Dashashwamedh ghat
Stay: Ganpati resort (right at bank of the ganga)
Budget: 6k per night
Boat ride: 800Rs for 2 hours (Bargain)
From railway station to ghat: 150Rs (Bargain)
I took a train from New delhi to Banaras and reached late afternoon. From railway station auto dropped me till the last stop near the ghat & from there it was a walk of 500-700m. Do remember to carry a backpack as there are a lot of staircases on the ghats so backpack is an ideal option.
My hotel was right beside the banks of ganga.
After checking in I went for a boat ride which included the evening arti viewing from boat. I bargained it for 800Rs, it depends on your bargaining skills.
It was a full moon night+ lunar eclipse so my boat ride was worth every single penny.
After the sunset there is a beautiful arti session that you can see everyday on the most of the ghats but Dashashwamedh ghat's arti was the most beautiful one for me. Looking at the arti from boat is a beautiful experience.
After the arti I got back to my hotel and had dinner that was an end for the day.
💓💓💓😊💓💓💓
Second day was a lazy day for me. After a good breakfast at my hotel I headed off to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I walked on the random streets in a sari.
People are pretty helpful on the streets and will guide you to the temple.
Once you reach near the temple random street vendors will ask you to drop your footwear at their shop and buy Prashad (small offerings at temple like flowers and sweets). Dont leave your shoes till you find the security guards or you will have to walk on dirty streets for a quite long. Shopkeepers misguide you by saying its right here.
The temple is pretty busy so wear something comfortable.
Then I headed back from the temple to my hotel, had a good meal and headed off to the ghat for a walk.
While walking I saw the cremation ghat from a distance, I couldn't go any closer as it gave me goosebumps to see how fragile life is and how fumes of burning flesh was rising in the air.
Restaurants at the ghat are pretty expensive where as if you walk a little further towards the city you might find yummy and reasonable options.
That was the end of my second day.
Third day I checked out from my hotel and took a auto to my next stay which was a hostel.
Moustache hostel was near Assi Ghat. (Always check the right price in uber and then bargain from the auto drivers just in case cabs are not available)
I had a option to take a boat from this ghat or an auto, I chose the later cheaper one.
Once I reached the hostel I loved the vibe. I was greeted by a friendly host who gave a travel guide which was pretty helpful.
My bed bunk was pretty comfortable and I had roomates from various parts of the globe. There was a cool common area too.
After relaxing for a while I headed off to Assi ghat. Assi ghat has altogether another vibe than the previous one. This is more 'touristy'. It had more youngsters too.
This ghat was surrounded by nearby cool cafes and hostels.
I went for a walk to the ghat and watched the arti session.
Arti is always beautiful watch.
*Do have malaiyo, its a speciality of Banaras.
