Varanasi

Varanasi is one of those places where people come to take their last breath, calling for Yamraj to take them to heaven! It’s one of the places which is not only close to thousands of people who visit this place but also who seek Heaven in the last days of their life! This astonishingly deeply revered city is the actually the Royal residence of Hindu Go Lord Shiva! It is the place where people firmly believe that Lord Shiva himself lifts their pyre and shows them the path of “ amaratva” or a life which will see no further birth and death. Welcome yourself to the gates of heaven when you are here!

It’s a common sight here to see people taking dip in the somewhat un-clean water of Ganges early in the morning (as early as 3:00 a.m.) seeking the blessings of Lord Sun, chanting shlokas (religious hymns) in slow murmuring voice. It’s a common sight to see people walk barefoot towards the ghats, kids half naked taking dip in the holy water and vendors selling food on the both sides of path selling food leading towards the ghats! Be prepared to a journey of lifetime where State Bank of India (the largest nationalized bank of India) advertizes on boat and 5 year old Lord Shiva runs past by! Land on this colorfully bright, culturally rich place with a direct flight from New Delhi which takes just 1 and ½ to reach.

Top Attractions in Varanasi

Manikarnika Ghat: Do not forget to experience the between life and death at this Ghat while taking a boat ride. It can definitely change the way you look at life! Get Intricate: Out of the many ghats here, do find place for Dashashwamedh Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Tulsi Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Ganges Aarti: Grandly organized at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening, this 45 minutes engagement is a must watch. No tickets for common people; watched by hundreds, it has separate seats for VIP’s. However best way is to book a boat and see it from the wooden seats of boats.

Annual Performance of Ramlila: Organised at around 80 places in Varanasi itself, try to spend some time to experience the rich culture and belief of this place. Take a dip: Take a dip on special occasions like Karthik Purnima or solar and lunar eclipse at Dashashwamedh ghat.

Walk the Lanes: Do walk in the linear lanes of Old Varanasi; if you have not walked and passed through the small shops, running kids and almost stepping on someone’s foot; then definitely you have missed a lot.

Photography: One of the best places in India to take pictures; click the falcons as they fly over Ganges in the early hours. For sure, you will not find them after 08:00 a.m.