Varanasi’s been in the news for a lot of reasons this year – from PM Modi being elected as an MP in the Lok Sabha and winning the seat from Varanasi to the Clean Ganga campaign again initiated by the PM. But as an explorer if you’re visiting Benaras aka the holy city of Varanasi here’s what you must do…
1. Varanasi is the city of temples thus brace yourself for paying homage to the almighty at their respective places. Though every temple has its own importance few you should not miss are-
Kashi Vishwanath mandir
Sankatmochan mandir
Durga mandir
Kalbhairav mandir
2. The city is famous for yummy delicacies that will surely satisfy your stomach. Things you can feast upon are:
Malaiyo at Chowk
Banarasi Pan at Lanka
Lassi at Ramnagar Kila
Thandae at Godowlia
Kachori at kachori gali
*Street food across the city(golgappa,chat,longlata,rasmalai,momos)
3. A visit to ghats at the time of Ganga aarti will definitely calm your mind and you will feel blessed. A mere walk along the ghats will soothe your soul. If lucky enough you may run into one of the many foreigners who flock this place for a spiritual experience.
4. Treat yourself to a shopping spree -The local market is full of variety and worth the visit. From world famous Banarasi saree and kurta at 'Lucknow chikan ghar' to shoes and bags at Nai sadak to the market at Godowlia, the city has almost everything to satisfy all your shopping desires. Don’t hesitate to bargain.
5. An early morning or late evening ride in the lush green campus of BHU with your friends to accompany will be a memorable experience. Do visit BHU farms, just ahead of IIT BHU for a quiet and peaceful time.
6. Ramnagar fort is situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganga opposite Tulsi Ghat and was built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh.It has both heritage and cultural importance. A visit to the place is a real treat as you get to see a lot of old royal memorabilia. It also has a museum and a park to keep you entertained.
7. Take a tour to the centre of Buddhism, Sarnath situated 30km north-east of Varanasi Cantt. Railway Station. It has the Deer Park where Lord Buddha gave his first Sermon. Various structures there even date back to 500BC.
8. For a surreal feel of the city take an enthralling boat ride in the river Ganga along the Ghats. The scenes will calm your inner self. The noise of vehicles honking, people praying, the aarti’s, in the morning ride’s you even get to hear the birds chirping. Everything is just so auspicious. And yes keep your DSLR ready.
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| dashashwamedh ghat |
9. Celebrating the festivals that are unique to the city with the locals would be really enjoyable. Some of these festivals are.
*Dev Deepawali at ghats
*Bharat Milap at Nati Imali
10. And the last one.
Forget the main road and lose yourself in the streets or galis of Benaras. They have enough to keep you occupied for hours. You will be in for the experience of your life as you will witness the most unique street life here. Even a small talk with the Chaiwala or Panwala becomes more interesting than you ever imagined. Don't worry about getting lost – someone will surely help you find a way out!
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