Varanasi to Dharamsala Flights

  About Varanasi

India's spiritual capital, Varanasi, is one of the holiest cities in the country. It is also called Kashi or Banaras and is located on the western banks of the Ganges. The Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important and oldest temples in the city. It is also considered as one of the most auspicious places to die and is believed that you will get salvation or liberation from the cycle of life and death if you die here. The Ganga aarti that happens here in the evening is a sight to behold. The chants reverberate across the city, and it's a wonderful experience. The city has a lot of devotees and international tourists visiting considering the fact that it is a holy and popular city. Not just Hindus but Varanasi is an important city for Buddhists, too.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

Winter is considered to be the best time to head to Varanasi. The temperature is low, and it is breezy all day, making it the right time to venture out. Winter here starts from November and lasts till February. The temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degree Celsius. This is best for you to take a stroll outside or explore the city. Chilling by the ghats with a cup of tea is simply ideal during this season. Since it is peak season, you might come across interesting flight deals to Varanasi online. Book a hotel in Varanasi that is closer to the main tourist spots so you won't have to spend additional time travelling. If you are in the city during this season, don't miss out on being a part of the Mahashivratri celebrations here.

July to October witnesses the monsoon season in Banaras, and the city receives torrential rainfall. Despite the heavy rains, the city sees a lot of pilgrims coming to offer their prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The temperature ranges from 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. Even though the monsoon can put a damper on your plans to go sightseeing or venture out altogether, it does add a lot of charm to the beauty of the city. You can get drenched in the rains and enjoy the view from the ghats. In fact, river Ganga looks the best during monsoon, and it will surely please the water baby in you.

The city experiences summer from March to June. April and May are the hottest months, and the temperature rises to 45 degree Celsius. Planning any outdoor activity during the summer can turn into a bad decision. Though the areas near the ghats are somewhat pleasant, you won't be able to do any of the activities that you would otherwise take up in winter.

Places to Visit in Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is among the top places to visit in Banaras. Since Banaras is considered as a holy city, you will find a lot of temples and spiritual places in the city. Apart from the temples, the city also has a lot of ghats you must go to. The Dashashwamedha ghat is of utmost importance and is also where the Ganga aarti takes place. The Hindu myth states that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yagna at this very spot, which is how the ghat got its name. The Assi Ghat is where you can soak in the view of the holy city and embrace your spirituality. A lot of pilgrims worship Lord Shiva here by praying to a huge lingam that is under a peepal tree. The Manikarnika Ghat is considered to be an auspicious place to be cremated. The Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple is also a popularly visited place of worship.

You will also find Buddhist temples in the city like the Tibetan temple. Folklore suggests that this is the spot where Lord Buddha guided his disciples to follow the path of spirituality. The Panchganga ghat is yet another ghat worth visiting. This is believed to be the meeting place of holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhutpapa. A lot of travellers come here to experience all the positivity and peaceful vibes of the ghat. Kedar Ghat is considered to be the cleanest ghats in the city to bathe before offering your prayers in a temple. You will find a palace and an observatory built by Maharaja Man Singh and Savai Jaisingh 2 respectively, in the 17th century, at the Manmandir Ghat. The view of River Ganga from the palace and the observatory is simply spectacular.

Things to do in Varanasi

The Kashi Vishwanath temple is known to be one of the oldest temples in the city and is also one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the world. Take a tour of all the temples in the city during your trip to Banaras. Apart from temples, you can also take a tour of the ghats to soak in the beautiful view of the Ganges. Most ghats in the city are of mythological and historical importance. Some even have religious and spiritual significance. The Dashashwamedha ghat, Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and the list goes on. Taking a bath in the holy Ganges is something that every pilgrim does in Banaras. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganges relieves you of all your sins. It will certainly be an experience of a lifetime for you. Go boating at river Ganga and catch the most mesmerizing sunset. You will feel rejuvenated instantly.

Don't forget to visit Sarnath, which is approximately 13 km away from the city. The Dhamek Stupa is of spiritual importance, and a must-visit if you want to learn more about Buddhism. You can also visit the Tibetan temple, another sacred place of worship for Buddhists. You cannot miss the Ganga aarti that happens in the evening before dusk. It is the most magnificent thing to experience, and no videos on the internet do justice to how spectacular it is when you watch it live. Varanasi is also known for its street food and the delicious aloo puris. Banaras is also popular for its Lassi, and you can't leave without treating yourself to a glass of lassi. Banarasi silk sarees, chikankari work and items that can be used for your pujas; you will find everything you need at the markets in Banaras. The local bazaars are the best places to go on a shopping spree.

Food and Restaurants in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its desi delicacies that will be a delight to your taste buds. The Kachori sabzis, chena dahi vada, choora matar, thandai, lassi, baati chokha, tamatar chaat, etc. are some of the popular street foods in Banaras. The city also has a lot of cafes and restaurants that serve great food with a relaxing ambience, and some even have a view of the Ganges. You must definitely try the lassis and thandais in the city. Since this is considered to be a sacred city of religious importance, it will be difficult to find any alcohol here, especially anywhere near the temples.

The Brown Bread Bakery, near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, is the city's first organic bakery and is also a rooftop restaurant. It is popular for its European Breakfast Buffet, and the view from the rooftop restaurant only adds to the ambience. The Lotus Lounge is yet another popular terrace lounge in the city that's right next to the Mansarovar ghat. The whole decor of the place will lift your mood instantly. Make sure you also order the hot chocolate here. Rooftop Restaurant at Assi Ghat is another restaurant that you must go to in Banaras. The restaurant has Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisine on its menu. Kashi Chaat Bhandar at Godowlia Chowk is the place to go to if you are in the mood for some chaat. The tomato chaat here, which is served in mud pots, is worth a try and you will definitely love it. Though it is a small place, it is always crowded early in the morning and in the evenings. In fact, some travellers even agree to wait in the queue for hours to try the chaat here.

How to reach Varanasi (Transportation)

By Air

Banaras has its own airport called Varanasi Airport. The flight connectivity from Varanasi is quite limited, though, and it is only connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the closest international airport nearby. You will easily get taxis or buses from Delhi. In fact, a connecting flight from Delhi is one of the most popular routes to Varanasi by air. Make sure you book your flight tickets to Varanasi well in advance.

By Rail

The Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction connect to the various other major cities in the country. The Rajdhani Express also passes through Varanasi. It's also a very convenient and budget-friendly way to travel to Varanasi.

By Road

The city is also well-connected by roads. Buses and taxis from other cities of Uttar Pradesh and nearby cities run frequently to Varanasi.

  About Dharamshala

Dharamshala, also known as the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a quaint hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is also considered to be the second capital of the hilly state for its extensive development over the years. The hill station is a famous tourist attraction and sees a tremendous footfall of visitors every year. Thanks to the natural beauty, the presence of the Himalayan range surrounding the town and the cultural relevance, Dharamshala has become a sought-after travel destination. Some flights fly to and from Dharamshala. Reaching Dharamshala is convenient as there are several modes of transport to take you there.

Best time to visit Dharamshala

Winters in Dharamshala would be pleasant as the green expanses turn into pious white thanks to the snow. However, the extreme temperature could be a little tough for many to deal with. Especially since there is the possibility of frostbites and inability to deal with the cold weather. However, if you wish to experience the winters at Dharamshala, you should go between October to February. The months from November to December are practically lit as the hill town rings in several festivals and carnivals.

The summer season undoubtedly becomes the best time to visit Dharamshala as the weather is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy the bright yet subtle sun, cool breeze and hues of green while the Himalayas surround you. The months from February to June, basically from spring through summer, are the two best seasons to spend in Dharamshala. Considering how it is peak season, it is recommended that you make advance flight bookings to Dharamshala to get cheap flight tickets.

Monsoon is the most cumbersome season and should be avoided at all cost. The months between July to early September sees heavy rains which are not ideal for venturing out. Possibilities of landslides and other such concerns are quite high since it is a hill station. Hence, keep away from a plan to visit Dharamshala during monsoon.

Places to visit in Dharamshala

Monasteries

Dharamshala is a spiritual haven and home to the Dalai Lama. The hill station brims with positive and spiritual energy and has a plethora of monasteries to explore. The Tsuglagkhang Complex, situated on the Temple Road, was built back in 1959 when His Holiness the Dalai Lama first visited the country. The complex has a rich Tibetan culture on display with eclectic designs and Pagoda structures. You might even get to meet His Holiness during your visit. Aside from this popular destination, there are several other monasteries such as Namgyal, Gyuto, Nechung and more that you can explore. These monasteries have a calming effect as the green expanses are soothing. Plus, the vibrations of the meditation further give the environment a positive spin.

Dal Lake

While Dal Lake is better known for its presence in Jammu and Kashmir, part of the lake flows through Dharamshala too, further enhancing its beauty. The enchanting lake is another such popular attraction in Dharamshala. What makes the place exquisite is the way the lake is surrounded by towering Deodar trees and watched over by the snow-capped Himalayas.

Trekking to Bhagsu Falls

Bhagsu Falls is one of the fun tourist attractions for adventure junkies. You can trek up to the slope, seek blessings at the Bhagsunag Temple and sit below the Bhagsu Falls as well. Aside from the charm, the place is an important locale to visit in Dharamshala.

Kangra Fort

While the idea of being surrounded by the towering Himalayas is a reason good enough to want to visit Dharamshala, the place also has historical and spiritual significance. The Kangra Fort, located in the city, is one of the oldest forts in the country. The structure dates back to 4th century BC. It is believed that the fortress belonged to the royal family from the Kangra - Katoch Dynasty. As you visit the ruins site, you will notice how the fort's structure tells a tale about the history of the place. It is quite intriguing and exciting for enthusiasts. The locals would also tell you interesting stories about the place.

Naddi Village

The picturesque Naddi Village is located a little close to Dharamshala and is absolutely blissful all-round the year. The location of the village is a bit remote, but the views and lifestyle are cosy and too good for words. As you stay in this village, you will wake up to the pristine views of the snowcapped Dhauladhar range, the gorgeous Kangra Valley and the alluring greenery enveloping Dharamshala. The forests close to Naddi Village have trails of Deodar trees which further add to the beauty of the place.

War Memorial

During the Indo-China War that took place from 1947 through 1971, Dharamshala lost several soldiers. As a means to pay tribute to the brave martyrs of Kangra, the hill station built a War Memorial in the town. The setting of the memorial is enchanting with greenery surrounding the expanse while pine trees border the structure. There are quite a few cafes in the vicinity too that you can visit.

Things to do in Dharamshala

Triund Trek

Dharamshala is a haven for backpackers and solo travellers who like indulging in trekking and other adventure activities. With Bhagsu Falls, Triund Trek and Kangra Valley trek, there are far too many trekking opportunities for enthusiasts to undertake. Many trekkers opt to camp at the summit after the trek as the sunrise is a sight that must be experienced. The Himalayas look exquisite and reflect the beauty of the hill station.

Seek blessings at the Jwala Devi Temple

Although the Jwala Devi Temple is 56 km away from the main city of Dharamshala, it has been one of the biggest tourist attractions of Kangra. To reach the temple, it is advised to go through Dharamshala. As the name suggests, the temple is a shrine to Jwala Devi, who has quite a spiritual stance. It is believed that the temple flames light up miraculously. Also, the temple has been in the Kangra Valley for centuries now.

Stroll through the Tibetan Art Museum

The Tibetan culture is quite compelling and something you'll find in plenty as you walk through the streets of Dharamshala. Located in the McLeodganj district, the Tibetan Art Museum is one such place that would take you through a journey of what encompasses the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama Temple is also close to the museum. You can walk through the museum passages and know more about their past, culture, lifestyle, spiritual stance and more.

Food and restaurants in Dharamshala

The cuisine that you'll find in Dharamshala is mainly Indian, Tibetan and Chinese. The place does offer some authentic Tibetan cuisine and must be tried. The best place to relish the Tibetan cuisine would be at the Tibet Kitchen. Delicacies like Aloo Pingsha, momos, thupka, tingmo and mutton petse are some of the dishes that you should gorge down during your visit. Since the place is quite paradisiacal for backpackers and travellers from around the world, several quaint cafes are serving Continental food as well. You can find them at the Moonlight Cafe and Carpe Diem Cafe, to name a few.

Nick's Italian Kitchen is also an excellent place to indulge in some Italian cuisine. They will have the Indian flavours merged with Italian essence, but it would be worth trying. For dessert, you can always pay a visit to the Woeser Bakery. From coffee cakes, chocolate lollipops to tarts, the bakery has a quintessential palette of desserts at affordable rates. Even Lhamo Croissant is a good place to binge sweets and baked products.

How to reach Dharamshala (Transportation)

By Air

You can reach Dharamshala Dharamshala by air as the Kangra Gaggal airport is only 10 kilometres away from the city centre. The hill station is a prominent tourist destination and sees quite a lot of traffic, especially during peak season. There are only two dedicated airlines for Dharamshala which connect from Chandigarh and Delhi. Alliance Air and SpiceJet are the two notable airlines with flight connectivity to and from Dharamshala. Tourists usually opt for train or road to reach the hill station and hence, sees less air traffic. The airport is located in the beautiful expanse of the Kangra Valley which gives passengers a pristine view of the Himalayas as well as the valley. Taxi cabs and other rental services are available at the airport that will reach travellers to the city.

By Rail

Rail is considered to be a convenient route for travellers. Since a lot of travellers choose Delhi or Chandigarh as the route to reach Dharamshala, Pathankot becomes the closest railway station. It is 120 km away from Dharamshala and has great connectivity with the main city. From Pathankot, there's another domestic route to Dharamshala that can be taken. The railway line to Jogindernagar from Pathankot is narrow but a known route. This line passes through Himachal Pradesh's Mandi District. The closest station to Dharamshala is Chamunda Marg, which is just 30 minutes away.

By Road

Dharamshala has brilliant road connections. There are various domestic routes to Dharamshala from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. From government-run transport to Volvo buses with sleeper facilities, a slew of services is available which will reach you to Dharamshala. Since they travel to Uttarakhand daily, you can book your tickets to Dharamshala on the day of the journey as well.

  About Varanasi Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or popularly known as Varanasi Airport is located in Babatpur, located about 26 km away from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the airport was called Varanasi Airport. However, the airline was renamed as Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to honour the second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri. The change of name took place in 2005. It is known to be the 20th busiest airport in India, with respect to passenger traffic. The airport is also the second-busiest airport in Uttar Pradesh, following Lucknow, the state capital. Varanasi Airport is recognised for its passenger traffic that comes from domestic as well as international routes. As a holy city, the airport has been witnessing a growth in passengers and even cargo traffic. The airline features a single runway made of asphalt with two exits and one main apron. The airport connects to prominent domestic cities and international ones too that are in proximity to the country.

About Varanasi Airport Terminals

Currently, Varanasi Airport has three terminals, one reserved for domestic, one for international and one for cargo. The domestic terminal is perfectly equipped with modern technologies and the most modern facilities. These include escalators as well as baggage handling systems. Meanwhile, the international terminal has exemplary operations which connect to various cities abroad. Not to mention how the airport is also equipped with the necessary facilities to cater to the comfort of the passengers. The cargo terminal is half a kilometre away from the passenger airport terminal. The cargo does have facilities such as warehouse and transportation facilities for the cargo goods. The cargo terminal also has strong security that ensures to keep the goods safe. The floor area of the domestic and international terminals as measured, rounds up to 26,500 square metres. The terminals have been kept clean and spotless. Many travellers have advocated for the same by stating how Varanasi Airport is neat and has some of the finest facilities.

There are about 16 check-in counters and are also equipped with CUTE (common-user terminal equipment), four immigration booths as well as emigration counters, two baggage-claim conveyor belts and enough snack stalls. The terminal also has a seating area in the upper-level with aerobridge gates. Meanwhile, the ground-level terminal directly reaches the aircraft apron.

About airport authority

Due to the demand for Varanasi Airport has increased over the years, the Airports Authority of India has planned to expand the runway. The current runway is sprawled across 9,020 ft, but the AAI plans to expand it to 13,369 ft. An underpass to connect to the airport is also being constructed as part of the expansion plan. This underpass will be intersecting with National Highway 31. The new terminal that the airport authority has proposed is speculated to be completed by 2024. Overall, the area of the newly expanded airport would be 58,691 square metres. The passenger capacity would also be increased to 4.5 million annually.

Facilities at Varanasi Airport

Baggage - There are excellent baggage facilities available at the Varanasi Airport. Some of them include provisions of free baggage cost, trolleys, wrapping services and more. The airport does not have a storage facility as such for baggage. However, it does have dedicated security checks for bags as well as wrapping services. You can safeguard your bags from damage by wrapping them with plastic. Plus, you can use the trolleys, present at regular intervals, to keep all your bags together.

Restaurants and cafes - Although designated entertainment zones are not available at the airport. However, it does have some restaurants and cafes within its premise. Passengers after check-in can find some food joints at the waiting lounge. The restaurants are mostly local cuisine-based and made in a hygienic environment. The meals are fresh and made right in front of the customers. The prices of the meals and refreshments are also quite reasonable and affordable. Unlike how some of the big airports have exorbitant rates for the meals, Varanasi Airport has considerably affordable prices for their meals. You can find them at the departures and arrivals sections of the airport.

Shopping outlets - Further, to enhance the entertainment quotient and to add to the tourism of the state, the airport has reserved some stalls for shops. You can find local handicrafts, jewellery, books, magazines, newspapers and more such products. These can be found after the security-check, at the departures lounge. You can make some last-minute purchases too if need be. The prices vary, depending on what you wish to purchase.

ATMs - Varanasi sees a lot of international travellers who need to return to Delhi for their flights abroad. Hence, the airport has ensured to provide ATMs and foreign exchange services. You can find these booths at the airport's arrivals section of the terminal. The ATMs are enabled to read all types of debit cards, and money can be withdrawn. As for money transfers, the currency exchange counters are available for the same.

Special assistance - At the airport, you can ask for special assistance if you have mobility issues or need help. The airport staff has been trained to cater to the needs of the passengers with respect to traversing within the vicinity. This includes getting the baggage checked or to pass through the security check. Provisions of wheelchairs have also been made as part of their services to the passengers. Senior citizens and individuals with mobility concerns can avail the same. Informing the airlines with special requirements would be ideal as that way, the airport would be prepared with all the necessary equipment.

Medical services - With a view to attending medical emergencies, Varanasi Airport has also reserved special provisions for the same. Although there are not many medical rooms or paramedics available at the airport, they have on-call doctors plus staff to help with the medical emergencies. The airport also has pharmacies, in case you have run out of any specific medication from your list. Information concerning the medical services can be found at the airport's information desk.

Smoking rooms - Smoking lounges are available at Varanasi Airport. Although smoking is prohibited in public, the airport has installed one smoking zone where passengers can smoke. There are provisions for cigarette boxes also present at the airport's premise.

Top airlines flying from Varanasi Airport

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport sees a tremendously good connection with major cities in India. The airport also accommodates a slew of airlines and has international flights too. The major domestic airlines that operate from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport are Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Vistara. As for international flights from Varanasi Airport, these include Air India Express, Buddha Air, Malindo Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Smile. The airport connects to domestic cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Agra, Chennai, Gaya, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Goa, Khajuraho, to name a few. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport also sees flights connecting to international cities such as Bangkok, Colombo and Kuala Lumpur.

How to reach Varanasi Airport

By Bus and taxi

The bus stand is centrally located in Varanasi and is away from the airport. There are no bus stands or direct buses that would reach the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The only way to reach the airport would be to hail a taxicab or get a car rental. You can find rentals at the airport's arrivals section. The perks of rentals are that once your trip concludes, you can directly take the transport service to the airport and drop it there. This way, you avoid the concerns of being stranded without any transport. The best way to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is by hailing auto rickshaws. The city has an abundance of rickshaw services that travellers can avail.

By Rail

The distance between Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Railway Station is approximately 18.9 km. Often travellers who are travelling from other parts of Uttar Pradesh use the railway as a means to reach the city. Hence, for you to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport from the railway station, it is essential to take a taxi cab. Auto-rickshaws are also available outside the railway station that you can hail to reach Varanasi Airport. It will take more than 30 minutes to reach Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport from the railway station though. You will have to prepare yourself for the travel time as it heavily depends on the traffic situations too. Luckily, the railway station always has rickshaw and taxi services available to connect to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

About Varanasi

Varanasi, popularly known as Benares or Kashi, is a holy city that is perched on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is about 320 kilometres away from the state capital, Lucknow. It is considered to be one of the seven holiest cities and sees tremendous significance in Hinduism and Jainism. The city is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Junction railway station. The city also has connections with Buddhism and is considered to be one of the most visited holy cities in the country.