Varanasi
Varanasi is the land of saints and sages. Dating back to more than 3000 years, it is said to be the oldest city in the world. Often referred to as Kashi or Banaras, Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India, Varanasi is renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance. There are temples at every few steps here. The city is a vibrant blend of ancient temples, bustling ghats, and narrow winding streets that echo with the chants of prayers and the aroma of incense. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year who come to experience its timeless rituals and immerse themselves in its profound cultural heritage.
The spiritual capital of India
Tours to Varanasi & Beyond
Things To Do
Visit ghats
The River Ganga is a sacred river for the Hindus and you will see traditional rituals and bathing occurring at all times of the day. On the Eastern banks, the River Ganga is flanked by a 300m wide sand belt, beyond which lies a green belt, a protected area reserved for turtle breeding. The western crescent-shaped bank of the River Ganga is flanked by a continuous stretch of 84 ghats, or series of steps leading down to the river, stretching for 6.8km. These ghats were built by Hindu kings who wanted to die along the Ganges, and they built lofty palaces along the river, most of which are now hotels, to spend their final days. You can walk along the river and see all of the ghats, but the best option for viewing the ghats is to charter a boat and see them from the river.
Dashashwamedh Ghat Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the oppressive boat owners, flower sellers, massage practitioners and touts trying to drag you off to a silk shop, it’s a wonderful place to linger and people-watch while soaking up the atmosphere. Every evening at 7pm an elaborate ganga aarti(river worship) ceremony with puja (prayers), fire and dance is staged here.
Assi Ghat The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims come to worship a Shiva lingam (phallic image of Shiva) beneath a peepul tree. Evenings are particularly lively, as the ghat’s vast concreted area fills up with hawkers and entertainers. There’s also music and yoga at sunrise.
Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and are carried through the alleyways of the Old City to the holy Ganges on a bamboo stretcher, swathed in cloth. Huge piles of firewood are stacked along the top of the ghat; every log is carefully weighed on giant scales so that the price of cremation can be calculated. You can watch cremations but always show reverence by behaving respectfully. Photography is strictly prohibited.
Old streets of Varanasi
A guided walk in Varanasi’s old streets and through thousands of years old alleys and holy temples will leave you mesmerised. Discover this ancient city’s sacred and oldest living culture by getting yourself into these old streets. A walk that promises a surprise at every step is rich in insights and sights. This Varanasi walk takes place in the Northern part of the Ghats and will give real insights into Varanasi. On tour, you can see Kashi temple, famous food streets, markets, temples, ghats and many countless things.
Ganga Aarti
In the evening, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi, a profoundly spiritual experience that occurs every evening on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. As the sun sets, the ghat comes alive with the sounds of chanting and the glow of numerous lamps. Priests perform elaborate rituals, waving incense sticks and oil lamps, while devotees offer prayers and light floating diyas (oil lamps) that drift along the river. The mesmerising chants and the flickering lights create a captivating atmosphere, evoking a sense of divine connection. Join the locals and visitors as they gather to witness this sacred ceremony, experiencing the spiritual essence of Varanasi at its most vibrant.
Boat ride
The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the numerous ghats along the Ganges River. Devotees and pilgrims come here to perform various religious rituals, and you’ll witness people bathing, praying, and performing ceremonies. The spiritual ambiance is palpable as you glide along the river.
Kashi Vishwanath temple
You should not miss the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, considered the holiest temple in Varanasi. Often referred to as the Golden Temple due to its magnificent golden exterior, it is adorned with a remarkable 800 kg (1,750 lbs) of gold. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds immense spiritual significance for millions of Hindus and serves as a central place of worship and devotion.
Sarnath
Take a break from temple visits and ghat views by exploring Sarnath, located on the outskirts of Varanasi. This sacred site holds great significance in Buddhism culture as it is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and initiated the spread of the Dharma. Sarnath has a rich history associated with Emperor Ashoka, who erected impressive stupas, monasteries, and an engraved pillar in the 3rd century BC. At its peak, Sarnath boasted a towering 328-foot-high stupa and housed around 1,500 monks in its vast monastic complexes. However, with the decline of Buddhism and the city’s subsequent destruction by Muslim invaders in the late 12th century, Sarnath fell into oblivion. It was rediscovered only in 1835, revealing its historical and cultural treasures to the world again.
Tickle your taste buds
Varanasi is not only famous for its temples and ghats but also its delectable street food, offering a wide variety of flavours and culinary delights. One of the most famous street foods in Varanasi is chaat. This savoury snack features a crispy fried dough base topped with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and a medley of flavourful chutneys, spices, and other ingredients. The combination of tangy tamarind and refreshing mint chutneys, along with the blend of spices, creates a burst of flavour in every bite. Varanasi’s chaat scene is diverse, with different types available, each offering its unique combination of ingredients and tastes. Exploring the streets of Varanasi and indulging in its mouth-watering chaat is a must-do culinary experience for any food lover.
Best time to visit
Post-monsoon season, when the weather is cool and the air is fresh. The city’s vibrant festivals, such as Diwali and Dev Deepawali, are celebrated with great fervour during this time. It is celebrated with thousands of lamps lighting up the ghats and the river.
Winter months when temperatures range between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, but it’s an excellent time for sightseeing and enjoying the ghats and temples without the discomfort of summer heat.
Early spring, with temperatures beginning to rise but still comfortable for travel. This period is ideal for experiencing the colourful festival of Holi, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Varanasi. By mid-April temperature starts to rise.
Avoid visiting during the peak summer months (mid-April to June) when temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Additionally, the monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains and high humidity, which may disrupt travel plans and sightseeing activities.
Location
Destinations close to Varanasi
New Delhi
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