Varanasi is the spiritual centre of Hinduism. It is the place that left Mark Twain speechless with its antiquity.
A visit to the city is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take a boat trip along the Ganges at dawn or dusk to witness the amazing rituals of life and death and enjoy the mesmerising aarti ceremony.
Boat Trips on the Ganges
Discover the spirituality of Varanasi with a trip down the River Ganges. It’s the holiest place for Hindus and it’s where they bathe, perform rituals, and bury their dead. With a host of ghats and temples, the best way to experience this quintessential Indian holy city is by taking in its unique vibe with a boat ride at dawn.
Take a rowboat down the Ganges to watch sunrise bathe the river and sky in dazzling nuances of yellow. Float past the famous ghats and see locals performing their morning prayers and rituals as you drift along the misty river.
Stop at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, head to Dashashwamedh ghat to witness the awe-inspiring evening aarti ceremony, where offerings in the form of floating candles and flowers are set alight. It’s a truly magical display that must be seen to be believed.
Sightseeing
A trip to Varanasi is a spiritual adventure unlike any other. Known as one of the seven holiest cities in India, it’s believed that visiting Varanasi releases the soul from sophisticated bondage and allows it to reach Moksh (heavenly bliss). Experience the energy of this holy city on one of Holidify’s many Varanasi Tour Packages.
At the heart of the city are the ghats alongside the Ganges, where pilgrims gather for a variety of religious rituals and daily activities. Visit Kashi Vishwanath, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dashashwamedh Ghat, a bustling riverbank where the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place, and Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment.
Immerse yourself in Hindu culture and religion on this private full-day Varanasi tour. Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and visit two Hindu temples, a musuem at Banaras Hindu University, and Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath. The evening Ganga Aarti is an experience that is hard to forget.
Shopping
Embark on a trip to Varanasi, also known as Kashi, and get a closer look at India’s rich culture. Experience a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and observe local Hindu rituals such as bathing and burning of bodies at the famous ghats.
Discover a number of wholesale garment markets, such as Gyanvapi and Thateri Bazaar that offer high-quality shawls, bangles and masks of deities. Another market to visit is Vishwanath Gali that sells jewellery, idols and home decor items.
Indulge in some delicious street food while soaking in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of Kashi and take the opportunity to explore the various temples, the sandstone Ramnagar Fort and the ruins of Sarnath. Alternatively, visit the Archaeological Museum to view artefacts of different periods. If you have time, you can also enjoy a day excursion to Agra and admire the Taj Mahal. This is a must-visit for all art and history buffs! Moreover, don’t miss out on the chance to shop for the most popular Varanasi silk sarees!
Food
There’s no better way to experience Varanasi than with the food. The city is a gastronomical wonderland that offers an array of unique, mouth-watering dishes. A variety of culinary options are available from humble street foods to high-end restaurants.
One of the best places to try local food is Blue Lassi. This café is a calm oasis located near one of the main Ganges River ghats and is known for its delicious lassi. Its bright blue walls are adorned with passport photos from people who’ve visited the cafe.
Another must-try dish is kachori sabzi. This classic breakfast features a crunchy outer shell with a filling of potato, spices, and chilli peppers. It’s usually served with a stall-specific chutney.
Those looking to sample some of the city’s more traditional sweets should try malai ghilori, which is similar to a triangular Indian dessert. The encasing is made with sweetened malai and varaq (silver leaf coating), while the inside contains green pistachios.
