Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the most ancient living cities in the world. This ancient city sits by the sacred Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. For thousands of years, it has been a place of deep spiritual and cultural importance.
Varanasi is a key spot for Hindu pilgrims. Millions visit to perform rituals, seek blessings, and bathe in the holy Ganges. The city buzzes with life. Its winding roads and busy ghats reflect a timeless vibe. You can hear prayers and chants all around.
The charm of Varanasi goes beyond its otherworldly charm. It is a place where history, culture, and everyday life interweave consistently. Varanasi offers a unique experience. It has lively markets, peaceful ghats, and vibrant celebrations. You can explore its beautiful sanctuaries, too.
The city's vibrant embroidered art and the warmth of its people draw in visitors. Here, life and death show their true colors, making it a unique experience. Varanasi has something for everyone. This city offers otherworldly light, social insight, and a glimpse into the soul of India. You'll find a rich experience here. Here are a few of the best things to do in Varanasi.
Top 5 Best Things To Do in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is a partitioned world of its own with perpetual places to investigate. Varanasi welcomes travelers with its lively sanctuaries and sacred ghats. Each path invites exploration.
It’s intense to choose 5 of the best places to visit, but if you are here for approximately 2 days, this guide is perfect for you. If you have more time, check out these strange places as well. Here are our suggestions for the best 5 places to visit in Varanasi.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple sits on the western banks of the holy Ganga river. It is one of the 12 jyoti lingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The show sanctuary was at long last revamped by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780.
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Known as "the brilliant temple," this sanctuary shines with its plated arch and tower. Lovers can visit the sanctuary anytime between 4 AM and 11 PM. For a magical experience, try to attend one of the aartis held at various times throughout the day. If you wish to visit more sanctuaries, check out this point-by-point guide.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most seasoned and the most sacrosanct ghats in Varanasi. Going to the Ganga aarti here at sunset is a mysterious involvement you simply cannot miss! Just a 10-minute walk from the Kashi Vishwanath temple, this ghat is always lively with visitors and locals.
The ghat is well-known for its sacred ceremonies. It’s truly a must-visit spot in Varanasi. Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat at dusk. See the sacred stream glow in yellow and orange. It's truly a sight to behold!
3. Assi Ghat
Located in the south of Varanasi at the intersection of the Heavenly Ganga and Assi waterways, Assi Ghat is one of the most well-known ghats of the city, and hence, it is accepted that taking a plunge at Assi Ghat is exceptionally sacred.
There is a lingam of Ruler Shiva at Assi Ghat, which is kept beneath the Peepal tree and is continuously overwhelmed with travelers and sightseers. One of the best times to visit the ghat is early in the morning amid the enchanted Subah-e-Banaras aarti. Encounter the peaceful vessel ride in the Ganges at the Assi ghat and get a few Instagram-worthy pictures.
4. Ramnagar Fort
Located close to the eastern banks of the Ganges, Ramnagar fortification was built by Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, who was ruler of Varanasi at that time.
Developed totally in sandstone, Ramnagar fortification is a mind-blowing case of Mughal design, making it one of the must-visit places in Varanasi. To visit this radiant post, sightseers have to take a 30 min watercraft ride from the Assi Ghat, as it is on the edges of Varanasi.
5. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Located inside the Banaras Hindu College (BHU) complex, the Bharat Kala Bhavan historical center is a celebrated craftsmanship and social historical center and one of the must-visit places in Varanasi.
Built up in the 1920s, the Bharat Kala Bhavan historical center is one of the most seasoned galleries in India, making it a heaven for history and craftsmanship significant others. This exhibition hall has more than a lakh of antiquities that have verifiable significance.
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The portrayal display of this exhibition hall is especially wonderful with well-curated depictions from the Mughal courts. Separated from all the craftsmanship and canvases, there is also an area extraordinarily devoted to the wealthy collection of Banarasi sarees, which is completely unmissable!
How to Reach Varanasi?
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri The Universal Air Terminal of Varanasi is well associated with most of the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bangalore. From the airplane terminal, you can effortlessly get a cab to reach the primary city, which is a fair 30 mins away.
By Train: The city has a railroad station, Varanasi Intersection, which is one of the busiest railroad stations in Uttar Pradesh. A number of trains from major cities like Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, Surat, and Hyderabad connect to Varanasi, making it effortlessly accessible by rail.
By Road: Varanasi has an awesome street network with cities like Delhi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi if one wishes to come by individual vehicle or private cab. Both private and state buses to Varanasi run from these cities.
Where to Stay?
Now that you know all the best places to investigate in Varanasi, why not begin arranging another trip to this heavenly city? Investigate the limitless, colorful maze-like paths, antiquated sanctuaries, bustling markets, and memorable ghats to get a glimpse into Varanasi's eternal otherworldly air.
And if you're road-tripping through Uttar Pradesh, consider making a pit stop at The Hosteller Agra and The Hosteller Delhi. Our excellent inns offer reasonable settlement in prime areas. There are plenty of settlement choices in Varanasi, such as lodgings, both budgeted and extravagant; visitor houses; inns; and ashrams.
Conclusion
Varanasi is a city that leaves an enduring impression on each guest. Its mix of the most profound sense of being, culture, history, and regular life makes a one-of-a-kind and exceptional involvement.
Whether you are seeing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, investigating the old sanctuaries, walking through the dynamic ghats, or savoring the neighborhood food, Varanasi offers a journey of disclosure and reflection.
The city's ageless charm and significant, most profound sense of being make it a goal like no other. So, pack your packs and get prepared to inundate yourself in the magical and charming world of Varanasi.
