All you need to know about the Holy City of Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world who needs little introduction. It is the India of your imagination and one of the holiest in Hinduism. Varanasi is one of the fascinating, colorful, and blissful places on earth with a rich history and culture. You can love it or hate, but no one can resist eccentric feels of the holy city. The most interesting and fascinating thing about this mystic city is the rituals that take place here and are openly revealed at many riverside ghats; from taking a dip in holy Ganga to wash all the sins to burning bodies of the dead. Varanasi is known as the city of Lord Shiva and believed if anyone dies in the sacred city will be extricated from reincarnation cycle. Once in a lifetime, one must go on a Varanasi tour to feel the culture, traditions, and heritage of the country.

Best Time to visit Varanasi

The important things to note down before planning a Varanasi tour is to choose the best time to visit Varanasi. From October to March are the best months to explore Varanasi. The month of October is the beginning of winter and the temperature there remains serene and cool and many festivals and religious fairs are held during these months. It is advisable to keep woolens as the temperature may decrease anytime there. During these months, one can get the best of this charming city and explore the spiritual charm of the Varanasi.

How to reach Varanasi

Varanasi is well connected by train, direct flight, and roads.

By Air: Varanasi has an airport which is well connected by direct flight from major cities that includes Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Khajuraho.

By Train: People generally travel to Varanasi by train. The main railway station in the city is known as Varanasi junction. There are two other stations in the area of Varanasi known as Mughal Sarai and Manduadih. Mughal Sarai is about 20 kilometers from the city while Manduadih is within the city. It takes approximately 10 to 12 hours from Delhi to reach Varanasi by train and around 30 hours from Mumbai.

By Bus: Varanasi is well connected to major cities of Uttar Pradesh and one can board a bus from there to reach Varanasi. Also, it is connected to major cities of neighboring states by state-run buses.

Places to see in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus and surely is a sight to behold. Although, the city is famous for ghats, temples, and Ganga Arti, there are many other famous places to visit in Varanasi that mustn’t be missed on Varanasi trip. Here is a list of places to go-

Assi Ghat: Assi Ghat is one of the famous ghats where pilgrims pay their homage to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most famous places amongst the travelers as well as locals. It is a lively space where one can capture the ancientness of Varanasi.  It is the southernmost Ghat in Varanasi and is situated at the union of Asi and Ganga rivers. It is a must-add place in Varanasi tour packages.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: One of the oldest and main ghats in Varanasi, it is also the liveliest ghats in Varanasi. This one is a colorful place famous for spiritual perfection. This one is on the top on traveler’s list as it is a convincing place to roam in this small spiritual city. When in Varanasi, don’t miss a visit to this one and witness world famous Ganga aarti or Agni Pooja.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Visiting Kashi and not paying a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is sort of a crime. The Varanasi trip would be incomplete without including this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Sarnat: Sarnath, the famous historical ruin, located 13 km from Varanasi is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage in India. After visiting bustling and flamboyant ghats and gullies of Varanasi, seek some peace and solitude in Sarnath.

Man Mandir Observatory: Built-in 1737 by Sawai Jai Singh II, this masonry observatory is located on the Man Mandir Ghat. It is one of the heritage places in Varanasi and demands your visit.

Chunar Fort, Ramnagar Fort & Museum, Gyan Vapi Well, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Manikarnika Ghat, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Alamgir Mosque are other popular sightseeing places in Varanasi to added in Varanasi tour packages offered by Trip Kashi.