Varanasi
Varanasi, or Banaras, is one of the oldest inhabited cities of the world and is the Hindu holy city. It is a chaotic and colorful city that is experienced with all five of your senses. Varanasi sees millions of tourists and spiritual pilgrims each year. According to Hindu belief, the Ganges River is sacred. Pilgrims come to Varanasi to bath in the water and some even come for hospice in order to be eventually cremated and their ashes poured into the river. As with every page on this website, this is by no means an exhausted list of things to do in Varanasi. It is only some highlights to get you started on your adventure!
For hotel bookings we recommend visiting:
Booking.com
Hostelworld.com
Photo by Srivatsan
The Ghats
One of the most fascinating parts about Varanasi is simply walking along the Ghats by the side of the Ganges River, plus its free. Some of the more notable Ghats are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat (the burning Ghat for cremations). You can also visit Dasaswamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat at dusk to witness an Aarti ceremony where Hindu priests make an offering to the Ganges River.
Photo by Rod Long
Shopping
Varanasi is known for its silk saris and it is highly recommended to explore the markets and take in the sights and sounds and see the beautiful fabrics for sale. One fun experience is to shop for a sari or some fabric and watch the vendors theatrically unroll the silk. Other souvenirs that are readily available throughout the city are art, jewellrey and brassware.
Photo by ADITYA PRAKASH
Boat Ride on the Ganges
For another view of the city and the Ghats, a boat ride on the river is a great experience. A sunrise boat ride is a highlight for many tourists. To book a boat ride we recommend speaking to your hotel or hostel staff to give you a trusted recommendation.
Photo by Atharva Tulsi
Photo by Risheek Pathak
Banaras Hindu University
BHU is a public university and is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. BHU has a sprawling, beautiful and quiet campus and can serve as an escape from the noisy hustle and bustle of the Ghats and tight streets of Varanasi. There is a museum and a very large Temple on campus that are both open to visitors.
ADDRESS
Banaras Hindu University, Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005.
For further study or reading on Varanasi:
Banaras: City of Light, by Diana Eck.
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