About Varanasi
Varanasi radiates an aura of spiritual energy that transcends time. It is nestled on the banks of the sacred Ganga River. Varanasi is a place where the past and present converge, and the spirit of devotion is palpable in every corner. The city proves the enduring power of faith with its ancient temples and various ghats. The ghats of Varanasi are where life and spirituality intertwine. From dawn till dusk, these steps leading to the Ganga witness a symphony of rituals and activities. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a choreographed ceremony of fire and devotion, is a transformative experience. The Ganga is revered as sacred, offering purifying blessings to dive into her heart. Walking through Varanasi's labyrinthine streets is an immersion in the city's vibrant soul. The sights, sounds, and scents tell stories of centuries-old traditions. The alley's echo of temple bells and the aroma of street food encapsulate the essence of people's daily life here. The city's bazaars offer a chance to collect souvenirs that carry the energy of devotion. Your trip needn’t end there as you can take Varanasi’s essence with you.
Varanasi is a place where the cycle of life and death is embraced as a natural rhythm. The Manikarnika Ghat, one of the city's cremation sites, is where the departing souls attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. It offers a profound understanding of the impermanence of life and the transcendence sought through spiritual pursuits. Varanasi is also a hub for yoga and meditation. Yoga classes and meditation sessions along the Ganges offer an opportunity to connect with inner peace while being immersed in the city's spiritual atmosphere. Traditional music, classical dance performances, and local crafts contribute to the city's cultural environment. Visiting Varanasi is not just a journey to a physical place, it's a pilgrimage to the essence of spirituality. Let’s learn more about the different places here to form a wholesome itinerary.
Places to visit in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A trip to Varanasi without visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is incomplete. The temple is more than a structure, it's a sacred abode that echoes with millennia of devotion. The temple's golden spire, rising towards the heavens, is a symbol of spiritual yearning. The complex labyrinth of alleys leading to the temple is an experience in itself, bustling with devotees, hawkers selling flowers, and echoes of ancient chants. As you step into the sanctum, the air is charged with reverence, and the presence of Lord Shiva is heart-warming. The aarti begins at 3:00-4:00 AM every morning. Learn more about the timings on the official website.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: Dashashwamedh Ghat is the heart of Varanasi's spiritual vitality. It is an immersion into the sacred rhythms of life. The Ganga Aarti, a nightly ritual, is a spectacle that defies words. As the river's current dances with the flames of countless lamps, the priests' synchronised movements become a manifestation of devotion itself. The atmosphere is charged with a mix of fervour and tranquillity.
- Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat. It is a serene oasis where the Ganga gently embraces the city. Its quieter demeanour invites contemplation. That makes it a favoured spot for meditation and yoga. The early morning boat rides provide a vantage point to witness the sun's golden embrace of the city and the ghats slowly awakening to a new day. The ambience serves as a gentle reminder of the interplay of energies within Varanasi.
- Sarnath: Stepping into Sarnath is a step into history and enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa is a sentinel that echoes the Buddha's first teachings to his disciples. The Mulagandhakuti Vihara is embellished with frescoes. The Sarnath Museum holds artefacts dating back to the Mauryan era. Sarnath unravels the spiritual journey that emanated from this hallowed ground.
- Manikarnika Ghat: Manikarnika Ghat is a profound lesson in the cyclical nature of existence. The cremation fires burn day and night. It might help you reach the deeper layers within you. Observing the rituals can transform how you perceive life and death.
- Bharat Kala Bhavan: The Bharat Kala Bhavan is a sanctuary of art and culture that has preserved the legacy of centuries. Sculptures from the Gupta period, miniature paintings that depict stories from epics, and artefacts that mirror the city's diverse heritage are present here. The museum serves as a doorway to India's artistic evolution and Varanasi's pivotal role in shaping it.
- Tulsi Manas Mandir: The Tulsi Manas Mandir is indeed a poetic edifice. It narrates the epic Ramayana through its marble carvings. Each wall echoes verses from the scriptures that intertwine the stories of gods and mortals. The temple's tranquil environs are a haven for reflection. Take inspiration at this historic temple and gain a deeper outlook on this much-cherished story of Good over evil.
- Bharat Mata Temple: The Bharat Mata Temple is a unique symbol of patriotism. Instead of deities, it reveres the nation, its diverse regions, and eminent personalities. The temple is a tribute to India's spirit of unity in diversity that transcends religious boundaries to celebrate the nation as a whole.
- Ramnagar Fort: Crossing the Ganga to the Ramnagar Fort is a journey through time. The fort's crimson ramparts are guardians of history that enclose courtyards that once hosted the city's royalty. Vintage cars, royal carriages, and the museum's collection of artefacts weave a narrative of Varanasi's regal past. They offer great insights into that era.
Varanasi Airport (VNS)
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) serves the city of Varanasi and was formally renamed in honour of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second prime minister. It is about 26 km northwest of the city. There are 2 terminals at the airport. You can easily find various shops and services like Currency Exchange and Post Office. Buses and taxis are available just outside the airport.