Varanasi is popularly known as Benares or Kashi and has been one of the world’s oldest cities. It lies in the northern region of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, and has immense cultural, historical, and spiritual importance.
This city has been called the “City of Lights” as ancient customs mix wonderfully with modern life here. If you want to know more about this amazing city, then the following article will help guide you on the best things to do, when to visit, and how to make the most out of your trip to it.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is in the winter months, from October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city’s famous ghats, temples, and markets.
The summer months, from April to June, can get very hot, with temperatures going above 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season, from July to September, can also bring heavy rainfall, which might disrupt outdoor activities.
How to Reach Varanasi
It is well connected by air, rail, and road. It is easy to travel to this historic city from anywhere in India.
- By Air: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) serves Varanasi. It connects the city to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From the airport, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the city center.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India, with frequent trains that connect it to other big cities. Trains are a popular choice for budget travelers as they offer various classes of travel.
- By Road: Varanasi is accessible by road as well. In case you prefer to drive, you can hire a taxi or rent a car from nearby cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, or Allahabad.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
It has a lot of old temples, ghats, and busy bazaars. Some places that you must visit while visiting the city are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most important religious places in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated near the ghats and attracts thousands of pilgrims every day. The golden spire of the temple and the sacred atmosphere of the place make it one of the most significant.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi, where you can witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti. The ritual involves chanting prayers, lighting lamps, and offering flowers to the River Ganges.
- Manikarnika Ghat: Known as the burning ghat, Manikarnika Ghat is where Hindus perform cremation rituals. It is a place of deep spiritual significance.
- Sarnath: Situated around 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum and Dhamek Stupa are the significant historical places here.
- Ramnagar Fort: This fort is situated on the eastern banks of the River Ganges. It gives an insight into the royal history. The fort has a museum and magnificent views of the river.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU): This century-old university, founded in 1916, boasts beautiful gardens and historical buildings. BHU campus is also home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which is worth visiting.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
It has plenty of options in terms of staying from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are the top picks of places to stay:
- Hotel Surya: A budget-friendly option offering clean rooms and excellent service. The hotel is located close to the ghats and provides easy access to the main attractions of the city. Hotel Surya Website
- Taj Ganges: Taj Ganges is a good option if you are interested in luxury. It is located a little outside the city and still offers a peaceful environment with a range of luxurious amenities. It also has a beautiful view of the Ganges River. Taj Ganges Website
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Varanasi: This is a great place for a comfortable stay with modern amenities and is located close to the Varanasi Junction. It’s perfect for families and business travelers. Ramada Plaza Website
Best Cafes in Varanasi
It has been witnessing an upsurge in café culture, with the best of both traditional Indian and modern influences. Some of the most popular cafés are:
- The Brown Bread Bakery: This is a small café situated close to the Assi Ghat, known for its organic food and scenic views of the riverside. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a day of visiting all the places.
- Café de Goa: For a more laid-back experience, Café de Goa serves Indian and Western food in a warm and cozy setting. It’s an excellent place to sip coffee or tea.
- Blue Lassi : Their amazing lassi, yogurt drink with fruit, is the big claim for this tiny café located at old city’s narrow lanes at Varanasi.
Best Pictures for Photos
- Dashashwamedh Ghat : The evening Ganga Aarti is a dream sight. The lights, the sound of recitals, and smoke form the perfect scene to photograph something with spiritual essence in the still atmosphere in it.
- Ramnagar Fort: The fort has excellent views of the Ganges River, and sunrise and sunset times are not to be missed.
- Assi Ghat: The views of the river are amazing at Assi Ghat. This is less crowded than most ghats and makes it ideal for photography.
Online Booking Websites for Varanasi
Planning a trip to Varanasi is pretty easy with the booking options for hotels, flights, and tours available online. Some popular sites include:
- Booking.com: Offers a wide range of hotels in Varanasi.
- MakeMyTrip: Provides booking options for flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
- Cleartrip: Another good option for booking flights and hotels.
- Yatra.com: Offers deals on flights and hotels, along with holiday packages.
Conclusion
It is one city with rich history, vibrant culture, and a deep sense of spirituality. You visit Varanasi to get some spiritual experience, for its landmarks of the history, or simply to feel the air that differs from the others.
Thus, make sure to advance plan your visit in advance so you can maximize the moments you have there. Varanasi, in short, is an experience, not just a place that leaves with you after leaving there.