Varanasi or Benaras or Kasi, an old and perennial city which symbolises Hindu ethos and its timeless tradition, is also a cornucopia of chaos, colours and the Ganga. The ghats, as we all know, draws devotees and curious travellers alike. But is it only about the ghats or the aarti or the holy men? The labyrinthine lanes are where the city’s art and architecture come together, where locals interact on their own terms and don’t have to deal with the hustle and bustle of the ghats. Moving away from the usual ‘things to do’, here we give you a glimpse of a Benaras we often overlook.

On an early morning boat ride on the Ganga, a tour guide spins tall tales about the city
On an early morning boat ride on the Ganga, a tour guide spins tall tales about the city
Koushik Chatterjee
Little lamps float by on the river in perfect formation
Little lamps float by on the river in perfect formation
Koushik Chatterjee
Father and son check out the scene on the ghats
Father and son check out the scene on the ghats
Koushik Chatterjee
Young flower vendors prepare for a long and busy day
Young flower vendors prepare for a long and busy day
Koushik Chatterjee
Benaras has many palm-readers and horoscope tellers. One such gentleman concentrates hard on telling the future
Benaras has many palm-readers and horoscope tellers. One such gentleman concentrates hard on telling the future
Koushik Chatterjee
This dog takes her siesta very seriously
This dog takes her siesta very seriously