Banaras (Kashi) Yatra
Banaras… Kashi… or Varanasi. Names are many, but the purpose is one – Moksha.
Kashi is not just an ancient city, but a living bridge between life and death. Here, every stone has a story, every ghat has a mystery, and the presence of Lord Shiva is felt in every lane. I recently visited Banaras, and although it was largely for making a travel video and seeking blessings from Baba Vishwanath, it turned into a spiritual journey. In this blog, I am sharing my experience with you, along with a complete Banaras travel guide to make your journey easy and memorable.
Why should you visit Banaras?
Banaras is the spiritual capital of India. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world, more than 5000 years old. Here you will find:
- Kaal Bhairav Temple – Baba Kaal Bhairav, who is called the ‘Kotwal’ (Guardian) of Kashi.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- 84 Ghats – Spread along the banks of the river Ganges.
- Manikarnika Ghat – Where death is considered as Moksha (liberation).
- World-famous Ganga Aarti – Which takes place every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Established by Goswami Tulsidas.
But Banaras is not limited only to these places; there are many temples here with great significance, and Banaras is not just limited to temples or pilgrimage. It is an experience that transforms you from within.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
It is said that Kaal Bhairav is the Kotwal of Kashi, i.e., the protector of Kashi. It is difficult to stay in Banaras without his permission. It is also said that before traveling anywhere here, one has to take permission from Baba Kaal Bhairav. This is not just a belief; it is a tradition that has been going on for centuries.
My Experience: Cameras are not allowed inside the Kaal Bhairav Temple. I stayed inside the temple for about an hour; the doors were closed, there was no crowd, just peace. the energy felt at that time is beyond words. Boards on the temple walls explained in detail about the origin of Baba Bhairav, his powers, and his importance in Kashi. This information fascinated me even more, showing how this place is not just a temple but a part of Kashi’s soul.
(You can see the board in the YouTube video; it will be visible in the video suggestions below)
- 📍 Location: Kaal Bhairav Temple, Visheshwarganj, Varanasi
- ⏰ Timing: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM (The doors are closed for some time in the afternoon)
- 💡 Suggestion: Go early in the morning; there is less crowd and you can have darshan peacefully
Manikarnika Ghat
The confluence of life and death. A trip to Banaras is incomplete without Manikarnika Ghat. This is the place where death is considered Moksha. Here, pyres burn 24 hours a day; this fire never goes out. But death is not mourned here; it is considered liberation. There is a Hindu belief that if someone is cremated at Manikarnika, they attain Moksha.
My Experience: When I reached Manikarnika, I saw huge piles of wood and burning pyres one after another. This scene makes you think everything is temporary. Whatever has come, will go.
📍 Location: Manikarnika Ghat, on the banks of the Ganges
काशी विश्वनाथ बाबा
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a major identity of Banaras. Earlier, one had to go through very narrow lanes to reach the temple, but the newly renovated complex was inaugurated on December 13, 2021. Now 4 huge gates have been built around the main temple complex. This has made entry and exit easy, and it is no longer just a narrow lane like before.
My Experience: After the reality of Manikarnika, when I went for Baba Vishwanath’s darshan, there was a lot of crowd. It took time to deposit the mobile, but when I reached in front of Baba Vishwanath, for a few moments there was no thought in my mind, no question.
- 📍 Location: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, near Dashashwamedh Ghat
- ⏰ Darshan Timing: 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Temple remains closed for a few hours)
💡 Suggestion: Cameras/phones are not allowed inside. There is less crowd early in the morning or late in the evening. Online VIP tickets can be booked
नमो घाट
Namo Ghat is a modern ghat where there is a huge “Namaste” statue. This ghat is quite clean and beautiful, and the view of the Ganges from here is wonderful. There are various types of swings here for the play and adventure of small children.
गंगा आरती
When the priests’ Aarti begins, when the sound of bells resonates, when the light of the lamps dances in the water of the Ganges, that moment is something different. An energy, a vibration that shakes you from within. Thousands of people gather there from every religion, every country, but everyone is bowed down before the same divine power. This is the magic of Banaras.
- 📍 Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat
- ⏰ Timing: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (According to the season)
- 💡 Suggestion: Arrive at least 1 hour early. Watching the Aarti from a boat is a different experience.
Other places to visit in Banaras
- Assi Ghat – Famous for “Subah-e-Banaras,” yoga and Aarti take place here at 5:00 AM.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – A major university of India; the campus is very large and beautiful.
- Sarnath – 13 km from Banaras, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
- Ramnagar Fort – Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, the residence of Kashi Naresh.
Banaras Street Food - What to eat?
Banaras is not only for spirituality, the food here is also world-famous!
- Banarasi Kachori-Sabzi 🥘 – Perfect for breakfast. Crowds start at Kachori Gali from 6:00 AM.
- Blue Lassi 🥛 – 70 year old shop. 50+ types of lassi available. It’s not just lassi—it’s an experience! (Near Godowlia, Blue Lassi Shop).
- Banarasi Paan 🌿 – Tambu Paan, Magai Paan—Paan is a tradition in Banaras.
- Tamatar Chaat 🍅 – Found only in Banaras. Cooked in ghee with spices, paneer, and sev.
- Malaiyo 🍨 – Made by sweetening milk cream. It is available only on winter mornings.
- Banarasi Thandai – Banaras thandai is world-famous; mainly 2 types are found:
- Simple Thandai – Considered very fresh and healthy. Made with milk, sugar, and lots of dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, cashews, and melon seeds.
- Bhang Thandai – Bhang is considered a favorite of Lord Shiva in Banaras, so many people take it as “Shiv Buti.” Freshly ground bhang tablets are mixed into simple thandai.
- Suggestion: If you have never consumed it before, do not try it alone or take it in very small quantities (at your own risk). The thandai shops at Godowlia Crossing are the oldest and most famous.
How to reach Banaras?
- By Air ✈️ – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is 25 km from the city. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
- By Rail 🚆 – Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) is the main station. Vande Bharat Express (8 hours from Delhi), Mahamana Express, Shivganga Express, etc.
- By Road 🚗 – About 800 km from Delhi. Can be easily reached by bus or car.
Conclusion
One gets to know a lot about Banaras in its ghats and lanes. Many places are crowded but amazing. Every lane looks the same, but each has its own story. My second visit to Banaras was in early 2026; earlier I had gone only for one day to offer water on Shravan Monday. This time, by evening, I got separated from my companions. At first, I felt that the entire planning of the trip was ruined. But then… I realized, maybe Kashi wanted to meet me alone. This was the moment when “Divine Travel Alone” did not remain just my brand, it became a reality.
When you are alone, you pay more attention. You hear every bell, feel every priest’s mantras, and see the stories hidden in every corner of the street. I understood that no one is ever alone in Kashi. Here at every step, you find something a temple, a saint, a tea seller, or the presence of Lord Shiva himself.
My suggestion: If you are thinking of going to Kashi and want to experience it well, then either go alone or with very few people. Then you will be able to understand and experience Kashi better. Har Har Mahadev!
If you want to take a complete tour package, you can contact +91-8923888618.
F.A.Q
🌤️ October to March – Weather is pleasant.
❌ April to September – Very hot and rainy.
- Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night): Near Godowlia/Dashashwamedh Ghat. Hostels start from ₹149.
- Mid-range Hotels (₹2000-3000/night): Near Assi Ghat, Cantt Area (near Railway Station).
- Luxury Hotels (₹5000+/night): Near BHU.
- No guide needed, but if going for the first time, a local guide can be useful.
- Keep cash – Some small shops do not accept UPI/cards.
- Comfortable shoes because you have to walk a lot.
- Maintain respect (follow photography rules at temples and ghats).
At least 2-3 days. This is enough to see the main sites. To know well and understand Kashi, it can take up to a month.
- Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima): Millions of lamps are lit on all ghats.
- Mahashivratri: Special puja at Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Sawan Month: People come from all over the country and abroad to offer water to Baba Vishwanath.
- Masan Holi: Sages and saints play Holi with funeral ashes at Manikarnika Ghat. This is a very unique spiritual tradition.
Yes, Banaras is very safe. But do not go alone in deserted lanes at night.
Yes, you can book online tickets for VIP darshan.
₹2000-5000/day (including hotel, food, and local transport).
