Exploring Varanasi: The Oldest City of India
International travelers coming to India often visit places that are full of nature and spirituality. When it comes to spirituality, it is not possible that a traveler misses Varanasi (Benaras or Kashi). Before we begin, let's talk about one of the most important aspects of a hassle-free trip to India, is to apply for the Indian e-visa.
Once you visit the holy city of Varanasi city, you will realize why it is the oldest habited city of India. Travelers who have visited this Indian city have experienced tremendous spiritual change in them feeling more connected to nature and God.
Be it an adventurous trip, a trip to spirituality or a place to try some of India's delicious local food, the city of Banaras has it all.
So if you are planning to visit Banaras, this article will help you get all the important information about the place that will help you with a hassle-free journey.
In November 2014, the government of India started the facility of online Indian visas. Initially, 43 countries were eligible to apply for Indian e-visa. However, today, 171 countries are eligible to obtain Indian e-visa. Check if you are eligible to apply for an Indian e-visa and get your visa for India online easily.
There are different types of e-visas available to travel to India. So, check properly and apply for the right Indian e-visa type for your trip. If you are coming to India for tourist purposes, for example, visiting Banaras, an Indian e-tourist visa is what you need.
Indian Tourist E-Visa for Foreigners
An Indian e-tourist visa for foreigners can be applied by citizens of 171 countries.
Here are 3 Indian e-tourist visa options:
30-Day Tourist e-Visa
If a short trip is your intent of travel to India, this double-entry visa with 30 days of validity is a good option.
1-Year Tourist e-Visa
Valid for 365 days. Valid for 1 year. Tourists are allowed multiple entries. However, travelers can stay up to 90 days in the country during each visit.
5-Year Tourist e-Visa
Multiple entries for a foreign traveler are allowed for 5 years. Moreover, 90-day stay per visit is allowed.
For citizens of Canada, the USA, Japan, and the UK, each visit can last up to 180 days.
Some Interesting Facts You Should Know About Varanasi
- Banaras is India's oldest inhabited city.
- There are 88 ghats in the city.
- Under Marathas, most of the ghats were rebuilt.
- It is said that a person who takes their last breath in Kashi (the holy city) gets straight salvation and is freed from the cycle of death and rebirth.
- Banaras Hindu University, one of Asia's largest universities, is located in Varanasi and is renowned for studies in ancient Hindu scriptures (Vedas).
- Renowned personalities in poetry like Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das have come from Varanasi, which has long been a major hub for the arts and literature.
- The city is a major trading hub for silver, gold brocades, and Benarasi silk sarees.
- Varanasi has been a significant centre for literature and art, producing famed writers like Munshi Prem Chand and Tulsi Das.
- "Frog Marriage" (a local ritual to invoke rain in the summer) is practiced in Banaras, where people perform a wedding ritual between a male and female frog.
- Manikarnika Ghat is the biggest cremation ground in India where cremations happen around the clock, with many bodies being cremated there every day.
What to Know When Visiting Varanasi?
Though Varanasi is the city that welcomes travelers from every background with an open arm, your trip will be much better if you keep yourself aware of what to do in Varanasi and what things to avoid. Read the below-mentioned pointers to know:
Know Banaras Culture Better
Prior to your trip to the holy city of Varanasi, invest time in understanding Varanasi's cultural landscape if possible. It is better if you familiarize yourself with local customs and rituals, particularly those surrounding death and cremation so you do not feel uneasy during visits to such places.
Respect Rules in Temples and Other Sacred Shrines
While Varanasi is a place that can tempt anyone to click innumerable pictures, often various places are prohibited to photography. So beware of where you take pictures.
Beware of Street Bulls
For travelers, especially those coming from western countries, it may be unusual to encounter bulls on the streets. When you roam in Varanasi's streets, stay alert to avoid unexpected encounters with bulls.
Avoid Consuming Illicit Substances
Despite the availability of intoxicating substances like cannabis or bhang, it's advisable to refrain from indulging. It is very important if you're traveling solo. Stay aware and do not get intoxicated, especially if you are in an unfamiliar environment or place.
Safeguard Your Belongings
The crowded and narrow streets of Varanasi can be a hotspot for petty theft. Do enjoy yourself but keep your possessions under your vision always. When you travel, make sure to carry the minimum valuables you need and stay alert.
Prioritize Food Safety
Though Varanasi is a place where it can be hard to resist street food, if you have any health concerns, opt for eateries mindfully. Eating local food is a part of the experience, but putting food safety first will help you stay healthy.
Exercise Night-time Caution
It is understandable that the city of Varanasi is more beautiful at night. But for your safety, especially if you're a solo female traveler, it's best to limit nighttime outings. If you wish to experience Varanasi after dark, you can do so by joining organized group activities or venturing out with trusted companions so you do not compromise on your safety and spend an enjoyable evening.
10 Must-Visit Locations in Varanasi
Well, the city of Varanasi is not limited to just these 10 locations, as there are ample of places you can see, but we have brought you 10 places you should definitely visit when coming to Banaras:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Sarnath
- Assi Ghat
- Ramnagar Fort
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Banaras Hindu University
- Alamgir Mosque (also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera)
Head to Varanasi for the best spiritual experience
In the past 2-3 years, more than 50 million tourists have visited the holy Varanasi. This shows the popularity and beauty of the place that attracts millions of travelers each year. So, if you look for a place that mesmerizes you and boosts spiritualism in you, the city of "Kashi" has to be on your list.
Follow what we have shared above to make your visit to Varanasi hassle-free. Moreover, you can avoid hassles from the start by applying for an Indian visa online. See if you are eligible for Indian e-visa in the eligibility checker tool and fill out your Indian e-tourist visa application form.
Check your eligibility for Online Indian Visa and apply at least a week before your scheduled trip to India. Citizens of many countries including Austrian citizens, Belgian citizens, Irish citizens, Italian citizens, French citizens and Jamaican citizens are eligible for India e-Visa.