Varanasi Find solace in Indias oldest living city

  • Varanasi Tourism

Often described as India’s ‘holiest city”, resonates unmatched intrigue and magic to please almost everyone. Once in India, you can’t afford to visit Varanasi that is an experience in itself. Experience tranquility in Varanasi, India's ancient city, where spirituality thrives amidst the Ganges River and timeless rituals. Find solace in the heart of tradition. Know more
 


Often described as India’s ‘holiest city”, resonates unmatched intrigue and magic to please almost everyone. Once in India, you can’t afford to visit Varanasi that is an experience in itself.
 

# Varanasi

Varanasi is a pile of misaligned temples and slender steps situated on the Ganges' crescent-shaped western bank, in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a city of academics and is home to one of Asia's chief universities. It is widely regarded as a city of temples, including the gold-plated Vishwanath sacred to Shiva; the Bharat Mata, or Mother India, the temple that features an enormous three-dimensional relief map of the Indian subcontinent made out of marble; and the hundreds of small temples that point the waterways and backstreets.It is also a city of legends. Varanasi stresses under its own mythologies, which are opposing, incomprehensible and terrible to verify.

Old Varanasi's ancient wrecks are on the Rajghat plateau, in the northeastern part of the town. Here, archaeologists revealed pottery that dated back to 1000 B.C., and broken masonry from as late as A.D. 1500, hinting that the area has been continuously occupied for 2,500 years.

What to do in Varanasi:
 

# Discover the water

To get the unparalleled views of the Ganges and the surrounding ghats, there is nothing better than taking a boat ride. If you’re lucky for that day, you might get to watch Dolphins. Witness the early morning bathing rituals, and cremations taking place at Manikarnika Ghat.
 

# Explore the temples

Apart from the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, there are hundreds of small temples situated in the by lanes of old Varanasi. For example, the Durga Temple (called the Monkey Temple due to the heavy presence of monkeys) is one of the most important, devoted to goddess Durga who safeguards the city, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the holiest in India.
 

# Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh is a hybrid, a term patched together with three others – Das (ten), aswa (horse) and medh (sacrifice). The ghat, carved out in 1740 AD, became more prevalent because of the evening aarti, a bright, elated event, that is celebrated every day. While moksha is not certain, you will surely get to indulge in a fascinating evening decorated with fire and dance.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

 

# Taste apple pie in Vatika Café

Food is always known to soothe our senses after spirituality. And once you’re in Varanasi, make sure to visit Vatika Café located on the bank of the Ganges. As you take the hot piece of pie while a cool breeze softly skirmishes your face, life gets filled with fun and fervor.

Taste apple pie in Vatika Café

 

# Visit Ramnagar Fort

Built in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh, Ramnagar Fort is located right opposite Tulsi ghat. On the eastern side of the river Ganga, the fort was built using Mughal architecture. It has a temple and a museum inside the estate. The presiding King, Pelu Bhiru Singh, still lives in the fort and this part is unreachable to tourists.

Ramnagar Fort

 

# Banaras Hindu University

It was an initial concept of Madan Mohan Malviya, who also plays a prominent role in India’s independence. Spread across an area of 1300 acres, the BHU campus boasts of sparkling lawns, fully stacked libraries, and wider streets to walk on.

Banaras Hindu University

 

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