A Spiritual Sojourn: My Unforgettable Varanasi Tour Experience
Planning a trip to Varanasi? You’re about to explore one of the most soulful and ancient cities in the world. In this travel blog, I’ll take you through my complete Varanasi travel experience – from how to reach, the famous places to visit in Varanasi, things to do, what to eat, and a detailed 5-day Varanasi tour itinerary. Whether you're coming for spirituality, history, or culture, this guide covers everything.
How to Reach Varanasi from Kolkata
Traveling
from Kolkata to Varanasi is smooth and convenient by both air and train.
By Air:
- Direct flights available from Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata) to Lal Bahadur
Shastri Airport (Varanasi).
- Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air
India.
- From airport to city: ~25 km;
taxis and app cabs easily available.
By Train:
- Multiple daily trains from Howrah,
Sealdah, and Kolkata stations.
- Duration: ~10–12 hours
(overnight journey preferred).
- Recommended trains:
- Howrah–Varanasi Express
- Sealdah–Varanasi Express
- Kolkata–Patna–Varanasi Special
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
To
fully enjoy the Varanasi places and the spiritual energy, timing your
trip right is important.
- October to March (Winter): Ideal for sightseeing and
outdoor activities. Clear skies and pleasant weather.
- July to September (Monsoon): Less crowded but the Ganga
water level may rise.
- April to June (Summer): Very hot and dry; not
recommended unless necessary.
Tip: Visit during festivals like Dev
Deepawali, Mahashivratri, or Holi to witness the city in its
most vibrant form.
Famous Places in Varanasi
There
are countless banaras visit places
that reflect history, spirituality, and local culture. Here's a curated list of
famous places to visit in
Varanasi:
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
and the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
- Recently revamped with the new Kashi
Vishwanath Corridor.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
- The main ghat, famous for the
grand Ganga Aarti every evening.
- A must-watch for every
traveler.
3. Assi Ghat
- Perfect for sunrise views and
peaceful morning walks.
- Yoga sessions often held in the
mornings.
4. Manikarnika Ghat
- One of the oldest cremation
grounds.
- Deeply spiritual – observe
respectfully from a boat.
5. Sarnath
- Just 10 km away; where Lord
Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Visit Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka
Pillar, and Sarnath Museum.
6. Ramnagar Fort
- Located across the river.
- Features vintage cars, royal
arms, and antique items.
7. Bharat Kala Bhavan (at BHU)
- Excellent museum with a
collection of sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts.
Best Food and Shopping Items
Your
Varanasi travel itinerary must include local food and shopping. Here are
the top things to try and buy:
Must-Try Foods:
- Kachori Sabzi – Crispy deep-fried bread with
spicy potato curry.
- Tamatar Chaat – A tangy and spicy dish
unique to Banaras.
- Lassi – Thick, creamy, often
flavored with saffron or rose.
- Banarasi Paan – A sweet and fragrant betel
leaf preparation.
- Baati Chokha – Traditional Bhojpuri dish, earthy and filling.
- Malaiyo – seasonal winter delight.
Image Source: https://shorturl.at/Bg47W
Best Shopping Items:
- Banarasi Silk Sarees – Globally recognized and
handcrafted.
- Wooden toys and idols – Made by local artisans.
- Brass utensils and décor – Intricate and traditional.
- Gulabi Meenakari jewelry – Rare and beautiful enamel
work.
Where to shop:
- Vishwanath Gali
- Godowlia Market
- Chowk Bazaar
5-Day Varanasi Tour Itinerary
Make
the most of your Varanasi tour with this easy and immersive 5-day plan.
Day 1: Arrival & Ghat Exploration
- Arrive in Varanasi by
flight/train.
- Check-in and relax.
- Evening walk from Assi Ghat
to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Watch the Ganga Aarti –
a surreal blend of fire, chanting, and spirituality.
- Dinner at a local eatery with
Banarasi Thali.
Day 2: Spiritual Sightseeing
- Sunrise boat ride along
the Ganges – most magical time.
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath
Temple and the new corridor.
- Breakfast at Deena Chat
Bhandar.
- Explore Vishwanath Gali
– great for souvenirs and snacks.
- Visit BHU and New Vishwanath
Temple in the evening.
Day 3: Sarnath Excursion
- After breakfast, head to Sarnath.
- Explore Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha
Kuti Vihara, and museum.
- Lunch at a local café in
Sarnath.
- Return by evening.
- Enjoy a cultural show or music
performance at a local ghat.
Day 4: Fort & Culture
- Visit Ramnagar Fort
(take a boat across the river).
- Explore the museum and enjoy
panoramic views.
- Lunch at Baati Chokha
restaurant.
- Afternoon free for shopping at Godowlia
Market.
- Try Thandai with dry
fruits and saffron.
Day 5: Local Life & Farewell
- Early morning yoga session
or walk along the ghat.
- Visit Manikarnika Ghat
(from a distance or by boat).
- Have a peaceful lunch at Brown
Bread Bakery.
- Final shopping or relaxing
before your departure.
Things to Do in Varanasi
Still
wondering what else to explore? Here are more things to do in Varanasi
beyond sightseeing:
- Attend a music concert
at a temple or cultural hall.
- Take a heritage walk
through narrow alleys of the old city.
- Try a traditional Ayurvedic
massage.
- Take a photography walk
– especially at sunrise.
- Participate in a ceramic or
painting workshop with local artisans.
Consolation: Why Varanasi Stays with You
As
your Varanasi travel experience comes to an end, you’ll feel something
unique – a sense of calm and reflection. Banaras isn’t just a tourist place;
it’s a feeling, a culture, a deep spiritual essence.
Whether
it’s the spiritual chants at dawn, the energy of the ghats, or the sweet aroma
of incense in the alleys – Varanasi becomes a part of you.
In
the chaos, you’ll find peace. In the noise, you’ll hear silence. In Varanasi,
you’ll find yourself.
Final Notes:
- Carry light, modest clothes.
- Respect local customs,
especially around temples and ghats.
- Early mornings and evenings are
the best for exploring the city.
- Always take a boat ride at
sunrise – it's truly unforgettable.
So
pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the soul of India!
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