VARANASI

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals..Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months, from November to February. This time of year provides more suitable temps for exploring and sightseeing.

Places to visit in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple ( famous Temple in varanasi )

• One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Famous for the Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening.
• A vibrant and spiritually uplifting experience by the banks of the Ganges.

Assi Ghat

• A peaceful ghat where pilgrims take a holy dip.
• It’s a great place to witness local life and cultural activities.

Sarnath

• Located just outside Varanasi, it’s where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Museum.

Manikarnika Ghat

• One of the main cremation ghats where Hindu cremations take place.
• It’s a place of intense spiritual significance.

Tulsi Manas Temple

• Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is known for its beautiful marble carvings.
• The walls of the temple are engraved with the verses of the Ramcharitmanas.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• One of the oldest and largest residential universities in Asia.
• The campus houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which has a rich collection of artifacts.

Ramnagar Fort

• Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, this fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras.
• It houses a museum displaying vintage cars, royal costumes, and other artifacts.

Durga Temple

• A unique temple dedicated to the goddess Durga.
• The temple is constructed in a Nagara style of architecture.

Banaras Ghats

• Explore the numerous ghats along the Ganges, each with its own significance and history.
• Take a boat ride to get a different perspective of the city from the river.

Things to do in Varanasi

Varanasi offers a rich tapestry of spiritual, cultural, and historical experiences. Here are some things you can do in Varanasi to make the most of your time there:

Witness the Ganga Aarti: In the evening, attend the enchanting Ganga Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A spiritual environment is created by the coordinated rituals, chanting, and falling sun.

Boat Ride on the Ganges:Take a boat ride along the Ganges during sunrise or sunset. It provides a unique perspective of the ghats and the city.

Explore the Ghats: Experience the vibrant life by the river by walking along the ghats. Each ghats has its own history and significance.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Pay a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and experience the spiritual energy surrounding this sacred site.

Participate in a Yoga Session: Many places in Varanasi offer yoga sessions. Engage in a session to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Discover Sarnath: Visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the historical ruins, monasteries, and museums.

Take a Heritage Walk: Join a guided heritage walk to explore the narrow lanes, temples, and hidden gems of Varanasi.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Indulge in the local street food, especially the famous “Banarasi Paan” and other local delicacies.

Attend a Classical Music or Dance Performance: Varanasi has a rich tradition of classical music and dance. Check out performances happening in the city, especially in the evenings.

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple: Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple and read the verses engraved on its walls, depicting the Ramcharitmanas.

Stroll through the Old City: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the old city to experience the local life, ancient architecture, and bustling markets.

Shop for Silk: Varanasi is renowned for its silk. Visit the local markets to buy Banarasi sarees and other silk products.

Experience a Saree-Weaving Demonstration: Visit a silk weaving center to witness the intricate process of Banarasi saree making.

Attend a Ghat Cleanup Program: Some organizations conduct ghat cleanup programs. Participate in one to contribute to the preservation of the Ganges.

Visit Ramnagar Fort: Explore the Ramnagar Fort and its museum to get a glimpse of the city’s royal history.