Varanasi (Kashi) A City of "Sukun" 🔱
Varanasi known as the world’s oldest living city, Varanasi stands on the sacred banks of the Ganges, where faith flows as deeply as the river itself.
Morning chants, temple bells, and the glow of evening Ganga Aarti fill the air with devotion and peace.
This is not just a city — it is a living journey of life, death, and liberation. Walking through its ancient ghats and narrow lanes, I felt time slow down and the soul awaken.
I started this journey with my family on a travel tour. Before reaching Varanasi, we had already visited Ayodhya and Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela had recently taken place.
After experiencing those holy cities, we boarded Vande Bharat Express, and by evening, we finally reached Varanasi.
The moment we arrived at the station, it felt like the huge crowd of Prayagraj had followed us all the way to Kashi. The station was packed. There were people everywhere, and it was hard to even find a clear path to walk.
We had bags in our hands, Mahadev in our hearts, and a deep happiness of reaching Kashi — the city of moksha and one of city of the 12 Jyotirlinga.
Arrival in Varanasi & Reaching the Hotel 🚉
Outside the station, we found an auto-rickshaw. Due to Kumbh Mela, vehicles were allowed only up to 1.5 km before our hotel. This crowd effect was visible across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
Slowly cutting through the crowd, the auto finally dropped us at the nearest point of our hotel. The cold had started to bite, and we still had to walk some distance with luggage. Somehow, we managed and finally reached the hotel.
Thankfully, our hotel was pre-booked, and to our surprise, it was a very nice place right next to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Our 3-day Varanasi trip had just begun, and even before it properly started, I could feel that this journey was going to take us into a completely different world.
First Night in Kashi – A Silent Walk ✨
That night, I asked my family to take rest. The real journey was planned for the next day. But something inside me was restless. I couldn’t stay inside the room.
Maybe it was a long-held wish to see Varanasi, or maybe it was Mahadev calling.
So, late at night, I stepped out alone. The crowd was already heavy and was expected to double the next day.
I walked through the ghats,
wandered in the narrow lanes,
and quietly observed the city.
That silent walk felt personal — as if Kashi was slowly introducing itself to me.
Early Morning Darshan – Kaal Bhairav Temple 🔱
Early morning, we officially started our journey of experiencing Kashi. Our first stop was Kaal Bhairav Temple.
It is believed that before visiting Kashi Vishwanath, one must take permission from Kaal Bhairav — the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi.
In the cold morning air, with soft sunlight breaking through, we walked through narrow lanes and joined the darshan line.
People said it would take a few hours — but it took much longer.
Some were pushing,
some were shouting,
some were chanting God’s name —
everyone was moving forward with just one goal: darshan.
Walking Towards Kashi Vishwanath Temple 🔱
After taking blessings from Kaal Bhairav, we moved forward towards Kashi Vishwanath Temple. On the way, we saw vendors selling famous Banarasi Malaiyo — something no one wants to miss. So, we didn’t miss it either.
Passing through sharp, crowded lanes and cutting through people, we finally reached near the ghats.
Manikarnika Ghat – Facing the Ultimate Truth 🌊
The beautiful ghats of Kashi were completely covered with people. The Ganga, which usually looks calm, was filled with boats.
We planned to go from Manikarnika Ghat to Lalita Ghat, as we were told the darshan line there was shorter.
At Manikarnika Ghat, seeing the burning pyres stopped me for a moment. A deep thought crossed my mind:
Is this the end?
If everyone has to come here one day, then what is all this running for?
Long Darshan Line at Kashi Vishwanath 🕉️
From Lalita Ghat, we were redirected toward a very long line near Dashashwamedh Ghat. The crowd was so huge it felt like an entire Indian state had gathered there.
Everyone wanted one thing — quick darshan.
We joined the line, chanting Mahadev’s name and finally from Lalita Ghat gate after 5-6 hours wait, we entered the temple area, but there were also multiple lines and we stood in multiple queues, and after 2–3 hours more wait, finally got darshan.
Kashi Vishwanath Darshan Experience 🔱
The darshan lasted only a few seconds — but the peace it gave was complete. The energy there was different. The consciousness, the silence inside, the positivity — everything felt powerful.
I wished I could stay there longer, but due to the crowd, all rules were changed.
After darshan, we sat on the temple steps outside, just looking at the temple, absorbing that energy quietly. That entire day went into darshan — and it was worth every second.
Banaras Food Walk 🍽️
In the evening, we stepped out to enjoy Banaras food.
Chaat,
Malaiyo,
Lassi,
Banarasi Paan,
and even Bhang —
Each item has its own unique taste. Food in Kashi is an experience itself.
Night Walk Along the Ghats of Varanasi ✨
At night, I again went alone to the ghats — the place where I found peace. No matter how crowded Kashi is,
it never runs out of calm.
I kept walking along the Ganga, watching each ghat and exploring the aura of the each ghats.
Every ghat has a story. Every ghat has a different scene.
I understood why Kashi is called the city of ghats — not just because there are many ghats, but because they have the power to bring out emotions hidden deep inside you.
Mahashivratri Celebration in Varanasi 🔱
I didn’t know that Mahashivratri in Kashi is celebrated on such a grand level.
From midnight onwards, people started gathering for the next day. The crowd I mentioned earlier returned again — this time for Mahadev’s Baarat.
That night turned into something I had never imagined.
Mahadev’s procession, beautiful idols of Shiva and Parvati, dhol, drums, music, people dancing on the streets —
It was magical. Pure devotion. Pure celebration.
Final Day – Boat Ride & Shopping 🚣
The next day, we started a little late. There was peace in the heart — darshan was done.
We planned to explore ghats, take a Ganga boat ride, and do some shopping. The crowd was massive. Boat prices were high.
Seeing Kashi from the boat felt special — an ancient city standing strong with time.
Later, we walked through lanes, visited saree shops, ate, drank, and finally returned to our room.
Final Thoughts on Varanasi Travel 🔱
Varanasi is not just a city you visit. It is a city you feel.
Crowded yet calm. Chaotic yet peaceful. Old yet timeless.
This journey gave me experiences, thoughts, and emotions that will stay with me forever.
Kashi doesn’t rush you — it makes you slow down and look within.
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