Varanasi, or Banaras as it's lovingly called, is a city that demands you surrender to its rhythm. We decided to take a laid-back approach, and boy, am I glad we did!
A Lazy Start and a Breakfast Fit for a King
We woke up to the gentle cacophony of the city – horns honking, chants echoing, and the holy Ganges murmuring its ancient lullaby. After a leisurely start, we ventured out to the legendary Ram Bhandar. Navigating the narrow lanes in an e-rickshaw was an adventure in itself!
The e-rickshaws only go so far because of random road closures, so we ended up complting the last leg our our trip in a cycle rickshaw.
The kachori and jalebi were everything the hype promised and more. Apparently, this is a classic Varanasi breakfast, and I can totally see why!
Goodbye Ram Bhandar, but see you soon ;)
Temples, Lines, and a Dash of Spirituality
We met up with our guide (who was amazing by the way!). Next up was the infamous Kal Bhairav Temple. The queue was a testament to its popularity, and after a grueling hour and a half, we finally got a glimpse of the deity. It was a whirlwind experience, to say the least!
A quick cycle rickshaw ride later, we found ourselves at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The 300 rupee pass was a lifesaver, cutting down the wait time considerably. The security checks were intense, but I guess that's the price you pay for visiting such a holy place. The temple itself was a riot of colors, sounds, and fervent devotion. We managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Annapurneshwari Temple as well.
Food, Glorious Food
By this time, our stomachs were protesting loudly. A trip to the famous Blue Lassi was in order. The lassi was thick, creamy, and oh-so-refreshing. It was almost like a meal in itself!
To burn off some calories, we walked up to Manikarnika Ghat. The sight was both fascinating and sobering.
The Ganga Dwar was a beautiful contrast to the stark reality of life and death that played out on the ghat.
Our religious expedition ended with a quick darshan at the Kashi Visalakshi Temple. Shorter queses were all we needed at this point, and we got so lucky.
Unexpected Discoveries
A walk to the Man Singh Observatory was a pleasant surprise. The intricate astronomical instruments were mind-boggling. I may not have understood the science behind them, but the sheer beauty was undeniable.
The view of the ghats from the terrace is not to be missed!
On our way back, we decided to try the infamous Banarasi paan. Big mistake. Our taste buds were not prepared for that level of intensity! We decided to stick to the milder Gujarati Shingoda paan from then on.
Varanasi is a city that keeps you on your toes. It's a whirlwind of sensory experiences, from the chaos of the streets to the serenity of the temples. It's a place where you'll laugh, cry, eat, pray, and wonder all at once. And we wouldn't have it any other way. The city certainly grows on you.
A Chatty and Shopping Evening in Varanasi
There's something undeniably magical about exploring a city after the scorching heat subsides. Varanasi, with its enchanting charm, is no exception. As the sun began its descent (and most folks were probably gathered to watch the Ganga Aarti), we found ourselves drawn to the vibrant energy of its bustling streets.
Our first stop was Kashi Chat Bhandar. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a tantalizing aroma of spices and fried goodness.
We wanted to eat everything....couldn't resist trying the tamatar chat, mixed chat, and aloo tikki chat. Each bite was a burst of flavor, a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy. If you're a chat lover, this place is an absolute must-visit!
With our taste buds satisfied, we ventured into the world of shopping. Varanasi is renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk. We spent the rest of the evening exploring the labyrinthine lanes, our eyes feasting on the vibrant colors and intricate designs. However, a word of caution: bargaining is an absolute must! The initial prices can be quite steep, so don't be afraid to haggle.
The evening of day 2 ended with a sense of fulfillment and our tummy happies with potential treasures. Varanasi, with its unique blend of flavors and cultural richness, had once again cast its spell.
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