“Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”
Mark Twain
Also known as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is India’s spiritual capital. It is nestled on the holy Ganges river’s bank and is home to Hinduism. Also called The City of Lights, it is a beautiful amalgamation of ancient and modern culture representing the true spirit and essence of India. Soaked up in the spirituality and holy vibes it can leave you overwhelmed yet mesmerized by its old-city charm.
Known for its centuries-old temple, ghats, Ganga aarti and street food, the intimate rituals of life here will bring you closer to understanding the ephemeral of life. A city older than history has the ability to change you spiritually as you witness the powerful reality and ritual of life and death.
Into the History
Varanasi is a city older than of what you can imagine. It is known to be the original ground created by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also a Centre of learning and civilization for over 3000 years now and was one of the first major urban settlements in the middle Ganges valley. The city has also been a popular industrial and commercial hub for its muslin, silk fabric and ivory works. Buddha gave his first sermon on the north side of Varanasi called Sarnath in the 6th century BC.
Additionally, the city has also remained a hub for religious, educational and artistic activities. Associated with spiritualism, Sanskrit, yoga and the Hindu language the place has honored many famous novelists such as Prem Chand and Tulsi Das.
Experience in Varanasi
The Streets of Varanasi brim with life, chaos, poverty and all sounds and smells that come along with it. When we think of Varanasi, we imagine ghats, rituals, temples, winding lanes, crowds and silk sarees. But this holy city is much more than just its ghats.
You can watch people perform the last rites of their loved ones and praying for their peaceful departure from the world. Remember, this is an intimate and powerful sight to behold. With the burning of corpses and funeral pyres, you understand the epiphany of life.
With age-old history, intense rituals and chaotic sights, Varanasi is one the most fascinating places to visit in the world. From the roaring Ganges river to the age-old temples and rituals performed on the ghats, there is no other place like Varanasi.
How to Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is well-connected to other parts of the country with a good network of flights, trains and buses.
By Air
Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shashtri international airport is well-linked to some of the major cities in India including Delhi and Mumbai. You can take a cab from the airport which costs around 700 INR. Sharing autos costing 10 INR (per person) are also available till Babatpur. You can also board a bus towards Varanasi from here.
By Rail
Varanasi Junction and Banaras railway stations are well-connected to the major cities of India. You can take a taxi from Varanasi junction for 200 INR and for 130 INR from Banaras railway station.
By Taxi
Varanasi has a large network of roads connecting it to major cities including Delhi and Lucknow which are at a distance of 890 km and 322 km respectively. A cab from Delhi costs around 10,500 INR while from Lucknow, it costs around 4,000 INR.
By Bus
Regular buses ply to and fro Varanasi from major cities including Delhi, Lucknow and Kanpur.
Things to do in Varanasi
There are many things to explore when it comes to exploring the city of temples, ghats and winding lanes. Here you can seek spirituality in the ghats, witness age-old rituals, go on gastronomical trails and experience the cacophony of light and sounds in the middle of the crowded lanes. Below are some things to experience in Kashi city in its purest form.
- Explore the ghats on the foot
With more than 70 ghats, the ghats of Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the holy waters of the Ganges. You can sense the presence of rich history and spiritualism on the ghats of Kashi. There is nothing more invigorating than exploring a place on foot. When you walk past the holy ghats and make way for yourself in the narrow lanes, you get the real city experience. Don’t forget to sit at one of the ghats as the sun sets and admire the beauty of the Kashi and Ganges in their pious aura.
The Dasaawamedh Ghat is the primary and most important ghat of Varanasi. This ghat is the most popular and yet the busiest with the Agni pooja ceremony, holy dips and shaving of the head after rituals. If you are looking to attend morning aarti and seeking a less crowded ghat, visit the Assi Ghat which is at the southernmost end of the Ganges. The other two must-visit Ghats include Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. These two are the main ghats for cremation and pyre-burning rituals.
2. Boat ride in the Ganges
One of the most surreal experiences in Varanasi is to go on a boat ride in the holy Ganges and witness the morning sun or sunset. This boat ride is a great way to experience the Hindu culture and ceremonies performed on the Ganges river.
The boat ride is one of the top touristy things in Varanasi, so expect a lot of boats waiting at the ghats, especially during sunrise. Additionally, to avoid any last-minute hassle or even scam, book your boat ride in advance online. You can even ask your hotel/hostel if they can help you arrange the boat ride from an authentic source at the best price.
3. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi
If you want to experience the authenticity of Varanasi, it can be found in its crowded lanes. The narrow alleys here can be quite overwhelming. But it’s intriguing to witness some beautiful old buildings, shops, and other ancient subjects to capture the absolute spirit of this place.
Visit the Flower Market, Kachori Gali, Daal Mandi and Kite Market for a wholesome experience. The bursting colours, locals, and street food will make it worth your while.
4. Go on the Gastronomical Trail
The streets in Varanasi are blessed with culinary delights at every other corner. You can begin with hot Kachoris and the famous Dal Bati Chokha. Lassi is the most popular drink in Varanasi which you cannot miss. For one of the finest Lassis, you can visit lassi shops near the Manikarnika Ghat.
Varanasi street food trail is incomplete without its Pan. You can try out Paan from Rajnedra Prasad Chaurasiya Pan Bhandar. In addition, if you are visiting in winter, do not miss the mouth-watering dessert called Malaiyo.
5. Visit the age-old Temples of Varanasi
With over 3000 temples and shrines dotted in the landscape of Kashi, Varanasi is also known as the city of temples. The beauty of these temples is exemplified by various historical and mythological stories associated with them.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple here is the most revered and visited temple of Varanasi. It is considered as the most sacred temple for Hinduism. Though, beware of the common scams carried out by scouts here. Many here are asked to store personal stuff for free in a locker as you are notallowed to take anything inside the temple. Other temples that you can pay a visit to are Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Kanaka Durga Mandir and Annaprana Devi Mandir.
6. Witness the evening Agni Pooja
One of the main ghats in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the river Ganges. Every evening a group of priests perform the evening aarti called Agni pooja (Worship to Fire). This pooja is a form of devotion made to Lord Shiva, the River Ganges (the Ganges), Surya (Sun) and Agni (Fire), and the entire heavens. This is one of the major poojas performed at the ghat in the evening and a must-attend when in Varanasi.
Interesting Facts about the City
- Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world and has been a significant centre of civilisation for over 3000 years now.
- This is the only place in the entire world with more than 70 ghats making it the only city with the largest river bank in the world.
- It is believed that the ones to die on the divine lands of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
- Varanasi is home to Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest universities in Asia offering studies in Hindu sculptures also known as Vedas.
- The city plays a major role in the origin of music as it is the birthplace of world-renowned artists and musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
- Besides being the spiritual capital of the country, Varanasi is also a major trading hub for silver and gold brocades and also the Benarasi silk sarees.
- Kashi city has been a great hub for literature, history and art. Several popular literary brainiacs such as Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das were born here.
- A very unique custom practised in the city is frog marriage. The ceremony is performed particularly during the rainy season by the priests on Ashwamedh Ghat.
Travel Tips for Varanasi
Varanasi is a city which can come off as quite fierce and overwhelming even for an experienced traveler. As much as you’d be fascinated by the city’s beauty, you may also get a culture shock from its fascinating sights. So, in order to prepare yourself for an intense experience, read some travel tips below before visiting the city.
Learn About the City
Before you plan a trip to Varanasi, take some time to research and learn about the culture and rituals of the city. Several rituals like cremation are performed here vigorously. So, it’s best to learn about the sights you may across while exploring the city.
Avoid Taking Pictures
Being in a city as vibrant as Varanasi, it’s hard not to capture the intriguing views around. However, there are few places in the city where photography is prohibited. DO NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES at any cremation ghats or of any intimate ceremonies being performed.
Look out for Bulls
One of the popular beliefs here is that the bulls found in the city symbolize the soul of Lord Shiva. Thereby, you may see tons of bulls wandering free on the streets. Watch out for any bull charge and bull crap as a lot of it can be found on the lanes.
Beware of the Scams
Varanasi is quite jampacked with all the pilgrims and tourists from around the world. This calls for several scams and scouts to extract money from the visitors. Some of the popular scams to watch out for are asking money for wood to cremate dead family members. Additionally, boat riders may ask for a huge sum for a ride to add an extra commission.
Avoid Drugs/ Cannabis
Do not get indulge in any kind of drugs, cannabis or bhang offered in the city. It’s best to steer clear of such stuff especially when you are travelling alone.
Keep Your Valuables Safe
Make sure to keep a check on your valuables while strolling around the stringent streets of Varanasi. Due to huge crowds and narrow lanes, it’s easy for pickpockets to steal or even snatch your stuff.
Avoid eating anything and everything
Famous for its lip-smacking street food, a food trail in Varanasi can be hard to resist. However, street shops or even restaurants near the river can be rather unhygienic. So, so it’s best to pick places away from the ghats and stick to hygienically recommended places only.
Dress Conservatively
If you are a solo female traveller, it’s best to follow the Indian dress code and wear fully-covered clothes on the streets. To avoid any unwanted attention, it’s better to dress as per the cultural surroundings of the city.
Avoid stepping out at night
Lastly, avoid going out late at night especially if you are a solo female traveller. There are several hawkers and scouts roaming around which can lead to a creepy encounter. So, it’s best to stay inside your hotel/ hostel or head out in groups or with responsible company if you want to enjoy the night vibe of the city.
goSTOPS Varanasi
Since the city is flocked with pilgrims and tourists from across the world, it has various hotels/hostels to stay in. However, if you are looking for a cool and comfy stay, goSTOPS Varanasi is an ideal choice for you. It is located in close proximity to the Ghats and curates an unforgettable experience in the city. From ancient temples and holy ghats to the foodie lanes, this hostel is well-connected with all the major attractions in the city. This colorful property is well-equipped with all modern facilities creating a fun and dynamic space for all.
Read unique stories, and memorable conversations of the locals written on one of the walls of the hostel. With a sense of belongingness, the hostel is a home away from home.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the important info you needed before visiting the city, plan you next getaway to the city of lights and experience the best of city with goSTOPS Varanasi.
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