The city of Lord Shiva, Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, is dotted with a massive number of temples, shrines, and ghats, for anyone who seeks the blessings of the almighty, Varanasi, should be at the top of their priority list. Devotees believe Varanasi is where they can break free from the cycle of rebirth and unite with the divine upon death. The conviction manifests in a profound intensity that pulses throughout the frenetic city. The Famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also in Varanasi.
Being the oldest city of India, Varanasi holds an important sacred significance which is perfectly blended in the sedating surrounding of the city. A vacation to this spiritual land is one of those few experiences of a lifetime that one can’t afford to miss out on.
If you are visiting Varanasi any time sooner, then boat riding at the holy Ganges river should be at the top of your bucket list. This would be an unforgettable experience of your life as the picturesque views from the rides have a charm of their own.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike travel for thousands of miles to reach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred attraction around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near the Manikarnika Ghat. The impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned the nickname “The Golden Temple” for its striking spire — plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold.
Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
The Viswanath Temple is the most important and ancient holy shrine in this region. Of the many temples in Uttarkashi, the temple of Lord Vishwanath is unrivaled in importance. Shiva, the presiding deity of this temple, is worshipped all day here. Every evening, visitors are greeted by the sound of bells, and the chanting of mantras by pundits at the puja. Within the courtyard of the Vishwanath temple, and to the front of it, is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to the goddess of strength.
The Kashi Vishwanath temple has been built and re-built several times over the past few centuries. The present temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the previous temple and built a mosque at the site.
Ganges River
As the longest river in India, the Ganges has a strong presence within the Hindu religion and is considered the backbone of activity within India. Hindu people believe the river to be sacred and holy, and many make the pilgrimage to the city of Varanasi to wash away their sins in the water. Being of such importance, millions of people visit the Ganges, making it a powerful hub of religious activity, culture, and history.
Hindus come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy Ganges water and perform rituals along the dozens of ghats along the river. For tourists, the river helps provide a fixed point of orientation for navigating around the city, and you’ll no doubt spend lots of time sightseeing and watching life happen around the Ganges.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is known for conducting the liveliest aartis along the holy river Ganga to immerse the visitors into divine bliss. A prominent member of the tourist attractions in Varanasi.
There are two mythological beliefs surrounding its name. One of them says that it was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva, while the other says that Lord Brahma sacrificed (Medh) 10 (das) horses (Aswa) during Ashwamedha Yajna performed here.
According to historical sources, the ghat was built by Bajirao Peshwa I in the year 1740 AD before being reconstructed by Ahilyabai Holkar, Queen of Indore, in 1774 AD.
Hindu priests put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, starting at around 7 pm. Donning saffron-hued robes, the priests spread out plates of flower petals and other offerings and blow a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual ceremony. Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and wave tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense in intricate patterns for about 45 minutes. It’s an extravagant sight that you won’t want to miss.
Assi Ghat
Assi ghat is one of the most famous and visited ghats of Varanasi for tour and tourism. People from all the corners of the country as well as abroad must come here if they come to India for tourism. Some of the great festivals such as Mahashivaratri, Ganga Dashahara, Ganga Mahotsav, etc attracts a huge crowd in the Varanasi at this ghat.
Assi ghat is everyone’s preferred ghat located in the south of Varanasi. It is the place where one can spend hours very easily without any disturbance. It is the amazing and most natural place where students from foreign countries, researchers, and travelers are used to live here.
If one ever does visit Varanasi, one must go to the Assi Ghat, not purely for its mythological significance but to experience a more quiet and quaint aspect of Varanasi.
Manikarnika Ghat
The name Manikarnika, as the scriptures suggest, came with the Mani od Shiva, and Karnika of Parvati, while taking the bath in Kund, slipped off and fell in it. The decision to Shiva to retain the task of granting salvation is seen in the bordered perspective here in Manikarnika.
You may also be offered the chance to see a cremation up close — for a fee, of course. While profound, the experience is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a
tourist attraction in the traditional sense. Know your limits, be respectful, and avoid taking photos of the funerals, mourners, and the departed.
Dhamek Stupa
Dhamek Stupa is a very famous tourist spot situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The destination is about 13 kilometers away from Varanasi in Sarnath. It is ideally a Buddhist stupa and is believed to be the position where Buddha gives his first sermon to his first 5 Brahmins after attaining enlightenment. Hence this religious spot has great importance to a lot of people.
Sarnath also has plenty of other tourist places that make it a worthwhile day trip destination from Varanasi. Check out the Chaukhandi Stupa (a Buddhist shrine that dates back to at least the 6th century), then make your way to the Sarnath Museum to see the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort is a sandstone-fortified structure that was built in the 18th century. It is located near the river bank. Kashi Naresh, the king of Varanasi, constructed the building. The present king, Anant Narayan Singh lives in the fort now. The fort might not have its prime shine now, but, it is an aesthetically pleasing structure.
Ramnagar Fort is believed to have been built by Raja Suchet Singh, who died in 1844. His wife performed Sati nearby. There is a Samadhi of Maharani at the site where the Sati was performed. The fort was renovated and undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1972.
After enjoying an archeological treasure hunt at the museum, check out the fort’s temples, one of which honors Veda Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata, and other important Hindu epics.
Darbhanga Ghat
In a city brimful of ghats, the Darbhanga Ghat stands out due to its rich heritage and an amazing palace situated near the bank. Located between the Dashaswamedh Ghat and the Rana Mahal Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat was named after the royal family from Darbhanga. Apart from the ghat, the family also built a magnificent palace in The 1900s near the bank of the river from where they could watch the rituals and other activities.
Set amongst other ghats such as Dashashwamedh ghat and Ranamahal ghat, it is a popular choice for many religious events. What makes Darbhanga Ghat the best place to visit Varanasi is the gigantic Shivalinga which is known to fulfill your wishes.
Best Time To Visit Varanasi
The best time to visit Varanasi depends on several factors such as whether you are planning a visit for sightseeing or you are looking to attend a festival here.
Varanasi in Summer
With the onset of April, the average temperature of Varanasi starts increasing, making days more humid and hot. The maximum temperatures reach 35℃ during daytime and nights are comparatively cooler. Being the off-tourist seasons, hotels are available here at unbelievably low prices. Temples and Ganga Ghats are also less crowded, which means that one can explore this city without any rush in the summers.
Varanasi in Monsoon
With the onset of Monsoon, sudden downpours and showers are frequent here in July, August, and September. The temperature ranges from 25℃ to 30 at this time of the year. For Photography, the monsoon is the ideal time. Rains make evenings and mornings more pleasant as compared to daytime. However, the rain does not halt the everyday life of people here.
Varanasi in Winters
The months from October to March are the peak tourist months in Banaras. Diwali, Dusshera, and Navratri are celebrated with complete enthusiasm here. The mild and pleasant weather allows the tourists to explore every nook and street of this town. With the average temperature hovering between 5℃ to 15℃ rainfall is rare at this time.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Kedarnath Travel
Foods In Varanasi
Kachori Sabzi: kachori Sabzi is a popular breakfast option here in Varanasi. The kachori is either stuffed with dal ki Pithi i.e. masala made of lentils or with spicy potato masala. These Kachoris are served with a spicy aloo ki sabzi. This drool-worthy combination is definitely a must-try.
Chooda Matar: Chooda Matar is another of our favorite street foods in Varanasi. This is actually Poha with a Varanasi twist. Flattened rice is soaked in Desi Ghee and then stir-fried with fresh green peas and various spices. The dish is quite filling and it serves as a great evening snack.
Safed Makhan Toast: Malai toast or Safed Makkhan Toast is also unique to Varanasi. If you do not want to have Kachori sabzi for breakfast, then try the Malai Toast. Here, thick local bread is toasted over a coal oven and then a generous amount of white butter or the regular yellow butter is applied to it, depending on your preference. You can also add sugar or a little salt and pepper to the toast. This street food in Varanasi is best had with a steaming Kullad wali Chai.
Baati Chokha or Litti Chokha: You can find Baati Chokha almost everywhere in the streets and restaurants of Varanasi. Baati Chokha is a very popular Bihari cuisine and is loved by people from across the country. Baati is small wheat dough balls that are stuffed with roasted chana dal and Sattu. These balls are cooked over charcoal that gives it a very authentic taste. This Batti is served with Chokha which is a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and baked eggplant. Baati Chokha is one of Varanasi’s famous food.
Banarasi Thandai: Thandai is milk flavored with a variety of spices. You can find different variants of the Thandai on the streets of Varanasi depending on the seasonal fruit. The most popular version is the Kesaria Thandai of Banaras, which is known for its unique taste. It is usually served without bhang unless you ask for it to be added.
Banarasi Paan: Banarasi paan is popular all over the world for its rich taste. Bollywood songs are have been written about this famous paan. The Banarasi paan is made by stuffing paan leaves with betel nut, Chuna, Kiwam, snuff, rose chutney, baba chutney, coconut, catechu among other ingredients. Paan has a symbolic value here and is served in a special Nawabi style. Enjoy the exotic flavors of Banarasi paan during your stay here.
Buniya or Boondi: Buniya is made during special occasions pujas or festivals and is served as prasad in most temples in Varanasi. Tiny balls of gram flour are fried and soaked in sugar syrup, making it extremely sweet and juicy. This delicious sweet should be a part of your food journey in Varanasi.
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