Varanasi
Varanasi, the holiest city in India, is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Indian religion up close and first-hand. Expect a visit that won't leave you indifferent.
12°C Cochin International Airport.
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"Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend, and seems twice as old as all of them put together" - Mark Twain
Varanasi, the city of life and death. A crazy, amazing and special place that cannot be described in words. It is not for nothing that it is said about Varanasi that you can love it or hate it, but you cannot remain indifferent to it.
It is among the oldest cities in the world, and it is the holiest city in Hinduism. According to mythology, it was created by the god Shiva following a battle that took place between him and the god Brahma. Since that battle, the Shaivism movement (a movement that focuses on the worship of the god Shiva) has been mainly spread. Throughout the city there are many temples dedicated to Shiva or to figures associated with him, such as his many wives or his son the god Ganesha.
Varanasi has other names - Benares, and Kashi. Apart from Hinduism, the city is also very sacred for the Jain religion and has a significant role in the development of Buddhism - when the Buddha gave his first speech near Varanasi.
Varanasi is located on the banks of the holy Ganges River and is famous for this. According to Indian belief, the river has great holiness and importance and is considered such in itself. Immersion in its holy waters is a mitzvah that purifies the karma in the current life, and the throwing of the body's ashes is a mitzvah that purifies for future incarnations. Therefore, Varanasi attracts pilgrims from all over India and abroad, who have been coming to immerse themselves in the holy river water or participate in the cremation ceremonies for many years. Varanasi has been a "cremation factory" operating 24/7 for thousands of years.
In addition to Indian tourists, Varanasi attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists from all over the world due to its fascinating history and sacred atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.
Anyone who wants to experience Indian culture up close and firsthand must include Varanasi on their itinerary.
Getting to Varanasi
Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northeastern India, close to the border with Nepal. It is extremely accessible and can be reached by all means of transport.
– Arrival by plane: Varanasi airport is served by domestic flights from all over India, as well as international flights from Nepal and Thailand.
– Train: Varanasi has a railway station with trains to all over India.
– Buses and sleepers: Sleepers arrive in Varanasi from many destinations in India.
Recommended season Varanasi
Varanasi, like many other Indian cities, can reach extremely high temperatures in the summer, so it is recommended to visit it in the winter months - October-April.
At the end of October, the Diwali holiday takes place in India and it is especially recommended to celebrate it in Varanasi, which is considered one of the most interesting destinations to be in during the Diwali celebrations - One of the major festivals of Hinduism.
Don't miss a trip or a cruise along the Ghats
The vast banks of the Varanasi Ganges are led by stone steps from the buildings that extend along the entire length of the river. These steps are a kind of "piers" called Ghats. The Ghats are the center of most rituals and pilgrimages in the area. It is worth touring there during the day and soak up the atmosphere and holiness, meet different characters and watch fascinating ceremonies from the entire spectrum of the colorful and fascinating Indian religion. There are also quite a few guides who can take you on a tour of the area or on a river cruise. The cruise is a highly recommended experience, especially at sunrise, when the city slowly begins to wake up and people begin their morning rituals. The river cruise will allow you to get a comprehensive perspective on the cremation sites, the old city and the many temples in the area.
There are sunrise and sunset ceremonies along all the ghats, and in general there is a lot of hustle and bustle and activity throughout the day and night. There are two main ghats where the ceremonies are particularly large and spectacular – ASSI GHAT and DASASHWAMEGH GHAT, and it is highly recommended to attend these ceremonies at least once.
It is worth arriving about half an hour in advance to get a good seat at these ghats and see the amazing ceremony properly, because a lot of people come.
One thing is really No Recommended to do – join the locals for a dip in the river, you can see why.
Cremation in Varanasi
Cremation is perhaps the most famous phenomenon in Varanasi. Thousands of people "make their way" to the distant city to end their lives here or accompany others who end their lives here so that the ashes of the bodies can be scattered in the holy river and they will receive good karma in their next incarnations.
The cremation ceremonies take place at certain ghats along the river and many tourists come to watch them. Manikarnika Ghat is the main ghat for cremation, it is literally a cremation factory, where bodies are burned non-stop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without a break, day and night.
According to the locals, the fire there is sacred in itself and has been burning continuously for thousands of years!
Watching the ceremonies is an extremely powerful experience and not at all simple.
Important to know – this is a significant and intimate ceremony for the participants, in which many emotions are expressed. If you come to watch, it's important to be sensitive, not to get too close, not to start asking too many questions And it's very important not to take pictures.This may lead to very unpleasant reactions, shouting, and expulsion from the venue.
What else is there to do in the city?
• A huge temple complex – Varanasi offers a huge abundance of huge temples, both ancient and new, where you can see particularly impressive art and architecture. It is worth dedicating a few days to see them all.
• The Old City – The old city of Varanasi is definitely an amazing and shocking sight at the same time. Ancient alleys that may seem dirty to you on the surface, full of homeless people and various animals, but they have a special atmosphere and charm. For those who are not deterred, it is recommended to even sleep in the old city or at least spend the days there. It is strategically located, close to everything – the river, the various ghats, the temples and the market.
• The Varanasi market – an authentic Indian market that is particularly colorful and bustling, full of saris, incense, perfumes and cosmetics, shiny jewelry and more. The market is local, used by pilgrims for rituals and ceremonies, and the goods in it are accordingly. An authentic experience is recommended.
• Guided tour of the city – To see all these places properly, reach hidden corners and understand the secrets and traditions of this ancient and fascinating city, it is recommended to do this through a guided tour by a local guide. You can easily request one at any hotel or travel agency.
• Sarnath – a Buddhist temple located about 10 km outside Varanasi. It is one of the holiest places in Buddhism and many Buddhists make pilgrimages to it. According to Buddhist belief, there are four holiest places with events in chronological order. Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha (now in Nepal), Bodh Gaya – a city in Uttar Pradesh today, this is the place where Buddha sat under a tree and received his enlightenment. Sarnath – the place where Buddha taught his first Dharma lesson after enlightenment, and Kuching – also a city in Uttar Pradesh today, according to belief, Buddha was freed from his physical body there and reached eternal nirvana.
• Music studies – There are many ashrams and schools that teach traditional music on beautiful authentic instruments.
Varanasi Food
Varanasi is especially known for its authentic and delicious street food, idli, dosas, purim, restaurants with steaming thali, and especially the chai and lassi stalls. The lassi of Varanasi is certainly the most delicious lassi in India, from simple street stalls to the most famous establishments that attract hundreds of tourists –
The Green Lassi - a simple, sweet, classic and delicious lassi stall, located near the Hasi Ghat.
Baba Lassi - Lassi with a variety of toppings in the old city.
Blue Lassi - the most famous lassi shop (and in our opinion the most delicious), a huge variety of flavored and fruit lassi with colorful and varied toppings. Located inside the market.
You are welcome to try them all and tell us which one you liked the most!
Accommodations
| MISHRA GUEST HOUSE | Rooms | +915422401143 |
| SURAH GUEST HOUSE | Rooms | +919838085923 |
| TREE BABA GUEST HOUSE | Rooms | +915422398560 |
| SUNRISE LODGE | Rooms | +915422400334 |
| KEDAR KHAND PAYING GUEST HOUSE | Rooms | +917800800266 |
| KEDARSWAR BED AND BREAKFAST | Rooms | +915422455568 |
| MONA LIZA | Rooms | +919451557533 |
| MANGALE | Rooms | +919452196366 |
| ALI BABA GUEST HOUSE | Rooms | +919935514501 |
Gallery
Where to go from here?.
Here is a map of the area, you can move between places by simply clicking on the marker on the map.
Pin – where are you right now?
Green – if you want to continue to places for hummus.
Orange – if you want to continue to places off the trail.
Varanasi, the holiest city in India, is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Indian religion up close and first-hand. Expect a visit that won't leave you indifferent.
Delhi – Most of us will start our adventure in India right here. Landing in this vast city can be a complete shock but it can also be a special and unforgettable experience
The Taj Mahal is the most magnificent and famous building in India, located in the city of Agra, a short drive from Delhi, and has a fascinating history of a royal love story.
Bodh Gaya is a city in northern India and is one of the most sacred and important places in the Buddhist religion, and many make pilgrimages to it.
