The northern Indian city that lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi, has claimed its spot as the spiritual capital of the country. This ancient city, also known as Kashi or Benaras, dates back to approximately the 11th century B.C. It is considered to be one of the holiest places for many Hindu pilgrims. Varanasi, according to the devotees, is a place where one can break free from the cycle of birth and death, ultimately achieving Moksha or salvation.
The holy city of Varanasi
Many tourists from around India and other countries flock in large numbers to experience Varanasi’s spirituality. There is a lot to see and do here, whether you are experiencing the vibrant atmosphere, admiring the majestic Ganges River, or exploring the twisting alleyways. To make sure you enjoy the city to the fullest, here are the top ten things that you should experience in Varanasi:
Boat ride in Ganges River
The Ganges River, named after the Hindu Goddess Ganga, is one of the holiest rivers in the world. Here, the sight of pilgrims bathing for purification is the most common. Along the ghats of the Ganges River, people perform several other rituals, including burning funeral pyres and scattering the ashes of the deceased in the river’s water, depicting the ephemeral course of life.
Boat rides in Ganges River
On the Ganges River, rowing boat rides during dusk or dawn are one of the best ways to observe the city. The ride makes its way through various ghats, passing by temples and former palaces, all the while offering a panoramic view of the Ganges. One can rise early to catch the sunrise amidst the peaceful and mystical atmosphere while taking a boat ride.
To witness the hustle and bustle in the evening, boat rides during sunsets are exhilarating, wherein lotus flower candles are set to drift the waters. Overall, opting for a boat ride on the Ganges River provides a closer look at Hindu religious significance.
Walk along the ghats
The ghats in Varanasi are incredibly interesting to stroll around and explore. They are riverfront steps that lead to the banks of the Ganges River. There are around 88 ghats in the city, most divided into bathing ghats while others oversee puja or ceremonies. Some ghats are also exclusively used as cremation sites.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the most popular among all is the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which has a euphoric ambience. It is a huge tourist attraction, swamped with flower vendors, boat operators, sadhus, and pilgrims. This ghat serves as a prime location for most of the festivals celebrated in Varanasi. The enchanting Dashashwamedh Ghat is associated with famous Hindu mythologies. One of them narrates, “Lord Brahma created the ghat to welcome Lord Shiva.”
Manikarnika Ghat
Another tale suggests that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Yajna, which is a ritual in Hinduism performed in front of the fire. The Ganga Aarti takes place at this ghat in the evening and proves to be an extravagant sight.
The Assi Ghat, although less crowded, is an equally prominent ghat at the southernmost end. Its main attraction remains a Shiva Lingam, which is found under a fig tree and attracts hundreds of pilgrims looking to worship Lord Shiva. In contrast, funeral rituals are seen in Manikarnika Ghat. It is believed to be an auspicious place where the departed can attain moksha.
Witness the magnificent Ganga Aarti
The evening Aarti ceremony is one of the most grandiose events, a sight undoubtedly cherished for the longest time. The aarti ceremony is best seen from the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat in Varanasi. This spiritual gathering is a Hindu religious ritual that is performed to make offerings to deities.
The aarti makes use of brass lamps that are huge and weigh around 4.5 kg. But as soon as these lamps are lit, they radiate spectacular images. Moreover, the chants, smell of incense, and flowers make this ceremony authentic and memorable. Make sure to reach the ghat at least one hour early to witness the ultimate grandiosity of the evening aarti ceremony.
Take a dip at the Ganges River
The sacred water of the Ganges River is believed to purify a person and wash away their sins. It is known for offering spiritual charms, and devotees chant to gratify and take the blessing of Goddess Ganga.
Devotees take a dip in the Ganges River
No matter their age, pilgrims from all around the world bathe or take a dip in the river to relieve their sins and attain moksha. Any of the ghats in Varanasi can be easily accessed and used for taking a bath or a dip in the Ganges River.
Visit the temples of Varanasi
Along with the ghats, the temples of Varanasi hold the city’s history and culture. There are temples on every corner of the street. Each temple is known for its religious significance and Hindu mythology.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The most notable and sacred temple is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, lying on the western banks of the Ganges River. This impressive structure has three domes plated with around 800 kg of pure gold, giving it another name: the Golden Temple. The architecture of this temple has inspired several other temples around India.
Among the 12 Jyotirlingas or the holiest Shiva Temples around the globe, Kashi Vishwanath is among them. Devotees wait in long lines to touch the sin-absolving Jyotirlinga of Shiva at the silver altar.
Embark on a tour to Sarnath
Situated just a few kilometres away from Varanasi is the calm village of Sarnath. Although Varanasi is a hub for Hindu religious activities, Sarnath is a Buddhist centre. Its Buddhist monuments are regarded, and it is considered holy, as Gautama Buddha first preached the Dharma after his enlightenment.
The majestic Dhamek Stupa
Sarnath also has various pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka to spread Buddhism. The stupas teach about Indian history, the development of Buddhism as a religion, and various other relics. The massive Dhamek Stupa is a well-known Stupa built more than 100 years ago. The stupa has elegant carvings all over its walls, displaying flowers, birds, and people. Other attractions in Sarnath include the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Tibetan Temple.
Visit the Ramnagar fort
In 1750, Raja Balwant Singh built the Ramnagar Fort, which lies on the eastern bank of the River Ganges, opposite the Tulsi Ghat. It is constructed using pure sandstone, contains balconies, pavilions, and beautiful courtyards, and mirrors Mughal architecture.
Ramnagar fort
This sandstone fort and palace were previously used as defensive structures, but today they house a unique museum. Items found in the museum include vintage automobiles, antique weapons, an astronomical clock believed to be more than 100 years old, ivory works, an impressive armoury hall, and much more. The fort also has a temple that honours various Hindu epics.
Look for the weaver’s village
The weavers of Varanasi are noted for creating beautiful works of art and masterpieces. The Sarai Mohana village in the city is known for silk weaving, as the villagers have inherited this skill from their ancestors.
Silk weaving in Varanasi
The villagers of Sarai Mohana intricately craft the famous Varanasi sarees. The Banarsi or Varanasi sarees are one of the finest, decked out in gold and silver embroidery work and worn mostly by Indian brides. One can visit the Sarai Mohana village to learn more about the weavers and their craftsmanship.
Shop from local markets
The local shops and markets of Varanasi are known to sell clothes, accessories, handicrafts, sculptures, and much more. The Thateri Bazaar is a famous spot, popular for its religious artefacts, antiques, silk, and wooden products, as well as home décor items.
A bangle shop in Varanasi
The Vishwanath Lane displays various items such as bangles, sarees, fabrics, and carefully crafted wooden toys. Other places to shop in Varanasi are Golghar, Dal Mandi Market, Rajan Silk Market, and Vishwanath Galli.
Relish on street food
Finally, a trip to Varanasi is truly incomplete without having a taste of the street food or the local food of the city. The endless variety of street food includes crispy kachoris, aloo puri, kachori sabzi, and baati chokha.
Street food in Varanasi
For snacking, gol gappe and choora matar are available in various areas, while Nimish is offered as a dessert in the winter season. The most recommended place to try out lassi in Varanasi is Blue Lassi Café, which offers various flavours.
The beautiful city of Varanasi has become a fine tourist destination in India. As the city has a lot to offer, make sure to include the above-listed experiences in your itinerary when you visit Varanasi next time.
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