7 Things to Do in Varanasi, the Spiritual Capital of India

Varanasi means different things to different sets of people- a holy pilgrimage site for devout Hindus, a spiritual abode for Moksha-seeking Sadhus, a visual delight for photographers, and a cultural fest for international travelers. A low-cost travel destination, a tourist can easily find the best travel deals online for Varanasi and hop on a flight to reach the ancient city of Kashi.

Did you know that Varanasi or Kashi or Banaras is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world? Located on the banks of the holy Ganges, the city was the capital of the kingdom of Kashi way back in the 6th century BCE. In fact, the Chinese traveler Xuanzang mentioned the city in his writings and talked about its prosperity way back in 635 BCE. Now, let us take a look at the 7 things to do in Varanasi today.

Witness the spiritual India: Kashi is one of the flag bearers of the “incredible India”:

Crowded alleys, burning pyres on ghats, and meditating Sadhus, the vivacious city of Kashi is one of the flag bearers of the government’s ‘incredible India’ campaign. Spiritual India can be seen in all its hues here- carelessly wandering monks, pilgrims washing away their sins in the holiest Ganga, and the tragic sight of countless burning pyres.

Spiritual India can’t get more real or authentic than on the holy banks of Ganga river! The city is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, and approximately 1 million pilgrims visit Kashi every year in search of salvation or Moksha. Old cities live in many legends and myths, and Kashi is believed to be the original abode of Lord Shiva.

Get ultimate pictures: Varanasi is a visual delight for photographers:

The old city is a haven for portrait and street photographers. With cultural extravagance, delectable street food, endless lines of pilgrims, revered sadhus, burning bodies, wandering cows, and old bazaars, the historic setting offers a visual feast for camera lovers!

Vloggers and pro photographers can accumulate unlimited share-worthy pictures on the narrow streets of Kashi. Amateur photographers can take their skills up a notch by practicing the art of photography in the crowded alleys of this historic place. International pro photographers can search online for an affordable holiday package to India from Canada and get a discounted travel package for this winter season.

Take a stroll on the ghats during sunrise or sunset:

The revered city has more than 80 ghats. Go on a casual stroll, observe people and the sunrise view. The sunrise view on the bank of the Ganga offers an ultimate experience of tranquility and beauty. You can also go on a boat ride to witness the slowly transforming view of the most ancient river.

The sunset view offers breathtaking scenes on the bank of the Ganges. The orange sky slowly transforms into dark colors, giving a rare moment of spiritual peace amidst the hubbub of busy-chaotic streets. Wait till the evening. There is a popular Aarti performed on the Dasaswamedh Ghat where ancient hymns are sung along with bells, continuing a tradition of 3 centuries or more!

Looking to witness the ancient Aarti on the banks of the holiest Ganges river? Search for the best travel deals online to make a last-minute travel plan to Varanasi, India.

Visit renowned Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples:

The spiritual city has more than 20,000 small and big temples. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 sacred jyotirlingas or sacred centers of Shiva worship. The temple is even mentioned in the Puranas. Devotees visit the temple to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva.

Other popular mandirs include Durga Kund Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Parshvanath Jain temple, and so on. Sarnath is another location that is visited by tourists worldwide. Located at a distance of 10 km from the city, the location is revered by Buddhists as Buddha preached his first historic sermon (The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma) in this location after attaining enlightenment.

Visit the scenic Ramnagar Fort:

The imposing Ramnagar Fort is located on the eastern bank of the holy Ganga Maiya, opposite to the Tulsi ghat. The fort was built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in the 18th century. The red sandstone fort houses a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa.

There is a museum called Saraswati Bhawan inside the fort. It showcases vintage American cars, old guns, ivory work, gold studded Palakis, and other vintage collectibles. Fort is visited by international and local tourists. Search for the best travel deals online and make a low-cost travel plan to visit the ancient city of Kashi.

Explore the street food fest of all 3 senses:

Any city in India is a street food fest for all senses, especially Banaras! The city has hosted human civilization for centuries and showcases street food of all kinds and flavors. Visit the old bazaars to taste delectable cuisines- crispy Kachoris, spicy Aloo Puri, delicious Chena Dahi Vada, tasty Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe, yummy Chooda Matar, refreshing lassi, the super-popular Banarasi paan, and so on.

Check out the old bazaars to satisfy your shopaholic instincts- Thatheri Bazar, Vishwanath lane, Godowlia market, The Banaras Silk emporium, etc. International tourists must visit this spectacular city. Just look for an affordable holiday package to India from Canada, and make a plan for this winter season.

Shop for exclusive Banarasi saree and other local handicrafts:

The elegant Banarasi Saree is world-famous. Tourists who visit the historic city make it a point to purchase the beautiful saree for themselves and their loved ones. In fact, you can pay a visit to the silk weavers’ village of Sarai Mohana. Visiting the hub will open your eyes to brilliant craftsmanship which has been passed down in the family of weavers from one generation to another.

Longing to visit the ancient land of Varanasi? Go online and book a budgeted last minute flight to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Babatpur. It is an international airport located  just 26 km away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India.

A historic location with crowded ghats, pious devotees, peaceful sadhus, and old-world temples, the age-old Kashi is revered by devotees and travelers alike. Many Hindus believe that if anyone dies in the holy city, he/she can attain salvation/ Moksha-  freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death!

The crowded lanes and alleys showcase a cultural heritage that dates back to centuries. In fact, in the 2nd century BCE, Banaras was a commercial and industrial center for muslin, silk fabrics, sculpture, and so on.  Today, Banaras is one of the most visited spiritual destinations in India. The old-world charm and vivaciousness of the city attract tourists all year long.