Varanasi Travel Tips: Must see places

Day 1: A Vibrant Experience: Discovering the Culture and Traditions of Varanasi

Varanasi is a city steeped in rich history and vibrant culture. It’s a place where traditions and modernity coexist, where the sound of temple bells blends with the beat of Bhojpuri music. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Varanasi for a family function and was struck by the warmth and liveliness of the people.

The first day we arrived, we attended a housewarming puja, a Hindu ritual performed to purify and sanctify a new home. The energy in the room was palpable, with the chanting of mantras and ringing of bells creating a sense of reverence and awe. After the puja, we sat down to a delicious dinner filled with traditional UP dishes, followed by some dance in Bhojpuri music. One of the popular songs you will hear is Tu Lagawelu Jab Lipastic

Navigating the Streets of Varanasi: A Guide to the Best Modes of Transportation: One of the most popular modes of transportation in Varanasi is the hand cart and cycle cart. These traditional modes offer a unique glimpse into the local culture and are a great way to experience the city’s streets. However, they can be slow and may not be suitable for longer distances.

Electric rickshaws and traditional rickshaws are another popular option, providing a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around. However, tourists should be aware that drivers may overcharge them, so it’s important to negotiate the price in advance. For those who want the convenience of knowing in advance how much they’ll be paying, Uber is a safe bet. With fixed prices and reliable service, it’s a great option for tourists who want to avoid the hassle of negotiating prices with local drivers

Day 2: Experiencing the Beauty and Mystery of Varanasi

Varanasi is a city of ancient beauty and mystery, and there’s no better way to experience it than with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. During our visit, we stayed at the The Amayaa Hotel and made the early morning journey to Kedar Ghat for a boat ride along the river. As the sun rose, we boarded a motor boat and began our journey along the Ganges. Our boatman was a font of knowledge, sharing the stories behind each of the ghats we passed. The peaceful sound of the river and the soft glow of the sunrise added to the magic of the moment.

The boat ride is truly a unique experience and one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Varanasi. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful way to start your day, the sunrise boat ride is a must-do activity. The cost of the boat ride can vary, with prices ranging from Rs 1000-2000. However, it’s important to note that the price is negotiable, so be prepared to haggle a bit to get the best deal. Despite the initial negotiation, the boat ride is worth every penny, offering a stunning view of the city and a deeper understanding of its history and culture.

We stopped for a cup of steaming hot kulhad chai from a ghat vendor (Khulad Cafe – though it’s not a cafe), followed by a walk along the river. The kulhad chai was a delicious start to the day, and a great way to warm up on a chilly morning. Served in traditional clay cups, the tea was perfectly brewed and had just the right balance of spices. After our cup of tea, we went for a walk along the river, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The breeze was refreshing, while we watched people immersed themselves in the holy water of the Ganges. The atmosphere was peaceful and spiritual, and we felt a deep connection to the city and its history.

As we made our way back from the river, we stumbled upon a local vendor selling Malaiyo – a sweet dish that is a must-try in the city. Made with milk foam, saffron, and pistachios, Malaiyo is a delicacy that simply melts in your mouth. It was a perfect sweet ending to our morning stroll along the Ganges.

With our sweet tooth satisfied, we continued our culinary adventure and headed towards The Ram Bhandar, a renowned food stall that serves some of the best Kachori and Jalebi in the city. The crispy and flavorful Kachori, filled with spicy lentils and served with tangy tamarind chutney, was a treat for our taste buds. And the sweet, crispy, syrupy Jalebi was the perfect complement to the savory Kachori. We couldn’t resist having a second serving!

Day 3 in Varanasi: A sensory journey through the city’s vibrant culture, spirituality, and mouth-watering culinary delights

After a late start to the day due to a family party the night before, we headed out to explore the city’s famous Banarasi silk. Our family had connections in the industry, so we were recommended to visit Shri Sanktha Brothers for authentic silk sarees and Dupattas. Shopping for these beautiful textiles took some time out of our schedule, but it was worth it to witness the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that goes into each piece. From there, we headed to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples in Varanasi.

After admiring the stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, we embarked on a walking tour of the city’s many ghats, with the aim of reaching the Ganga aarti. As we strolled along the riverbank, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, we felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility. The atmosphere was thick with spirituality, and we could sense the profound importance of the river to the people of Varanasi

The Ganga aarti is a religious ritual that takes place every evening on the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi. It is a highly spiritual event that celebrates the river as a sacred entity, and is attended by hundreds of locals and tourists alike. As we made our way to the riverbank, we could feel the excitement and anticipation building amongst the crowds. The aarti ceremony involves a group of pandits (Hindu priests) performing a series of rituals, accompanied by the recitation of hymns and mantras, the ringing of bells, and the waving of incense and oil lamps.

The aarti is a visually stunning event, with the pandits dressed in traditional attire and the lamps creating a breathtaking display of light and color. As the aarti progressed, the energy in the air became more and more intense, with people joining in the chanting and offering their own prayers to the river.

While the aarti can be viewed from the land side, many visitors choose to attend by boat, which offers a unique and memorable perspective on the event. From the water, the lamps and chanting create a mesmerizing sight, with the river and its surroundings bathed in a warm glow.

As we watched the aarti from the land side, we were struck by the depth of devotion and spiritual connection that the ceremony evoked in both the pandits and the attendees. It was a truly humbling experience, and one that we will never forget. The Ganga aarti is a must-see event for anyone visiting Varanasi, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

As we made our way through the city, we learned about the “three things” that visitors must do to complete their journey to Varanasi – sail in the Ganges, watch the Ganga aarti, and visit the Kal Bhairav temple. We had already checked off the first two items on the list, so we set out towards our final destination: the Kal Bhairav temple. The temple’s intricate carvings and rich history were fascinating to explore, and we felt a deep connection to the city’s spiritual roots.

And of course, no trip to Varanasi would be complete without indulging in the famous Banarasi Paan – a sweet and savory treat made with betel leaves, areca nuts, and a variety of spices. As we savored the delicious street food, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unique and unforgettable experiences that Varanasi had brought us.

What struck me most about Varanasi was the way in which the people embrace life to the fullest. Whether it’s through religion, music, or dance, they find joy in every moment. It’s a city where the hustle and bustle of daily life is balanced by a deep respect for tradition, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.

I cannot help but commend the Uttar Pradesh government for their efforts in promoting tourism while simultaneously preserving the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. From the various initiatives to improve the city’s infrastructure and accessibility, to the efforts to revive the dying crafts of Banarasi silk weaving and handloom textiles, the government’s initiatives have undoubtedly made Varanasi a more tourist-friendly destination.

At the same time, it is heartening to see that the city’s soul and essence have not been compromised in any way. The religious and spiritual significance of the Ganges and the city’s many temples and shrines have been preserved and celebrated, and visitors are able to witness and partake in the unique customs and traditions of the city’s residents.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the vibrant side of Varanasi!

Although our time in Varanasi had come to an end, our journey through India was far from over. With memories of the city’s rich culture and spiritual energy still fresh in our minds, we set out to explore the next destinations on our itinerary – the holy town of Vrindavan, the majestic city of Agra, and the vibrant capital of Delhi. Stay tuned as we continue our adventure through India, experiencing the country’s diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, and creating memories that will last a lifetime