Varanasi is the center of Indian spirituality, and this city can both enchant the spirit and offend the senses. It is one of the oldest and still inhabited cities in the world, combining the features of both tradition and the present. If you are a believer looking for spiritual enlightenment, a lover of culture, or a traveler inclined to go to the less-traveled areas, there are some things you need to know before visiting Varanasi. Below is detailed information about the city and how you can make the most of your visit to this cultural hub.
Table of Contents
25 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Varanasi
Cultural and Spiritual Insights
1. Holy City
Varanasi is thought to be the most sacred place in the Hindu faith. It is the holiest shrine and receives millions of visitors from all over the world yearly. It is considered that the city holds the residence of Lord Shiva and it is stated that the city was established by the latter himself as per the Hindu mythology. Of course, it is impossible to understand such a cultural and spiritual symbiosis in order to be gradually immersed in the atmosphere of a metropolis and the devotion of guests.
2. Ganges River:
Varanasi is intimately connected with this river and can be rightly called the spiritual lifeline of the city. Some think that merely washing in the waters in the Ganges erases sins and that passing away in Varanasi gives moksha which is a passing away from the wheel of rebirth. In this context, calling the river an important part of the city’s inhabitants is to underline the fact that people use it in their daily lives starting from the morning shower and finishing with night prayers.
3. Ghats
4. Aarti
The boat rides at sunrise as well as the evening Ganga Aarti are sights to behold in this city of lights. This is a daily exercise that has evolved into a show where beautiful prayers, music, and light are bowed to the river goddess. Although the most recognize aarti is held in Dashashwamedh Ghat, aarati is also performed in other ghats as well. Then there are basic sections that should have been mentioned – it is better to come early in the evening so as to find a good place.
5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Shiva temple, also known as Baidyanath Temple, is one of the holiest locations to Hindus in the whole of India. It is regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga which are the pious temples of Lord Shiva. This temple alone has a golden spire and domes among the other buildings in the famous city of Varanasi. It’s open to non-Hindus too but one has to be ready for constant searches randomly done by the security personnel.
6. Sarnath
Sarnath is simply 10 KMs away from Varanasi and is the place where lord buddha delivered his first Sutras after attaining enlightenment. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and it holds ancient attractions of the site such as the Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. There is the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath where Buddhist artefacts are stored and I recommend visiting it.
Practical Tips
7. Dress Modestly
Punctuality is also not very important in Varanasi, as it is worth to respect the local population’s traditions and norms. Avoid wearing limited clothing and, most importantly, narrow trousers during the visit of the temple and other holy places. This simply means that while in the Vatican men must have their shoulders covered and women must have their knees covered. Regarding the aspect of dressing, it is good for women to carry a scarf in areas they have to cover their heads.
8. Bargaining
Negotiation is rife in markets and with fruit vendors by the streets of Varanasi. And that is quite normal to expect or even likely to be welcomed by most local sellers. It is advisable to begin the bargaining with an offer that is almost half of the stated price. Do not forget that the communication must be civil and polite.
9. Hygiene
One should respect the hygienic advisories especially those concerning foods and beverages. Bottled water should be taken while it is dangerous to take food from street vendors. Suggest to select stands with a large flow of people as this — whether for the freshest and safest choice. Handwashing should be carried out to the best of one’s ability which is why it is advisable to carry hand sanitizer.
10. Safety
However, like with every city, it is still advised to be careful particularly in crowded places when in Varanasi. Do not lose your things and be cautious especially at night. Do not walk when alone in dark places especially at night.
11. Language
The main language in Varanasi is Hindi and English is commonly used especially among the foreigners dealing with tourism. It is always useful to learn some basic Hindi words and this is something that is always encouraged by people from India. It is human to come up with a simple answer such as ‘Namaste’ to ease tension and make the interactions friendly.
12. Best Time to Visit
The best time in which one can plan a visit to Varanasi is during the months of October to March. Autumns, particularly those of the rainy season, July and August are rather warm with temperature hovering in the region of 40 °C (104 °F) during summer. Again, because of the monsoon (July — September) the ghats gets flooded and the movement becomes a problem.
Unique Experiences
13. Boat Ride on the Ganges
Another fascinating activity that one has to participate when in Varanasi is the boat trip at the break of sunrise or sinking sun at the Red Corridor River Ganga. This gives a very insightful and socio-cultural angle to viewing the city and its ghats, especially observing the activities that unveil itself on the riverbank. The use of natural light, particularly at such times as sunset or sunrise, provides the place with a rather fairy-tale look.
14. Witness Cremation
Still, it is rather stunning to see people burning at Manikarnika Ghat; one of the significant events which allow people to gain deep understanding of Hindu culture and concept of life and existence. Some guidelines learned concerning the people are that, one has to be polite and must avoid taking pictures with people of asian origin. Should you choose to observe, observe from a distance afford your observations the kind of respect they deserve.
15. Explore the Old City
The old city of Varanasi is best described as labyrinthian and wandering through these overcrowded, claustrophonic, and twisting lanes is to travel back in time. These old lanes prayed with shops, temples and various unexplored locations that are still buried there. Lost in the sinuous network of streets and alleys is somewhat desirable but when there is a desire to find a specific place, it is good to have at least a map or a smartphone application.
16. Visit a Weaver’s Village
India’s Varanasi is well-known for its Banarasi silk sarees. A visit to a weaver’s village will enable you to witness how these beautiful textiles are created. Indeed some of the traditional weaves are still practiced and you may be lucky to see some people doing it or even come across beautifully weaved items woven by the local weavers and if interested you can buy.
17. Try Local Cuisine
Everyone will definitely enjoy the food festival that Varanasi offers for its tourists. Some recommended food that should not be missed include kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat and of course the Banarasi paan. The city also boasts of its drinks; one of the best being lassi as well as the sweets which include lavang lata and malaiyo.
18. Experience Classical Music
The present day Varanasi has always been vocal for its classical Indian music. Go watch sitar, tabla, and vocals bring a heart-touching performance to you; attend a show. Most of the ghats and cultural centers have formed a tradition of hosting concerts most of the time, indeed richer during festivals.
19. Visit a Yoga Ashram
It can be noted that Varanasi is a great place to learn everything about yoga and meditation. Most of them present courses and sessions for visitors who would wish to learn more about such traditional techniques. So, the flow of travel enthusiasts is barely going to be impacted, especially if you are a practitioner who wants to advance your practice, whichever level you are on: be it a total newbie or an experienced yogi.
Additional Considerations
20. Crowds
Traveller should expect crowded areas in Varanasi indeed, particularly in such travel high season and during religious celebrations. Be ready to face crowded roads and crowded ghats. Festivals like Dev Deepawali falling in November/December have thousands of visitors, planning is needed for visiting the place.
21. Pollution
Traffic emissions are unavoidable within the new and old city; hence it is essential to be prepared for hazy and smog-filled weather at certain times of the year. It might be a good idea to carry a face mask in case there is poor airflow in the structure especially if one is sensitive to the same. Some efforts include the provision of air and water quality that is still an issue of concern before the government.
22. Scams
There are several tricks often practiced in most tourist attractions and one can be over-charged, duped by fake guides or touts who claim to be willing to assist. Research the prices before proceeding, take services of licensed guides and follow your instincts.
23. Accommodation
24. Transportation
In city, use of rickshaw and auto rickshaw is common means of transportation available to common people. Modus of payment: decide on a fare prior to your trip, or, if you prefer, hail an Uber. Sometimes certain parts of the city especially the old city have small streets meaning that one has to walk around.
25. Open Mind
It is hard to outline something that a person is likely to consider as the most important thing to know about Varanasi before arriving to the city: probably, the best initial approach is to be open-minded and ready to accept the difference. Varanasi is overwhelming, chaotic and unlike any other place which you might have visited. Approach an unfamiliar situation with the embrace of open-mindedness, tolerance and time.
Conclusion
Travelling to Varanasi is an experience rather than a tour that can be prescribed to a pure sightseeing. It is the realism of a colourful lifestyle fully charged with tradition seen in the realms of the prehistoric and contemporary periods, as well as the sacred and the profane. Remembering the following 25 points will help you avoid falling a victim to this city’s outstanding intricacy and comprehend the spiritual and cultural depth of this place.
Food, boat rides at Ganges in the morning, the Ganga arati, the history and heritage of temples, and shopping experience changes our perception of life and stays wih us when we are out of Varanasi. Be it religious pilgrimage, cultural experience or a tour of a different kind, Varanasi can satisfactorily fulfill the need and desire of all kind of tourist.
Please bear in mind that Varanasi is not a place that you tour but it is a process of changing your inner self with divine intervention of hope. This guide will teach you how to respect locals and their customs and how to embrace opportunities that may seem quite unexpected and take your visit to this mysterious city standing on the banks of the Ganges with an open heart and open mind.