Ah, Varanasi! A city where time stands still, where the Ganges flows by the soul of ancient mysticism rising above every alleyway that whispers tradition and spirituality. Kashi is among the oldest living cities in the world and Kashi is the spiritual center of India. From pilgrims from all over India, to tourists and wanderers like us who want a front-row seat for the Ganga Aarti and get lost in the narrow alleys rich with silk weavers to find peace at the ghats that every night kiss mother Ganga.
So if you are on a trip to this mesmerizing city, let me take you through how you can arrive at Varanasi!
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air
If you are traveling from distant cities, flying is often the fastest way to reach Varanasi. Varanasi is well connected to other major Indian cities through Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS). Here’s a quick breakdown:
— Delhi: 1.5 hour direct flight This is a popular route for several airlines, including Air India and IndiGo.
– Direct flight duration: It will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of travel time from Mumbai
2.5 hours by flight, both direct and connecting (from Bangalore)
—Chennai – About 2 hours to fly direct
Fly in from: Hyderabad: A direct flight will cost you approximately 2.5 hours
– If you’re coming from Trivandrum, get ready for a more extended trip. It will take you approximately 4-5 hours with at the very least one stopover.
– From Kolkata: Part of frenetic Bengal, just an hour away by plane from its capital and you reach this spiritual island.
Flying Time:- From Bhubaneswar: ~1.5 hours
Just once you descend down, you can get taxi or auto to your lodging. Flight tickets can easily be booked through MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, and EaseMyTrip.
By Train
Train journeys are little serendipity, giving one an opportunity to take in the visual splendor of the land. Rail: Varanasi Junction (BNR), is connected by rail to most major cities.
B) From Delhi: You will need to travel by train, which can take anywhere from 12 to 14 hours depending on the type of train The Varanasi Express and the Kashi Vishwanath Express are two good options.
– From Mumbai: The route will take around 18 to 20 hours, the Lokmanya Tilak Express is one of the trains that run between these two locations often.
– Coming from Bangalore: A train journey can take up to 36 hours, so brace yourself for a long-ass ride! Though the train ride itself is a nice experience.
– From Chennai: It will take around 30 hours to get to Varanasi by train.
− For Kolkata: It takes approx 12 Hours by train. Trains traveling between these two points, such as Howrah-Varanasi Express, is a comfy and easier choice.
Choose From Bhubaneswar: 15 odd hour train journey — there are many trains running throughout the day and night.
Train bookings are simplified via IRCTC and you can easily avail them.
By Road
But for the ones feeling a little adventurous, why not road to Varanasi and experience the diversity of Indian landscape. This is a longer road, but it can be very satisfying. Distance: 800 Kms from Delhi (around 12-14 hours depending on traffic) A good route is via NH19.
– By Road: Kolkata – Distance 680 km (approx. 12-14 hrs.)
– From Bhubaneswar: Its a long road of about 800 kms which could take upto 15-17 hours
Either renting a car or taking a bus State-operated buses and private operators provide convenient alternatives for other visitors.
Few Tips To Follow To Get the Best Out of Your Varanasi trip
- Plan in advance: There can be a lot of crowds in Varanasi especially during festivals. A reservation in advance can get you a quiet place on the ghats.
- Hydrate: There is so much to see and do that your head will be spinning; coupled with blazing sun. Have a water bottle close to keep it fresh.
- Wander Through The Alleys: Varanasi has some of the narrow lanes, you can get lost in them. Every corner might bring you to an uncharted temple, a charming coffee shop or the workshop of a resident artisan.
- Catch the Ganga Aarti: Do not forget to attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A kind of experience transcendental to leave you breathless.
- Experience Local Food: Treat your taste buds with local street food whether it is Kachori or Lassi or Banarasi Paan. Say hello to your taste buds, you will give them a treat!
- Be Respectful of Local Usage: Varanasi is an incredibly holy city. Wear modest clothes, especially if visiting temples or ghats.
Every footfall in Varanasi accords you companionship of the history, culture and soul of this place. Start packing your bags, book your tickets using the popular app MakeMyTrip, Clear trip or EaseMyTrip and get set to go on a once-in-a-lifetime experience! If you are looking for more travel tricks to the fascinating city, read on Tripadvisor and Thrillophilia. Your journey awaits!
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