One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is India's holiest city, situated by the banks of the 'Mother Ganges' and the focal point of Hindu pilgrimages from across India.

Pilgrims come to Varanasi to bathe in the waters and to perform funeral rites along the Ghats (stone steps) which line the river. Over 2,000 Hindu Temples are found amongst the winding streets of old Varanasi.

Witnessing the passage of people and the rituals of life and death along the river can be amongst the most moving experiences of a tour of India.