A journey through Varanasi India's Holiest City

Varanasi was one of my favourite places that I have visited on my travels while travelling from Delhi to my home town in Madhya Pradesh.

Introduction to Varanasi

Varanasi is a city on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh ,India .and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is dripping in history and spirituality a major religious hub in India ,it is the holiest of seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism .

Budhha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon. Tulsidas wrote his epic poem on Rama's life called Ram Charit Manas here in Varanasi

When to visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is winter that is November to mid March .Although it gets fairly cold during the winters, this is the best time when you can explore the holy city without getting tired. The average low temperature is around 5°C. I went there in october so temperature was good easily able to explore city .

Top places to visit in Varanasi

1. Kashi Vishwanath temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is regarded as one of the most popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the heart of Varanasi, the temple is a core of faith for millions of Hindus.

2. Dasaashwamedha Ghat

As the name suggests, it is believed that this is the place where Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifice. This ghat is a religious spot and many rituals are performed here.

3. Assi Ghat

The Asi Ghat is placed at the confluence of the Rivers Assi and Ganga and is famous for the large Shiva Lingam installed under a peepal tree. It has immense religious importance and has been mentioned in the Puranas and in various legends as well.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

This Ghat is again quite significant among Hindus as it is the main cremation Ghat in the city. People who have died often get cremated here, in the belief that they attain moksha. There is a myth that says Devi Parvati’s ear ornament fell at the exact spot of this ghat when Lord Shiva came here with her.

5. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Situated near the River Assi, this beautiful temple was built by a freedom fighter named Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Shrines for both Lord Ram and Hanuman can be found inside the temple. Be wary of the monkeys surrounding the area.

other than visiting places you can enjoy

1.Take a boat ride along the Ganges to see sunrise and sunset

2.Experience the nightly Agni Pooja ceremony

Eating in Varanasi

Street food is an essential part of the Indian culture and cuisine. There are a number of street foods from across the country that are famous, but nothing can beat the hot and crispy kachoris and samosas from Benaras or Varanasi

1. Kachori sabji is the most popular Kaleva (breakfast)

2. Makhan Malaiyyo or Nimish

A popular winter street dessert that is influenced by Persian way of cooking. Milk froth is flavoured with saffron and cardamoms and garnished with pistachios and almonds.

3. Thandai And Lassi

Thandai is made from seasonal fruit puree. Along with that, lassi is available at almost every other street shop from morning till wee hours of the night. It is served in a kulhad topped with Rabri and flavoured with rose essence.

4.Baati Chokha

Baati Chokha, which is popularly savoured in Bihar makes for a tasty street snack in Varanasi too. Baati is a wheat ball stuffed with sattu and Chokha is a mash of brinjal and potatoes mixed with various spices. People like to keep the chokha simple and less spicy.

I had not shared here every minute details of travelling in Varanasi such as fair and other thing if you want to know more or any help while travelling or planning trip to Varanasi DM @travel_sunil