Varanasi – Oldest & Spiritual City in India

Some called this place with the name Kashi, some say Banaras and some say Varanasi, but the one thing which makes this city disparate from other Indian cities is its spirituality and its more than 5000 years old history.

Varanasi is globally renowned among folks due to numerous reasons – Some people looking forward to this place because of its rich history, some are in love with the flamboyant Ganga Aarti, Some just want to devote their time in worship on Ghats & in temples, and some come over here in their last days to gain moksha or eternal absolution.

A trip to Varanasi gives you the experience to visit the divine city of India. There are numerous places to visit and things to do in Varanasi and nearby. Let’s take a look –

Extravagant evening Ganga Aarti in Varanasi – This is one of the most astonishing s which you can’t afford to miss in Varanasi. This 45-minute Ganga Aarti is held at Dashashwamedh Ghat in a midst of thousands of devotees and visitors who come from all across the world every day to watch this flamboyant Ganga Aarti.

Ganga Aarti is devoted to Lord Shiva, Mata Ganga, Agni Dev (Fire), and the entire universe. The Aarti is performed by seven priests wearing the same type of clothes, standing on their wooden platform. They use different items during the Aarti like a conch shell, praying bells, handkerchiefs, incense sticks, flowers, water pot, yak-tail fan, a large brass lamp with snake hood, a  peacock’s feather, etc.

Aarti Timing: 6:45 pm (in summer) and 5:45 pm (in winter)

Manikarnika Ghat – Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ghat in Varanasi. The glance of the cremation ghat where dead bodies are burning gives you goosebumps. There is a myth linked with this ghat is the cremation on this Ghat gives you moksha from the recycle of birth and death.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – This is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi devoted to Lord Shiva. This is one out of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple is visited by around 3000 devotees daily and if there any social occasion, then the numbers increase up to 1,00,000 a day.

Sarnath – It’s a Buddhist pilgrimage where Gautam Buddha gives his first preaching. The place has a remnant of Lord Buddha, Sarnath Museum, Chokhandi Stupa, and Dhamek Stupa.

Ramnagar Fort – This gargantuan fort was built by the king of Varanasi Raja Balwant Singh in the year 1750. The fort is brimming with beautiful palaces, temples and other significant buildings like Darbar Hall, Ved Vyas Temple, etc. The fort exhibits a rich collection of Vintage cars, armor, ivory work items, antique clocks, royal carriages, and a giant clock named Dharam Ghai.

Apart, from above places, Varanasi also has other interesting things to do like to visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, Lecture on Hinduism by the senior professor from Banaras Hindu University, Enjoy Musical Concert night with an Indian Classical Dance performance, Royal boat ride with music and Ganga Aarti, Street Food tour in Varanasi, and many other short tour to Varanasi.