Banaras
As India as It Gets
Attractions
Banaras Ke Sitare
Kabir Das: Mystic Poet & Saint
Kabir was a 15th-century poet-saint whose dohas (couplets) are deeply embedded in the Bhakti movement. Born in a weaver’s family, he challenged orthodoxy with spiritual wisdom accessible to the common people.
His poetry remains foundational in Indian mysticism and is revered across Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
Kabir was born, lived, and spread his teachings from Banaras. The Kabir Chaura Math is still a spiritual center built in his memory.
Notable Work: Bijak, Kabir Granthavali
Born: 1440, Lahartara, Varanasi Died: 1518
Ustad Bismillah Khan: Shehnai Maestro
Revered for popularising the shehnai as a classical instrument, Bismillah Khan spent most of his life in the narrow lanes of Banaras.
Though born in Bihar, he considered Banaras his soul and never moved despite global fame. He often played on the banks of Ganga and at Vishwanath Temple.
Bharat Ratna
Born: March 21, 1916, Dumraon (Bihar), lived in Varanasi Died: August 21, 2006
Munshi Premchand: Novelist
One of the greatest Hindi-Urdu writers of India. Known for realistic portrayals of village life, poverty, and social injustice. His pen brought rural India’s unspoken struggles to the literary forefront.
A pioneer of modern Indian literature, Premchand’s novels and short stories are part of school curricula and cultural memory.
Born in Lamhi village near Varanasi and deeply influenced by the city’s social and cultural texture.
Famous Works: Godaan, Nirmala, Karmabhoomi, Shatranj Ke Khiladi
Born: July 31, 1880, Lamhi (near Varanasi) Died: October 8, 1936
Pandit Ravi Shankar: Sitar Virtuoso & Composer
A world-renowned sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar played a pivotal role in bringing Indian classical music to the global stage. His emotionally rich performances and collaborations with artists like George Harrison and Yehudi Menuhin transformed how the world heard India.
Honoured with Bharat Ratna, multiple Grammy Awards, and global acclaim, he remains a towering figure in world music.
Born and raised in Varanasi, his early life in the culturally rich city shaped his artistic foundation and spiritual leanings.
Famous Works: West Meets East, Concert for Bangladesh, Chants of India
Born: April 7, 1920, Varanasi Died: December 11, 2012Itineraries
3-Day Spiritual Immersion
- Subah-e-Banaras • Kashi Vishwanath • Annapurna Devi • Sankat Mochan • Kabir Chaura Math • Tulsi Ghat • Sarnath • Ganga Aarti
2-Day Banaras Food Trail
- Kachori Sabzi • Malaiyo • Chena Dahi Vada • Lassi • Thandai • Tamatar Chaat • Paan • Baati Chokha • Launglata • Kheer Kadam
1-Day Spiritual Snapshot
- Subah-e-Banaras • Assi to Dashashwamedh Boat Ride • Kashi Vishwanath • Annapurna Devi • Sankat Mochan • Durga Mandir • Ganga Aarti
Banaras in their Words
Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.
Mark Twain
The great American author stood at the ghats of Banaras and saw a city that felt timeless, whispering stories of ages past.
Thickly populated and very prosperous... a great center of religious learning.
Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang)
The 7th-century monk from China found Banaras overflowing with knowledge, a beacon of philosophy and faith
Benaras is the heart of Hinduism, the place where the pulse of India beats most strongly.
Annie Besant
A crusader for Indian spirituality, Annie Besant found the soul of India pulsing through Banaras’s lanes and temples
Benares is a large and beautiful city, filled with merchants and skilled craftsmen.
Ralph Fitch
In the 16th century, Fitch wandered into Banaras and marveled at its colorful markets and vibrant artisan life.
To the ordinary Indian, Varanasi is a magical, sacred place where the divine is immanent.
Aldous Huxley
For Huxley, Banaras was a place where every breath, every sight shimmered with the presence of the divine.
The city of Banaras is the chief seat of learning in India.
Abu'l-Fazl
From the court of Emperor Akbar, Abu’l-Fazl celebrated Banaras as a fountain of scholarship, tradition, and wisdom.
Varanasi is My most beloved city, closer to My heart than even Heaven.
