Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in India that has evident historical prosperity and is known for its cultural and scriptural significance. It is believed to be situated at the confluence of the holy Ganga river where people are thriving for ages. The ancient scriptures of Rig Veda influence its beauty and importance among Sanatana, named Kashi which means “To Light '' or “To Enlightenment”. In 1956, the ancient city of Kashi was renamed Varanasi or Banaras meaning the city of lights.

According to Hindu mythological beliefs, the city of Varanasi was established and decorated by the grace of Lord Shiva who is considered the creator and destructor of this Universe. Being the presiding deity of Kailash parvat, Kashi was is second home of lord Shiva, on whose name the Kashi Vishwanath temple is built. Beliefs have to say, whosoever dies in Kashi, gets the liberation and frees their soul from the pain of rebirth and death or the cycle of reincarnation. Taking a dip in the pious waters of maa Ganga is also believed to liberate your soul from any sins that you've committed.

Know More About Varanasi

Specific geography of Varanasi? So, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the river Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Situated almost 800 kilometres away from Delhi, India’s capital city and 300 kilometres away from Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

Moreover, Varanasi is prominently a splendid city that relates to hinduism and buddhism on several factors and houses thousands of temples, monasteries, stupas, spiritual and cultural sites as well. The city gets up everyday with the worshipping ceremony of Dun god and sleeps after the Aarti and darshan of Fire God at Dashashwamedh Ghat. For more than several centuries, the land of Kashi has been known for its cremation grounds and the path of liberation that it offers to the pilgrims. You can explore the customs, rituals, epics, and legendary cultural backdrops just by sitting on a boat and flowing over the sacred river Ganga. The embodiment of this place is naturally happening that connects you with the soul and subconsciousness of your mind in no time. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the recommendations of places to visit in Varanasi, popularly authentic cuisines served there, and many more.

Recommended Places To Visit in Varanasi

Since the plethora of tourist attractions is countless in Varanasi but you can definitely consider visiting these sites once in your lifetime.

• Pillars of Ashoka- Ashoka won the subcontinents of India hence he has been the chakravarthy of the states. The structures of Ashokan pillars were erected in his remembrance, one among the oldest stone sculptures of India. These architectures are a replication of Gautam Buddha and the religious faith adjoining his teachings. Each stone pillar weighs almost 50 tonnes, heightened 12-15 metres upwards.
• Dhamek and Chaukhandi stupas- These two stupas signify the oldest stupas around the World and in India.  Declared as one of the most preserved national monuments by the archeological survey of India, one can visit these stupas in Sarnath. It's believed that in ancient times, these sites were used for meditation and preservation of the Buddhist devotees and monks.
• Sarnath archeological museum - This museum states the importance and collaboration of Buddhism and the city of Varanasi. This museum houses manuscripts, relics and ancient scriptures from the period of Ashoka's Empire and the reign of Buddha.
• Sarnath Buddhist temple- This temple is located a few metres from Dhamek stupa that has a Bodhi tree as well. The Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment replicates various stages of life of Buddha.
• Kashi Vishwanath temple - One among the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most visited and significant temples in India that's also mentioned in the ancient scriptures of Skanda purana. Being situated beside the western ghats of the sacred river Ganga, it attracts lakhs of tourists every year from all over the world. 
• Sankat Mochan temple- Dedicated to lord Hanuman, this temple is situated at the banks of Assi ghat which was built in the 16th century by Goswami Tulsidas ji. Visiting this temple on Tuesdays is believed to be the best way of worshipping lord Hanuman and seeking blessings for lifetime.
• Durga Mata mandir- This intricate temple is dedicated to goddess Durga that was built in the 18th century. It's believed that the goddess statue appeared on its own but did not need any human constructions.
• Bharat Mata mandir- This temple site is not dedicated to a particular God or a goddess but it shows the country India which we named as Bharat Mata, and a map of the Indian subcontinent is also replicated there. So basically the temple shows dedication towards the land of Bharat Bhoomi or India.
• Tulsi Manas mandir- This temple site has a cultural and historical affiliation rather than a religious significance which is dedicated to the great known poet and writer Sant Goswami Tulsidas ji. He has written the epic of Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi language.
• New Kashi Vishwanath mandir - Situated inside the premises of Banaras Hindu University, this temple is a replica of an older one. But this is a must see temple in Banaras which gives you a serene visiting experience.
• Dashashwamedh Ghat- This prominent ghat is renowned to host the sacred Ganga Aarti performed by priests in the evening. It's believed that the city of Banaras is safe because the Aarti performed at this ghat is happening every day.
• Manikarnika and Harish Chandra Ghat- Though these two ghats are not visited by the tourists, only men can go there. Because these two ghats are known for their cremation grounds and its significance in Hindu mythology as the only place for liberation. Lord Shiva is prayed here in the form of Tarakeswar and goddess Parvati has its name as Manikarnika. Similarly the great king Harishchandra was known for his truth and wisdom so the ghat is known by his name.
• Assi Ghat- It's one of the most happening ghats of Banaras situated in the southernmost banks of river Ganga where numerous cafes, hotels, restaurants, etc are established. More often Bollywood shoots film scenes at Assi Ghat which look stunning in the footage.
• Banaras Hindu University - Established by the great leaders Madan Mohan Malviya and Annie Besant in 1916, Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest known residential institutional sites. It has thousands of students from different parts of the country and hundreds of faculties which offers you a glimpse of modern and ancient educational backgrounds of India and its counterparts. It also has a newly built Kashi Vishwanath temple which attracts thousands of tourists every day.
• Ramnagar fort- Built by the Maharaja of the city Banaras around 1750s, the palace is situated on the east bank of Ganges. The plots of property where the Royal family used to live is open for tourists visiting there, as it has balconies with carved stones and many pavilions and sculptures embedded in it. The architecture of this fort showcases the beauty of mediaeval Indian designs and carvings, amalgamated with the Persian architecture. Saraswathi bhavan inside the fort's campus depicts the historical influence of emperors in Banaras.

Must Visit Places Near Varanasi

Apart from the above mentioned places in Varanasi, you can also spare your time travelling nearby places at:-

• Chandauli
• Mirzapur
• Bodh Gaya
• Patna
• Prayagraj
• Sonbhadra
• Rewa
• Kaimur, etc

What is the Best Time to Visit Varanasi?

If we talk about visiting Varanasi, the best time to visit the city is during the winter season. Though Varanasi is accessible throughout the year for tourists, the pleasant weather of winters make it more spellbinding and charismatic.

Cuisines of Varanasi that you’ll fall for

• Malaiyyo
• Kachori sabzi
• Lassi
• Bhang lassi
• Bati/litti chokha
• Tamatar chaat
• Samosa and jalebi
• Chaat
• Masala chai
• Flavoured Paan

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air

You can fly towards Lal Bahadur Shastri airport (VNS) or Varanasi airport that connect the passengers from across several cities of India to Varanasi and abroad.

By Train

If you are travelling to Varanasi by train, Varanasi junction is the major railway station there. You can catch a train from your city to Varanasi like Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and so on.

By Road

If you plan to drive your own car or take a cab/personal vehicle, National Highway 2, Yamuna expressway and the Agra-Lucknow expressway connect other major cities of India to Varanasi.

Do’s & Don’ts in Varanasi that You Must be Aware of!

Though Varanasi is a sacred city where you can get enchanted with its spiritual yet adventurous vibes, you should stay aware of what you're doing and what you should not do there. Here's a quick list that will guide about the do and don't of Varanasi:-

• A traditional dressing will work wonders as the city shares spiritual and traditional vibes all over
• Beware of shopkeeper's, tour guides, and boat keeper's scams if you're new there
• Follow the rules and customs prevailing there
• Keep your luggage safe and expensive belongings with you
• Be mindful of what you're eating, specially bhaang
• Watch out if there are bulls around the market
• Bargain in shopping sprees so that you don't overpay for anything that you should have purchased cheaper.
• Be careful while taking selfies and pictures.