What to expect when travelling to Varanasi

Are you making plans to travel to Varanasi? Do you think you have all the information that you need? Have you chalked out a plan of the places that you want to visit in this 3000 years old city?

Well, if you are indeed all set to head out this marvellous city, there are couple of things that you need to be aware of. These are not warnings but just simple bits and pieces of information that you won’t get elsewhere. This information will actually help you in mentally as well as physically preparing yourself for the trip!

Let’s take a look at some of the things to expect when you head out to Varanasi:

1. Firstly, if you are travelling to this city during the months of October and November, then you must know that this is the peak tourist season. Be prepared that you will find extremely crowded streets and make sure that you get your hotel booking in Varanasi done well before you head out for this city. Do not expect to get rooms during this time on the spot. You will have to get your bookings done from before online.

2. Be prepared to jostle your way through the crowded city streets. The Godhulia chowk which is the main centre of the city, which directly leads to the Dashashwamedha Ghat, remains extremely crowded throughout the year. Cars and buses are not allowed to move from the chowk to the ghat and hence you will have to walk this distance.

3. If you want to catch the sandhya arti at the ghat, then always make sure that you reach the spot at least half an hour before it starts. You will find people scrambling for a comfortable place to sit and when it is the tourist season, you will actually see people standing and watching the entire thing. It is best if you get a resort booking in Varanasi done that is located near the ghats since that will help you to access the ghats anytime you want, without walking too much.

4. You have to make time to explore the one shoulder lanes in Varanasi. Expect to find beautifully carved and painted doors, coloured walls and of course cows blocking your way! These alleys have a charm of their own which you must explore.

These are some of the things that you will surely find in Varanasi. Apart from these, make sure that you drink only mineral water and carry shades and hats when you step out during the day time.