The Ultimate Guide to Travel in Banaras

 

To have the best possible travel experience, focus on Banaras' spiritual attractions, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat, as well as its cultural highlights, including the Ganga Aarti celebrations and exploring the city's winding lanes and marketplaces. Plan a three-day journey to visit famous temples, ghats, and sites, including Sarnath and Banaras Hindu University. Don't forget to enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River. 

When is the best time to visit Banaras?

October through March is the ideal time of year to visit Banaras. The city experiences torrential rainfall during the monsoon season (July to October), and the Ganges surges with Himalayan runoff. Low buildings are frequently flooded as the river level increases quickly to 12 meters.

The west bank of the Ganges is teeming with houses due to the variable river level, whereas the east side is merely a sandy riverbank that floods every season. This is also the cause for all those steps on the Banaras ghats.

Popular places to visit in Banaras

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat are popular tourist destinations in Banaras. Additionally, you can visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, attend the nighttime Ganga Aarti ceremony, and explore spiritual locations such as Sarnath and the New Vishwanath Temple. 

Historical and Cultural Places

Banaras Hindu University (BHU): 

A sizable university with a long history is Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a prestigious, sizable central university in Varanasi, India. It is regarded as the largest residential university in Asia, with a vast campus and a wide range of academic offerings from nursery to doctoral levels, combining traditional values with modern education, and featuring landmarks.

Ganga Aarti: 

The religious and cultural ritual is performed at a number of ghats, most notably Dashashwamedh Ghat. One of the most captivating spiritual rituals in India is the Ganga Aarti, which is held every day on the banks of the holy Ganga River in Varanasi. The ritual shows profound respect for Maa Ganga, who is revered as a goddess and seen as civilisation's eternal lifeblood.

Manikarnika Ghat: 

A location that offers a profound spiritual understanding of Hinduism and is used for cremation ceremonies. The Manikarnika Kund, which is situated at Manikarnika Ghat, is believed to have been called previously. Kashi Khand claims that while Lord Vishnu was practising Tapasya for Lord Shiva, his Chakra constructed this kund, which was formerly known as Chakrapushkarani Kund.

Tibetan Temple: 

This temple contributes to the city's array of spiritual locations. The Tibetan Temple in Varanasi is a representation of Tibet's rich cultural legacy and a sign of tranquillity. A distinctive spiritual experience is provided by the temple's traditional Tibetan architecture, which includes colourful prayer flags and a big prayer wheel. Its peaceful setting, perfect for contemplation and meditation, draws tourists.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: 

A well-known location for religious ceremonies and the magnificent Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. One of the most revered, ancient, and often visited ghats in Varanasi is Dashashwamedh Ghat. Every evening throughout the year, hundreds of devotees and tourists participate in the renowned Varanasi evening Ganga aarti ceremony.

Assi Ghat: 

Another significant ghat of spiritual and cultural value is Assi Ghat. Another significant ghat of spiritual and cultural value is Assi Ghat. One of the most well-known ghats in the city, Assi Ghat, is situated south of Varanasi at the meeting point of the Holy Ganga and Assi rivers. As a result, it is seen to be extremely sacred to take a plunge there. At Assi Ghat, a lingam of Lord Shiva is housed beneath the Peepal tree and is constantly crowded with pilgrims and visitors.

Sarnath: 

Visit the location close to Banaras where the Buddha first imparted the dharma. Visit the location close to Banaras where the Buddha first imparted the dharma. The most ancient and sacred Buddhist site in Varanasi, Sarnath, is well-liked by travellers from many other religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. It offers a lot of mental and physical relaxation due to its serene, tidy, and calm surroundings.

Vishwanath Gali and Chowk: 

Two of the most well-known street marketplaces in Banaras are Chowk and Vishwanath Gali. These markets are well-known for products like silk brocades and Banarasi silk sarees. These markets also provide a large selection of jewellery for sale.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: 

The Sankat Mochan temple, situated in the southern region of Banaras, is devoted to Lord Hanuman because of the numerous monkeys that inhabit its grounds.

One of the temple's unique features is the idol of Lord Hanuman standing in front of Lord Rama. Here, the deity is offered prasad and vermilion, which are sold on the temple grounds. 

Every April, musicians and artists from all over India are invited to participate in Sangkat Mochan Sangeet Samaro, a colourful event that was first held here 88 years ago.

The Top 5 Reasons for Travelling to Banaras

1. Visit the Ghats

Many ashrams and holy saints reside in the ghats, which are temples where families consult priests to bury their loved ones, and sadhus carry out rites. From an architectural perspective, they are impressive.

2. Taste the Regional Flavours

A trip to Banaras wouldn't be complete without sampling some famed paan, traditional thalis, bhang (spiked milk), and the spicy and sweet potato dish Benarasi Dum Aloo.

3. Explore the winding Alleyways

The city's endlessly meandering streets and passageways make it simple to unplug and get lost. You'll learn about the city's true interconnectedness as well as some undiscovered culinary and apparel treasures.

4. Visit the Ganges by Boat

Although the renowned Ganges flows through India, Banaras is undoubtedly the most fascinating location. You will have the unique opportunity to observe religious rites from the water as your boatman moves forward.

5. Take a Spiritual Walk with a Guide

Banaras is the meeting point of the material and spiritual realms, where death is the esoteric conclusion of human existence. Explore the city's mysteries on a spiritual tour with a guide.

My favourite activity in Banaras

I had high hopes the first time I went onto the ghats — after all, this is one of the most evocative and historic sites in the world. And Banaras exceeded them.

Banaras' many ghats cluster together and almost merge into one another along the river’s edge. The ancient rhythms of the city become instantly recognisable as you meander up, down, and around the steps—past temples and boatmen, bathers silently communing with the river, hawkers loudly selling their wares, sadhus, yogis, tourists, and children flying kites. After all, this is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. 

Some Tips

Visit Banaras (Varanasi) from October to February for cool weather, bring light clothing, observe local customs at ghats and temples (dress modestly), take boat rides at sunrise, sample street food like lassi and paan, use cars, rickshaws, and Uber to navigate narrow lanes, budget for a variety of expenses, and concentrate on ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Ganga Aarti for an unforgettable spiritual experience.