Known as the world’s oldest and continually inhabited city, Varanasi is a time-honoured city of spiritual bliss and historic remnants. The city is marked with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways lined with houses, myriad of shops, innumerable holy Ghats, crowded streets, heritage monuments and age-revered temples. Varanasi offers a spiritual charm along with the essence of a simple and ritualistic lifestyle. It is a unique example of ‘Unity in diversity’ from the religious point of view; the multi-religious aspect of the place will astonish you. The ethereal blaze of the evening aarti along the banks of River Ganges is a mesmerizing sight. Behold the glory of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Benares Hindu University, Ramnagar Fort and Museum and many more heritage sites. Soak in the holistic eternity that this old city adorns. Discover the spiritual activities and erstwhile grandeur of the city. If you are planning for a city tour, do keep Varanasi on your to-visit list, and unfold the mystical resplendence of the city.
How To Reach Varanasi ?
Located just 18 km away from the main city, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport serves Varanasi. It is the nearest airport to the city, situated in the north-west direction. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Jet Airways and Vistara are the domestic airlines operating in this city. They directly connect Varanasi with the other Indian cities like Agra, Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad. In 2005, the airport was granted international status and since then it is well-connected with few of the international cities like Sharjah, Kathmandu, Colombo and Bangkok. The international lines that operate in this airport are the Air India Express, Buddha Air, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia.
Varanasi is well-connected to other cities via National Highways 2, 7, 29 and 56. The major cities it is linked with via road are Kolkata, Kanpur, Agra, New Delhi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Jaunpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Salem, Madurai, Kanyakumari etc.
Journey Suggestion: State-run buses as well as private-run AC buses are available for travelling to Varanasi. However, one should judiciously select a transport operator for travelling to the place during winters as the city is covered with thick fog. The city interiors might be congested which can increase your travel time.
Varanasi Junction, or the Varanasi Cant. Railway Station is the largest railhead in the city that serves almost 360,000 passengers daily. 240 trains pass through the city connecting it with some of the major cities like Surat, New Delhi, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kolkata and many others.
Darbhanga Ghat
Photographers, take note: Darbhanga Ghat offers the best opportunity to get amazing shots of Varanasi. The stairs leading down to the riverbank are crowned by the ultra-luxurious BrijRama Palace, an old fort that has since been converted into a heritage hotel. The property’s Greek pillars and rounded balconies give the area (and your photographs) a regal backdrop. Plan […]
Kashi Vishwanath
Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike travel for thousands of miles to reach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred attraction around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near the Manikarnika Ghat. The impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned the nickname “The Golden Temple” for its striking spire — plated in some 800 kilograms of […]
Sarnath
Hinduism certainly has a stronghold on Varanasi, but Buddhism has a major presence less than 12 kilometers away in the village of Sarnath. Here, you’ll find the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone and brick structure that’s 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters in diameter. The stupa was built more than 1,500 years ago as a replacement […]
Manikarnika Ghat
Plumes of smoke swirl toward the sky at Manikarnika Ghat. No, it’s not from a factory — it’s from the perpetual cremations that happen on this ghat. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). The funeral pyre at this […]
Ramnagar Fort
There are few destinations in India without a fort, and Varanasi is no exception. About 14 kilometers from the city center, you’ll find Ramnagar Fort. The 18th-century sandstone fort and palace is no longer used as a defensive structure, but instead houses a quirky museum brimming with vintage automobiles, elaborate hookahs, antique weapons, sedan chairs decked out […]
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University has been a central part of Varanasi’s identity since its inception in 1916. The well-respected public university is home to more than 25,000 students, making it one of Asia’s largest residential universities. There are no hill stations near Varanasi, so if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds and busy city, […]
Assi Ghat
When it comes to famous places in Varanasi, the city’s southernmost main ghat regularly tops the list. Assi Ghat’s star attraction is a Shiva lingam (phallic representation of the Hindu deity) beneath a sacred fig tree. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come to worship Lord Shiva after rinsing in the Ganges River. Feeling a little stiff […]
Dasaswamedh Ghat
The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. You can spend hours people watching in this area during the day. Hindu […]
Ganges River
Named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges River is one of the most revered natural sites in India. The river extends southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. Between 400 million and 600 million people rely on the Ganges River to provide water for daily bathing and drinking. Hindus come to Varanasi […]
Things To Do In Varanasi
Witness Grandeur Evening Aarti Ceremony
Watching Evening Aarti Ceremony is certainly once in a lifetime experience. The spectacular event must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat, where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of your eyes. Brass lamps of large sizes are used during this event, which is accompanied by chants and crowds of people waiting to pray.
Visit at least an hour before the Aarti if you want to gather the experience at its best. At this time, you can witness how five elevated planks are placed at the edge of the steps of the Ghats and brass lamps are cleaned and readied for the occasion.
It is also interesting to watch how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti ceremony. Those who wish to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in evening boats, as this will allow one to easily capture everything in attention.
Morning Boat Ride in Ganges River
Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this River and the region.
The best time to enjoy boat ride of the Ganges River is from 5:30 AM to 8 AM. This is when the colour and clamour of the place will enthral you. Travellers will be surprised to see that the city is awake and cheery even during 5 in the morning.
Morning experience of the boat ride will leave an indelible imprint on your heart, especially because you will get to see the faith that people have in River Ganges. During the ride, don’t be surprised to see Sadhus and pilgrims bathing and performing prayers in front of you. This entire ride will unfold the religious significance of Varanasi and why River Ganges is revered all over the world.
Mostly, an hour long boat ride is ideal to give the traveller a taste of what this city has to offer. It usually starts from Dasawamedh Ghat, goes to the Harishchandra Ghat and then back. In the evening, you can see how women from all over the world light lotus flower candles and set it adrift in water. You can also opt for Ganges Aarti ceremony at the Dasawamedh Ghat. Travellers can access boats from Manmandir area.
Stroll Along the Ghats
Exploring the Ghats is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The city has almost a hundred Ghats, the steps of each leading the banks of River Ganges. These are bathing Ghats, praying Ghats and cremation sites for Hindus from all over the world. It makes them alluring and enthralling for a traveller as it is associated with some legend or mythologies.
The privately owned ones here are known for morning boat rides which provide impeccable, panoramic views of the place. Some of the major Ghats that one can visit during their trip to Varanasi includes the Mata Anandamai Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Raj Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Scindia Ghat and Raj Ghat.
Savour Local Street Food
If you are a gastronome, relishing the local food on the streets is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. Here you can start with a sumptuous breakfast of Kachori Sabzi at Ram Bhandar or Thatheri Bazaar or relish a plate of Baati Chokha.
If you are in a mood for snacking, Choora Matar and Meethe Gol Gappe will send you into a food coma. For your sweet tooth, there is the popular Makhan Malaiyoo or Nimish that is offered during the winter season in Varanasi.
Have Lassi
One of the most famous lassi shops in Varanasi, this place offers something unique for all the foodies. Here, you can get lassi with a twist as it is offered being infused with different flavors like apple, banana, custard apple etc.
This humble shop in Varanasi is a wonderful place to hang out with loved ones and savor a glass that will have a blast of flavors in your mouth. You can choose among various toppings like mango, papaya, ice cream or rose syrup to add to the flavors. Remember, it has very little seating space. So make sure to choose a time to avoid the crowds and make the most of your food trail in Varanasi.
Visit Weaver’s Village
Sarai Mohana, or the weaver’s village is one of the best offbeat things to do in Varanasi. It is flocked with locals who have churned out the most amazing Banarasi silk sarees in India. Their work is well-known for many different characteristics like zari (gold and silver brocade), embroidery work et cans saris which are completed in time spanning from 15 days to months.
These sarees are famous all over the world and represent an integral part of the culture of the city. So, when you are in Varanasi, don’t forget to buy a dazzling silk sari to wear on your next festival celebration or marriage party from Sarai Mohana as a souvenir of vacation in Varanasi
A trip to Varanasi is incomplete without spending a day in the crowded local markets of the city. It is compulsory to bring a remembrance of this beautiful place before leaving it behind. Here are some things that you can buy from the markets of Varanasi.
1. The Holy Water of Ganga
The holy water of Ganga or Ganga Jal is the biggest export from the Varanasi and it is must to take this water along with you. As you move down to the Ghats of Ganga you’ll see bottles of plastic available in different sizes. You can carry water of Ganga in these bottles. Copper cans are also available which comes with a seal to prevent leakage. This water can be stored for long time and almost every person carry this water with him. This water is visually clean and the shopkeepers fill these bottles themselves by going in the middle of river.
2. Banarasi Silk Saris
Varanasi is best known for its Banarasi sari. It’s a dream for an Indian woman to have a Banarasi sari in their closet, even if they don’t wear. There are shops of Banarasi sari everywhere in Banaras and they provide these saris in variety of shades and colors. If you are visiting Banaras then you have to buy a Banarasi sari for your mother, wife or sister. There are some popular areas in the city where you can buy the best of silk saris like peelikothi area of Varanasi and the whole sale shops in Thateri bazaar. Here you can find the best saris with best prices.
3. Crystal and Stone Shivalinga
Varanasi is the land of lord Shiva and buying Shivalinga from here is like a ritual. In India, when someone comes to visit Varanasi he is asked by his family to bring Shivalinga from here. They are available in every size and in stone and crystal form. These Shivalingas are used for worship and kept in temples inside Indian households. Vishwanath gali in Varanasi is a place where you can find Shivalingas to buy which starts from a price of Rs. 100 and the rest depends upon the size of Shivalinga.
4. Gulabi Minakari
Gulabi Minakari is an unknown art of Varanasi. Minakari on silver and golden metals especially on silver is done in Gujarat or Rajasthan but Gulabi Minakari is what found in Varanasi only. You can see the craftsman performing this art only in the bylanes near Gaighat. You can buy small souvenirs of elephants and bird decorated with Gulabi Minakari and use them as home decorator which will always remind you of the time spent in Varanasi.
5. Glass Beads
There is world’s largest manufacturing unit in Varanasi of glass beads which make glass beads available in all colors. One can buy these glass beads from the local markets. The glass beads made from hand are truly awesome and a perfect example of made in India. Beautiful artificial jewelry made of glass beads are also available in the markets.
