Varanasi is regarded as the spiritual capital of India. The city is located in the northern Indian state Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi attracts a huge number of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Travelers from all over the world come and feel the spiritual essence here. Varanasi also called as “Benaras” and “Kashi”. To know more about the history, mythology and other details you may click the link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varanasi
My wife and I recently visited Varanasi for 2 days. I would be happy to share my experience and some photographs of the place in my eyes. I am also sharing some information of the tour which may be helpful to everyone at the time of visit.
Varanasi can be reach from any major location in India. There are direct trains from different places. Pandit Din Dayal Upadhay Junction (formerly known as Mughalsarai Junction) is also a nearby station and can be reached by many trains from different route. Varanasi can also be reached by flight.
We reached Varanasi by bus from Prayagraj City (Formerly Allahabad City). It took 3 hours by a private bus. There is also frequent Government Bus Service and trains from Prayagraj to Varanasi.
After reaching, we searched for a hotel near to Dasaswamedh Ghat. I advise not to book a hotel in advance because, there are plenty of hotels available and one can check it physically and also can compare the location.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most famous Ghat(riverfront) in Varanasi. Ganga arati in the evening is the main attraction here.
Different types of boats are available for boating on the Holy Ganges and visit the ghats. Travelers may experience the Ganga Arati(offering devotion to the Ganges) in the evening from the boat. It will be a memorable experience. Lots of spectator gather in this place to experience this traditional rituals in the evening everyday.
Kashi Viswanath Temple is just 5 minutes walking distance from Dasaswamedh Ghat. Kashi Viswanath is the avatar of Lord Shiva. A huge number of pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year. It is also said that the holiest part of the Ganges is in Varanasi. A holy dip in the sacred river Ganga is believed as cleanse of all the sins. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among all the riverfronts. It is believed that the soul gets salvation (moksha) if the dead body is cremated here. Cremation never gets discontinued in this crematorium.
There are few sightseeing spots near to Varanasi. Traveler may hire a car or auto-rickshaw for 5-6 hours to cover all the places. Varanasi is a city of temple. Thousands of temples are situated in every corner of the city. Few famous temples are covered by the city tour.
Ramnagar fort is around 11 kms from Varanasi City. The fort was built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. The experience of visiting Ramnagar Fort is fantastic.
Sarnath is also a spot to visit near to Varanasi. This is the place where Gautam Buddha first taught Dharma. The distance to Sarnath from Varanasi is 11 kms and from Ramnagar fort, it is 15 kms. The place can be included in the city tour on the same day.
Other things to do:
Back to Varanasi, tourists may do many other activities in the evening. This will be also a thrilling experience to walk by the river bank and see the ghats. We have seen many activities by saints, religious people, Naga Sadhus (naked saints). You may show devotion by floating diya (lamp) with flowers.
If you are in Varanasi, you must taste Lassi, Peda and Rabri. I just loved those sweets specially Rabri. My taste-bud felt heavenly when I tasted it.
The city is full of narrow lanes (Benaras ki Gali). Exploring those galis (lanes) would be an exciting experience at night. Kachowri Gali (though Kachowri is not available as such) is full of small local shops where Bengalitola is famous for Bengali community. Foreigner prefer Bengalitola mostly. Restaurants with different cuisine of various continents are available in this area.
To conclude this travelogue about the Trip, I would say, Varanasi is a place where everyone should come at least once. The spiritual flavor and history must be experienced in this old city of India. At the end I bow in front of Mother Ganga (The Ganges) and say “Namami Gange”; also chant once “Har Har Mahadev”.
As we belong to Kolkata, we caught Vibhuti Express which directly connects Varanasi Junction to Howrah Railway station.
If you want any information, please send it by comments and I will surely try to answer as far as my knowledge goes. I would also appreciate comments and feedback.