“The deeper you delve within, the vaster the universe becomes.”
As we pause to remember the tragic Waynad landslide disaster that claimed lives and left many struggling, our deepest condolences go out to the grieving families. The devastation serves as a somber reminder of nature’s unpredictable power, shaking our faith in what we consider normal. It was during this time of reflection that our journey to Kashi began, a place where faith and resilience converge, much like the unpredictable flow of the Ganges itself.
With the mighty Ganges as our guide, we set forth into the sacred city of Varanasi, ready to unearth its timeless allure. What lies ahead is not just a spiritual voyage, but a deeply personal one, offering an array of experiences to enchant the soul and stir the curious mind.
What to expect
- Ideal Travel Period
- Accommodation options
- Kashi Vishwanath temple
- Alaknandha Cruise
- Ganga Aarthi
- Must-try foods in Varanasi
- Kashi chat Bhandar vs. Deena chaat bandar
- Budget Breakdown
When not to travel?
As if we have any say in the matter, we ended up choosing August as the perfect time for our travels, for reasons we can’t quite fathom. So, rather than following the sensible advice to travel between November and February, we are embracing the sweltering heat and inevitable crowds. But hey, at least we get to scout for the best deals on plane tickets now that our fate is sealed!
Where to Stay?
If you’re a fan of South Indian cuisine and enjoy traveling with elderly relatives, then the GRT Mahalakshmi Annapoorna Kasi Chatram is an ideal destination. There are numerous reasons to visit, including the affordable pricing and exceptional food quality. These are factors that make it easier to cater to a diverse group of people. Additionally, you can rest assured that the food will be served promptly, alleviating any concerns.
Book your bookings well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. After all, the early bird catches the stress-free vacation!
Pic courtesy – official website
Kashi Vishwanath temple visit
The opportunity to touch the Shiva lingam peaks between 3:30 am and 4:30 am, a time of unparalleled spiritual significance. Ensure your readiness by securing tickets through the official website and selecting the perfect timing for this sacred experience. Additionally, establishing connections within the temple is crucial for reaching the main shrine, and seeking assistance from the dedicated team at GRT Mahalakshmi Annapoorna Kasi Chatram will ensure the arrangement of a knowledgeable pandit to guide you. Although the rain may have dampened our journey, the divine essence persisted, allowing for profound moments of prayer and reflection. Before departing, take ample time to immerse yourself in the temple’s surroundings and offer heartfelt prayers. Remember, re-entry to the temple complex presents a formidable challenge, requiring a full re-engagement with the process.
Alaknanda Cruise
Of all the cruises chugging along the Varanasi Ganges trench, this gem knows how to stand out – it’s like the Beyoncé of river excursions. As you hop on board, get ready to dive headfirst into the wild ride of history and culture of the region, with each ghat offering up its own juicy gossip. And let’s talk comfort – this cruise is fancier than a penguin in a tuxedo, with its fancy air conditioning making sure you’re chill no matter how hot it gets outside. Plus, with a whopping 88 ghats along the way, there’s more photo ops than a Kardashian family reunion. And don’t get me started on the onboard tunes – it’s basically like being serenaded by a chorus of zen unicorns. And as if that wasn’t enough, booking tickets on the official website is smoother than a buttered-up banana peel, adding that extra sprinkle of magic to this unforgettable escapade.
Ganga Aarthi
One true beauty of this place lies in the mesmerizing rituals performed along the sacred Ganges river, where devotees gather to offer prayers to the embodiment of beauty and wrath. These timeless rituals are a poignant ode to the captivating allure of the goddess, beseeching her to bestow her everlasting beauty upon us and to ensure the sustenance of livelihood along her revered shorelines. The sights and sounds of these rituals paint a picture of unwavering devotion and an unbreakable bond with the sacred river, creating a captivating tapestry of tradition and spirituality.
We stood there, mesmerized by the spectacle, as the rain relentlessly pounded down and the wind showed no mercy. Despite the adverse weather, the lamps remained lit, the chanting reverberated through the air, and we all stood there undeterred, embracing a serene experience that will be etched in our memories forever.
Where to eat?
This culinary heritage will tantalize your taste buds like never before. Varanasi boasts a tantalizing array of must-have dishes that you simply cannot miss. As daring adventurers, we embarked on a quest to uncover the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. Our journey led us through the bustling streets and alleys of Varanasi, where we connected with the lively locals and navigated through thrilling mazes that kept us on the edge of our seats.
Terracotta Cafe Varanasi is like a hidden treasure – a treasure that took us a good half hour of treasure hunting to find! But let me tell you, the search was totally worth it. The Flat white coffee is a must try; it’s like the holy grail of caffeine. And after treating our taste buds to tantalizing pizza and crispy corns, we embarked on the ultimate showdown: Kashi chat Bhandar vs. Deena chaat bandar. It’s like the street food version of a legendary battle, and we were ready to witness it all!
Kashi chat Bhandar vs. Deena chaat bandar
My experience was like finding a unicorn in a sea of horses. Picture this: Kashi Chat Bhandar, open for 60 years, but when I roll in at 10 PM on a weekend, it’s like a ghost town (none of the items except aalu tikki were available). Are the managers in outer space or what?
On the other hand, Deena Chat Bandar steals the show in my food diary. The Tomataar chat blew my mind, the aalu tikki was a tantalizing temptation, and the palak chat was a delightful surprise. None of these delights were available at Kashi Chat Bhandar. We wrapped up our feast with the street food royalty – Pani poori, and the timeless classic – Gulab jamun, leaving an everlasting impression on our taste buds. Go big or go home, right?
A Journey Beyond the Plate: Unveiling the Mystical Connection
The joy of culinary exploration nourishes the body. Still, there’s a different kind of sustenance that feeds the soul—a realization that only deepens with each step in this sacred city. As we stepped out of the holy Kashi Vishwanath Temple, still carrying the weight of centuries of devotion, I couldn’t help but feel as though something powerful was aligning our path. It wasn’t just the divine touch of the shrine in Kashi but a whisper of something more—a connection far beyond the banks of the Ganges. Little did we know that this journey would lead us to an equally mystical destination, where ancient engineering and spiritual insight converge in ways no modern-day blueprint can capture. Our spontaneous decision to head to Hampi would unlock another piece of this cosmic puzzle, and it’s there that the real marvel awaited us—one that left us questioning the very fabric of history and our place in it.
Crunching the numbers
| Remarks | Purpose | Amount (INR) |
| Airfare from Blr to Varanasi | Transport ( to and fro) | |
| GRT Mahalakshmi Annapoorna Kasi Chatram | Stay (per night- 1 room -3 beds) | 1500+12% GST |
| Pandit | Privilege entry and stuff (per person) | 500 |
| Alaknanda Cruise | Tourism (per person Air conditioned) | 900 |
Rijju's Runway 