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Ever since I started watching Indian movies and TV shows, Varanasi the city of Lord Shiva has been a recurring name, often depicted as a mystical city of deep cultural and spiritual significance. Its allure captivated me, and it quickly became one of the top places on my bucket list. Varanasi is renowned for many things: the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the sacred Ganga River, the iconic Paan shops, delicious Kachori, Lassi, and the famous Ghats (there are 88 in total), as well as the winding narrow alleys (galliyaa), all contributing to its unique charm.
I was joined on this journey by my friends, with Puneet taking care of all the bookings, including our train and accommodation. He booked Garibrath, a train that departed from Delhi Anand Vihar Terminus around 6 PM, and we arrived at Varanasi Junction by 8 AM the next morning. The train journey was smooth and comfortable, with no delays, setting the tone for a perfect trip.
We decided to stay in a hostel for a more budget-friendly option, which also gave us the opportunity to meet fellow travelers from all around the world. Our chosen hostel was called Hostale, conveniently located near Assi Ghat. The hostel was just a short distance from the station, so we hopped into an auto-rickshaw to Dumrao Bagh, near Assi Ghat.
The location was perfect—close to the market area, the ghats, and the railway station. We were booked into a 6-bed dormitory (bunk beds), which was cozy and comfortable. The shared washrooms and toilets were clean and well-maintained, making our stay hassle-free and pleasant.
We had two days and one night to explore Varanasi, and our first day was dedicated to soaking in the city's vibrant culture through its narrow alleys, delicious kachoris, refreshing lassis, and, of course, the famous paan.
The alleys of Varanasi are truly a labyrinth—narrow, winding, and often confusing, making it easy to get lost. But thanks to Google Maps, we navigated through them with ease. As we walked through these old streets, we marveled at the beautiful architecture and how the centuries-old buildings were cleverly arranged in such confined spaces.
For a taste of authentic Varanasi, we went to Chachi Kachori, which served the crispiest, most flavorful kachoris, paired perfectly with hot jalebis. Just a few steps away, we stopped by Pehelwan Lassi to try their famous, creamy lassis.
When it came to paan, the options were endless. There are paan shops at nearly every corner, and you can stop by any one of them to enjoy this iconic Varanasi treat.
On our second day, we visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Photography was prohibited inside, but the temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history made it an unforgettable experience. Afterward, we wandered around the market area, indulging in some delicious snacks before heading to the ghats.
Varanasi is home to 88 ghats, each with its own significance, and they are all connected by narrow walkways. As we strolled from one ghat to another, we encountered a variety of scenes—from people bathing in the holy Ganga River to those performing cremations. It is believed that if one is cremated in Varanasi and their ashes are immersed in the Ganga, they break free from the cycle of reincarnation and attain nirvana.
Later in the day, we set out for a boat ride on the Ganga River to witness the famous Ganga Aarti. The view from the boat was nothing short of magical, offering an uninterrupted and awe-inspiring sight of the aarti being performed on the ghats. Our boatman, Kaaju, made the experience even more memorable with his humor and lively personality.
Varanasi is truly a city like no other. Its unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture creates an atmosphere that is both peaceful and vibrant. The people are warm and friendly, always ready to share a story or guide you through the maze of narrow alleys. If you're a travel enthusiast, Varanasi should definitely be on your list—it's a destination that offers a deep, unforgettable experience.
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