So, you are done with the Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra and survived the chaotic crowd well? If so, you have the idea of traveling in India and it is time you visit one of the oldest cities of the country, the sacred Varanasi or Benaras. It is the perfect destination to connect with the spiritual side of India.
To visit the place, it is important to understand how to survive in Varanasi. Also called the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is located along the banks of River Ganga and it is from here that one can attain the path of moksha – liberation from the cycle of birth and death; union with the almighty. Even though full of spirituality and devotion to Lord Shiva, Varanasi welcomes travelers from all across the world and you bet there will be a sense of touching the soul of India while you return from the trip.
A brief about the pure city of Varanasi
Earlier Kashi and then Benaras, Varanasi has been named as different names since its origin. The city is colorful and chaotic, intense and frenetic. It is a captivating destination that will leave you engrossed in its beauty and spirituality. Sitting by the ghats of Ganga, you can meet your soul and realize the feeling of liberation from the worldly affairs. Pilgrims from far off lands come to visit the sacred Vishwanath Temple, a Lord Shiva shrine famous for the grand celebration of Maha Shivratri. The spiritual and yoga classes, the stroll down the ghats, the scrumptious food and the friendly locals of Banaras or Varanasi
Hold some patience, the city has a lot to offer! Read on to know what to do on a trip to Varanasi.
Things to do in Varanasi
Take a stroll on the ghats: The Ganga ghats are at their best during dawn and dusk. Go witness Subah-e-Benaras – Sunrise at the ghats. Just imagine yourself sitting on the stairs of the ghats with a hot Kulhad (mud cup) of tea and watching the breathtaking sight of sunrise from across the Ganges. AS if the sun is rising from the holy waters!
During dusk, the sight of sunset is alluring followed by the charismatic evening aarti at the ghats. For watching the evening aarti, visit the most popular of all Dashashwamedh Ghat. You can take a walk from Assi Ghat crossing Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh to reach the end at Schindia Ghat.
Go on a boat ride in the Ganges: At dawn, enjoy the boat ride taking in the unparalleled view of the temples and Ganga ghats. It is an immense pleasure to discover the ghats floating on the holy waters of Ganges. You can also witness the cremations at Manikarnika nd Harishchandra Ghat. If you are out into the waters at the right time, you might also have an uninterrupted sight of the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Explore the sacred temples: It is not possible to cover all the temples across the city, there are plenty! However, visiting the most popular ones is no less than a spiritual treat. Visit the towering Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples of the country. Due to the militant attack in the past, the temple routes are lined with various security processes. If you are a foreign tourist, bring your passport along. The next important shrine to visit is Sankatmochan Mandir, a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god of Hindus.
Eat the lip-smacking food: Your travel experience in Varanasi can never be complete without its food. Starting from the hot gulabjamun (a sweet), rabdi and lassi at Pehelwan’s to Chachi ki Kachori to Kashi’s Malaiyo to Bun Maska at Lanka, every time is savoring, Do not miss the tamatar chaat near Sankatmochan Temple and visit the famous Blue Lassi in Vishwanath Gali serving a plethora of lassi varieties – Mango, banana, chocolate, coffee, you name it!
Some travel safety tips while exploring Varanasi
Varanasi is a beautiful city with friendly locals but you might come across some scammers who can scam you a good amount of your money. There’s nothing to worry, you can overcome the dangers In Varanasi by remembering the following travel safety tips:
• The rickshaw walla can tell you that the road to your hotel is closed or there is some better place they know, do not buy it. Precisely, these are places where they get a commission for taking a tourist. Yes, it is that per tourist cut process. Always make sure you are being taken to the right destination and check before leaving the auto.
• Bargain in the markets of Gadaulia, Chowk and even with the boatmen. The boatmen can fool you asking high rates for boat rides. Ensure the time of ride you are paying for. There are situations when the boatmen will ask you to pay more saying you have only paid for 30 minutes and the time is over.
• One of the important things to keep in mind is what to wear in Varanasi. If you are a female, try wearing Indian clothes like kurtis, suit salwar, etc. People here appreciate foreigners blending with Indian culture and it is in fact a good feeling knowing the Indian culture closely.
• Do not click pictures of cremations – it makes the pandits and locals frown! Watch the crematory process with respect at Manikarnika Ghat.