About Place
"the spiritual capital of India"
"a living museum"
"the beating heart of Hindu spirituality"
"a city that awakens the soul."
Reasons to Visit
- Spiritual Significance : Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it is revered as a major pilgrimage site in Hinduism. The city's ghats are bustling with rituals, and the evening Ganga Aarti, a ceremonial worship of the river, is a mesmerizing experience that draws visitors from around the globe.
- Cultural Heritage : The city's narrow lanes are filled with ancient temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Banaras Hindu University is also a major center for learning, contributing to the city's rich intellectual and cultural atmosphere.
- Art and Craft : Varanasi is renowned for its exquisite silk sarees, known as Banarasi sarees. The city is also a hub for classical music and dance, with many renowned artists hailing from here. The local cuisine, with delicacies like kachori, chaat, and malaiyo, adds to the city's unique charm.
Visa
- India offers e-Visas to citizens of most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many European nations. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes and is valid for stays of up to 60 days.
- Citizens from Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India.
- For other nationalities, it is recommended to check the specific visa requirements on the official Indian visa website or contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
Travel Expenses
Step 3 : Travel Expenses
1. Travel to & from destination : Round trip airfare from Delhi to Varanasi: $200 per person x 2 = $400
2. Hotel cost : Average hotel cost: $60 per night x 3 nights x 1 room = $180
3. Food cost : Average cost per meal: $10 x 6 meals x 2 people = $120
4. Activity cost : Boat ride: $10 per person x 2 = $20 Temple entry and other activities: $30
5. Near destination travel cost : Rented car: $50 per day x 3 days = $150
Total estimated travel cost : $900
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival and Evening Aarti Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling streets and getting a feel for the city's unique atmosphere. At 5:00 PM, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, which lasts until around 7:00 PM. For dinner, enjoy a traditional thali at Keshari Restaurant, a local favorite. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the ghats and soak in the vibrant evening energy of the city.
Day 2 : Temples and Silk Weaving Start your day at 6:00 AM with a boat ride on the Ganges to see the sunrise and the morning rituals along the ghats, which lasts until 8:00 AM. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple around 9:00 AM, followed by a visit to the Bharat Mata Temple by 11:00 AM. For lunch, head to Baati Chokha for a taste of traditional Bihari cuisine. In the afternoon, visit a silk weaving workshop to see the creation of the famous Banarasi sarees. End your day with dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, overlooking the river.
Day 3 : Sarnath and Cultural Evening Take a morning trip to Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi, starting at 8:00 AM. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and Chaukhandi Stupa, returning by 1:00 PM. Enjoy lunch at the Canton Royale Restaurant. Spend the afternoon visiting Ramnagar Fort, which overlooks the Ganges. In the evening, enjoy a classical music concert at the International Music Centre Ashram. For dinner, try the rooftop restaurant at the Hotel Alka, with views of the Ganges.
Safety Tips
- Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
- Avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places.
- Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in temples.
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.
- Keep your belongings secure in public places.
- Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid political gatherings.
- Have a local SIM card or an international roaming plan for communication.
Flights
- Air India : Non-stop from Delhi to Varanasi, approximately 1.5 hours, costing around $100 per person.
- IndiGo : Non-stop from Mumbai to Varanasi, approximately 2 hours, costing around $120 per person
Hotels
- Taj Ganges, Varanasi : Luxurious stay with great amenities.
- BrijRama Palace : Heritage hotel with a royal touch.
- Ramada Plaza JHV : Modern amenities and comfort.
- Hotel Alka : Budget-friendly with great views of the Ganges.
- Palace on Ganges : Boutique hotel with thematic rooms.
Contacts
- Indian Embassy : +91-11-2419-7970
- Police : 100
- Ambulance : 102
- Firefighters : 101
Country
Closet Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
Nearest City
- Lucknow
Heritage Sites
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath
Airlines
Air India
IndiGo
SpiceJet
Vistara
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Languages Spoken
Hindi
Real Story
The Legend of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple : The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's history is marked by resilience and devotion, with a story that echoes through the ages.
According to legend, the original temple was constructed by the Maratha ruler, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, in 1780. However, the temple's existence predates this construction, with its origins shrouded in antiquity. The temple is believed to have been built and destroyed multiple times over centuries due to invasions and religious conflicts.
One of the most significant events in the temple's history occurred during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Aurangzeb, known for his zealous efforts to impose Islamic rule, ordered the demolition of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. Despite this, the spirit of the temple lived on in the hearts of the devotees.
The legend states that when the temple was demolished, the main Shiva lingam was hidden in a well to protect it from destruction. This well, known as the Gyanvapi Well, still exists today and is located within the mosque's premises. Devotees believe that the original lingam continues to reside in the well, preserving the sanctity of the site.
The current structure of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who took on the task of restoring the temple to its former glory. The temple stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of Varanasi. It attracts millions of pilgrims every year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the divine aura that surrounds this sacred site.
Cuisine
Varanasi's cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, deeply influenced by its spiritual and cultural heritage. The city is famous for its street food, offering a variety of savory and sweet treats. Must-try dishes include kachori sabzi, a spicy and flavorful snack, and chena dahi vada, a soft lentil dumpling soaked in yogurt and topped with spices. For dessert, malaiyo, a frothy, creamy sweet dish made from milk foam, is a seasonal specialty that shouldn't be missed. Additionally, the city's banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation, is a unique local delicacy often enjoyed after meals.
Culture and History
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It is considered the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. The city is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as a testament to this ancient belief.
The culture of Varanasi is deeply rooted in spiritual practices and religious rituals. Pilgrims come to Varanasi to perform rituals for the deceased, seeking salvation and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The ghats along the Ganges River are the focal points of these rituals, with the Manikarnika Ghat being the most famous for cremation ceremonies.
Varanasi is also a major center for learning and culture. The Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1916, is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. The city has produced numerous scholars, poets, writers, and musicians who have contributed significantly to Indian culture. The classical music and dance traditions of Varanasi are renowned, with the city being the birthplace of many prominent artists.
The vibrant festivals of Varanasi add to its cultural richness. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great fervor, as are Maha Shivaratri, Holi, and Dev Deepawali. The city's streets come alive with processions, music, and dance during these festivals, reflecting the deep-seated traditions and joyous spirit of its people.