Kashi: Not A Place, But A Calling
Varanasi or Kashi is not a place you decide to visit, it’s a call you hear, a pull you feel. If you’re unsure whether to come, that’s alright. This city has always drawn seekers, wanderers, and poets, often in ways they didn’t expect. Rather than tell you why, let this poem be an invitation—to see if Kashi is calling you too.
However, If you’re planning a Varanasi tour, be prepared for a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and emotions. The streets are always bustling, the sounds never stop, and navigating through the maze-like alleys can feel confusing at first.
Come if your feet have the itch to roam,
To a city that sings, a city called home.
Where history whispers, loud and free,
In temple bells and each old Peepal tree.
Malaiyo melts with the winter mist,
Tamatar chaat leaves a tangy twist.
Thandai cools where summers blaze,
Paan lingers on, a perfumed haze.
Take a dubki, shed the old,
Ganga’s embrace is cool yet bold.
The boatman hums as oars keep time,
His song as ageless as a Sanskrit rhyme.
Tulsidas walked where you now stand,
Patanjali stretched this sacred land.
Kushti grips the sacred soil,
Sadhus whisper truths uncoiled.
Sitar sings, tabla replies,
Kathak spins as time just flies.
The gallis twist, they turn, they call,
Lose yourself—you’ll find it all!
A sadhu smiles, a child takes aim,
A shopkeeper greets you, plays a game.
Banter is sport, words have grace,
Here, talk itself can hold embrace.
Buddha walked, Adi Shankara stayed,
Ghalib wrote, Mark Twain swayed.
Even the pyres glow with grace,
For Kashi is time, Kashi is space.
Kabir still asks, sharp yet kind,
What blinds the eye? What blinds the mind?
Come if these stories stir your soul,
Or if you seek, but know not your goal.
Come if nothing calls you near—
And you’ll still find why all came here.
When to Visit & Ideal Duration
Every day of the year, Varanasi reveals a new facet of itself. But when you come can shape the experience you have.
The best time to do a Varanasi tour is November to March, when the air is crisp, the sun gentle, and the city alive with festivals. Witness Dev Deepawali, when the ghats shimmer with a million lamps, or soak in the soul-stirring verses of the Kabira Festival. Feel the cosmic energy of Mahashivratri, the grandeur of Ganga Mahotsav, and the hypnotic rhythms of the Dhrupad Mela. Dance with abandon in Holi, when the city explodes in color. But come prepared, Varanasi’s winters can be cold, especially at night.
April brings Hanuman Jayanti, and with it, an experience unlike any other, at Sankat Mochan Mandir, the biggest names in Hindustani classical music gather for an all-night concert in the lively temple courtyard, where devotion and melody merge into something transcendental. Summer (April to June) is harsh, with scorching afternoons, but early mornings and late evenings are beautiful. The gallis, shaded and narrow, stay relatively cool, but this season is best suited for the most seasoned travelers.
September-October is for those drawn to grand epics and timeless traditions. Across the Ganga, in Ramnagar, the legendary Ramlila unfolds, not over a single evening, but an entire month! The entire town transforms into the mythic world of the Ramayana, shifting between Ayodhya, Kishkindha, Aranya, and all the way to Lanka. No artificial sets, just the very streets, ghats, and gardens becoming the stage of this centuries-old retelling.
July-August is a time to see Varanasi transformed. The monsoon-fed Ganga swells, often rising over 60 feet, swallowing the ghats, turning the river into a vast ocean. Life shifts to hidden terraces, temple balconies, and rooftops, offering breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime views. Rains can get heavy, but when they ease, the city glows with a washed, ethereal beauty.
Where to Stay?
Where you stay in Varanasi can shape how you experience the city.
For the most soul-stirring stay, choose a place by the river. Wake up to the sun rising over the Ganga, with temple bells and distant chants floating through the morning air. Step out, and the ghats are just a walk or a boat ride away.
Some of the finest heritage stays along the river include Panchkot Raj Haveli and Ganges View, offering a mix of old-world charm and homely hospitality.
On the luxury end, Brijrama Palace, Guleria Kothi, and Suryaudaya Haveli take you back in time, with stunning riverfront views and regal comfort. Keep in mind, these locations may require a short walk or boat ride, as cars cannot reach the ghats directly.
If you want to stay close to the action but with better transport access, look slightly away from the ghats. Cozy Inn and Surya Vijaygarh Kothi offer a comfortable, mid-range experience while keeping you well-connected to the city’s key spots.
For backpackers and solo travelers, Varanasi has plenty of vibrant hostels in this same area. Stops and Wanderstation are among the favorites, with a lively, social atmosphere and budget-friendly stays.
If you prefer the familiarity of premium hotel chains, Taj Ganges, Double Tree by Hilton and
Ramada offer modern comfort with lush green surroundings. But keep in mind—they are 30-45 minutes away from the Ganga and ghats, so plan accordingly.
For those with a spiritual inclination, Varanasi has numerous maths and dharamshalas, often run by religious sects or community organizations. Staying here offers a deeply immersive experience, but most require a prior connection to the institution or community to book a stay.
Wherever you stay, Varanasi isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a world to wake up to.
How Long to Stay?
3 days are a good start. 2 days can work if time is scarce. A week lets you sink into the city’s rhythm. But many come for a lifetime and still stay curious 🙂
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Varanasi is not just a city—it’s an experience. A symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that can feel overwhelming at first. The streets are a maze, the traffic chaotic, and the air thick with a heady mix of incense, frying kachoris, temple bells, and an occasional whiff of cow dung. Bulls amble through the lanes like old residents, shopkeepers call out, pandits offer blessings, and the Ganga flows through it all—calm, unhurried, eternal.
For many travelers, the journey unfolds in stages:
- First, disorientation. The honking, the crowds, the sheer sensory overload.
- Then, curiosity. The madness begins to make sense. The patterns emerge.
- Soon, affection. A rhythm develops. You start enjoying the organized chaos.
- And for the lucky few—the city starts liking you back. That’s when the real magic begins.
To ease into Varanasi, come with patience and an open heart. Let go of rigid plans – here, serendipity leads the way. Wander without a map. Let a stranger’s suggestion take you to an unheard-of temple. Follow the sound of a sitar drifting from an old ashram.
Step into an ancient haveli where a kachori shop has been running for a hundred years. Watch wrestlers at an akhada before dawn. The less you resist, the more Varanasi will reveal itself.
Must-See Attractions in Varanasi
The Ghats of Varanasi
The ghats are the lifeline of Varanasi, each with a unique story to tell. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a boat, witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, or simply strolling along the river, the experience is unforgettable.
No matter who you are, a college student, a traveler, a family person, or an elder, the ghats welcome everyone. Just pause for a moment, take it all in, and let the magic of the Ganges unfold around you.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – The main ghat, famous for its grand evening aarti.
- Assi Ghat – A favorite among travelers and students, with cafes and live music.
- Manikarnika Ghat – The primary cremation ghat, where life and death meet.
- Panchganga Ghat – Said to be the meeting point of five sacred rivers.
Temples & Spiritual Sites
Varanasi is often called the spiritual capital of India, and for good reason. The city has some of the most important temples, where people have prayed for centuries. You can feel their faith in the chants, rituals, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The most revered temple of Lord Shiva in India.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, popular among devotees.
- Tulsi Manas Temple – Where the great poet Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
Temples & Spiritual Sites
Varanasi is often called the spiritual capital of India, and for good reason. The city has some of the most important temples, where people have prayed for centuries. You can feel their faith in the chants, rituals, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The most revered temple of Lord Shiva in India.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, popular among devotees.
- Tulsi Manas Temple – Where the great poet Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
Hidden Treasures & Local Experiences
Beyond the famous temples and ghats, Varanasi hides many lesser-known gems that make the city even more special. Here are some unique experiences you shouldn’t miss:
- Bharat Kala Bhavan – A museum inside BHU showcasing Banaras’ rich heritage.
- Weaver’s Village – Witness the craftsmanship behind the world-famous Banarasi sarees.
- Akhadas – Watch traditional wrestlers train in mud pits.
To truly experience Varanasi, come with patience and an open heart. Let go of rigid plans – here, serendipity leads the way. Wander without a map. Let a stranger’s suggestion take you to an unheard-of temple. Follow the sound of a sitar drifting from an old ashram. Step into an ancient haveli where a kachori shop has been running for a hundred years. Watch wrestlers at an akhada before dawn. The less you resist, the more Varanasi will reveal itself.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Traffic is slow; walking is faster. If you’re staying near the ghats, be ready to explore on foot or take a boat. For longer distances, autos and rickshaws are your best bet.
- Dress for the season. Winters (Nov-Feb) can be chilly, so pack layers. Summers (Apr-Jun) are scorching—stick to early mornings and late evenings. Monsoons (Jul-Sep) turn the ghats into stunning backdrops, but wear sturdy shoes for slippery lanes.
- Pack light and wear comfortable footwear. The narrow alleys (gallis) are uneven and often crowded, so good shoes make all the difference.
- Carry your own water bottle. Reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.
- Planning a dip in the Ganga? Bring a change of clothes. Some ghats have changing rooms, but if they don’t, women often use sarees for privacy.
- Washrooms exist, but not everywhere. Some restaurants and hotels will allow visitors to use their facilities—just ask politely.
- Embrace the unexpected. If you miss an event, don’t worry—Varanasi has a way of surprising you with something even more special.
Travel Bingo: 15 Ways to Deepen Your Connection with Varanasi
This list is just the beginning—your guide to uncovering some of Varanasi’s most iconic and hidden gems. But beyond these activities, let the city itself lead you to experiences that resonate with your own journey. If you wish to dive deeper into the heart of Varanasi, or seek a bit of facilitation along the way, our curated experiences are here for you. But above all, trust the flow of the city to unfold its wonders.
- Kashi Vishwanath Darshan
- Kaal Bhairav Darshan – said to complete the Kashi Vishwanath darshan.
- Attend a Hindustani Classical Music Concert
- Do Yoga with Locals at Assi Ghat. Sunrise + 1 hour is the starting time.
- Drink Pathak Ji’s Thandai in Thatheri Galli
- Find the Steps at Panchganga Ghat Where Kabir Got Initiation
- Visit the Ram Darbar Setup by Tulsidas Ji at Tulsi Ghat
- Find Ardhanareshwar Statue of Shiva at Manikarnika Kund
- Witness a Funeral Pyre at Manikarnika Ghat
- Sit in silence at a Ghat with your eyes closed for 5 Minutes
- Take a Dubki in the Ganga
- Strike a Conversation with a Local Over a Kulhad of Chai
- Watch the Sunset Over the Ghats from the Far Bank of the Ganga
- Participate in the Community Yagya at Assi Ghat at Sunrise
- Savour a classic meetha Banarasi paan – slowly, letting its flavors unfold the Banarasi way.
The Spirit of Varanasi
If you come to Varanasi searching for perfection, the city might frustrate you. But if you surrender to its rhythm, it will take you on a journey far beyond what you could have imagined.
Varanasi doesn’t reveal itself to those who demand control, it opens up to those who let go and embrace the flow.
In Varanasi, every corner holds a story, every alley a mystery, and every experience is a lesson. Whether it’s in the chaos or the calm, in the old or the new, Varanasi finds a way to teach you something profound.
So, are you ready to let a Varanasi tour reveal the city’s secrets and take you on a transformative journey? The city awaits, with its ancient spirit and timeless allure.
Categories
Tags
Categories
Tags
@roobaroowalks
[insta-gallery id=”0″]