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Kashi, also called Varanasi or Banaras, is one of the most sacred places in India for people of the Hindu faith. The place has immense religious, historical and cultural significance and is among the most visited pilgrimage places in the country. If you are planning your Kashi trip, go through the following pointers for information on Kashi tourism and popular Kashi tour packages;

Most Popular Kashi Tour Packages

The historical and cultural importance of Kashi

Kashi, or Varanasi, is one of the world’s oldest living cities. The city is massively tied to Hindu mythology and is considered the ultimate pilgrimage spot for people of the Hindu faith. According to Hindu legends, this city is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though the true origin of the city is unknown, historical evidence suggests it has been a major centre for civilisation and education for more than 300 years. Perched on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Kashi is considered an auspicious place to die. Popular beliefs suggest that those who die in Kashi achieve “Moksha”, which is liberation from the cycle of life and death. In addition, bathing in the holy Ganges here is one of the best things to do in Kashi. It is said to wash away the sins of mortals. Throughout thousands of years, aspects like religion, culture, art, philosophy, knowledge, crafts, etc., have flourished in Kashi.

Apart from Hindus, Kashi is also a pilgrimage spot for Jains, as it is said to be the birthplace of the twenty-third Tirthankar, Parshvanath. Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, making it one of the holiest places for Buddhists, is located in the district of Varanasi, just 10 km from the holy city of Kashi. If we look in the pages of history, we will find that the city was part of one of the most powerful kingdoms in ancient India. The Kingdom of Kashi was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas in Northern India, back in the 6th century BCE. Make your dream trip to Varanasi a reality with the Kashi tour packages by Thomas Cook.

Traditions and rituals practised in Kashi

The people of Kashi celebrate their traditional holidays in a grand way. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Dev Diwali, Shravan Maah, Maha Shivarati, Holi, Akshaya Tritiya, etc., are a few examples of major festivals in this holy city. As for rituals and customs, taking a holy dip in the Ganges River while uttering mantras repetitively is a major one. For your tour to Kashi, you can choose a time that covers one of these major festivals. Other Hindu rituals that are practised in Kashi include Samskara, Puja, Vrata, Yagnya or Homa, etc. The majority of rituals in Kashi are performed with the intent to fulfil one’s dharma, to repay specific obligations or debts (Rin). Check out Thomas Cook for ideal deals on Kashi travel packages.

Places to Visit in Kashi 

In addition to visiting the renowned temples in Kashi, make sure to also check out these popular attractions;

Other religious places to visit in Kashi

Dashashwamedh Ghat

There are more than 80 ghats in Kashi and among them, the Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most popular and common inclusion in many Kashi tour packages. It is the main ghat of the holy city, perched on the side of the sacred Ganges River, only a 10-minute walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A legend suggests that Lord Brahma created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva. The renowned Ganga Aarti and tons of other spiritual rituals take place at this ghat, making it one of the best places to see in Kashi.

Alamgir Mosque

Alamgir Mosque, also known as Aurangzeb’s Mosque, is one of the most prominent Kashi tourist attractions. The mosque is also of immense historical importance in the region and is a great example of India’s classical architecture, showing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Make sure to check it out on your tour to Kashi.

Gyan Vapi Well

The Gyan Vapi Well is among the most renowned Kashi tourist places for spiritual visits. It is part of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and is located within the temple premises. The water of this holy well is considered sacred and devotees even drink it. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Kashi. Pick from a wide range of budget-friendly Kashi travel packages on our website.

Unique features of Kashi

The beautiful city of Varanasi is nestled on the western bank of the river Ganga. It is one of the most sacred rivers in India according to Hinduism and is believed to wash away impurities and sins from the souls of mortals. Besides its religious significance, the river adds a scenic charm to the entire cityscape. It is one of the most iconic Kashi places to visit.

Temples to Visit in Kashi 

Among the thousands of temples in Kashi, here are some of the most popular ones that you should visit;

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the most important and sacred Hindu shrines in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated and has stood for thousands of years. There are many legends associated with this shrine and its mention can be found in the ancient scriptures like Puranas. The temple is also called Golden Temple and its presiding deity is Lord Vishwanath, which is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is home to many smaller shrines, some of which are dedicated to other deities, and a holy well, called Gyaan Vapi. The main Shivalinga at this temple is 24 inches tall and 35 inches in circumference. All popular Kashi tour packages feature this temple on their Kashi itinerary.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Next on the list of popular temples to visit in Kashi is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who stands as an epitome of courage, strength and devotion. The shrine was founded by a famous poet, saint and Hindu preacher, Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century. The term “Sankat Mochan” means the “remover of sorrows”. So, make sure to add it to the itinerary of your Kashi tour. The temple is often included in popular Kashi travel packages.

Durga Temple

The Durga Mandir is one of the major Kashi places to visit for spiritual tourism. The temple stands out for its beautiful and intricate architecture and vibrant red colour. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Gurga, who is considered the mother of the universe and the destroyer of evil. Inside the shrine, there are statues of the goddess in different forms, including Durga Ashtabhuja, Mahishasurmardini, etc. You can find Kashi trip packages featuring this site on our website. Adjacent to the temple, there is a sacred pond where devotees take a holy dip to purify themselves before entering the shrine for darshan. The shrine was constructed back in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore and is a major pitstop for devotees on their Kashi tour.

Bharat Mata Mandir 

The Bharat Mata Mandir is a very unique shrine and should be a part of the Kashi trip plan of every patriot. This temple is actually dedicated to our motherland, Mother India, also known as Bharat Mata. Inside the shrine stands a marble statue of Bharat Mata, portrayed with four arms symbolising love, peace, power, and knowledge. The temple also has a museum, housing components related to India’s history and culture. It is a must-visit attraction in Kashi for Indians and a popular inclusion in many Kashi trip packages.

Things to Know While Visiting Kashi 

Here are some noteworthy pointers that you should take care of on your Kashi trip;

• When visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple or any other religious shrine in Kashi, make sure to dress modestly and remove shoes outside before entering the temple premises.
• There may be security checks at the temple entrance, so be sure to cooperate with the personnel and follow their instructions.
• Photography is strictly prohibited inside many temples in Kashi, so make sure to adhere to this rule.
• When inside the temple, maintain a respectful demeanour and avoid being loud or causing any kind of disturbance to others. 
• Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• If you want to learn more about the place on your visit, consider hiring a local Kashi tour guide.

Best Time to Visit Kashi 

Make sure to research the best time for the trip before looking for Kashi tour packages. Here’s a season-wise Kashi travel guide;

Winter in Kashi

Winter brings a soothing charm to the region, featuring an average temperature of 5-15°C. It covers the months of November to February. The cool weather during this season makes it the best time to visit Kashi for temple tours, Kashi sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Sipping hot tea by the riverside during mist-covered early winter mornings is a fascinating experience. 

Summer in Kashi

Summer extends from March to June in Kashi. The weather stays on the warm and dry side, with scorching heat throughout the day. The average temperature hovers between the low and high 30s, with occasional peaks as high as 45°C. Due to the extreme heat, it is not an ideal time to visit Kashi. If you are travelling around these months, make sure to stick to early morning or late evening outings. Get Kashi trip packages for any season on Thomas Cook.

Monsoon in Kashi

Monsoon in Kashi extends from July to October and brings a sigh of relief after the scorching summer heat. The season is marked by heavy rainfall frequently with an average temperature range of 25-30°C. If you don’t mind the rain, it can be a fascinating time to visit Kashi. Exploring the rain-soaked city is an experience of its own calibre. 

Quotes and Inspirations 

Kashi, or Varanasi, is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. Dotted with thousands of temples, the divine aura and serene ambience are evident through every nook and corner of this sacred place. The smooth-flowing Ganga River, devotees participating in holy rituals at the ghats and people standing in queues for darshan of the gods and goddesses, are all part of the city’s soul. All while planning the trip, we had one quote by Ramana Maharshi resonating in our minds, where he said, “The body is the temple; the Jiva is God (Siva). If one worships him with the ‘I am He’ thought, one will gain release”. 

It didn’t take much time for us to get accustomed to this soothing and calming vibe of the city during our visit. From the station to our hotel, going through narrow paths and catching glimpses of several temples along the way, our excitement increased by tenfold. To get the full picture of Kashi, we spent hours chatting with the locals and visitors to learn about their experiences, ate the Kashi famous food, went on general Kashi sightseeing and participated in local customs. Our visit to the temple started off with the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and it was an experience that we will never forget. On our visit, we felt like we were getting enshrouded by history, culture and divinity. The sight of the lord felt comforting and seeking holy blessings was as if we were children visiting our parents with our problems and waiting for a solution to get handed to us. If you want the best Varanasi experience, consider the Kashi travel packages by Thomas Cook.

What to Eat in Kashi? 

With the delicious range of Kashi famous food items, you will never go hungry. Here’s what you can consider ordering;

Choora Matar

During winter, the street food stalls across Varanasi offer tons of delightful dishes, and one such popular food is Choora Matar. It is made from flattened rice soaked in desi ghee and cooked with green peas, milk, saffron, raisins and a few basic spices. It is the perfect local Kashi food for early morning breakfast in Kashi.

Tamatar Chaat

This spicy and tangy delight is one of the most popular street foods in Kashi. It is a type of aloo chat that is made with boiled potatoes, green chillies, tomatoes, onions and coriander leaves. Garam masala, ginger and red chilli powder are also added to the mix to enhance its taste. Popular Kashi packages come with meals as a standard inclusion. 

Kachori Sabzi

Kachori Sabzi is the most famous dish to try in Kashi on your trip. This dish is a combination of crispy kachori, which are stuffed with spices and lentils, and a flavourful sabzi, which is made using boiled potatoes, chillies, and a handful of spices. Together, they make a delectable, must-try combo.

Chena Dahi Vada

After trying the spicy Kashi food items, if you wish for something savoury and sweet, try Chena Dahi Vada. It is a dish prepared using mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, cornflour and grated ginger, which is shaped in small vadas and deep fried in oil. The Chena Vadas are then topped with sweet curd, with a mix of tangy chutney, tamarind and masalas.

Shopping in Kashi 

If you wish to go shopping on your Kashi tour, here are some things you can consider buying;

The holy water of Ganga

One of the most popular things devotees and tourists buy on their Kashi trip is Ganga Jal. When visiting the ghats, you can find many vendors selling plastic bottles and copper cans. If you purchase such, the shopkeeper will fill out the bottle with the holy water from the ghat themselves and hand it to you. Get attractive deals on Kashi packages on our website. 

Banarasi silk sarees

Banarasi Silk Sarees are massively popular across the country. It is one such piece of apparel that Indian women like to have in their collection, even if they don’t wear it often. This beautiful type of saree is available in all kinds of vibrant colours and with eye-catching designs. Add Thateri Bazaar to your Kashi travel plan for Banarasi silk saree shopping.

Rudraksha Mala

Another popular item that tourists like to buy on their Kashi visit is Rudraksha Mala. Made from the polished seed of the Rudraksha tree, it is a kind of organic jewellery that Hindu devotees wear. It is believed that this mala protects the wearer against evil spirits and bad energies. Find Kashi trip packages with interesting itineraries on our website.

Stone and wood-carved items

Kashi is a hub of art and culture and the local handicraft is a great example of it. You can find all kinds of intricate, stone and wood-carved items in the Kashi markets that highlight the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans. From stone-carved idols of deities to wooden toys and souvenirs, there’s a lot to choose from.