We are open today until 4:00 pm. Call 020 7590 0798
Varanasi, India

Varanasi

Spirituality unconfined

Varanasi tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Ancient Varanasi is dominated by the stone ghats, which line the sacred River Ganges, drawing pilgrims from across the world who come for their daily ritual ablutions. Founded by Shiva and known as ‘Kashi' or the City of Light, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and certainly India's holiest. The city is a maze of narrow alleys filled with wandering sadhus, flower sellers, astrologers and mourners in this ‘crossing place' between earth and the divine.

The Ghats

In Varanasi life and death is laid bare along the waterfront stone steps, or ghats, which line the banks of the River Ganges. There are more than a hundred ghats, along with pavilions, palaces, temples and terraces. At dawn Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred waters, or perform meditation and yoga. In the evening Brahmin priests perform synchronized puja, or worship. The burning ghats bear daily witness to the burning sandalwood-scented pyres of Hindu cremation rituals, performed by the ‘untouchables'.


Sarnath

Although it was in Bodh Gaya where the Buddha historically gained enlightenment under a peepul tree, it was at nearby Sarnath where he gave his famous sermon and created the first Buddhist Sangha community. The town is now a cluster of ruins and temples and one of the four places of pilgrimage for Buddhists, the others being Bodh Gaya, Lumbini and Kusinagar.

 

Read more

Top places to stay in Varanasi

Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas’ Express

Luxury train

The Maharajas’ Express combines some of India’s most enticing destinations with a raft of Raj-like experiences, from champagne breakfasts at the Taj Mahal to travelling by canopied camel cart for sundowners in the sand dunes of Bikaner.

Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Accommodation

Situated in the ancient city Varanasi, the Taj Ganges is regarded as one of the top five-star hotels in the city, complete with two restaurants, comfortable rooms and a gym and spa

Meet our Varanasi experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0798

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0798 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected