Top destinations of Varanasi for first time traveller

 Get to know India's spiritual highlight: the city of Varanasi. Located on the banks of the river Ganges and a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. A fierce and colorful city, but also a destination that you will love when you get to know it better.


Varanasi is a destination on your wish-list as there are few places that will impress you so much. Are you lucky enough to end up in Varanasi while traveling through India ? Below you will find an overview of the highlights of Varanasi.

The old center of Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities on earth and its historic center is made up of a maze of narrow alleys. It seems as if time has stood still, because cars and modern elements are rarely seen in the street scene. Here you will get to know the real India and you will be amazed by the hectic street. Getting lost is the order of the day, but there is always a friendly local who can show you the way. In the meantime, you should just fully enjoy everything you see here, because in India life largely takes place on the street. You can eat street food, buy souvenirs and enjoy all the impressions.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

The Ganges

Varanasi is situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges river, making it one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. The Ganges plays an important role in the life of the local population and as a tourist you can hardly ignore that. From the terraces on the edge of the river you can see people taking a dip in the polluted water and every evening ceremonies are held with candles.

Ghats

Varanasi is one of the most pressing destinations in all of Asia and that has everything to do with the so-called Burning Ghats. These are places along the river where you will be cremated. After your death, according to Hindu belief, you should be cremated on the banks of the river and then scattered in the Ganges, because that is the only way to reach Nirvana as a believer. Dying in Varanasi is the highest possible and that is why you will also encounter many sick, old and weakened people around the Ghats. As a tourist it is possible to attend one of the public cremations, but it is not a very pleasant sight. In any case, keep a fair amount of distance and do not take photos, because that is of course not really appropriate during a cremation.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Boat trip on the Ganges

One of the best things you can do in Varanasi is take a boat trip on the Ganges. Numerous wooden boats float along the banks and the owners are eager to take you on a trip on their beloved river. You will then paddle along the Varanasi skyline and see Ghats, temples and special scenes pass by.

Temples in Varanasi

Visiting Varanasi is considered the highlight of their trip to India for many people, but the number of sights is surprisingly quite low. In addition to the Ghats and the Ganges, you can actually spot many temples. You will encounter them everywhere during a walk through the city. Some are well hidden behind anonymous doors, others are a prominent element of the street scene. One of the most famous temples in the center of Varanasi is the Vishvanat Temple, which dates back to the year 1776. The temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, and the tower of the complex is covered with 800 kg of gold. If you want to visit this temple, keep in mind that you will be put to the test by security personnel.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Sarnath

About 10 kilometers outside Varanasi is Sarnath, a small village known for its Buddhist temples and ruins. Buddha is said to have been here after finding enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Numerous Buddhist buildings were built here in the third century BC, but the city fell into decline and obscurity due to the arrival of Muslims. Worth a visit.

Traveling to Varanasi - How to get there

Varanasi is located in northeastern India, about halfway between the cities of New Delhi and Calcutta. The city is served by the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which has connections to almost all major cities in India as well as some foreign destinations. It is also possible to travel by train to Varanasi. From New Delhi you can travel by night train directly to Varanasi in about 11 hours by night train.

Once in Varanasi, the old center can only be discovered on foot, as the streets are too narrow for cars. Fortunately, both hotels and sights are within walking distance and you can see a lot while walking.

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