Luxury Varanasi
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India's Holiest City

An ancient settlement on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is India’s spiritual capital and important among numerous faiths.

Formerly known as Kashi or Benares, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world – evocatively described by Mark Twain as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend” – and has been a religious centre of northern India for several thousand years.

For Hindus, it is on the original ground created by Shiva and Parvati, the holiest of the seven sacred cities, and it is thought that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism when he gave his first sermon in nearby Sarnath, and Guru Nanak Dev stayed in the city collecting writings on his path to founding Sikhism.

Varanasi’s 84 ghats – stone embankments that step down into the Ganges – are its most iconic sight. Most are crowded with pilgrims performing ritual ablutions in the river waters while a few are used solely for cremation. Sublime and sometimes shocking to visitors, the whole experience is utterly unforgettable.

The rest of city is home to some 23,000 temples, the sandstone Ramnagar Fort and numerous centres of education, philosophy, music and art. Small-scale industries and household production employ most of Varanasi’s residents and its winding alleyways are one of the best places to find fine silks, carpets and crafts.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

Witness the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges

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Experience the evening Aarti prayer, one of the most important and popular ceremonies of the Hindu faith

Explore a few of Varanasi's many temples

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Try spotting some of the city’s 23,000 temples

Luxury accommodation in Varanasi

There are many incredible places to stay in Varanasi. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Varanasi

Brijrama Palace
Set on the banks of the holy River Ganges on one of Varanasi’s 87 ghats is Brijrama Palace, an opulent hotel that is perfect for those that want to be close to the heart and soul of this deeply spiritual city. Built in the 18th century by the Royal House of Nagpur, the palace has been lovingly restored. Murals, hand-painted ceilings and beautiful carvings revealed during the restoration have brought it back to life, ensuring the building is in keeping with this most atmospheric of cities. The hotel is approached by boat, immediately giving you the sense you are entering somewhere special. The central courtyard is filled with plants and sculptures and surrounded by a series of ornate pillars and arches cut from sandstone. Barnasi silk and gold leaf is used throughout the hotel and rooms are furnished with wooden four poster beds and beautiful Indian fabrics. You’re ideally situated to explore the city, a stone’s throw from Dasashwamedh Ghat where the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place. As people flock with their offerings, the river becomes a blanket of twinkling lights with oil lamps and flowers carried along the water. The restaurant serves delicious vegetarian cuisine while tea, freshly ground coffee and traditional thandai can be enjoyed outdoors. In the evening there is live classical music in the lounge. There are few places on earth quite like Varanasi, so make sure you set aside some time to head to the rooftop and soak up its incredible and unique atmosphere.
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Personalised design

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Authentic experiences

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Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Varanasi example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Tigers, Temples and the Taj

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A Luxury Grand Tour of India

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Whatever you want from your Varanasi tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Meet your Indian Subcontinent team

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