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Destintion of the Month
Varanasi – Tracing the Spiritual Roots of Humanity
Tagged as the holiest Hindu city on the planet, Varanasi is a huge theatre of life showcasing some extremely heart-warming human practices and traditions. Though a year-round tourist destination, the city dons cosy weather in the beginning of the winters. River Ganga attains its spiritual best while washing the sacred ghats dotted with ancient temples and bustling with many interesting rituals. A journey to the city of Lord Shiva reveals magnificent aspects of history, arch and architecture, religion and more.
What to Do in Varanasi?
Explore the Ghats: An experience you would cherish forever, taking leisurely walks along the ghats of Ganga is definitely the highlight of the tour. Watch people engaged in rituals associated with birth and death, sages in saffron constantly chanting Sanskrit verses and devotees taking holy dip in the sanctifying water. Panchganga, Manikarnika and Dasaswamedha are the most popular ghats.
Visit the Temples: Vishwanath Temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the world and among the city’s top attractions. Other temples like Kaal Bhairav Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple with their spiritual charm are worth visiting as well.
Benaras Hindu University: The largest residential university in Asia, the campus is admirable for its peacefulness and greenery and also for the art and archaeology museum named Bharat Kala Bhavan.
Discover the Old World Charm: Varanasi displays unique traditional culture of India like no other city. Narrow alleys with old buildings and cultural diversity are certainly mind engaging. Attractions like Man Mandir Observatory and Ramnagar Fort can be explored on heritage walks through the city.
Unique Activities: Don’t miss an early morning boat ride on Ganga to strike the right chord with the city’s outstanding splendour. Another wonderful activity is the Ganga aarti at evening when thousands of earthen lamps are lit up and pleasing prayers are performed. Buy the famous Benarasi silk sarees and other clothes made of authentic silk. Plan an excursion to Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The village is full of Buddhist structures amidst lush green landscapes.
How to Reach?
Varanasi has its own airport and railway station, each boasting of good connectivity with different parts of India. Tourists can also access the city by well-maintained road using public and private transportation.
The city hosts Dev Deepawali, a grand festivity, in the month of November. Accommodations are available in the form of hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfast properties.
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