"Bollywood's Madhuri Dixit & Shriram Nene visit Varanasi: Your Guide to the City's Hidden Gems"

New Delhi — Guess who’s making a splash in our social media feed with their trip to Varanasi? It’s none other than the ’90s heartthrob, Madhuri Dixit, and her hubby Shriram Nene! Does this inspire your summer itinerary? It definitely piqued our interest in exploring what Varanasi has to offer beyond the obvious.

Varanasi through Madhuri’s lens

Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, fondly referred to by locals as Benaras, is as magical as a Dev Anand flick. Madhuri Dixit and Shriram Nene’s visit highlights not just the city’s spiritual side, but also its lesser-known charms. From visiting ancient temples to exploring hidden alleys, their journey seemed just as thrilling as navigating the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. It’s not everyday you see Bollywood stars sharing the magic of a place beyond its regular touristy spots.

Fodder for Delhi’s summer wanderlust

As Delhites, we connect with history, culture, and a good story. So, a summer trip to a place steeped in culture and heritage like Varanasi is tantalising. Imagine swapping your morning Chai from Sadar Bazar with a Ganges-side sunrise! With universities switching to online education and offices allowing work from home, isn’t it the perfect opportunity for Delhi locals to indulge in some summer escapades?

Kashi vs. Delhi: A Compare Contrast

Often we, the Delhi folks, like to think of ourselves as citizens of a historical city remember the tales of the Raj, Partition, and its aftermath. Varanasi, however, makes Delhi look like a toddler. It is essentially a living museum that effortlessly blends the ancient with the modern, much like our own Hauz Khas Village. The city not only offers the calm of the Ganges but also bares the soul of India. Much like Delhi’s street food, Kashi’s food scene is a hidden uncharted goldmine.

Madhuri-style travel hacks for Varanasi you must follow

Explore beyond the Ghats. Go for a bicycle tour of the old city and catch the sunrise over the Ganges.
Don’t miss out on the local food. Indulging in the street food is like attending a Symphony of flavors.
Engage with the locals. The people in this city are a treasure chest of stories and folklore.

📍 Spot Check: Visit the Sarnath Buddha Temple, nearby markets like Vishwanath lane, Godowlia market, and try to catch a cultural performance at the Ganga Mahotsav.

The Final Word

With the pandemic slowing everything down, it’s the perfect time for us Delhiites to swap our local street chaos for Varanasi’s serenity. From the fast-paced lifestyle near Rajiv Chowk metro station to a serene morning along the Ghats of Ganges – seems like a spot-on trade-off, doesn’t it?