India is a beautiful place of history, culture, and lively experiences. Whether it is the serene beauty of Kashmir, the calm of Kerala backwaters, or the islands of Andaman and Nicobar, India has captured the world's imagination for centuries. From the metropolitan city of Delhi to the beaches of Goa, there is everything for tourists in this country.
Center stage held by Varanasi is the land of mystic beauty. Varanasi is known as Banaras and also as Kashi that means – The Luminous. The spiritual city is a center of Hindu as founded by Hindu God – Lord Shiva. It is a popular tourist spot for devotees, situated on the western bank of the sacred River Ganga. There are around 70 bathing banks, and according to mythology, it is like to have fallen from heaven to earth. In this holy river, rinse is the first act that every pilgrim must perform. In the latest inauguration speech by PM Modi, he addressed Kashi as imperishable and said, only one Government exists in Varanasi, Damruwale Lord Shiva. Tourist will feel proud and to visit the amazing confluence of new and ancient customs.
With an old-world charm, the city has gathered the Hindu tradition even to its present form. One must visit this holy place to remind the serenity of the ancient past of land as old as time.
Want to experience India spirituality at its most vibrant in the city of Lights? Head towards Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This beautiful city is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Taking a tour to Varanasi can make you break free from the cycle of rebirth and unite with the divine upon death. Let’s explore some best places to visit in Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple- The magnificent revered Temple dedicated to lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is must visit temple with ancient architecture and new ambience. It stands on the western bank of holy river Ganga and visited by most Hindu devotees.
Ganga River – Ganga River is the revered natural site in India, named after the Hindu goddess Ganga. Many devotees come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy river Ganga and perform rituals along the river.
Dasaswamedh Ghat – Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Every night, devotees come here to perform Ganga Aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat starts at 7 PM around. If you want to beat the crowds and score a great spot for the show, visit this ghat to spend a few hours early.
Assi Ghat – When it comes to exploring the famous place in Varanasi, this is the topmost visit ghat on your list. This star attraction is a Shiva lingam beneath a sacred fig tree. This attracts several tourists or pilgrims to worship Lord Shiva after a rinse in the Ganga River.
Manikarnika Ghat – Many devotees believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most favorable places to reach moksha. If you are interested in ritualistic cremations, consider visiting this Manikarnika Ghat on a boat tour along the river Ganga.
Ramnagar Fort – Without a fort, there are few destinations in India and Varanasi is no exception. You will find this fort about 14 kilometers from the city center. Enjoy an archeological treasure hunt at the museum; explore the fort temples which honor Veda Vyasa and other significant Hindu epics.
Do not miss visiting the top places of Varanasi on any of your trips to this holy land!
ACTIVITIES TO DO IN VARANASI
Witness Evening Aarti Ceremony
Watching the evening Aarti ceremony is once in a lifetime experience. Visit one hour before Aarti if you want to get the best experience. View spectacular events at Dasawamedh Ghat where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of your eyes. It is interesting to see how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti ceremony. If you want to take some pictures, visit Ghats in the evening at boats to easily capture everything.
Boat Ride in Ganga River at Morning
Boat riding is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. It takes you through different Ghats and palaces situated near the bank of Ganga, giving a panoramic view of a region and river. Enjoy a boat ride from 5:30 AM to 8 AM when the clamor and color of the place allure you. During the ride, you will see Sadhus and pilgrims bathing and performing prayers in front of you. The entire ride unfolds the religious significance of Varanasi and why the Ganga River reversed over the world. A busy pilgrimage hub with crowded roads, anytime busy ghats, mouth-watering street foods, sound of bells, fragrance of incense and smell of burnt firewood at ghats.
Take Holy Bath in Ganga
Taking a dip in the holy water here will offer salvation of sins and purification of the soul. River Ganga is one of the holiest Hindu rivers. Taking bath in the Ganges is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. So, opt for the boat rides that will help gain insight into the culture and historical importance of the mystical river.
Temple tour of Varanasi
Your tour will remain incomplete if you don’t pay a visit to famous temples of Varanasi. Sankat Mochan Temple, Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple and Mata Annapurna Temple. You can plan a temple tour in Varanasi as per your time schedule followed by darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple or book darshan tickets at first.
Sightseeing Tour of Sarnath
From Varanasi, just a few kilometers away, it is the sleepy village of Singhpur. Visit this village, known for its Buddhist monuments. Sarnath is a deer park where Gautam Buddha first came and taught about the Dharma concept. It is a beautiful place where Buddhist Sangha received enlightenment. Sarnath is the top place near Varanasi to learn more about religion and history in India. In the morning, explore the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa built by Ashoka after converting into Buddhism. Another beautiful attraction is Dhammek Stupa, made of stone and bricks.
Arts & Architecture tour
With vivid architectural patterns and designs prevailing on walls, pillars, museums of city present movements in history. You will get amused by viewing rich variety of sculptor styles and rich treasures of folk art. Varanasi has earned a name in masterpiece to produce excellent designs on sarees, handicrafts, textiles, toys, ornaments, metal, fibre crafts and wood work.
Food Tour in Varanasi
Being in Varanasi & missed the famous street foods will give a miss of fun of tour. Kachori Sabji, Tamatar chat, Gol Gappe, Paan, papdi Chat, Litti Chokha, Lassi, Malaiyo are some famous mouth watering cuisines to have.
How to reach Varanasi
Varanasi is well developed city of Uttar Pradesh with major connectivity with other important states of pilgrim as well. You can travel by air, road, or train whatever is comfortable for you. Recent developments in Varanasi have changed the look of major ports and get colored in vibrant colours of city. With different railway station in different directions, it is easily accessible from any part of the country. Local tourists can opt for state buses that operate frequently from another cities of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is also well connected with Capital of India, Delhi that makes travel comfortable for international tourists to commence from New Delhi.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS OF VARANASI
Look at the projects initiated by in Varanasi to promote tourism and employment:
• Foundation stone for widening road between Prayagraj and Bhadohi from four to six lanes that will boost transportation.
• Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inaugurated by PM Modi that is expected to boost tourism as it has broken all previous record of tourist footfall.
• Inauguration of Redeveloped Kashi Vishwanath Temple with wide premises of five lakh square feet that can accommodate 50K-70K devotees.
• The water transport connectivity with Mirzapur to Varanasi with cruise to boost ghats tour
• An 18th Century old idol of Goddess Annapurna retrieved & installed in Kashi Vishwanath Temple that was stolen years ago.
Concluding Thoughts
So, if you are wondering about travel plan to Varanasi, book a perfect means for road trip to Varanasi. Discover the city of affluence, customs, communal harmony, famous personalities and ancient traditions. Get ready as an unforgettable experience awaits you!
