Varanasi – The City That Humbles You

Your First Hour in Varanasi Will Be Chaos. Embrace It.

My first hour in Varanasi? Absolute mayhem.

A tuk-tuk nearly ran me over, a cow blocked the alley, a sadhu blessed me, and someone handed me a flower and asked for 50 rupees in the same breath. I was sweaty, lost, and on sensory overload.

But then I sat by the river, and everything slowed down. Bells ringing in the distance. People bathing, praying, mourning, laughing. A breeze. A chai in hand. And in that moment, I felt it—the city has its own rhythm. You just need to stop resisting and start flowing.

A Brief History of Varanasi

They say Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Over 3,000 years of history—older than Rome, older than Athens. It’s been a spiritual magnet for centuries.

According to legend, Lord Shiva founded the city. And even today, his presence is felt in every chant, temple bell, and puff of dhuni smoke rising from the sadhus along the ghats.

Mark Twain said it best:
“Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.”

And when you’re here, you don’t question it. You just feel it.

Why Backpackers Fall in Love with Varanasi

If you’re the kind of traveler who’s after more than just pretty views and Instagrammable cafes, this city gets you.

• It’s Real. No filters, no sugarcoating. Life and death, beauty and decay—all happening side by side.

• It's Cheap. You can live well on next to nothing. ₹60 thalis, ₹300 dorm beds, chai for ₹10.

• It Teaches You Stuff. Patience. Presence. Perspective.

• You’ll Meet Everyone. From other wanderers to monks, to scholars and artists. Everyone here has a story, and most are down to share over chai.

Must-Visit Places in Varanasi

🛶 Dashashwamedh Ghat

The heart of it all. Go at sunset for the Ganga Aarti. It’s fire, chants, conch shells, and goosebumps. Sit back and just absorb.

🔥 Manikarnika Ghat

Yes, it’s where cremations happen. And yes, it’s okay to be there. Don’t treat it like a spectacle. Just sit, be silent, and let it move you.

🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred temples in India. The energy inside is intense. Go early to avoid the crowd.

🍲 Kachori Gali & Vishwanath Gali

Alleyways full of food that’ll ruin you for life—in the best way. Kachori sabzi, lassi, jalebi… just say yes.

🛍️ Godowlia Market

Packed, noisy, colorful, and alive. Go for souvenirs, random treasures, and amazing street snacks.

Hidden Gems and Offbeat Experiences

📚 Bharat Kala Bhavan (Inside BHU)

Most people skip this, but if you’re into art or just need some quiet time, go. The university campus itself is gorgeous too.

🌿 Sarnath

Where Buddha gave his first sermon. It’s peaceful, green, and feels like a totally different world from the ghats. Great for a half-day trip.

🎶 Underground Music Jams & Ashrams

Ask your hostel or any local traveler. You’ll find rooftops where musicians gather, open jam sessions, even meditation nights with live sitar.

Unique Experiences You Must Try in Varanasi

• Sunrise Boat Ride – Get up before 5AM. Trust me. Watching the city wake up from the river is something you’ll never forget.

• Get Lost in the Alleys – Seriously. Leave the map. Follow the smells, sounds, and cows.

• Try Bhaang Lassi (Responsibly) – Yes, it’s legal. Yes, it’s strong. Start slow, especially if you’ve got plans.

• Hang Out on the Ghats – Grab chai, pick a step, sit. Day or night. You’ll see stories unfold right in front of you.

• Attend a Yoga or Dharma Talk – So many ashrams welcome travelers. You don’t have to be a spiritual pro to enjoy them.

Travel Tips and Guides

🛏️ Where to Stay (Hostels I Loved)

• Zostel Varanasi – Social, good crowd, decent Wi-Fi

• Moustache Hostel – Quieter, more chill

• Stops Hostel – Quirky vibes, creative types

• Bunked Up – Budget and basic, but gets the job done

💸 Budget Tips

• Stick to local eateries—₹60 thalis are real.

• Don’t pre-book too much. Wander, compare, and ask around.

• Bargain with rickshaw drivers. Politely but firmly.

🚖 Getting Around

• Walk. You’ll find more that way.

• Rapido/Ola Bike for longer solo rides.

• Shared boats if you’re on a budget.

• Cycle rickshaws for chill, short rides.

📱 Useful Apps

• Google Pay / PhonePe – Almost everyone accepts them

• Rapido – Two-wheeler taxis

• Zomato – For food

• Maps.me – Best offline maps for alleys

• Hostelworld – For last-minute dorms

🤝 Local Etiquette for Travelers

• Cover your shoulders and knees when near temples or ghats

• Ask before taking photos of locals or sadhus

• Respect cremation areas—watch quietly, no selfies

• Always take off shoes before entering temples

Best Time to Visit and What to Expect

🧣 October to March (Perfect Season)

Cooler weather, festivals, and clear skies. Everything’s more bearable.

☀️ April to June (HOT. Like, Really Hot.)

Only come if you’re heat-proof. Expect 40°C+ days.

🌧️ July to September (Monsoon Mood)

Ghats are slippery, but fewer tourists and lush vibes. Bring a poncho.

Pro tip: Try to be here for Dev Deepawali (around November). The ghats are lit with thousands of candles and it feels like you’re walking through a dream.

Varanasi isn’t easy. It’s not soft. It doesn’t try to make you comfortable.

But maybe that’s the point.

Because once you give in, stop trying to control the experience, and just be here—you’ll get it. And you won’t forget it.