Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, is a unique place. Its rich art, culture, heritage, and spiritual significance make it one of the best places to visit for globetrotters. Whether you like to explore ancient monuments, visit religious centers, watch traditional rituals, taste delicious street food, or just go on scenic boat rides, Varanasi offers it all. At My Flight Trip, we are dedicated to making your excursions enjoyable and stress-free. From offering guided tours to booking hotels to stay in Varanasi, and providing the lowest airfares, we can take care of all your needs while you focus on experiencing the best of Kashi alone or with your loved ones.
This blog will give you a glimpse of what is in store for you if you visit Varanasi. Keep reading for informative insights into the city as old as time!
About Varanasi—The Spiritual Capital of India
Before you book a Varanasi tour package, you must get a better understanding of the city so that when you are there, you have a clear idea of every place that you could explore and not miss anything significant. Varanasi is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Popular for being one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, its existence dates back to the 11th century BC. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, it is a spiritual milestone that welcomes millions of pilgrims. Not only for Hindus, the city holds religious significance for Buddhists and Jains, too. The city is home to hundreds of temples and ghats. If you are looking for peace and serenity, Varanasi is the place to be!
Wondering how much a Varanasi tour costs? At My Flight Trip, we offer a wide range of packages spanning from single-day to week-long excursions. Depending on your budget, you can choose the one that suits you. For a detailed discussion, please reach out to us.
How to Reach Varanasi
There are many ways to reach Varanasi. If you like adventures and can handle long journeys, traveling by train is a wonderful way to reach your destination. You could also take a Delhi to Varanasi flight if you are in the Indian capital. A direct flight will only take 1.5 hours to reach Varanasi from Delhi, cutting your travel time significantly and providing you with more time to explore the city. There are many credible online flight booking platforms like My Flight Trip from which you can book your tickets in just a few clicks and even make it economical by using attractive flight offers.
If neither of these options aligns with your interests, a road trip is what you need! Depending on the distance, you can drive your own car or take public transport like a bus or taxi to reach Varanasi. The options are endless and the choice is yours!
Things to Do in Varanasi
If you think of Varanasi as just a spiritual spot with temples and religious processions, think again. The stunning Varanasi has a lot more than meets the eye. Going sightseeing in Varanasi allows you to unfold its unique layers and absorb its authentic beauty and charm. Here’s what you can do when you plan a tour to Varanasi:
- Offer Prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
You can’t go to Varanasi and not visit one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva! The magnificent Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also referred to as the Golden Temple because of its gold-plated spire. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which makes it one of the most loved pilgrimage destinations in the country. If you want to see people’s devotion to Lord Shiva in all its glory, you must come to this temple at least once.
- Go Ghat-Hopping
Varanasi is home to 88 fascinating ghats that are the site for various religious processions. Dasahwamedha Ghat is arguably one of the most famous ghats in the city. It is located close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is the site of the popular Ganga Aarti. In addition to it, Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are also quite popular. From cremations to religious pujas and bathing rituals, a lot of significant activities take place on these ghats, making them a relevant location in Varanasi.
- Witness the Grand Ganga Aarti
Another important aspect of a Varanasi tour is the renowned evening Ganga Aarti. The sonorous voice of several priests reciting prayers and mantras, the reverberating sound of conch shells and bells, the eye-catching sight of all the lit-up lamps illuminating the area, and the peaceful vibrations that the whole event exudes are reason enough to fall in love with Varanasi. Despite the endless crowd, the Ganga Aarti is probably one of the most spiritually moving things that you must experience to make the most of your Varanasi tour.
- Explore Street Food and Markets
If you consider yourself a foodie who loves to try different things and is excited to taste the authentic flavors of a city by exploring its local streets, then you are going to love visiting the streets of Varanasi. The narrow, serpentine lanes of the city lead you to some of the most amazing street food shops. From crispy kachoris to mouth-watering chaat and paan to refreshing thandai, the city has many popular dishes and drinks to offer. If you are up for a shopping spree, you could also check out the local market for Banarasi silk sarees, religious souvenirs, and even the holy water of river Ganga!
- Watch Sunset on a Soothing Boatride
Catching an unforgettable view of the setting sun while cruising peacefully on the river Ganga on a boat—sounds magical, isn’t it? Well, magic happens and it can happen to you, too, if you take an evening boat ride in Varanasi. You could also plan your boat ride by keeping the Ganga Aarti timings in mind so that you can watch the ritual from a boat—an experience that will stay with you for a long, long time!
