Destination: Varanasi

The Spiritual Capital of India

Varanasi is a part of Indian civilization ever since the beginning of time. Successive empires have made this city their trading and cultural hub. Connecting it with a broad range of cultures. From early dynasties like Mauryas and Guptas to the medieval Mughals and the British Empire, Varanasi has been subject to Greek, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Christian, and Jain ways of life. A large number of monuments in and around the city are a testament to this diverse past. Varanasi was a very wealthy city for a long time. It is evidenced by the grandeur of the Ganges Ghats, public spaces, and places of worship.

It is believed, that Varanasi is an auspicious place to die. Lord Shiva grants liberation from the cycle of life and death. It is spiritually enlightening, that the heart of the city pulsates around the Ghats. There are about 80 ghats that border the 4 km-long Holy River Ganges. 

To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself. It’s an experience of Self-discovery an ethereal oneness of the body and soul. For every visitor, Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience.  Be prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells!  Though, all chaos and noise on the ghats take a pause before dusk when the Ganga Aarti begins to take place, a ceremony of immense grandeur.

This divine city is also an important destination for Buddhists. Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon in Benaras, a part which is now in Sarnath.

The city is mostly referred to as “the city of temples”, “the holy city of India”, “the religious capital of India”, “the city of lights”, and “the city of learning.

Places to see in Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar meaning ‘the ruler of the universe. The temple has 800 kg of gold plating on its tower. On the outside, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings that impart a divine quality to the facade. 

It is widely believed that a visit to the temple followed by a dip in the holy Ganges is the ultimate way to attain liberation and for this reason, it is thronged by devotees throughout the year. Several great Hindu saints such as Goswami Tulsidas, Swami Vivekanand, Adi Sankaracharya, Gurunanak Dev, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, etc have visited this temple.

Barat Kala Bhawan, B.H.U

Starting in 1950 as a university museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan is famous for its unique collection of miniature paintings. It has a rich collection of Rajasthani paintings, Pichhawai, Pahari paintings, Nepalese & Tibetan Thankas, Company paintings as well as paintings of contemporary artists, illustrated Mrigavati, Kalpa Sutra, Chora-Panchasika, Laura-Chanda, Shah-Nama and some pages of Humza-Nama are the proud possessions of this museum.

Sarnath

Being just 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is often flocked by devotees and is the perfect pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Sarnath features a number of temples and completely serene surroundings with its various historically significant, architectural marvels. Being the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, Sarnath has since been a popular tourist attraction and is well known for its cultural significance. The attractions contributing to the spiritual significance of Sarnath, have Ashoka’s Pillar, Dharma Stupa built by Emperor Ashoka, and ASI Museum.

Central Institute Of Higher Tibetan Studies

The only institute of its kind in the world, imparting education in the Tibetan language, it was Est. by the Dalai Lama in 1971. Presently located at Sarnath, the institute has a rare collection of Buddhist texts, Tibetan manuscripts, and other journals.

Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique shrine dedicated to our country, Mother India. This temple is a relief map of greater India carved in marble. It is the brainchild of Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter. It was built in 1936 and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Things to Do

People visit Varanasi for a brush with the divine. One of the best things to do is simply soak up the atmosphere and observe what’s going on. The most interesting part of the city is its ghats (steps leading down to the river). Take a walk beside the river and watch life flow by. Varanasi is well-known for classical dance and music, and yoga as well.

Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is an important ritual observed on a grand scale every evening on the bank of the river Ganges. The local Brahmin priests perform the Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Boat rides

Boat rides on the majestic river Ganges are a must-have experience if in Varanasi. There are numerous boats – big and small – readily available for hire every morning, until sunset. The rides can be customized but are generally costlier during the mornings popularly known as the Subah-e-Banaras or at sunset, during the time of Ganga Aarti.

Shopping in Varanasi

People visit Varanasi for all possible reasons. No matter what is our reason to visit Varanasi, we all want to bring back a piece of it as a souvenir from the city. Here are some of our recommendations for Varanasi Souvenirs.

Banarasi Silk Saris – Favorite of Varanasi Souvenirs

Silk Saris from Banaras is a no-brainer. Silk Saris from Varanasi is a woman’s dream come true. If you visit Varanasi, you have to buy a Silk Sari for yourself, your wife, mother, sister, or friends.

Ganga Jal or the Holy Water of Ganga

Believe it or not, Ganga Jal is the biggest export from Varanasi. As you walk towards the ghats you would see heaps of plastic cans of all sizes for sale. Most devotees would fill these and take it back with them. You could also pick it up in small copper cans that are sealed to avoid any leakage. In fact, these small cans are designed as perfect souvenirs to carry from Kashi.

Gulabi Minakari

This is a hidden craft of Varanasi that not many people know of. Minakari works on precious metals like gold and silver, primarily silver happens in western India – Rajasthan & Gujarat. However, the Gulabi Minakari or the Mina work in pink color is done only in Varanasi. This is a craft on which you can splurge, a necklace can cost anywhere from 10 Lakhs onwards.

Wooden Toys as Varanasi Souvenirs

You may not know that some lanes of Varanasi are full of wooden toy makers. Khojwa is one such area where you can meet wood crafters. They typically make sets of birds and animals in bright colors. You also find human figurines. For bulk gifting, there are key chains and pencils with curious caps.

Shivalinga – In Crystal & In Stone

You can also buy ones made of stone. This is a quintessential Varanasi Souvenir to pick, for Kashi is all about Shiva.

Rudraksha Mala

The Rudraksha is the textured seed of the Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha literally means the tear of Rudra and the earlier form of Shiva. This is the most popular organic jewelry that our saints have worn from time immemorial. For Hindus, this is a very sacred seed and is worn with a lot of devotion. We would never wear them in toilets or any place considered unclean. Just thread the rustic seeds and wear them. Though the tree really does not grow in and around Varanasi, this is the best place to pick up a Rudraksha mala. You get them in all sizes and varieties. The 108-bead mala or string with PanchMukhiRudraksha is the most commonly used Mala or string. If you are wondering what is Panch-Mukhi – well the Rudraksha seeds with 5 faces are called PanchMukhi. You get them from 1-10 sided versions, and some of them are rare. This is one of those Varanasi souvenirs that everyone can use – easy to carry or wear. There are coins with two famous temples of Varanasi engraved on either side. A nice memento from the city of Vishwanath.

Glass Beads

Do you know Banaras has the world’s largest manufacturing unit of glass beads? The manufacturing unit is not open to the public but you can definitely buy the product. You can buy artificial jewelry made using glass beads in most souvenir shops in Varanasi.

Flutes

Banaras is home to many musicians be it Ravi Shankar or Ustad Bismillah Khan or Girija Devi. Even today, you can walk into lanes where every evening music is played for the connoisseurs. No wonder you can see a lot of musical instrument shops in Varanasi. While it is difficult to carry most big instruments like Veena and Sitar. You can buy Flutes of any size you like from Varanasi. It is one of those souvenirs that would inspire me to be rooted in the music of the city.

Ramnami Cloth

If you walk around the ghats of Ganga you would see many Sadhus wearing white or yellow cloth with Ram Nam written on them. This is called Ram Nami or Ramnami Cloth. You also get Kurtas or stoles with the same print.

Stone Carved Curios

One of the crafts clusters of Varanasi nurtures the stone carving tradition of the region. Do you know the stone for most of the pillars of Ashoka came from Chunar near Varanasi? Not many of us know that the place has a long-standing stone carving tradition. You can pick up various animals carved in stone, or perforated boxes perfect to keep the aromatherapy products.

 

 

Top Hotels in Varanasi

Name	Style	Class
Taj Gateway	Luxury	5
Radisson	Luxury	5
Clarks	Deluxe	5

 

Top Restaurants in Varanasi

Varanasi has a distinct tint to its cuisine with a certain influence of dishes and styles of Bihar added to its platter. The popular delicacies of the area are Dum Aloo, Bati Chokha, Aloo-Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, and Tamatar chaat as well as sweets such as Jalebis, Rabri, and Banarasi Kalakand. Another essential relish of the town is its Paan, a delicacy of betel leaf. Other than these, do try out the Butter Toast with hot milk, typically almond-flavored. Also, try out local drinks like Lassi and Badam Sharbat. 

Varanasi is also famous for its Thandai, which is a milk-based drink with Bhang added to it, which is a form of cannabis legal in India. Apart from the traditional and local flavors here, one will find numerous options for Continental and typical Indian food. When in Varanasi, you can explore a variety of food from delicious street food to the numerous cafes at Assi. The city really has it all.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit:

October to March are the best months to visit Varanasi. This is when the weather is at its coolest. Winters are refreshing and pleasant, albeit chilly at night. The temperature gets uncomfortably hot from April onward, easily reaching 35 degrees Celsius. This is followed by monsoon rain from July to September.
Getting Around: Streets are very narrow in the old part of the city along the ghats, so walking is the only option in many places. It’s possible to hire a bicycle at Assi Ghat. Further out, auto-rickshaws and Ola cabs are convenient ways of getting around.

Travel Tips:

If you’re not familiar with Varanasi and think you might be overwhelmed, or you want to gain deeper insight into the city, taking a tour is highly recommended. Keep in mind that taxis and auto-rickshaws can’t reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat area between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. because of the crowds. You’ll be dropped at Godaulia Crossing, where auto-rickshaws line up.

Side Trips

It’s worth setting aside a day to take a side trip to Sarnath, about 30 minutes away. This is where the Buddha gave his first discourse. In contrast to the craziness of Varanasi, it’s a peaceful place where you can wander around the grassy gardens and ruins of Buddhist stupas.