Varanasi - The Spiritual Capital of India
India's spiritual capital is Varanasi, commonly referred to as Benaras or Kashi (City of Life), the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It is one of the seven sacred towns in Hinduism. Scattered in a maze of tiny galis, the ancient city of Varanasi is located along the western banks of the Ganges. Get ready to see some sacred cows while out on foot! Varanasi is surrounded with temples at nearly every corner, but the most well-known and oldest of them is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Benaras is appropriately referred to as the city of Lord Shiva for a reason.
Since Varanasi is thought to bestow moksha, or freedom from the cycle of life and death, it is seen as an auspicious spot to pass away. The 80 ghats along the Ganges, where daily life unfolds against the backdrop of rituals, celebrations, and spiritual practices, are among the most famous characteristics of the city. The largest ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, is the site of the enthralling Ganga Aarti, a rite in which priests give prayers to the river while chanting, dancing, and lighting lamps in time. Taking a boat trip on the Ganges at sunrise or sunset is a peaceful and engrossing experience that lets guests take in the city's enduring beauty.
Varanasi's galis, or twisting, narrow lanes, are home to a plethora of shrines, stores, and restaurants; they form a maze that leads to hidden gems such as the historic Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first speech. During festivals, particularly Diwali and Holi, the city is a kaleidoscope of hues and noises. During Diwali, thousands of diyas (lamps) are hung on colourful ghats, creating a captivating sight. Local markets in Varanasi, like the Thatheri Bazaar and Vishwanath Gali, provide a variety of handcrafted silk, brassware, and traditional Banarasi sarees.
Wintertime (October to March) is the ideal time to visit Varanasi because of the lovely weather and the numerous festivals and cultural activities that take place in the city.
Best time to visit Varanasi
Winter (November to February) is the ideal season to visit Varanasi because of the low temperatures and steady breezes all day long. In Varanasi, summertime brings high, dry temperatures. Summers are best avoided as they are hot, dry, and sunny, making it impossible to go sightseeing outside. The winter months are ideal for visiting Varanasi because of the amazing weather that greatly enhances the city's splendour, but the monsoons are a welcome change of pace with moderate to intense rainfall.
How to Reach Varanasi
Road, rail, and plane travel to Varanasi are all readily available. Varanasi Junction and the Mughal Sarai Junction are its two principal railway stations. There are regular flights from the city's own airport to Delhi and Mumbai. There are also buses available.