Varanasi : What to expect

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Varanasi   was my first introduction to India, and although people say it isn’t a good idea to go write about Varanasi first, I’m so glad that Varanasi was the first place I experienced in India. However, people often say that arriving in Varanasi can be a little overwhelming. You will be greeted by chaos, color and the feeling of stepping back in time. Varanasi is a wonderful place to visit and I recommend anyone who visits India to experience Varanasi if you can. If you are planning a trip to Varanasi, here is what to expect. Ganga River Introduction to this Holy City:- Varanasi is  India ‘s oldest city, located along the banks of the famous River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North East India. Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is dripping in history and spirituality. It is one of the seven Hindu and Janist holy cities, or  Sapta Puri,  in India. Buddhism is said to have been founded in Varanasi as well. Varana...
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Boat ride on River Ganges

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Varanasi is a very intense place with lots of things to see and do. One of my favorite experiences was the boat ride on Ganga River. You can take the trip in the morning, experience the most amazing sunrise (it’s breathtaking!), and see locals do their morning rituals (bathing, shaving, brushing their teeth and performing puja (praying ritual).


Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India


Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

You can also take the boat ride in the evening, where you’ll experience the Ganga Aarti (evening ritual with fire and music) at 5pm near the Dasaswamedh Ghat. 

Varanasi Ghats

Varanasi has almost 100 ghats, which are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. A walk along Varanasi’s ghats is a fascinating experience, although you should be prepared for filth and to be hassled by vendors. It takes about 50 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

Some interesting ghats include:

Assi Ghat: A bit more quiet and not as chaotic.

Manikarnika Ghat: Also known as the burning ghat where you’ll come face to face with death

Dashashwamedh Ghat: The top attraction and where the famous Ganga aarti takes place.

Varanasi, India


Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Funeral pyres and a lesson about death

Many ghats are used for washing, but there are several designated for cremations.

Varanasi is the holiest city in India, and it is believed that if a person’s ashes are scattered here, their soul will achieve nirvana (liberation). At Manikarnika Ghat, which is the largest cremation site in Varanasi, you’ll see piles of wood stacked for burning. The atmosphere among the male family members is not sad. I saw mourners instead laugh, chat and play cards as the funeral preparations were carried out. Women are not allowed at the site for fear they will cry.

I saw my first Hindu cremation in Varanasi. Standing only 3-4 meters from the pyre, I witnessed how a leg suddenly fell out from the flames, and when the body-burner stuck and turned a stick in the fire, a charred head appeared.

Varanasi is a place that embraces death and puts it right in your face. It’s not a place for the squeamish.

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Varanasi : What to expect

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Varanasi   was my first introduction to India, and although people say it isn’t a good idea to go write about Varanasi first, I’m so glad that Varanasi was the first place I experienced in India. However, people often say that arriving in Varanasi can be a little overwhelming. You will be greeted by chaos, color and the feeling of stepping back in time. Varanasi is a wonderful place to visit and I recommend anyone who visits India to experience Varanasi if you can. If you are planning a trip to Varanasi, here is what to expect. Ganga River Introduction to this Holy City:- Varanasi is  India ‘s oldest city, located along the banks of the famous River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in North East India. Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is dripping in history and spirituality. It is one of the seven Hindu and Janist holy cities, or  Sapta Puri,  in India. Buddhism is said to have been founded in Varanasi as well. Varana...
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