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About HelloBanaras

Last updated: 22 February 2026

Our story

Varanasi — Banaras, Kashi — is one of the world's oldest living cities. Its lanes, ghats, temples, and neighbourhoods hold countless places worth discovering, but finding them in one place hasn't always been easy. HelloBanaras was built to change that: a single, searchable directory of places across the city, so you can explore by category or neighbourhood and find what you need without jumping between multiple sources.

Our mission

We want to make it simple to discover and explore Varanasi — whether you're looking for a temple, a café by the ghats, a restaurant, a shop, or a hidden gem off the main streets. We combine publicly available data with owner-submitted information where possible, and we keep improving the directory so it stays useful for residents and visitors alike.

Why trust us

  • One place for everything — search by name, browse by category or neighbourhood, and see places on a map.
  • Transparent sourcing — we say where data comes from and encourage place owners to claim and update their listings.
  • Always improving — we add categories, areas, and features over time and welcome your feedback.

Get started

Explore the directory, search for a place, or browse by category and neighbourhood. Have a question or want to list your place? We'd love to hear from you.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Varanasi 🕉️ Varanasi – The Spiritual Heart of India Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, this city is a powerful symbol of Indian spirituality, culture, and timeless tradition.
In Kashi, particularly at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, devotees are generally not allowed to touch the Shivling directly. However, you can offer prayers and perform rituals from a respectful distance, as touching the Shivling is reserved for the priests during specific ceremonies.
Varanasi is also called Banaras due to its historical and cultural significance. The name "Banaras" is derived from the ancient name "Benares," which has been used for centuries, while "Varanasi" refers to the city’s location between the Varuna and Assi rivers. Both names reflect the city's rich heritage and its importance as a spiritual and cultural center in India.
Banaras, also known as Varanasi or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 3,000 years. It is considered a spiritual hub in Hinduism, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and is famous for its ghats along the Ganges River, where pilgrims perform rituals and seek salvation. The city's rich cultural heritage includes ancient temples, music, and arts, making it a significant center for learning and spirituality throughout history.
Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, with the Ganges River playing a central role in religious rituals and ceremonies. The city is also famous for its vibrant arts, music, and traditional crafts, making it a unique blend of history, spirituality, and culture.
Two days in Varanasi can be sufficient to experience the city's key highlights, such as the Ganges River ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and a boat ride at sunrise. However, to fully appreciate its rich culture, history, and spiritual atmosphere, a longer stay is often recommended.
Both Varanasi and Banaras refer to the same city in India. Varanasi is the official name, while Banaras is a traditional name that is still commonly used, especially among locals and in cultural contexts.