Explore City of Life & Death Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is also known as Benares or Kashi. This city is the spiritual heart of India. The location of this oldest city is the bank of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites for all Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The name of Varanasi is given based on two different rivers, one Varuna, which flows from the north, and another is the Assi, which flows from the south. Based on current data, millions of Indians and 300000+ foreign tourists visit this spiritual city each year. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Spiritual culture, Dashashwamedh Ghat’s Aarti, Yoga, Joga all create a strong attraction to this unique city. Every Hindu and devotee of Shiva has a dream to explore this place at least once in their entire life. We give you information on how you can complete this journey without any difficulty.

Quick Facts:

How to get there

By Railway: Varanasi Junction Railway Station is one of the main railway stations in Varanasi. You need to book your ticket for this railway station.
By Air: Arrive in Varanasi by air at VNS or Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The distance between this airport and the city centre is about 25 kilometres.
Bus: Varanasi Cantt Bus Stand is one of the best and main bus stands to arrive in Varanasi for tourists. The distance between Dashashwamedh Ghat and this bus stand is about 5 kilometres, while the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is about 6 kilometres. If you are new to or unfamiliar with this city, then you can book a taxi or an auto to explore this city.

How to explore inside the City:

Most people explore vanaras with an auto rickshaw, a tuk-tuk, and a cab. If you are unfamiliar with this city, then the best option is Ola or Uber to travel in this City. One of the primary reasons they charge a very fixed fare for your travel is that Most of the tuk-tuk, cab or auto drivers overcharge before or after transport.

Tips :

If you want to explore with an auto rickshaw and tuk-tuk, then confirm the fare before starting the journey. Use the Google map and cab booking app (Uber and Ola) to know the basic price of the Trip.

Accommodation:

Expensive:

Some tourists seek royal comfort, world-class service, and an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city. Some of the best hotels in Varanasi will offer royal comfort. These hotels are: Taj Nadesar Palace, BrijRama Palace, Taj Ganges, Avantika By The Ganges and Amritara Suryauday Haveli.

Map: Best 5 Expensive and Luxurious Accommodations in Varanasi

Budget:

Varanasi is also proving that you can book accommodation at low prices, which will give you an extraordinary experience. The bell of the temple can wake you up. We will share budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, guest houses, and hotels. You can use the application (Name of the website and app) to select and book your accomaodtion based on your needs and preferences. We want to give you a basic idea of this city.

Map: Some budget accommodation (Green = Hostel, Dark pink = Guest House, Dark Blue = Hostel)

Travel spot :

Picture: Varanasi’s 5 most attractive places in a single frame

There are several travel spots in Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Sarnath are all the most tourist-attractive spots. Your tour will be empty without visiting these 5 places. So, you must explore these spots. Additionally, you can also explore Ramnagar Fort, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Alamgir Mosque and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.

Map the most attractive tourist spot in Varanasi :

Plan to explore Varanasi

If you want to explore or visit any places, planning is key. You need to know about the weather, their culture, the value of time, places and different scams. We are sharing our experience with you. Our purpose is to make your trips fun and productive without any struggle with our information.

Dressing tips:

Dress code is one of the important aspects in India, especially in the spiritual places. As an example, Varanasi is not only a tourist place, but it is a religious and deeply spiritual place. People are coming here for only one purpose, which is prayer. Dress code gives respect or disrespect to culture, local tradition, and religion. The local dress code makes you safe and respectful.

Kurti-Palazzo and Saree are two of the suitable dressing codes in India. I wear it while exploring India, especially spiritual places. I prefer a saree during exploration of spiritual places, while a Kurti-palazzo during other tourist places. I also wear a Kaftan-style outfit dress while exploring the iconic mosque, the Jama Masjid in Delhi. I visited the Kunark Sunrise Temple with an Indian ticket because I wore a saree, and the guide did not recognise me. I want to say, the dress code provides you with several benefits.

Male dress code
There are very simple dress code for male. You need to avoid very short shorts especially when you are visiting temple and Family places. T-shirt ,shirt with trousers, or Jeans the best option to travel any places.

Our Plan to explore Varanasi
According to our opinion, exploring Varanasi for 3 days is perfect and relaxing. We share our plan to explore Varanasi. We have added to our Schedule Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sarnath local food and Market.

Road map of Explore Varanasi

Our plan to explore Varanasi inshort

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Kashi Vishwanath temple (kashi.gov.in)

Check Point of Kashi Vishwanath temple (Source: wikipedia.org)

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a spiritual destination in India. This famous Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Spiritual spot is also known as the Vishwanath Temple. Vishwanath is the ” Lord of the Universe”, or the name Shiva.
Best Time :
Early morning (4:00 AM to 6:00 AM) to attend the Mangala Arthi, which is one of the most powerful rituals. (Less Crowd)
Evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM), Ganga Arthi is more crowded.
Try to avoid between 11 AM and 4 PM because more crowded and hotter.
Entry Fees:
There is the not Entry and general Darshan Fees.
If you want to attend a special aarti like Mangala Aarti (4:00 AM to 6:00 AM), Saptarishi Aarti (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) and Shringar Aarti (9:00 PM to 10:00 PM) then you need to pay around 300 to 500 rupees.
Note:
Mobile phones, cameras, or any electronic devices are not allowed inside the temple. You need to deposit them outside the temple’s locker.

Explore Dashashwamedh Ghat

Figure : The Femous Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the primary and one of the important ghats in Varanasi. Ghat means “A place connected with a river and where people are bathing, washing clothes, and engaging in other religious activity”.
Ideal time:
5:00 am to 8:00 am is the best time for a boat ride and Yoga. It is the perfect Photography duration.
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM are the Ideal time to visit this place. The reason: At this time, the most famous Ganga Arti happens.
Entry Fees :
You do not need to pay to visit Dashashwamedh Ghat, even for the evening Ganga Arthi.
You need to pay only for Boat riding, for example Share boat costs 250 to 400 rupees, and Private Boat 800 to 1500 rupees. The morning boat ride cost is cheaper than the evening boat ride cost.

Figure : Different birds in Dashashwamedh Ghat

Tips :
You try to book your Boat yourself. Try to avoid third person to book a boat because they takes comission from the boatman. After all, you need to pay extra money indirectly.
Try to take a boat ride in the early morning, and for Arthi, visit in the early evening. Otherwise, you need to pay more for a boat ride.

Explore Assi Ghat

Photo: Night View of Assi Ghat (Source: en.wikipedia.org)

Photo: Assi Ghat (Source: treeofliferesorts.com)

Assi Ghat is one of the cleanest ghats and areas compared to Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a cultural and spiritual hub in Varanasi. This ghat is peaceful, that’s why a large number of people, foreign and indian students and photographers are living in this place. Assi Ghat is a more relaxed and less crowded place.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat View (Source: varanasiguru.com)

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest spiritual sites and the most sacred place in India. This ghat is also known as the cremation ghat. It is most important for Hinduism. They believe that a visit to this ghat provides them with Moksha. Moksha means Liberation from birth to death. All Hindus dream of visiting these places at least once in their lives.
Why is this place famous:
It is one of the holiest cremation places for Hinduism. They believe that if their body is cremated here, then their soul can get Moksha.
Funeral pyre burns occur 24×7 nonstop.

Ideal time:
Early Morning, 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, is our recommended time. It is one of the best times to explore this peaceful ghat.
why?
Morning Aarthi and Sunrise Over Ganga
Less crowd and a calm environment give an opportunity for more spiritual feelings and yoga.
Fees details:
No ticket needed during the explore Assi Ghat (Even Morning and Evening Aarthi).
Additional cost for boat riding on a shared boat is 300 rupees for a short distance, a private boat 600 to 800 rupees for a peaceful sunrise experience and a motor ride 1200 rupees to 2000 rupees to cover more ghats.
Tips:
Before starting the ride, always confirm the price, route, and duration. Otherwise, you will be scammed.

Best Time for a visit as a tourist:
Early morning is one of the best times for new visitors. The reason: peaceful environment, fewer crowds and less smoke.
Fees details :
No need for any entry fees. You can visit Manarika Ghat free of cost, any time 24×7.
Additionally, if you want to go on a boat ride, then you need to pay. A shared boat is 150 to 4000 rupees for a short distance; a private boat is 600 to 800 rupees for a peaceful sunrise experience; and a motor ride is 1200 to 2000 rupees to cover more ghats.
Note:
Try to avoid click photography.
Try to show respect to others because it is a very serious, deeply spiritual place.

Explore Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the most important places for Buddhists. It is one of the dream places of any Buddhist. They want to visit this place at least one time in his entire life. It is not a tourist place; it provides knowledge about history, Buddhist culture, spirituality and peace. Sarnath’s Sermon was the first, after achieving enlightenment from Bodh Gaya. Bodh Gaya is a place which is located in Bihar, India, where Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment. His first sermon was a principle of Buddhism. It is known as “Dhammacakkappavattana”. He met here five old disciples and preached to them about the Eightfold Path and the truth of Four Noble.

Some important Places
Dhamek Stupa: It is one of the holiest destinations in the world for any Buddhist. The reason Gautam Buddha gave the first sermon.
Chaukhandi Stupa: Buddha met with his five old disciples here. That’s why it’s another important place. It is also a beautiful place for a photograph.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern Buddhist temple is situated here. A large golden Buddha statue is also present here. It is a peaceful atmosphere for prayer.
Sarnath Archaeological Museum: It is another important Museum in India. “Lion Capital of Ashoka” is one of the famous artworks by Ashoka. It takes the place of the “National Emblem of India”.
Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka Pillar is the national symbol of India. The famous Emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka Pillar after embracing Buddhism.
Best time to explore: Early morning (6 am to 9 am) and evening (4 pm to sunset) These are ideal times to explore Sarnath. Early morning because of cooler weather, fewer crowds and a peaceful environment. While Evening Low temperature and Softer enviroment.

Fees Details Of Sarnath

Fees Details Of Explore Sarnath

Scam details in Varanasi

Major Scams In Varanasi

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