Varanasi (Banaras) an ancient Indian city is one of the most captivating places for thousands of tourists and Hindu pilgrims. It was originally known as Kashi and later renamed to Varanasi officially. The city is dedicated to Hindu God Lord Shiva, is said to be even older than history. Whatever may be the case, this vibrant and lively city receives pilgrims and tourists round the year. There are lots of people taking bath in the sacred River Ganga along the Ghats. Everyone who wishes to experience India, must visit this city once in their lifetime. The city is considered as the place for Moksha.
Before travel to Varanasi, one must get all important tips and information like things to do, where to stay and eat, that might help you with your visit to this oldest city. Undoubtedly, Varanasi is one of the most interesting and most spiritual places to visit in all of India.
About Varanasi, the Holiest City
One of the holiest cities of seven revered cities of India, Varanasi has a very old history associated with it. According to Myth, the city was established by Lord Shiva, The God of creation and destruction. The prime attraction of the city is Kashi Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. It is believed in Hindu and Buddhist culture that the person die in Kashi is lucky as he would be free from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, elderly people during their last days wish to stay here. Pilgrims take bath in sacred Ganges to wash away all their sins. It is not only a prominent site for Hindus, but also sacred place for Buddhist community. Sarnath is the town where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon.
Pilgrims and tourists roaming aimlessly around the Ghats of Ganges and get connected with the city. The Ganges is an incredibly important site in Varanasi, and it won’t be wrong to mention that it’s the main reason Varanasi exists where it does. Being cremated along the mighty Ganges is very auspicious for Hindus. It is also an unforgettable and unique sight for tourists.
Varanasi is known for its old temples, life on Ghats, mystic spirituality, Banarasi saree and its food. On your first day in Varanasi, you might feel chaotic, but gradually you spend more time, will feel the charm of the city.
When to visit Varanasi
One can travel to Varanasi during any period of the year, but winter season is more recommended for foreign tourists as weather would be cool and pleasant. However pilgrims and domestic tourists from India, travel round the year. Definitely heavy rains during Monsoon impact on their visit in Varanasi. Also city is well-connected to all prime cities of India through flight, train and roads.
How to travel within Varanasi
If you have booked your trip with any tour operator, it is quite easy to roam around with your privately booked car with chauffer. But in case you decide to arrange your mode of travel at your own, you can consider below options:
Ola – You can book a cab by Ola, but remember the streets here are quite narrow so you might not be able to take your cab deep inside the city.
Auto Rickshaws – You can surely take a ride on Auto Rickshaw to roam around the city and even to travel from railway station or airport to your hotel.
Walk on foot– The best option to explore the old city is on foot, if you are comfortable. The streets are narrow, so walking on foot is the best suggestion. Also Ghats can be best explored on foot.
E-Rickshaw- It is quite common and popular in Varanasi. It is free from any noise pollution and also eco-friendly operated by battery system. In every street of the city you can easily get e-rickshaw.
Rickshaw– It is the next mode of public transport in the city. For a short distance ride and to experience it in Varanasi, you can try a Rickshaw ride. It can easily move in and around the narrow lanes of with slow speed.
Prime Attractions in Varanasi for Tourists:
Holy city Varanasi has more number of temples reside in the street of the city than you could count them. Varanasi is indeed the divine abode for the faithful. You can choose to visit the temples during your visit in Varanasi. Some of main temples are Kashi Vishwanath temple (prime attraction for Hindus), Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple and much more. You can plan to visit all or some of them as per time available and your interest. Along with this, below are other places and activities to experience during your trip in Varanasi:
Sunrise view with Boat Ride on River Ganges:
For an amazing experience of boat trip along the River Ganges with the Rising Sun, definitely worth the effort to get up early in the morning. Witness the ghats during sunrise and other activities when hundreds of people performing morning prayers, some practicing yoga and offering flowers to the mighty Ganga. Few of them bathe in the holy Ganges and also laundry the clothes here. To get the vibe of Varanasi, we suggest it the easiest one of the things to do with an open boat.
Sarnath:
On our last day in Varanasi we travelled to Sarnath – it is counted in four holiest sites for Buddhists in the world. About 10kms from Varanasi with a 30 minutes’ drive you reach Sarnath. It is the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon of peace. It is an important place for Buddhist religion. The remains of Sarnath and a couple of other attractions are all within walking distance to other attractions here, which can be visited easily.
Evening Ganges Aarti:
Every evening after sunset, on the Dashashwamedh Ghat Pooja ceremony is performed by young monks and priests. It is famous Hindu ritual called Ganga Aarti. It is really beautiful to watch even if you are not religious, so don’t miss it. However it would be very crowded as hundreds of people and devotees come to watch the ceremony.
Popular Ghats of Varanasi
Traverse the ancient ghats of the city is also amazing. According to an estimate, there are 84 ghats in the city. The heart of the city lies at these ghats. Hindu rituals are performed in different ghats from birth till ending with death.
Some of the main ghats of Varanasi:
Dashashwamedh Ghat – it is one of the most spectacular ghats of the city which is quite closer to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also called as Brahma Dwar (Doorstep of Brahma). It is the busiest of all the Ghats of the city. Countless pilgrims reach her, take holy dip in Ganges, and perform Pooja and rituals with the help of a priest. Along with this, main feature of the ghat is Ganga Aarti. Hundreds of tourists and pilgrims join this to witness and have out of the world experience.
Manikarnika Ghat – It is cremation ghat for Hindus which is also as holiest ghat of the city. It is believed the souls that are cremated here get Moksha from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Assi Ghat – As the ghat is near to BHU (Banaras Hindu University), university students are frequently seen here. Before sunrise, morning aarti of Goddess Ganges is perform on this Ghat which is followed by classical music and yoga. Accordingly to Legends, after slaying the demons Sumbha-Nisumbha, Goddess Durga thrown her sword here, after which the steam was names Assi.
Varanasi Traveling Tips for female Solo Travellers:
- However the city is safe for female solo travellers, but do keep some precautions just like you take while travelling to other destinations.
- Don’t road around along at night in secluded areas.
- Don’t go off strangers, Must be alert
- Dress appropriately, a dress covering arms, chest, thighs, shoulders is best garment while paying visit to temples.
- During any festival there. Beware of scams; don’t take bhang alone, it is widely offered in Varanasi.
- Don’t believe quickly on strangers even they offer to take you cheaper places for shopping or eating any famous street food.
It is just safety tips so you can experience the beauty of the city without any trouble.
General Tips for all:
- Carry decent face mask to protect from fumes and pollution while going out and travelling through autos and rickshaws.
- Festival time is however good to experience the madness of the city, but not recommended for solo female traveller; it could be unsafe for them.
- Avoid handshakes with anyone outside on road or Ghats.
- Keep your all important documents safely like passport, tickets, travel documents etc.
- Take good care of your belongings.
- Don’t clicks pictures at Cremation Ghats
- Don’t make fun of rituals there
- Beware of pickpockets.
- Be careful with bulls, dogs, cow there.
Conclusion:
Being the oldest cities in the world, it is quite popular among tourists and Hindu pilgrims. A fascinating place which is undoubtedly unique in its own way. Accept the city for what it is. With a proper planning you can surely execute a wonderful trip in Varanasi.
If you really have fallen in love with this city, head out to some other similar destinations in India. We hope this travel guide will help you for a better planning to your trip in India.
