Varanasi | The Oldest city of India|Places to visit in Varanasi|2020|
Varanasi a divine destination
Varanasi is also known as Banaras (Benaras). It is regarded as the spiritual capital of India. It is a member of the Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN) on UNESCO. Various Hindu myths dating back to the 11th century B.C originate here. As a result, people visit this place to perform religious ceremonies. It is one of the 7 sacred cities of Hinduism. Thus some people believe one can attain spiritual enlightenment here.
Varanasi is home to about 2,000 temples. This includes Kashi Vishwanath- the “Golden Temple”. Dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The city is popularly also known as Kashi. It holds a religious sentiment. Specially for the older generations. Many books like “Kashi Yatra” have been written about this place. The city draws Hindu pilgrims to Varanasi Ghat. They bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters. People often perform funeral rites. Many travel enthusiasts also come here. Tourists often visit seeking answers.
Did you know?
•Renowned Indian writers like Tulsidas wrote Ram Charit Manas in this city.
•Gold and silver thread work is famous here.
How To Reach
•There are 13 direct trains from Kolkata to Varanasi. It is connected to major cities in India.
•Varanasi Airport is well linked to places like Delhi and Mumbai.
•You can also take state-run buses or drive via AH1 and NH19.
•Varanasi Airport is well linked to places like Delhi and Mumbai.
•You can also take state-run buses or drive via AH1 and NH19.
Where To Stay.
There are many hotels near Varanasi Ghat. Palaces like Brijrama palace and Surya Kaisar Palace. They are heritage hotels you can book. Did you know? Varanasi is a city of culture. It is the oldest city in India. It was discovered by Lord Shiva 5,000 years ago. Therefore an attraction for architecture and history lovers.
Here is the list of top 10 things to do in Varanasi:
•Boat Ride in the Ganges
•Meet the sadhus (saints) at Varanasi ghat
•Meet the handicraft artists and weavers
•Shop at your heart’s desire
•Take a bath in the Ganges
•Watch the grand evening aarti ceremony at Varanasi ghat
•Have a rendezvous at the temples. Learn about the Gods
•Sightseeing at Sarnath
•Stroll on the ghat during sunset
•Taste the extravagant native delicacies of this place
•Meet the sadhus (saints) at Varanasi ghat
•Meet the handicraft artists and weavers
•Shop at your heart’s desire
•Take a bath in the Ganges
•Watch the grand evening aarti ceremony at Varanasi ghat
•Have a rendezvous at the temples. Learn about the Gods
•Sightseeing at Sarnath
•Stroll on the ghat during sunset
•Taste the extravagant native delicacies of this place
Things to Shop
Marketplaces in Varanasi are among the top 5 attractions here. Here are the things you need to get your hand on:
•The Holy Water of Ganga
•Banarasi Silk Saris
•Crystal and Stone Shivalinga
•Gulabi Minakari
•Glass Beads
•Rudraksha Mala
•Wooden Toys
•Flutes
•The Holy Water of Ganga
•Banarasi Silk Saris
•Crystal and Stone Shivalinga
•Gulabi Minakari
•Glass Beads
•Rudraksha Mala
•Wooden Toys
•Flutes
Top 8 delicacies
This city is famous for its quintessential Indian dishes. You cannot miss out on these tasty delicacies in Benaras:
•Lassi
•Lassi
•Thandai at Mishramboo (Gudowliya) and Thatheri Bazaar Streets
•Jalebi
•Chaat-this is a must among the street foods of Benaras
•Kachori sabzi
•Rabri at Kanhaiya Chitra Mandir in Godouilya
•Jalebi
•Chaat-this is a must among the street foods of Benaras
•Kachori sabzi
•Rabri at Kanhaiya Chitra Mandir in Godouilya
•Rolls
•Bhang at Godouilya.
The best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days:
1. Ganges River: Ganga river is the most sacred place for the Hindus. Tourists come here to perform different customs. They often cremate their loved ones here. You can take a boat ride at the crack of dawn on the sacred river Ganga.
2. Banaras Ghat: One can learn teachings about life here. Observing people at the Banaras ghat enriches the mind.
3. Kashi Viswanath Temple: One of the most famous temples in Varanasi. This is called the Golden temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
4. Assi Ghat: This is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi. During festivals, almost 3000 people arrive here per hour.
5. Dasaswamedh Ghat: The name comes from Das (ten), aswa (horse), and medh (sacrifice). This ghat was built in 1740 AD.
6. Sarnath: Buddha first started teaching his disciples here. It contains the famous lion capital memorial pillar. This was erected by Mauryan emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is now the state emblem of India. Thus it is of archeological significance. As a result it is known to be holy.
7. Manikarnika Ghat: There are many ghats alongside the river Ganga. This is one of the holiest cremation grounds.
8. Dhamek Stupa: King Ashoka built stupas to enshrine calcinated bones. He collected relics of Buddha and his disciples. This is one such stupa.
9. Ramnagar Fort: This is the ancestral home of Maharaja Banaras. Built of red sandstones. It has a temple inside dedicated to Ved Vyasa. It is decorated extravagantly with colorful lights. Especially during the Dusshera festival.
Other Places to Visit in Varanasi:
10. Darbhanga Ghat – This is another cremation ground. It is believed that on being cremated here one can truly receive salvation.
11. Alamgir Mosque – It is a Mughal Period mosque. Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera. People also call it Aurangzeb’s Mosque. It was built by Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Constructed after the destruction of the Bindu Madhav temple. This temple was 100ft high.
12. Ramnagar Ramlila: A folk re-enactment of the life of Rama.
13. Aqua World: A popular water park in Varanasi.
14. Varanasi Fun City – Exhilarating roller coaster rides.
15. St. Mary’s Church – Oldest Church In Varanasi.
16. Banaras Hindu University – Largest Residential University.
17. Brown Bread Bakery – first organic Bakery In Varanasi.
18. Godowlia Market – busiest Shopping Junction.
19. Chowk & Vishwanath Gali – Beloved shopping stop for tourists.
20. The Banaras Silk Emporium: Manufacturer and exporter of authentic Indian handloom Silk Sarees. The most popular and favorite places to shop for ethnic wear is here.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi is during winter (Nov to Feb). In this season you can explore this old city the best. The average low temperature is around 5°C.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of tourists and travelers.
•Varanasi to Agra distance: 627.2 km, 10h
•Varanasi to Agra train:
•Varanasi to Agra train:
There are 3 weekly trains from Varanasi to Agra. Following trains are running from Varanasi to Agra on a weekly basis: KOAA AGC EXPRESS (13167), PNBE KOTA EXP (13237), PNBE KOTA EXP (13239)
•Which river flows in Varanasi?
•Which river flows in Varanasi?
Ganges
•What’s the most popular attraction in Varanasi?
•What’s the most popular attraction in Varanasi?
Ganges River, Temples, Ghats, Ramnagar Fort, BHU.
The other name of Varanasi:
Kashi‘ means ‘the luminous one’ or ‘city of the light‘. It derived its name from ‘Kasha’. This actually means ‘brightness’. The name Varanasi is also a derivative. The city is located on the banks of two tributaries of Ganges. They are Varuna and Asi.
To conclude. Varanasi is the perfect place for a curious mind and a traveler’s soul. It has an array of shrines and temples. A road called Panchakosi binds this sacred city. Pilgrims often walk this road. It also has the finest river frontage. The legends about the place make it a holy abode for spiritual devotees. It is also a unique spot for photographers.
Varanashi Map :
Written by Riddhi Bhattacharya, Travelofina Travel stories