Unravelling Varanasi: The City Of Temples, Ganges and Buddha!

When you first walk onto the streets of the city, it is a feeling that knows no expressions. Varanasi is a city that can definitely captivate your imagination and spin a story of its own. Sitting on one of the 365 ghats (more commonly referred to as the banks), listening to the soft whispers of river Ganga as it flows, the sound of the temple bells floating in the air, it is an experience of a lifetime.

Backpacking and walking among the crowded lanes of the one of the oldest towns in India, certainly even the world, you will undeniably rediscover yourself. There is something about the city! Geographically located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the origin of Varanasi can be traced back to 11^th century BC. The spiritual awakening, which the city leads to, has made it the religious capital of India. The perfect amalgamation of different religion exiting harmoniously can be outlined here. 

With friendly locals and lots of rabri and jalebi available on each street corner, and obviously the Benerasi pan, Varanasi hosts about 2000 temples. But that is not it! The list of things to see and do in Varanasi is actually pretty huge. But if you are on a time crunch, then follow the below mentioned list that highlights on how to get the best of the city in just three days. Offering lucrative deals on travel, with great discounts on group travel and arrangements with the best hotels in the city, travel agencies in Kolkata and in other metropolitans will help you experience the city. Read on and find out more the city of temple. 

Day 1: The Day of the Ghats and Ganga

The first thing you do when you reach this ancient city is to visit the ghats. Dashaswamedh ghat is on one of the oldest and most popular among all. The best time to visit the ghat is during the evening aarti that is a tribute to the Hindu gods. The priests gather on the banks of the river and perform a synchronised and mesmerising honour to the gods. Once the aarti is over, you can rent a boat at a really cheap rate and go on a ride. A good one hour ride will be enough to charm you and captivate your imagination. From Assi ghat to Manikarnika ghat, each has a story to tell. After you are done with the ride, you can retrieve to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening just lying around. 

Day 2: The Temple Hopping Day 

After a wonderful first day, dedicate your second day for visit to the oldest temples in the world. Start from the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple, followed by Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Kund Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple and the Birla Temple which is located inside the Beneras Hindu University campus. You can also visit the Nepali Temple and take a great look of the city and its surroundings from Man Mahal Observatory. Indulge yourself into the sweetness of the numerous sweet shops that are located everywhere in the city. If you are not however for trying the local delicacies, then you can definitely try the plethora of restaurants that are located in the main city.

Day 3: Walking the Path of Buddha

After a stellar second day, start the final day by watching the sunrise over the horizons of Ganga. After a local breakfast (and it is highly recommended) head out for Sarnath, located at a distance of 13 kilometres from the centre of the city. If the enchanting Varanasi was not enough to cast its magic, then it has to be the wide tree laden roads of Sarnath. Dhamek Stupa, the place where Buddha first taught his disciples, the museum, Thai Temple, Chinese Temple and the Chaukhandi Stupa are some of the major attractions of this small town. A day spent here will help you get in touch with your inner self. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities and every corner enriched with history, Sarnath is a must visit. 

The congested roads, the lovely locales, the mesmerising scenery, the tranquillity- all of it are enough to attract you to Varanasi. It is a place everyone should visit at least once. With famous travel agencies in Kolkata and all around the country, some of which have international offices as well, you can get the best of the city in an affordable price. So plan your next holidays and get lost in the pages of history.