Varanasi Backpacking

Overview

The city of Varanasi is as old as time itself. It is one such place which appeared before civilization was in its infancy. Since then, it has been watching the march of progress as India along with the entire world, changed. A renowned writer quoted that it is older than history, tradition, and legend. Indeed Varanasi appears older than everything vintage put together. It is more than just the spiritual capital of India. If you visit it once, the memories you gather will stay with forever. Varanasi has always been a popular pilgrimage spot for Hindus. The older section of the city, which stands on the banks of the Ganges, is an integral part of Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims flock here to wash away their sins and earn salvation or ‘moksha.’ When the Ganga Aarti takes place in the evenings, the noisy ghats become silent. Ganga Aarti is a ritual of immense splendor and magnificence.

Highlights about Varanasi backpacking

• Stay at a hostel because they allow you to experience something unique. Besides, you can also make new friends by staying at a hostel.
• Witness Ganga Aarti, a ceremony which invokes piousness even in the minds and hearts of atheists.
• Visit the Man Mandir Ghat with exquisite Rajput architectures built in the 1600s.
• See the famed Dasaswamedh Ghat where Ganga Aarti takes place.
• Check out Manikarnika Ghat, a larger burning ghat when compared to Harish Chandra Ghat.
• Explore Sarnath where Gautama Buddha preached for the first time after attaining enlightenment.
• Sarnath is also one of the four Buddhist sites authorized by Lord Buddha Himself.

Basic details about Varanasi backpacking

Difficulty level: Easy

Age group: 12-60 years

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

Specialties: Man Mandir Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sarnath, and Ganga Aarti

How to reach Varanasi backpacking

Varanasi is one of the most recognized travel destinations in India. Besides explorers, pilgrims also gather in this city. You won’t face any trouble finding trains or flights to Varanasi.

Reach Varanasi by road

If you are arriving from Mumbai, then road traveling isn’t an option. It has well-established connections with some of the major cities of Uttar Pradesh. Understandably, road traveling to Varanasi is possible only from nearby towns and states.

Reach Varanasi by train

Trains to Varanasi leave from every major Indian city and state. You can also board a train to Varanasi from Mumbai.

Reach Varanasi by air

Of course, the fastest way to reach Varanasi is by flights. Like trains, planes to Varanasi leave from all cities in India, including Mumbai.

Detailed Varanasi backpacking Itinerary

Day 1

On the first day, you will leave from Mumbai, and your destination will be Varanasi. You will stay a centrally located, backpacker-friendly hostel. Get some rest and then head for a walk along the banks of the Ganges. You should think about booking a boat to sail down this mighty and holy river. As the evening falls, you will return to the Dasaswamedh Ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti. The worship of the Ganges begins promptly at 7 P.M.

Day 2

On the second day, you will wake up early, between 5:30 and 6:00 A.M. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the sunrise. Walk down the streets as the cold foggy morning embraces you. Return to the hotel, have breakfast and then head north along the ghats. Your first stop will be the Man Mandir Ghat. It is worth seeing, mainly due to the Rajput architecture. Builders built it in the 1600s, and the observatory with astronomical instruments is still in perfect condition. Then you will walk towards the Manikarnika Ghat. It is the main burning ghat of Varanasi and more massive than the Harishchandra Ghat.

Day 3

On the third day, you will leave for Sarnath, twelve kilometers away from Varanasi. It is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and taught Dharma for the first time. The Lord Buddha mentioned four holy Buddhist sites, and Sarnath is one of them. Sarnath’s vibes aren’t as loud and messy as Varanasi. Once you reach Sarnath, you will feel as if you entered a different world altogether.

Day 4

The last day is for you to explore Varanasi as you see fit. In the evening, you will catch a flight from Varanasi to your hometown.