Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the most intriguing and captivating cities I have visited in the world thus far. It is nestled between the Varuna and Assi branches of the Ganges River of India. It is a place of cultural and ceremonial significance. Considered a holy city where Hindus believe the cycle of rebirth can be broken if one is cremated along the banks of the river. From the ghats to the boat rides to the early morning and evening ceremonies this city will leave your heart with a big impression.
How to get to Varanasi
The fastest and easiest way by far is to fly into the nearby airport Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS). The flight from Delhi is approximately 1.5 hours nonstop. From there you can easily get to town via prepaid taxi stand that is located just outside the terminal. For more cost-effective way, you can leave the airport and find bus station and rickshaws. The city center is about 20 kilometers from the airport and takes about 35 minutes depending on traffic. You can also hire a cab to drive which is about 850 km and takes anywhere from 12-16 hours. You may also consider taking a train. About 12 trains run daily between these cities. The train takes about 11-17 hours.
How to get around Varanasi
It is a very walkable city so bring your comfortable shoes. A memorable experience is to take a boat down the Ganges River. You can take taxi or richshaws around and out of town as needed.
where to stay
I would recommend staying in the heart of the action closer to the river. There are so many hotels you will have your option of budget and type.
when to visit
The peak season to visit is during the winter months of November through February when the temperatures are a little cooler.
How many days in Varanasi?
I was on a very tight schedule so went for literally 24 hours. I feel like I got a true sense of the city in that time. I was able to tour the ghats during the day, see the evening festival and wake up before sunrise to take a morning boat for the morning festivities. Most people do recommend around 2-5 days which probably feels less rushed than what I did.
Top things to do in Varanasi
Varanasi is a feast for the eyes with its incredible scenery, marvelous ceremonies, and the cultural experience. One of the must do activities is the Aarti Ceremony in the evening. Another not to miss experience is to take a ride on a rowing boat on the Ganges River. Most people opt to do this in the morning but anytime is beautiful. The River Ganges in the holiest Hindu River so you will see many bathing on the shores- you can partake or enjoy as a spectator. You cannot say you’ve been to Varanasi if you haven’t explored the ghats. You can stroll along the ghats, view the ghats from a boat ride or visit the ghats. Some of the more popular ghats include: Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Banaras Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat though there are hundreds aligning the river. Other fantastic tourist attractions include the New Vishwanath Temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath. If you are into lassis then you should check out The Blue Lassi, the most famous of lassi shops in Varanasi.
24 hours in Varanasi
As this city is simply mesmerizing it is easy to walk around or simply sit and take in all the commotion around you.
Arrive via flight and head into the city. I had encountered some fellow travels on the plane, and we buddied up to take a cab to the city. We arrived at hotel and checked in. The hotel offered a guide person to help tour the ghats. Myself and two others I met on the plane departed with the guide. We got some history and got to see the ghats and the burning ceremonies along the shoreline for the first time. After the tour, we strolled along the ghats. Your senses and emotions will be on high with the surrounding atmosphere. After our walk, we headed to The Blue Lassi, where we were able to enjoy lassis while watching the ceremonies proceed out in the streets in front of us. In the evening we attended the nightly ceremony. The Aarti ceremony occurs nightly with Hindu priests with lamps with chants and songs dedicated to Mother Ganga. It is truly incredible and not to be missed. In the morning, we woke before sunrise and headed to the shore to grab a rowboat on the Ganges River. There are other rituals that occur in morning with sunrise. It is recommended to take a boat ride at sunrise, and you will not be disappointed.
