Hidden Gems of Kashi: What Most Tourists Miss in Varanasi Varanasi doesn’t hide its magic—the river is right there, the aarti is loud enough to pull you in, and the famous ghats are always waiting. What gets missed are the quieter layers: lanes that smell of jasmine and woodsmoke, small shrines with no queues, and craftsmen working behind unmarked doors.
Varanasi Tourism: Balancing the Spirit of Kashi with the Art of Mindful Travel Varanasi, historically known as Kashi (the City of Light) or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in human history. For millennia, this sacred settlement on the banks of the River Ganges has drawn millions of domestic and international travelers. They come to witness its ancient stone steps, smoke-filled cremation pyres, and winding alleyways. However, navigating the city’s intense, high-energy environment can be overwhelming.