Top 5 places to visit in Varanasi
Want to experience the different sides of India at their most vibrant? Head to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Devotees believe Varanasi is where they can break the cycle of rebirth and unite with the holy upon death.
The most beautiful center of action in Varanasi can be found at Banaras ghats – giant steps leading to the Ganges River. The devout wash away their sins in the holy water in the morning and they return in the evening for prayer ceremonies.
If you want to experience something different and full of light then this is it!
- Dasawamedh Ghat
The beautiful atmosphere of the Dasawamdh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Things that attract tourists here are flower sellers, boat operators hawking rides along the gaga river, Sadhus with white face paint. You can definitely spend hours watching in this area during the day and at night time.
Hindu priests(Pandits) put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, Starting at around 7 pm. Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and plates of sandalwood-scented incense for about 45 minutes.
Tip: If you want to get incredible views get a boat or get into the shop balconies above the ghats.
Address : Dasaswamedh Ghat Road,Bangali Tola, Varanasi
To book your tickets, visit: Goibibo.com.
2. Manikarnika Ghat
A lot of smoke swirls towards the sky at Manikarnika Ghat. It is from the cremations that happen to this ghat. Hindus believe that the cremation that takes place here gets moksha. Funeral cremations take place at this ghat burns 24/7 and around 100 cremations take place every day.
Tip- if you are not interested in visiting this place then consider passing by Manikarnika Ghat on a boat tour along the Ganga river.
3. Ganges River
Named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges River is one of the most beautiful sites in India. The river extends from the southeast of the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. Almost 400- 600 million people rely on the Ganges river to provide water for daily bathing and drinking.
Hindus come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy water and perform various rituals on the ghats.
Consider waking up early and taking a sunrise along the river. try to negotiate with the boatman hanging out along the ghats.
The best thing you can do here is to purchase a small floating offering filled with fresh flowers and diyas, and release it onto the Ganges River. This experience will connect you more deeply with Hindu culture.
4. Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat’s attraction is a Shiva lingam. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come here to worship Lord Shiva after taking bath in the Ganges River.
Tourists can also see another Ganga Aarti performance here by the evening, which is slightly smaller.
5. Ramnagar Fort
There are a few destinations in India without a fort, about 14 kilometers from the city center, you’ll find Ramnagar Fort. After enjoying an archeological treasure hunt at the museum, you must check out the forts temples one of which honors Veda Vyasa.
Address : Mirzapur- Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar.
To learn more visit: Whacqy.com.