Varanasi Travel Experience - The Complete Travel Guide to Varanasi

Varanasi is located in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh along the banks of the River Ganges. One can witness thousands of pilgrims thronging this holy city for a pilgrimage or exploring the beauty of the city. Varanasi has been rich in tourism for many years and is a centre of all Hindu and Jain traditions. Besides being high in spiritualism and culture, Varanasi has mesmerising backdrops that captivate every traveller touring this city.

Varanasi or Kashi have a lot of places to visit and explore in and around the city and is one every travellers itinerary. The innumerable temples of Varanasi, the picturesque locales and places in close proximity to Varanasi offer the tourists immense opportunities to indulge in the cities colourful hues. Along with Varanasi one can also visit Sarnath, Vindhyachal, Ram Nagar, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Vindham Falls, Chunar Fort, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaithi, various Dargahs, etc. located in relatively close proximity to Varanasi. One can find many travellers visiting Varanasi to connect and discover with their spiritual self and purify their soul, body and mind. The sanctimonious capital of India, Varanasi is one of the most important tourist centres of India. Varanasi tourism has a lot of different hues to offer the tourist and must visit this pious city atleast once.

Enlighten yourself and revel in the beautiful culture of Varanasi!

History of Varanasi

Varanasi is alternatively called Banaras or Kashi and is the holiest among seven holy cities of India. Situated on the banks of Ganges River, the history of Varanasi dates back to several thousand years ago and holds high significance in Hindu mythology. The most prominent places of pilgrimage, the banks of Varanasi are thronged by thousands of devotees each year celebrating life and indulging in its rich spirituality.

Since time immemorial, Varanasi is considered to be in existence since the beginning of the world. The ground of Varanasi is said to be created by Lord Shiva along with his wife Goddess Parvati. The mention of Varanasi as a place of great sanctity and reverence has been in our Hindu scriptures ancient times. Varanasi or Kashi as it is often called is where you will find many believers and devotees coming to discover their spiritual side. The breath-taking view of the River Ganges and a holy bath in this magnificent River is said to have curative properties. Varanasi is famous as not a place of ardent worship but also as a major textile manufacturer of the world renowned Banarasi Silk Saris. This work and texture of the Saris is unmatched with any other textile in the world. Older than history and the oldest settled city in India, Varanasi is a definitely a must see while visiting India and North India.

The history of Varanasi will leave every traveller mesmerised and will taunt you to come back!

Culture of Varanasi

Varanasi is a land rich in its culture and tradition. The city of Varanasi showcases great pride in its rich value system and culture that is part of every individual of this city and is witnessed by every tourist visiting this pious destination.

While talking about culture and tradition, the one thing that sets Varanasi apart from its contemporaries is the way festivals are celebrated here. The great pomp and show that one sees and the way the city comes alive during major festivities, is truly a sight to be experienced. The cultural events of Varanasi are another driving factor for many tourists visiting this city. Every month there is some fair or festival being celebrated in Varanasi and hence you can see many devotees thronging the river fronts of Varanasi regularly. Few major festivals and cultural events of Varanasi are- Bharat Milap held the day succeeding Dusshera- a festival where one garlands Lord Rama and his brothers; Buddha Purnima- marks the birth of Lord Buddha; Mahashivratri- to worship the deity Lord Shiva; Hanuman Jayanti- an important festival in the eyes of the Hindus celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman; Nag Nathaiya festival- depicting a famous incidence in the life of Lord Krishna; Dev Deepavali- thousands of devotees light 1000 earthen lamps to honour River Ganga; The Famous Ram-Leela- telling the story of Lord Ram; Nakkatayya- slitting of Nose is forms another chapter of Ramayana and Lord Rama and is attend by a big number of people from in and around the city; Other common festivals here are Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Dusshera, etc.

Come, be part of the great legacy of Varanasi festivities!

Food in Varanasi

Varanasi can surprise you with a wide array of mouth-watering delicacies to savour your palette. Varanasi is not only popular for its sanctity but also the different traditional variety of food you find here. The streets of Varanasi present you with the most famous food and various specialities unique to this city.

Varanasi cuisine is definitely worth a bite while touring this city and you can enjoy gorging on some lip smacking sweet savouries or spicy treats or simple snacks along the streets and restaurants of Varanasi. The traditional mix of Uttar Pradesh with a touch of Bihar is something that sets the food in Varanasi apart. The famous snow cone, roasted peanuts, the delicious chat items like Tamatar or Tomato Chat, Pani Puri, Kachoris, Aloo Tikki; Thandai or Lassi, Baati Chokha, variety of Mithais or sweets like Jalebis, Banarasi Kalakand, Rabri, etc. Another famous treat of Banaras is their Paan- almost every local will be seen savouring this speciality of Varanasi made of betel leaf and a mixture of tobacco depending on your taste and preference. Besides the traditional food in Varanasi there are a number of shops that have sprung in the recent past offering continental, western and other India delicacies as well.

Savour and relish the typical Varanasi food with your family or friends!

Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

Varanasi, a city of temples and pure sanctity, is the holy capital of India. The temples and chants of the land leave you mesmerised invoking a sense of tranquillity in you. Varanasi or Kashi or Banaras, as it is also popularly known is one the most visited tourist destinations in India. One can see an array of devotees from abroad and India thronging the shores of River Ganges in Varanasi and seeking pure spirituality.

There are many places to visit in Varanasi that are best enjoyed with a group of friends or family. Few popular places to see in Varanasi are-

Jantar Mantar

The passion and love for astronomy and technology gave birth to this beautiful architectural wonder constructed by The Maharaja of Jaipur, Jai Singh in 1737. Bharat Mata Temple- Dedicated to our Motherland, this temple is a rare example of unity and beauty presented delicately by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The main temple of Varanasi holds one of the twelve main Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is a revered place of worship for devotees from across the world. The Ghats of Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort, New Vishwanath Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Gyan Kup Well, Vishnu Charanapaduka, Tulsi Mana Temple, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Nepali Temple, Bharat Kala Mandir, Excavation sites and stupas of Sarnath, etc. are other places in Varanasi that are popular amongst tourists. Varanasi tourist attractions are many and hence it is advisable to book your trip in advance.

The city of great reverence is to be visited atleast once to experience its greatness in person!

Shopping in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world and has a history dating back to thousands of years. This beautiful, majestic spiritual capital of India is home to many temples revered amongst devotes from across the world. Varanasi is not only famous for its temples, Ghats and picturesque view but also for its exquisite shopping experience.

Varanasi or Banaras houses many traditional styles of attire and paraphernalia which is popular amongst tourists from round the world. Silk weaving is the most prevalent art of Varanasi or Banaras. The traditional Banarasi silk saris adorn many brides and their trousseau during the most important day of their lives. The art of weaving and making intricately designed gold and silver brocade work is said to be passed from generation to generation on the local and traditional weavers of Varanasi. One can shop for some great Varanasi or Banaras specialities from the local shopping places like Thatheri Bazaar, Chowk and Urban Haat, Vishwanath Galli, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Gyan Vapi and Golghar. One can get good prices in these markets and enjoy shopping for other traditional paraphernalia as well like copperware or brassware products, clay toys, exquisite hand knotted carpets and gold jewellery, etc.

A different world of shopping awaits you in Banaras or Varanasi. So come and indulge a little bit in the rich tradition and culture of Varanasi showcased through their most beauty artistic work!

Activities in Varanasi

Varanasi is not only a sacred place of worship but also a place known for its picturesque landscape and beautiful surroundings. Every person visiting Varanasi experiences a feeling of tranquillity and calmness that lingers around you for a long time. A place to forget all your worries, relax amidst nature and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, Varanasi has couple of good Ayurvedic centres, spa, yoga and massage centres.

Jiva Yoga and Spa Retreat in Nadesar Palace in Varanasi offers you a complete solution to refresh your senses along with some relaxing massages; Spa and Ayurvedic treatments available in Kayakalapam in Ramada Plaza JHV, Suryauday Haveli by Anantara Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd. offers great Yoga and Spa sessions to all visiting Varanasi and staying in this magnificent resort, Spa facilities are also provided in Radisson Hotel; International Yoga Clinic and Meditation Centre Varanasi, Sahaja Yoga Centres in Varanasi, Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments offered by Yogi-Nomad in Varanasi, Yoga sessions are also held in Patanjali, Brahmavarchas International Yoga Academy, Om Namah Shivay, Shiva Nand Yoga Sansthan, Arogyam Sukhvardhanam, Ngo Organization Yoga Program, etc.

Yoga, meditation, spa and massage treatments are just the form of relaxation one looks forward too while on a trip to Varanasi. The spiritual capital of India offers you a complete package to relax and refresh your mind, provoking you to come back for more!

How to Reach Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most popular and sacred tourist destinations of India. The city witnesses many tourists throughout the year coming from all walks of life. There are not only Indian tourists but also a large number of foreign tourists and devotees who come to spend a tranquil time in Varanasi. With the tourist influx being high, the city is well connected by all modes of transportation- air, rail and road.

By Rail

Varanasi is connected by a good railway network connecting almost all the major cities of India. You can book your tickets in advance or through an agent to Varanasi and enjoy a splendid time with your family and friends. There are two stations namely Varanasi Cantonment and Kashi junction where one can get down at while travelling by rail.

By Air

Varanasi has an airport located in Babatpur at a slight distance from the city limits and you can book your flight in any of the private carriers or government owned Indian Airlines to travel to Varanasi. There are regular arrivals and departures from the airport so one does not need to worry about flights and schedules. Most of the major cities in India have flights going to Varanasi.

By Road

Travelling by road in a bus or car is advisable in case you are travelling from a short distance. There are many private tourist buses that ply in and out of Varanasi and also can be useful in booking a sightseeing tour of Varanasi. The road network is well laid out and in good condition to provide convenient travel for tourists.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

Varanasi is located on the banks of River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and is one of the most revered cities amongst Hindus and Jains. Varanasi experiences heavy tourist footfall throughout the year and the same increases two fold during major festivals in India. While planning a trip to Varanasi one also needs to bear the climatic conditions in mind to avoid extremities in weather.

Varanasi is situated in the northern belt of India and hence experiences extreme climate conditions. With extremely hot and humid summer and monsoons to very cold winters, Varanasi is a place where climate is not really a deterrent. However, keeping the hot subtropical climate in mind, the best time to travel to Varanasi is during winters from October to March. Even though the temperatures drop drastically, the coolness in the air and the comfort with which one can move in this weather is not the same during summer season. The onset of winter is the best time to visit Varanasi for a dip in the holy Ganges when the temperature is cool but not cold. This is the best time to enjoy moving around the temples of Varanasi and revelling in its picturesque and beautiful environment.

Come to Varanasi and enjoy a peaceful time with your family and friends!

Weather in Varanasi

Varanasi is situated in the Northern belt of Uttar Pradesh along the banks of River Ganga. The climate conditions in Varanasi are pretty similar to all of North India. The weather in Varanasi is mostly humid subtropical making it prone to extremities experienced during change of season. Varanasi experiences all the seasons of the year- summer, spring, monsoon, autumn and winter. The period change of weather can be better understood by going over the climate condition throughout the year.

JAN-MAR

January is the middle of winter season and Varanasi experiences freezing cold weather at this of the year. The cold nights and little sunshine during January and February can wear you down especially because you are layered in woollen clothes. By March, with the arrival of spring, the temperatures begin to rise and the weather is very pleasant to take a trip to Varanasi.

APR-JUN

April to June Varanasi experiences a lot of hot and humid weather. The heat and humidity is caused primarily because of the river front and the weather can make you tired. It is difficult to move around Varanasi during this time and hence it is best to avoid travelling to Varanasi. If you are prone to sunstroke or cannot bear extreme heat, summer is definitely not the season to visit.

JUL-SEPT

This is generally the monsoon period and the entire city and region experiences rainfall. Though the rainfall is supposed to bring respite from the heat, the weather here becomes even more humid making it unbearable to visit Varanasi. Though the natural beauty of Varanasi is enhanced during this period, however it is difficult for tourists to manoeuvre in monsoon.

OCT-DEC

October in officially the onset of winter season and autumn. Varanasi starts to cool down from October and hence you can see maximum tourist activity during this period. November and December are cold months making it also the best time to visit Varanasi. The cool weather and drop in temperature attracts many tourists at this time.

The change in weather and the extreme climate condition is not a deterrent to pay a visit to Varanasi. Come and enjoy the beautiful aura of this magnificent city!