Varanasi – Spiritual India: How to Start Your Visit
Introduction: Varanasi – The Eternal City
Varanasi, often called Banaras or Kashi, is not just a city—it’s a living, breathing spiritual experience. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, it is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi draws millions of pilgrims, travelers, and seekers every year.
If you are visiting for the first time, the city may feel overwhelming—narrow lanes, bustling ghats, endless chants, and the smell of incense mixed with the sound of temple bells. But with the right guide, you can experience the soul of Varanasi at its purest.
This blog will take you step by step on how to start your visit in Varanasi, covering the best time to go, how to reach, where to stay, the ghats, temples, rituals, food, culture, and practical travel tips.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Varanasi experiences extreme weather, so choosing the right season makes a huge difference.
- Winter (October – March): Best season for sightseeing, morning boat rides, and rituals. Temperatures stay pleasant.
- Summer (April – June): Hot and dry, not ideal for walking long hours. However, fewer tourists mean more peaceful experiences.
- Monsoon (July – September): Heavy rains, ghats may flood, but the city looks lush and vibrant.
👉 If you’re a first-time traveler, the best months to plan your trip are between October and March.
How to Reach Varanasi
Getting to Varanasi is easy since it is well-connected by air, rail, and road.
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport connects the city with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and international hubs.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction and Mughal Sarai Junction link Varanasi to major Indian cities.
- By Road: State-run and private buses are available from nearby cities like Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Patna.
🚖 Tip: Always pre-book taxis or use trusted apps for safe and hassle-free travel within the city.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
Accommodation in Varanasi ranges from budget hostels to luxury heritage hotels.
- Budget Travelers: Backpacker hostels and homestays around Assi Ghat.
- Mid-range Travelers: Boutique guesthouses near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Luxury Seekers: Heritage stays like BrijRama Palace and Taj Ganges with stunning river views.
👉 Stay near the ghats to experience the true essence of Varanasi kashi vishwanath temple.
First Steps: Exploring the Ghats of Varanasi & Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The ghats (riverfront steps) are the soul of Varanasi. Life begins and ends here—rituals, prayers, cremations, festivals, and daily activities revolve around them.
Famous Ghats to Visit:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – Known for the famous Ganga Aarti.
- Assi Ghat – Peaceful, great for yoga and morning views.
- Manikarnika Ghat – The main cremation ghat, symbolizing liberation.
- Harishchandra Ghat – Another cremation ghat with ancient significance.
💡 Start your trip with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Watching the ghats glow in golden sunlight is an unforgettable moment.
The Spiritual Rituals of Varanasi
No visit to Varanasi is complete without experiencing its spiritual practices.
- Morning Aarti at Assi Ghat – Gentle chants and lamp offerings at sunrise.
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – A grand spectacle of fire lamps, chanting, and bells.
- Holy Dip in the Ganges – Believed to cleanse the soul of sins.
Temples in Varanasi – A Divine Experience
Varanasi is dotted with thousands of temples, but a few stand out for their significance.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Popular among devotees of Hanuman.
- Durga Temple (Monkey Temple) – Known for its unique red architecture.
- Bharat Mata Temple – A rare temple dedicated to Mother India.
💡 Pro Tip: Carry valid ID cards and follow dress codes when visiting temples.
Cultural Experiences in Varanasi
Beyond rituals, Varanasi offers a rich cultural experience:
- Banarasi Silk Sarees – Visit local weaving workshops to see artisans at work.
- Music & Dance – Attend Hindustani classical concerts in the city.
- Street Food – Relish kachori-sabzi, tamatar chaat, malaiyyo (winter dessert), and Banarasi paan.
Day Trips Near Varanasi
- Sarnath – Where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment.
- Ramnagar Fort – 17th-century Mughal-style fort with a museum.
- Chunar Fort – Historic fort with panoramic river views.
Practical Travel Tips for Varanasi
- Dress modestly out of respect for local traditions.
- Bargain politely in local shops.
- Stay cautious in crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.
- Drink bottled or filtered water to prevent stomach problems.
- Use local guides for temple visits and rituals.
Suggested Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Arrival + Evening Aarti
- Check in to hotel
- Witness Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Day 2: Sunrise Boat Ride + Temples
- Sunrise boat ride
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Explore local markets
Day 3: Sarnath + Cultural Walk
- Morning visit to Sarnath
- Evening music or dance show
Day 4: Farewell & Food Tour
- Morning meditation or yoga at Assi Ghat
- Street food trail before departure
Why Varanasi is More Than a Destination
Varanasi is not just a city—it’s an awakening. Watching the cremation ghats reminds you of life’s impermanence, while the Ganga Aarti fills you with divine energy. The city stays with you long after you’ve left, transforming the way you see life.
Conclusion
Starting your journey in Varanasi – Spiritual India is like stepping into an eternal world where life, death, devotion, and culture come together. Whether you’re here for pilgrimage, spirituality, or culture, the city embraces you with its divine energy.
Come with an open heart, and you will leave with memories that stay forever