Benaras Silk

Varanasi Vacations in India

Sacred to the Hindus, the city of Varanasi, is India’s best known religious and spiritual destinations. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga river. Apart from being the popular pilgrim spot, it is one of the oldest inhabitant city in the world. The city is known for the fine quality silks, ‘paan’, Benaras Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to take bath on its holy ghats, in order to wash away all the sins of life, while the scholars and travelers, especially come here to take a closer look at the quintessence of India.

Since time immemorial, it is also called the ‘City of Moksha’. Among the seven holiest cities, Varanasi is one of the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates the soul from the body. The drama of birth and death are carried out at the ghats. On the one hand, priests enchant the mantras and sprinkle the holy water on of the river Ganga on new borns and on the other hand, the dead are taken to the ghats for cremation and the urns containing the ashes are floated in the water.

Also known as Kashi and Benaras, Varanasi is flooded with temples. In Varanasi, one may find temples at every few paces. Asking for the temple tour in India, Varanasi stands at the top of the list. There are more than 2000 temples in the city. Some of the temples that you may visit during your temples tour to Varanasi are Kashi-Vishwanath Temple (the Golden temple), Durga Temple, Annapura Bhavani, Laat Bhairava and the Sankata Devi Temple.

Apart from the ancient temples, Varanasi Ghats are the another highlights on the religious tour to India. It is believed that people are cleansed mentally, physically and spiritually at these ghats. For the thousand of years people have been thronging these ghats to pay tribute to sacred ‘Ganga Ma’. There are more than 100 ghats along side the Ganga river in Varanasi. Some of the prominent and famous ones are Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishandra Ghat, Kabir Ghat and Assi Ghat.

Another most famous attraction of the place are the fascinating boat rides down the river. It is something that can not be missed on the tour to Varanasi. As the oars of the boat knife through the water, sit back and relax. Sailing across the ghats give you quick view about the cultural life of the place. The hustle and bustle of the ghats will fade away and you lost in the world where peace reigns. You can also opt for a tour of the Ramnagar Fort (home of the erstwhile Kashi Kings) from Nagwa ghat. The fort is well maintained through the years. You are advised to check out the museum here.

The cuisines of Varanasi is as famous as its ghats. The savoury khasta kachauris, spicy samosas, crispy jalebis and the tempting Banarasi Lassi with the layer of crème are simply amazing.The Banarsi paan is famous throughout the world. The use of onion and garlic is strictly prohibited in the city.

The city is also the seat of ancient education. The Benaras Hindu University is one of the est educational institutions in the world

About the Author

Manjari Singh is an eminent travel writer, she have authored websites like :

www.travellinginindia.com

Waseem Ahmed: Traditional Silk Weaver From Benaras

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