Why visit
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Ganges-side ghats, dawn boat rides, evening aarti ceremonies, and Buddhist Sarnath nearby.
India at a glance
Country center
20.0°, 77.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
3,287,590 km²
1,269,345 mi²
Country population
1.44 billion
437/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Indian rupee (₹)
INR
Dial
+91
Languages
English, Hindi, Tamil
Demonym
Indian
Internet
.in
UN
Member state
ISO code
IN / IND
Where in the world
20.0° · 77.0°
India
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Did you know
- India has 22 official languages, and over 1,600 languages are spoken.
- The world's largest postal network is in India: over 155,000 post offices.
- Chess originated in India (called Chaturanga), around the 6th century CE.
- India was the first country outside the US and Russia to reach the Moon's surface (Chandrayaan-3, 2023).
Bordering India
Traveler notes
- Sunrise boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh
- Sarnath (where Buddha first taught)
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Varanasi
What currency is used in Varanasi?
Varanasi uses the Indian rupee (₹), ISO code INR.
What languages are spoken in India?
The primary languages are English, Hindi and Tamil.
What is the international calling code for India?
The calling code is +91.
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