By Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in the north of India. The city attracts pilgrims from India as well as abroad. The city of holy Ganga is home to ancient domes, muths, ashrams, priests, narrow lanes with shops filled with Benaresi sarees, Varanasi represents the colourful and fascinating IndiaThe holy place is a favourite city of many Bollywood directors as the narrative city for their films and have captured the city and the spirit of Varanasi beautifully. Films such as Masan, Raanjhana,The Last Colour, Laga Chunari main Daag, and many more.
Travel to the city of Varanasi
Varanasi is an important Hindu pilgrimage town. The spiritual town has a lot more to offer. So, if you are planning your next backpacking trip, you must explore the ghats of Ganga, and help you plan your trip. Here’s a travel guide to Varanasi.
How to reach
By Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Airport has a link to important Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Domestic airlines like Air India and IndiGo operate regular flights from Delhi, Khajuraho, Bangalore, Mumbai and Goa. There are flights available for Kathmandu too. Once you reach the airport, you can hire prepaid taxis to reach the city centre.
By road
Varanasi enjoys excellent connectivity by road with cities like Allahabad, Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur and Ranchi. A number of state buses and private services including some very comfortable air-conditioned luxury buses ply frequently from Lucknow to Varanasi. Well-maintained national highways, NH 2 and NH 28 (via Harlalka Road) lead to Varanasi from Lucknow, the journey taking around 6 to 7 hours.
By train
The Varanasi railway junction and Kashi railway station are the two main railheads in Varanasi. Travellers can make their travel bookings at either of these two stations. Both these railway stations have a link with prime Indian cities via extensive rail networks. From Delhi, there are several trains available for Varanasi, BSB Garibrath originating from Anand Vihar is one of them. Auto rickshaws, autos and rickshaws are easily available from outside these railway stations.
Where to stay in Varanasi
BrijRama Palace
One can feel like a maharaja or maharani at these grand luxury hotels in Varanasi. BrijRama Palace is luxurious inside and out, with gorgeous views of the Ganges and lavish interiors.
Stay Banaras
The bright white walls and big yellow doors of this independent ‘experiential’ boutique hotel in Varanasi one should surely not miss The vibe is young, modern and authentic. Travellers can expect food tours, art workshops, yoga classes and co-working spaces. The property has 12 cozy yet minimalist rooms, with 24-hour room service. Relax in a hammock in the leafy courtyard and enjoy North Indian delicacies at the outdoor Behind Yellow Doors Diner, washed down with delicious masala tea.
Suryauday Haveli
The eye-catching Suryauday Haveli property is on Shivala Ghats, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with its construction by a Nepalese royal family more than 100 years ago. Modern, bright rooms wrap around a quiet courtyard adorned with plants. The restaurant is run by a Maharaj (Hindu cook) who prepares a feast of dishes with influences from across Indian cuisine.
Wander station Varanasi
It is a laid-back hostel that is 3 km from the popular Assi Ghat along the Ganges River and 6 km from antique artefacts at the 18th-century Ramnagar Fort. Varanasi train station is 4 km away. The hostel is a perfect destination for those who are budget travellers and love hostels.
Things to do in Varanasi
Morning aarti at Assi Ghat
Mornings in Varanasi start with an aarti as Assi Ghat. It is performed at 5:30 am in the morning. Visualize yourself being awakened on a spiritual morning with chimes of morning aarti bells, chants, the aroma of the fresh flowers and the early sunrise at the Ghat.
Watch wrestling at Tulsi Akhada
The tradition of wrestling at Tulsi Akhada is 500 years old, this is something one can surely not find anywhere else. Every morning at 6 is at Tulsi Akhada 20 wrestlers of different age groups practise traditional wrestling(Kushti).
Boat Ride from Tulsi Ghat to Dashaswamedh Ghat
A trip to Varanasi is incomplete without a boat ride. One side of the ghat you can witness the sun rising and the beautiful rays shining their light on the beautiful ghats. Moreover if one is boating in winter then they can witness and be surrounded by seagulls.
Ghat Photography
Varanasi is also known as the Mecca of photographers. As nobody comes back without amazing colourful and aesthetic shots of the town. One can bring their cameras and walk around the ghats for amazing ghat photography.
Indulge in street food
Street food in Banaras is heaven for all the foodies and street food enthusiasts. Grab a bite of piping hot Jalebi and banarasi Kachori as you bite into the flavour of the local food and have a gastronomical journey.
Walk from Manikarnika ghat to gaay ghat
If overcrowded ghats, the noise of boats is a lot for you as a traveller and you prefer less crowded places then the stretch from Assi to Dashashwamedh is a perfect morning to explore the city. The stretch also has places like the Balcony of Bhosle Ghat and the beautiful Mughal Alamgir Mosque.
Tips and advice to keep in mind
Varanasi Is a city of pilgrimage and has a lot of ancient history and significance in Indian culture and cities. Dressing appropriately, especially while visiting the ghats or temples is important. Men should have full-length pants and shirts or T-shirts. traditional attire like dhoti-kurta or dhoti with anything to cover the shoulders is appreciated by the locals. Likewise, women travellers must wear full-length clothes. Due to respect for the cultural and sentimental values of the locals, it is suggested that you dress sober.
We hope this guide was helpful in planning your future trip to the Ganges. If you have visited Varanasi you would surely go back to your travel memories.
