City of Temples
The holiest of seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, Varanasi or Benares or Kashi is one of the oldest cities in the world with artefacts found from 800 BC. It is also believed that Buddha founded buddhism with his first sermon at Sarnath around 528 BC. There are estimated to be 23,000 temples in the city.
For Hindus they believe that dying and being cremated here on the banks of the holy Ganges allows them to break the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation. You will see bodies on top of the buses arriving in the city and also many have their bodies flown in from all over the world to be cremated at two of the ghats (embankments).
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is possibly the oldest ghat close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Brahma created this ghat to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the performance of the Dasa-Ashwamedha yaina.
The Manikarnika Ghat is the Mahasmasana, the primary site cremation and the raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals.
The best place to watch the rituals is from the river, photography is not allowed.
How to get there and Transportation
By Air - international flights from Bangkok on Thai and from Sri Lanka. Air India, IndiGo and Spice Jet connect to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Khajuraho, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
By Bus - from Nepal and other states in India
By Train - to most major cities from 3 stations
Getting around
Taxi - available but not practical
Maharaja Rickshaw - luxury option
Auto and cycle rickshaw - sometimes easier than walking and cheap
Best time to Visit
November to February is peak season and the best time to visit, it can get cold.
April to October is hot with temperature between 30 and 45 degrees celsius
Where to stay
Taj Nadesar Palace - boutique luxury hotel away from the madness
Brijrama Palace - converted palace on the river
Suryauday Haveli - heritage hotel on the river but no alcohol allowed
Read More about the Nadesar Palace
What to See
Boat rides at sunset and sunrise are the best way to see the city, sunrise is special.
Every evening the Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place at Dasawamedh Ghat, you can watch from the river which is the best option or on shore
Sarnath - the Deer Park is where Buddha gave his first teaching is also one of the four places of pilgrimage for buddhists. Good Museum also on site.
Walking the lanes…but have a very good guide.
Where to report animal cruelty in Varanasi
Restaurants
Varuna & Chowk - Indian - Taj Ganges hotel
The Bread of Life Bakery - western food - Shivala - Tel:+919198106715
Lotus Lounge - asian and western food - Mansarover Ghat - Tel: +9838567717
Shopping
Besides the markets for tourist trinkets there is really nothing to buy.
Tips
Do not carry anything of value when walking down to the evening ceremony, be careful of pickpockets
Get a good guide otherwise you miss a lot.
The sunrise trip on the Ganges is better.
Varanasi Tourist Board
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