It's practically a guarantee that middle-aged Indian residents will have a Varanasi Package for a tour sometime in their lifetime. The location's rich history, religious significance, and architectural and artistic treasures that have maintained its past are the reasons for this. One of India's holiest towns, it is home to several temples and ghats where long lines of pilgrims from all across the nation congregate. Of course, the fact that the Ganga flows through Varanasi increases its sacredness. It is a city of contrasts, where old ghats (steps down to the river) live alongside crowded markets and little alleyways. An immersion into the centre of India's religious and cultural tapestry is guaranteed with a Varanasi trip package. A Varanasi tour package offers a planned and thorough method to see this spiritual city. These packages frequently include hotel, transportation, guided tours, and other activities to help you maximize your time in Varanasi and ensure a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi:
Your tastes and the experiences you desire will determine when to take your Varanasi tour.
Winter (October to February): With temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), the winter months are comfortable. It is perfect for exploring the monuments that teach about history.
Summer (March to June): Summers may get warm, with highs of above 40 °C (104 °F). However, holidays like Holi and Ram Navami also occur during this period, providing a distinctive cultural experience.
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings cool air to the city despite the rare severe downpours. Being present for the Ganga Aarti (river's ritual worship) at this time might be enthralling.
How to Reach Varanasi:
Due to its numerous transit choices and good connections, Varanasi is easy to reach:
By Air: Air travel is convenient because of Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which serves local and international flights.
By Train: One of India's busiest train terminals, Varanasi Junction connects the city to important cities all around the nation.
By Road: With excellent road connections and access from adjacent cities through buses and private automobiles, Varanasi is easily accessible.
Major attractions in Varanasi:
With a Varanasi tour package, you won't miss the city's most well-known sights:
New Vishwanath Temple
This temple, housed inside the Banaras Hindu University, sees a daily influx of visitors. Locals refer to it as Birla Temple since the Birla family, a highly prosperous family of Indian industrialists, commissioned its construction. One of its best features is that the temple consists of seven independent temples that work together to form one large religious complex. The fabled ancient Vishwanath temple directly influenced this temple's design. Its whole interior is covered in the words that Lord Krishna spoke while reciting the Bhagwad Gita. It is a must-see while travelling because it is one of Varanasi's most famous temples.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
It is regarded by many as the most important temple in Varanasi, and by some, it is the most important temple in the entire nation. Its history dates back more than three thousand five hundred years, a staggeringly long period. It is difficult to avoid feeling overburdened when visiting because so much is happening there and around. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, also known as Shivalingas, which serve as the material representations of Lord Shiva. The shrine's spires and domes are entirely coated in gold. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the then-ruler of Punjab, was in charge of doing it because, as the Golden Temple shows, it is a Punjabi tradition to coat temple domes with gold. Many followers think that just catching a glimpse of the Shivalinga is enough to purify the soul and set life on the road to enlightenment.
Assi Ghat
It is generally agreed that the famous poet Tulsidas passed away somewhere in the neighbourhood of Assi Ghat. In addition to being the ghat that is located the farthest to the south in the region, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations. On an average day, there are around 300 people who visit it per hour. However, that number might reach as high as 2500 individuals on festival days. Here, you can go on a leisurely riverboat excursion or a hot air balloon adventure. It is a common practice for devotees to wash in this river before engaging in religious rites since it is widely held that doing so purifies their spirits and bestows more power.
Durga Temple
This temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga, is a representation of feminine divinity. It is claimed that the god housed in this temple appeared out of thin air and was not created by any man. The fact that a woman commissioned this temple is another mark of feminism. Its creation was overseen by the Maharani of Bengal and built in the Nagara architectural style per her instructions. The fact that several monkeys frequent this shrine every day, however, may be its most intriguing feature. There are so many monkeys here that the area is frequently called "Monkey Temple." So when you come here, be on the lookout for those cheeky monkeys!
Gyan Vapi Well
The Kashi Vishwanath Tour package will include a trip to Gyan Vapi Well. The name of this well, which translates to "the well of wisdom," correctly conveys what people believe about the water that comes from the well. Anyone who drinks from it is believed to profit from the wisdom imbued in the water. This legendary well has a rich past that is interesting to learn about regardless of whether or not you believe in superstition. It is said that the Jyotirlinga that was stolen from the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which the Mughal king Aurangzeb was responsible for destroying, may be found at the bottom of this well. It has existed since the 17th century when the mosque was built adjacent to the well. Before that, the old temple that stood there was demolished. This area is worth seeing because of its role in mythology and the amazing architecture and creative expression found here.
Bharat Mata Temple
It is one of the rarest shrines in the nation and is devoted to the nation itself. India is well-known for its many temples and nationalist fervour, but few locations honour the nation. And because it is such a unique temple, practically everyone who visits Varanasi goes there. It was launched by Gandhi in 1936 and is located on the grounds of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith. It was meant to be an example of love and optimism for everyone opposing the British. This temple's statue of the deity is made up of mountains, plains, and oceans rather than a human likeness.
Ramnagar Fort
Following the orders of Raja Balwant Singh, it was built out of sandstone in the year 1750 AD and can be found on the other bank of the Ganga River from Tulsi Ghat. That fort has been their home for many generations, including those of him and his descendants. Pelu Bhiru Singh is still referred to as the Maharaja of Varanasi, even though the government abolished the position of an official monarch in 1971. The fact that Hindu monarchs established it yet designed it in the Mughal architectural style indicates the variety that existed in the region when it was built. There you'll find the Veda Vyasa Temple, the royal home, and a museum devoted to the area's history all in one place.
Alamgir Mosque
Alamgir mosque boldly stands out among a series of temples to symbolize the Muslims who have resided in this area for generations. This mosque, renowned for its magnificent Islamic architecture, is distinctive in its situated along the Ganges River. It is said to have been built by the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb, who was Akbar's great-grandson. The name of this mosque comes from the monarch Aurangzeb's other name, Alamgir. In the past, it has been reported that Aurangzeb was in charge of tearing down a temple to build a mosque. Nevertheless, the mosque has kept many Hindu roots, as seen by its distinctive architecture and artwork.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
This specific ghat is unique since it is said to be the oldest one in the city. You most likely saw the ghat where people bathed in the Ganga and offered prayers while holding diyas on river banks in videos. It is frequently busy because so many people come there to pray and atone for their sins. Every day, pilgrims, ascetics, and tourists all congregate at Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. It is a must-see on any Varanasi trip package because it is such a significant landmark and the location of the well-known Ganga Aarti!
Manikarnika Ghat
As the city's primary cremation ghat, this is once more significant to Hindus. In the hope of achieving moksha, cremations of the deceased are commonplace here. According to a legend, her ear adornment dropped on this ghat's precise location when Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati arrived. Even though the mood is often somewhat gloomy, this is a highly historical location you should see if you're in Varanasi. It's also known as the flaming ghat and plays a crucial role in Varanasi, just like death does in life!
Thrilling Activities to Do in Varanasi
While it is true that Varanasi's mystical aura, ancient ghats, and meandering alleyways make it a perfect place for quiet reflection, the city also offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for the more adventurous traveler. Here are some things you may do to make your vacation to Varanasi more exciting:
Ganga Aarti Boat Ride: Take a boat ride down the Ganges after the sunset Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The river provides a unique vantage point for witnessing the enchanted ceremony, as priests perform rituals and thousands of candles cast their glowing light into the water.
Hot Air Ballooning over the Ghats: View the city of Varanasi from above by taking a hot air balloon ride above the Ghats. As you hover above the city, keep your eyes peeled for the ghats, winding pathways, and vast temples where modern life coexists with ancient spiritual practices. The breathtaking sunrise or sunset view guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
Walking Tours in the Ancient Lanes: Stroll through the city's ancient streets and get to know its soul. Discovering hidden temples, tasty street food vendors, and craftsmen whose work demonstrates a synthesis of historical and modern techniques all add to the adventure.
Rowing Down the Ganges at Dawn: The early morning on the Ganges is a time of calm and reflection. See how the city comes to life with the help of kite-flying kids, meditating sadhus, and praying pilgrims. The peace and quiet is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Adventure at Ramnagar Fort: Just over the Ganges, you'll find the historic Ramnagar Fort, a great place to seek adventure. Although the fort is impressive in and of itself, the brave can also investigate its crypts, battlements, and secret passages. The region immediately surrounding the fort can be explored on short trips.
Tours of the City by Bike: Pedal your way through the hustle and bustle of Varanasi. Tour the ghats, the markets, and the landmarks by bike. It's an exciting way to feel the rhythm of city life.
Meditation and Yoga on the Ghats: Practicing yoga or meditation on the ghats is a great way to delve deeper into your spirituality. The tranquility of the Ganges and the exhilaration of being in such a historically significant location go hand in hand.
Culinary Delights Walk: Walk the small lanes of Varanasi in search of gastronomic delights. Try some classic dishes and drinks, each with its own rich history and flavor. The city's cuisine, from the warm milk of a kullhad to the crunch of a samosa, is exciting.
