Start your trip to Varanasi with the most spiritual experience, the Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a traditional Hindu ritual performed every evening to worship the river Ganges. The ceremony starts around 6:45 pm and lasts for about an hour. You can witness the chanting of mantras, bells ringing, and oil lamps lit up in unison while sitting in a boat on the river. The view of the ceremony from the boat will be mesmerizing.
After enjoying the Ganga Aarti ceremony, take a walk in the Old City of Varanasi. The narrow alleys, colorful shops, and street food vendors will give you the feeling of a traditional Indian bazaar. This walk will take you to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 4:30 am to 11 pm. The temple has several small lanes and shops selling religious items. Do not miss the famous Banarasi paan (betel leaf stuffed with sweeteners and spices) from a local paan shop.
Start your day with a visit to Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist sites. It is a place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa is a massive cylindrical tower that marks the spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The stupa is 128 feet tall and has a circumference of 93 feet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which has several ancient artifacts of the Mauryan empire.
In the evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the famous Ganga Aarti from a different perspective. You can also watch the cremation ceremonies from the boat. Be respectful and maintain a distance while watching these ceremonies. The boat ride will also take you to the Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the busiest cremation ghats in Varanasi. A boat ride is a perfect way to end your day in Varanasi.
Start your day early with a sunrise view of the ghats from a boat. It is the best time to witness the calmness of the river and the morning rituals performed by the locals. You can also take a dip in the Ganges River, which is believed to wash away sins. It is advisable to take a holy dip early in the morning when the water is relatively cleaner. After that, you can take a stroll on the ghats and enjoy a cup of Masala chai from a local tea stall.
Varanasi has several other places to visit, such as the Ramnagar Fort, the Banaras Hindu University, and the Tulsi Manas Temple. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby village of Chunar, which is famous for its pottery and stone carving. You can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad to witness the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. To maximize your fun, try the local street food such as chaat, lassi, and kachori. Do not forget to bargain while shopping in the local markets. Above all, respect the local culture and traditions. Happy Travelling!
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