Varanasi travel guide

Introduction to Varanasi:

• • Known as the “Spiritual Capital of India”
  • Other names: Kashi and Banaras
  • Name origin: “Varanasi” from the rivers Varuna and Assi
  • “Kashi” from the Sanskrit word “Kashya,” meaning “to shine”
  • “Banaras” from the Pali term “Baranasi”

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

• • Birthplace of classical music, teachings, and temples
  • Home to Banaras Hindu University, Asia’s largest residential university
  • Famous for its rich culture, traditions, festivals, and temples

Sacred City:

• • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas: Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga
  • Belief: Dying in Varanasi grants liberation from the cycle of life and death

Travel Guide:

• • How to Reach:

    • By road: Well-connected to major cities like Agra, Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata
    • By railway: Varanasi railway junction and Kashi railway junction
    • By air: Lal Bahadur International Airport (25 km from the city)

  • Best Time to Visit:

    • October to February (winter season)

  • Accommodation:

    • Budget options: Dharamshala near Godowaliya Kashi Vishwanath Temple (INR 200-300/day)
    • Hotels: INR 500-2000/day
    • Example: Hotel Central Residency (INR 2000/night, 3 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple)

  • Recommended Duration:

    • Minimum 3 days to fully explore the city

Exploring Varanasi:

• • Day 1:

    • Visit Varanasi Ghats (over 84 ghats, key ghats: Panch Ganga Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat)
    • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Mythological significance, no mobile/video cameras allowed
    • Evening: Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
    • Street food exploration: Kachori, samosa, lassi, tomato chaat, Banarasiya paan

  • Day 2:

    • Assi Ghat: Morning and evening Ganga Aarti, boat ride (INR 100-200)
    • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (established by Goswami Tulsidas)

Key Attractions:

• • Ghats:

    • Manikarnika Ghat: 24-hour cremations, ancient stories associated
    • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Famous for Ganga Aarti

  • Temples:

    • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Jyotirlinga, historical and mythological significance
    • Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple: Leaning temple, more inclined than Pisa Tower
    • Kaal Bhairav Temple: Kotwal of Kashi, responsible for the city’s safety
    • Mahamrityunjay Temple: Lord Shiva worshiped as Mrityunjaya Mahadev, known for an ancient medicinal well

  • Festivals:

    • Dev Diwali: Celebrated on Kartik Purnima, marking the victory of gods over the demon Tripura

Unique Experiences:

• • Night stay and camping at Assi Ghat
  • Hot air balloon festival in January
  • Boat rides and camel rides on the riverbanks