Varanasi Exploration: Ghats, Tasty Eats and Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Varanasi represents the India of that which you envision. It is one of the oldest constantly populated cities, along with one of Hinduism’s most sacred. Pilgrims flock to the Ganges to wash away impurities in the holy waters, to bury their loved ones, or just to die here, hoping to break free from the cycle of rebirth.
Varanasi is a city known for its grand festivals, religious ghats and delicious food. Its extravagance is a sight to behold. The city is sure to engulf and overwhelm you with its sights and sounds. Visit during the festival of Durga Puja to see the city truly go wild.
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Reasons to Visit Varanasi
Visit the Ghats
The ghats are temples that house many ashrams and holy saints, sadhus practising rituals, and families seeking priests to bury their loved ones. They are impressive in terms of architecture.
Sample the Local Delicacies
No trip to Varanasi is complete without trying bhang (spiked milk), famed paan, traditional thalis, and the spicy and sweet Banarasi Dum Aloo, a potato dish.
Explore the Winding Alleyways
The city’s infinitely winding alleys and passageways make it simple to unplug and become lost. You’ll learn how the city is genuinely interwoven, as well as some hidden food and fashion jewels.
Take a Boat around the Ganges
The famous Ganges flows through India, but its most noteworthy point is undoubtedly Varanasi. As your boatman cruises onward, you’ll have the unique opportunity to watch religious rites from the water.
Go on a guided spiritual walk
Varanasi is where the physical meets the spiritual, where human life comes to an esoteric end in death. Take a guided spiritual tour through the city’s mysteries. Furthermore, you can browse Flyopedia to book direct flights to Bangalore from USA.
Things to Do in Varanasi
A place where men follow in God’s footsteps
The “ghats” are perhaps Varanasi’s main attraction, with Manikarnika being arguably the most famous. Ghats are stairways leading down to the holy River Ganga that is used for Hindu rituals such as funerals. Manikarnika is popular for being the main place for Hindu cremations in Varanasi, as well as for the Charan Paduka, a stone said to contain the footsteps of the god Vishnu. Be mindful of this when you take your spot in the galleries: while photography is allowed, spectators are not.
An Excellent Sightseeing Opportunity
Along with the ghats, Varanasi is peppered with magnificent Hindu temples. After all, Varanasi (or Kashi as Hindus refer to it) is renowned as the “giver of salvation” and is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest towns. Kashi Vishwanath is the city’s main temple. Set back about a mile and a half from the Ganges, it was built in 1776 by the ruler of Indore, but it gained its current splendid beauty when 800 kg of gold was added to its dome in the mid-19th century. While entering the inside can occasionally be difficult, the magnificent sculptures make the journey worthwhile. However, pilgrims will likely be present in large numbers. Additionally, browse through Flyopedia.ca if you are looking for affordable flight tickets to India from Canada.
There Is Nothing Like The Aarti Ceremony of Dasaswamedh
Dasaswamedh is yet another must-see ghat. In this situation, the attraction is stunning. Every evening, Hindu holy men participate in the Aarti process of purification. With hundreds of worshippers (and tourists) watching, the river transforms into a breathtaking light show, complete with candles, smoke, and passionate chants from onlookers, creating a magnificent impact. The ritual lasts 45 minutes and is best watched from boats in the middle of the river.
Return to the Roots of Buddhism
Moving from Varanasi, a beehive of Hindu passion, to Sarnath, which offers an entirely different atmosphere, feels weird. Sarnath, located a few miles northeast of Varanasi, is primarily a Buddhist site. It is significant because legend holds that this is the location where the Buddha preached for the first time after gaining enlightenment. The majestic Dhamekh Stupa marks the starting point, while the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorates the meeting place for his initial group of followers. Don’t miss the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which holds the famed Lion Capital of Ashoka.
An Interesting Riverside Fortress
Ramnagar, located across the river from the majority of the ghats, provides a refreshing reprieve from temples and celebrations. Constructed in the 1750s in the traditional Mughal architecture from local sandstone, this stronghold is still home to prominent locals, despite the abolition of their royal title. The stronghold itself provides some beautiful photographs, and you can also go inside to visit the on-site museum. What you discover may surprise you, with exhibits such as astrological clocks, luxurious gem-encrusted furniture, and vintage American autos.
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Also Read: Celebrating India: Top Festivals and Their Best Locations