Varanasi – City Older than TIME

The undeniable centre of India, Varanasi, is home to the Sri Kashi Viswanath Temple. This little area is gracefully tucked into the Ganga River’s horseshoe curve. Despite the numerous changes in political power throughout mediaeval history, the Biswanath Temple has withstood the test of time and remains a key stop on the nation’s Hindu pilgrimage circuit. Every street bend in Varanasi has a distinct personality, with the shadow of a haveli protecting historical tales from bygone times. I get the impression of seeing a peek of India’s lively, historical heart when I visit Varanasi.

Kashi or Varanasi?

The claim made by Mark Twain that Varanasi predates history is not surprising. Varanasi, the spiritual hub of India, is referred to as Kashi in the Rig Veda, one of the earliest Hindu sacred texts. The name Kashi from the root Kas, which means “to shine.” Kashi is frequently referred to as the “city of light” as a result.

The city’s name, Varanasi, derives from the two Ganga tributaries that border it. Varuna runs in the northern section, whereas Assi flows near to the Assi Ghat in the southern section.

Varanasi History

Varanasi is frequently mentioned in the Buddhist Jataka stories as well as the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Varanasi was the epicentre of Aryan civilization throughout the second millennium BCE and a prominent centre for trade and commerce. Around the sixth century BCE, Varanasi served as the capital of the Kashi monarchy. The Lord Buddha gave his first address in Sarnath, which is only 10 kilometres from Varanasi. When he landed in Varanasi in 635 BCE, the famed Chinese traveller Xuanzang attested to the city’s splendour and prosperity.

During the Mughal era, Varanasi’s riches declined, but the Marathas restored it. While governed by the British, it remained a centre for commerce and religion.

Must Visit Places in Varanasi?

Varanasi Ghats

There are more than 70 ghats in Varanasi! However, Varanasi’s ghats are distinct from other ghats. They serve as history’s cornerstone. The massive structures next to the ghats disclose a lot about the region’s past.

The Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most important and well-known in Varanasi. You will surely see a lot of people there performing puja, shaving their heads, or taking a holy dip because it is the busiest. The nightly Arti is one of this Ghat’s greatest attractions.

The Assi Ghat, which is as significant but somewhat less well-known, is located at the southernmost extremity. The morning Arti at Assi Ghat is breathtaking.

Boat Ride along Ganga

A boat ride on the Ganges is an extraordinary experience, especially if you do it just before sunrise. Boats come in two varieties: hand-rowed and motorised. Fewer individuals can board a hand-rowed boat that you can rent for yourself as opposed to a motorised one. For a certain amount of time on the boat, you can bargain a fee with the boatman. The ghats seem to be extremely beautiful from the river.

Ganga Aarti

Ganga Arti is among Varanasi’s most breathtaking attractions. The evening Ganga Arti is done at Dasaswamedh Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. Morning arti is performed at Assi Ghat. The evening arti starts at 6:30 and lasts for 45 minutes. Around 5:45 in the morning, Arti starts.

Varanasi Temples

The Kashi Viswanath Temple is the most revered temple and one of the most important places of worship for Hindus. The Maa Annapurna Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Kund Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Kaal Bhairav Temple are just a few of the sites you can see by renting a car.

Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath

Ten kilometres separate Ramnagar Fort and Sarnath from Varanasi, yet they are both in the other direction. Car rentals are available for day trips to both of these places. With the cab driver, go over the cost. The cost is usually less expensive when you reserve both trips at once.

What to eat when in Varanasi?

Kachori Sabzi

The most popular Kaleva (breakfast) option in Benaras is kachori sabji. There are two kinds of kachoris, badi kachori and choti kachori. Badi kachori is stuffed with a lentil masala called dal ki pithi, whereas choti kachori is packed with a spicy potato concoction. These kachoris go well with garam masala wali aloo ki sazi and desi ghee jalebi. What a great way to start the day!

Chhena Dahi Vada

Raise your hands, all you curd lovers! Chena is shaped similarly to Rasmalai and is dipped in sweet yoghurt with a dash of spice made of jeera and black salt. It’s the right balance of sweet and sour. The coriander garnish adds a pleasant touch. A delicious dinner to share with friends and family.

Malaiyyo

Makhan Malaiyyo or Nimish is a popular winter street treat inspired by Persian cuisine. Saffron and cardamom flavour the milk froth, which is decorated with pistachios and almonds. This creamy froth melts in your mouth when served in purva or kulhads.

Chooda Matar

This street snack is essentially a Benarasi version of Poha. It is flattened rice soaked in desi ghee and seasoned with various spices, as well as fresh green peas, to which milk or cream, raisins, and saffron are added. It goes great with a steaming cup of masala chai.

Laaiya Chana

Laaiya Chana is similar to Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri, except it contains soaking boiling chana rather than puffed rice. It contains onions, tomatoes, peanuts, and a variety of masalas. This snack is best served with a cup of tea. This recipe is well-known not only for its delectable taste, but also for its simplicity.

Tamatar Chaat

Benaras has its unique variant of the famed chaat prepared with tomatoes, which you can only obtain here. It is a spicy dish in which tomatoes are combined with heeng, pounded ginger, green chilies, and spices, as well as boiled potatoes.

Stay options in Varanasi?

Varanasi has a wide range of hotels, both in terms of price and category. There are lots of guest houses, Dharamshalas, hostels, and hotels to choose from, all with different pricing ranges. If you want to be close to the commotion, stay somewhere around Dasaswamedh Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat. If you’re looking for peace, stay close to the Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, or nearby.

There are many options available if you’re looking for a backpacker-friendly hostel in Varanasi.

Conclusion

There are numerous things to learn and do in Varanasi. It is simple to become adapted to. Once you come to know the city, it is challenging to resist falling in love with it. The soul of Varanasi must be felt; it is utterly captivating.