DevotionalIndiaMy TripsPlaces To VisitUttar Pradesh

A Trip to Banaras or Varanasi or Kashi

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Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India. Located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, Kashi is a place that is steeped in history and culture. It is a city that is revered by Hindus, who believe that a pilgrimage to Kashi can help them attain salvation. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what makes Kashi such a special place to visit.

How to reach Kashi – Banaras

Kashi is well connected to other parts of India through air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which is located about 26 kilometers from the city center. The city is also well connected by train, with regular trains running from major cities in India. In addition, Kashi is connected to other parts of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states through a network of highways.

Things to do in Kashi – Banaras

There are many things to do in Kashi, from visiting ancient temples to exploring the city’s vibrant markets. Here are some of the must-visit places in Kashi:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every day.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most popular ghats (a set of steps leading down to the river) in Kashi. It is known for its stunning evening aarti (prayer) ceremony, which is a sight to behold.

Sarnath

Sarnath is an ancient Buddhist site located about 10 kilometers from Kashi. It is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment and is a place of great spiritual significance for Buddhists.

Manikarnika Ghat

The Manikarnika Ghat is another popular ghat in Kashi and is known as the burning ghat. It is where Hindus perform cremation ceremonies for their loved ones.

Banaras Hindu University

The Banaras Hindu University is a premier educational institution located in Kashi. It is known for its beautiful campus and is home to several museums and galleries.

Chowk

Chowk is a bustling market in Kashi that is known for its silk sarees and handicrafts. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Food in Kashi, Banaras

Kashi is known for its delicious street food, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Some of the must-try dishes in Kashi include chaat, kachori, lassi, and paan. The city is also known for its famous sweet dish, the Banarasi laddoo, which is made from chickpea flour, sugar, and ghee.

Accommodation in Kashi

Kashi has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. The city also has several ashrams where visitors can stay and experience the spiritual side of Kashi. Some of the popular areas to stay in Kashi include the Old City, Assi Ghat, and Cantonment.

In conclusion, a trip to Kashi is a journey of spiritual awakening and discovery. The city’s ancient temples, vibrant markets, and beautiful ghats offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of India. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a curious traveler, Kashi is a place that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Devesh Chauhan

I’m Devesh Chauhan, a travel writer, explorer, and the founder of MainAwara. For me, travelling is not just about visiting a destination - it is about experiencing the journey, discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail, meeting people, understanding local culture, and collecting stories along the way. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I combine my love for travel with my passion for long-distance motorcycle journeys. Over the years, I have explored destinations across India by road, on motorcycle, and through independent trips. These journeys have taken me from the beaches and temples of Odisha and Gujarat to the deserts and landscapes of Kutch, the historic cities of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, and the spiritual destinations of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. One of my memorable journeys was a solo motorcycle ride from Ahmedabad to Jagannath Puri, Odisha, covering a long-distance route across multiple states. I have also ridden through several memorable circuits, including Ahmedabad–Bhavnagar–Diu–Somnath–Dwarka–Jamnagar–Rajkot–Ahmedabad, and the Kutch circuit covering Dholavira, Nara Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar, Bhuj and Ahmedabad. My road journeys have also taken me from Ahmedabad to Agra and Mathura, travelling through Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Dausa and Bharatpur. Closer to home, I have explored destinations such as Polo Forest, Idar and Saputara. Beyond Gujarat and Rajasthan, I have explored the Spiti Valley circuit in Himachal Pradesh, destinations across Maharashtra including Nashik and Sambhaji Nagar, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. My travels in North and Central India include places such as Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Gwalior and Indore, along with several nearby destinations. What I Share on MainAwara Through MainAwara, I share firsthand travel experiences, detailed travel guides, road-trip itineraries, destination guides, travel tips, things to do, places to visit, and practical information that can help other travellers plan their journeys. I particularly enjoy writing about road trips, motorcycle journeys, mountains, beaches, spirituality, adventure, offbeat destinations and Indian culture. My aim is to combine personal experience with practical information so that readers can understand not only where to go, but also how to get there, what to expect, and what makes a place worth visiting. I believe travel information is most useful when it comes from experience. That is why I try to share the details I discover during my own journeys—from road conditions and routes to places worth stopping at, local experiences, viewpoints, food, accommodation and things I wish I had known before the trip. Beyond Travel When I’m not travelling or writing, I work in the IT industry. I also enjoy swimming and playing volleyball. I have contributed to platforms such as Wikipedia and Tripoto, sharing information and experiences related to the places I explore. The Story Behind MainAwara MainAwara is my space to document the journeys, places and experiences that inspire me. Whether it is a long motorcycle ride across India, a road disappearing into the mountains, an ancient temple, a quiet beach, a remote village, or an unexpected experience on the road, I believe every journey has a story worth sharing. So, if you are planning your next road trip, looking for an offbeat destination, or simply love exploring India— Welcome to MainAwara. Explore more. Travel farther. Stay Awara.I’m Devesh Chauhan, a travel writer, explorer, and the founder of MainAwara. For me, travelling is not just about visiting a destination—it is about experiencing the journey, discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail, meeting people, understanding local culture, and collecting stories along the way. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, I combine my love for travel with my passion for long-distance motorcycle journeys. Over the years, I have explored destinations across India by road, on motorcycle, and through independent trips. These journeys have taken me from the beaches and temples of Odisha and Gujarat to the deserts and landscapes of Kutch, the historic cities of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, and the spiritual destinations of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. One of my memorable journeys was a solo motorcycle ride from Ahmedabad to Jagannath Puri, Odisha, covering a long-distance route across multiple states. I have also ridden through several memorable circuits, including Ahmedabad–Bhavnagar–Diu–Somnath–Dwarka–Jamnagar–Rajkot–Ahmedabad, and the Kutch circuit covering Dholavira, Nara Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar, Bhuj and Ahmedabad. My road journeys have also taken me from Ahmedabad to Agra and Mathura, travelling through Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Dausa and Bharatpur. Closer to home, I have explored destinations such as Polo Forest, Idar and Saputara. Beyond Gujarat and Rajasthan, I have explored the Spiti Valley circuit in Himachal Pradesh, destinations across Maharashtra including Nashik and Sambhaji Nagar, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. My travels in North and Central India include places such as Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Gwalior and Indore, along with several nearby destinations. What I Share on MainAwara Through MainAwara, I share firsthand travel experiences, detailed travel guides, road-trip itineraries, destination guides, travel tips, things to do, places to visit, and practical information that can help other travellers plan their journeys. I particularly enjoy writing about road trips, motorcycle journeys, mountains, beaches, spirituality, adventure, offbeat destinations and Indian culture. My aim is to combine personal experience with practical information so that readers can understand not only where to go, but also how to get there, what to expect, and what makes a place worth visiting. I believe travel information is most useful when it comes from experience. That is why I try to share the details I discover during my own journeys—from road conditions and routes to places worth stopping at, local experiences, viewpoints, food, accommodation and things I wish I had known before the trip. Beyond Travel When I’m not travelling or writing, I work in the IT industry. I also enjoy swimming and playing volleyball. I have contributed to platforms such as Wikipedia and Tripoto, sharing information and experiences related to the places I explore. The Story Behind MainAwara MainAwara is my space to document the journeys, places and experiences that inspire me. Whether it is a long motorcycle ride across India, a road disappearing into the mountains, an ancient temple, a quiet beach, a remote village, or an unexpected experience on the road, I believe every journey has a story worth sharing. So, if you are planning your next road trip, looking for an offbeat destination, or simply love exploring India— Welcome to MainAwara. Explore more. Travel farther. Stay Awara.

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