajasthan in a small group for B&R's 60th. Desert fortress cycling in Jodhpur, a Ranthambore tiger safari and a stay in a converted

Varanasi: The Spiritual Heart of India

By Karen MacRae

India

Company

Essentials

Connect