Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of India
Varanasi
is one of the oldest living cities of India. Since time immemorial it has been
known for religion, sanctity & knowledge; awakened people from all over
India have blessed this city of Lord Shiva (the Supreme Yogi) with refined
thoughts. Blessed with never changing river course of Maa Ganga, this city of
Supreme Yogi provides the Salvation from the cycle of life and death.
Renowned
thinkers & spiritual Gurus have felt that Varanasi (the Kashi) is a
miniature representation of the Cosmos itself; they explored it as the ultimate
transcending place to assimilate with the supreme one. Once while travelling on
the River Ganga at Varanasi; Swami Ramkrishna Pramhans saw that Lord Shiva
himself is reciting ‘Tarak Mantras’
in the ears of dead-body at Manikarnika Ghat to liberate the soul for final
resting.
Crescent
shape Ghats (the platforms of stone) on the western bank of Maa Ganga is the
ultimate place for undulating lively activities many a times adorned with
dignitaries from all over the world in search of peace & gaiety; they be
here to mark their presence in this cultural, religious & spiritual capital
of India.
The
Ghats & structures upon it, chiefly Temples, Forts and Havelies looks old
enough to be called upon- as the city is older than history. The major Ghats of
Varanasi for visiting & taking a holy dip in River Ganga simultaneously are
Dashaswamedh, Manikarnika, Harishchandra, Kedar, Panchganga, Raj Ghat &
Assi.
Lord
Vishwanath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas is the supreme God of the city &
people recite Mahadeva- one of the names of Lord Shiva; mostly all the time
even in salutations as well. Just beside the temple of Lord Vishwanath is the
temple of Mata Annapurna -the feeding deity of Varanasi. One peculiar saying
looks almost true here as nobody sleeps here empty stomach as numbers of
Bhandars (Common Kitchens) provide food to the last person in queues from
morning till night. Dhams, Temples, Ashrams, Baithakas almost all religious
places & practices from India has a substantial representation here in assorted
nature.
Explore Varanasi
Open Market (Herbs, Masala
& Food Grains) - Varanasi is a major market for
different products including Herbs, Masalas & Food Grains. Situated on the
northern fringe of the city on-main road & in-narrow lanes is Gola Dinanath
& Vishweshwarganj. Nearby areas give a charm of medieval bazaars studded
with grocery items, herbs, Masalas, Food Grains & lots of stuffs where
sellers sell their products in open market.
Weaving Areas-
Synonymously know as the Hand Woven Silk Saree’s centre of Uttar Pradesh, the
city has different pockets or areas that weave Silk Sarees openly on looms. It’s
a minute work of creativity on fabrics in thousand sheds that produces few of
the wonders which adorns the beauty who wears it. Some says Bridal makeup or an
ethnic leisure party, special occasions, festivals are almost seems incomplete
without Banarasi Sarees.
Cuisine-
Varanasi is an ultimate place for food lovers as the city is so rich in
producing lip-smacking varieties of open eateries in its narrow lanes. Kachori
& Jalebi is a perfect breakfast whosoever eats it hot which is filled with
aroma of different masalas. Sweets are specialty of Varanasi made with
unmatched perfection; the city has renowned shops which are making it for
generations. Malaio, Rasogulla, Giloris, Rabris, Barfis, Lal Pedas, Besan
Ladoos & much more are here for the full of sweet memories.
Tea Stalls-
Varanasi is a cosmopolitan city in its own course; situated within a small
periphery. People from around the world lives here peacefully from different
speaking languages, ethnicity, traditions & customs. Local people throng at
Tea Stalls for discussions about different topics such as business, politics, philosophy,
culture, tradition, cinemas, daily life & much more that can even take
place for the whole day long. If one is really interested to explore the city
& wish to know its true nature; must visit these tea stalls situated in
narrow lanes.
Clay Potteries & Wooden
Handicrafts – it’s unique to know that this city
of religious fervor is a master craftsman while producing goods of daily uses
& decorative items. Locals of city, mostly people from lower income groups
or engaged in it for generations are producing these items. Wooden toys, baskets,
wall hangings, furniture, half-inch animals & birds, gods & goddesses
are few of the items those are engraved and highlighted in astounding aspect. Aroma of eating food in clay
potteries is a surreal experience that tinges your taste buds moreover to
explore a real time producer adds other dimensions to it for experience. Explore
few items of local wood crafts & clay potteries from the city as souvenir
to solidify your visit.
Villages –
Scientific advancement& modernity has brought numerous amenities to us in
cities along with relentless adverse effects that currently toll upon our daily
lifestyle, mind & body in compact houses to such an extent where spending
few hours or days with simple & peaceful loving people of villages can
rejuvenate. Lush greenery, spread-out fields, sky touching horizons, fresh air,
water & food, above all pin drop silence or nothing at all are surely some
stuff that one needs to explore. Villages nearby Varanasi are the best places
for detachment from hustle & bustle of cities to spend some precious time
with raw nature. Added advantage of visiting these villages are that one comes
to know about their roots as well.
Classical & Folk Music Concerts
on Placid Ganges- the City of Music declared by
UNESCO in 2015; Varanasi is known for its rich music Gharana. Maestros of
Varanasi have enthralled the world with eventful performances. While visiting
the city do enjoy a personalized live music concert on River Ganga.
Things
to do in Varanasi
Perform Lord
Vishwanath Darshan, Arti & Abhishek.
Pay Homage to Maa
Annapurna, Vishalakshi & Kala Bhairav.
Visit Numerous
Hidden Temples/ Asharams/ Baithkas of Varanasi.
Participate in
Morning & Evening Maa Ganga Arti along with riverbank.
Enjoy Morning &
Evening Boat Ride at River.
Explore Mystique
Varanasi With A Walk In Its Narrow Lanes.
Explore Varanasi
With A Heritage Walk.
Drive Along
Panchkoshi Road to Circumambulate the Kashi’s Cosmos.
Excursion
from Varanasi:
Sarnath-
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya(Bihar) under a Peepal tree at
the age of 35 and walked down at Rishipattana (Place of Saints) to deliver his
first sermon about four noble truths. While changing the course of Dharma from
austere penance to middle path in 6th century B.C; he engaged masses
not only from India but around the world. Visit to Sarnath is a must as to
commemorate the assimilating historical, cultural & spiritual journey of
India; as people from time immemorial have paid their homage here. Sightseeing
of Sarnath includes Boddh Stupas, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Archeological Ruins,
Sarnath Museum, Colossal Buddha Image & Temples of different countries.
Ramnagar Fort-
there’s an old saying from past as King is an incarnation of God on earth who
serves his people. Monarchy had its own drawbacks which changed to democracy in
India after Independence. Reminisce of past charm of being at King’s Fort
brings visitors in numbers here at Ramnagar. Nearly 12 Kms. away from centre of
the city is a massive fort of medieval period on the eastern bank of River
Ganga. The fort is well preserved to certain extent & open to visitors from
10 AM to 5 PM. Sightseeing of Ramnagar Fort includes a museum, temple,
artifacts & nearby constructions. Sweet Lassi & Spicy Chat of Ramnagar
is a must for visitors while spending time at the Ramnagar.
Vindhyavasini Temple (Approx. 80
Kms 2 Hrs) - Pilgrimage to Varanasi is
incomplete unless you pay homage to the vibrant female energy of creation- the
consort of Lord Shiva. Vindhyavasi Temple situated at end of the Vindhya
Mountains on the banks of river Ganga in Mirzapur district is one such place for
believers. The revered Shakti Peeth is thronged by countless numbers of devotees
in the auspicious months of Chaitra & Ashwin. The soul soothing place is
bestowed with theAshtabhuji Temple, theKali Caves & theVindhyavasini
Temple.
Chunar Fort- the
majestic rampart of Chunar Fort has seen numerous battles in past. Known as
Charnadgiri (Foot Shaped Mountain) in ancient texts this colossal fort has a
long history of love, war & peace. River Ganga’s vast stream changes its
course hitting the colossal fort; and it flows towards Varanasi presenting a
panoramic view from the top of the fort. Chunar Fort was a major port &
halting point of cargo vessels on water transportation route in mediaeval
period on river Ganga. Sightseeing of Chunar includes Massive Chunar Fort, Raja
Bharthihari Samadhi, Underground Cells, Queen’s Sonva Mandap, British Cemetery,
and Wind Palace etc. Added advantage of being at Chunar is that it leads to
numerous waterfalls & lush green areas of Vindhya Mountains.
Dams, Trekking & Adventure Activities-
Vindhya Mountain is rich in flora & fauna with numerous water channels that
create dams, waterfalls and lush green trekking trails. Ancient settlers in
this region have created various caves which are adorned with primitive cave
paintings. This region is an undiscovered destination for travelers who wish to
explore. Ancient forts of Naugarh & Aghori can thrill you with unrelenting
zeal of finding folklores about people from past.
Long
Distance Excursions from Varanasi-
Allahabad (APPROX. 130 KMS. 3
HRS.)- Confluence of Mother Ganga, the Yamuna & indistinguishable
the Sarswati Rivers (Sangam) at Allahabad is in an all time favorite tourist
itinerary for pilgrims visiting Varanasi. Allahabad (Prayag) is mentioned in
ancient scriptures as amongst the seven most sacred cites of India. Allahabad
is well renowned for the largest numbers of devotees’ congregation on earth at
the auspicious time of Kumbh & Mahakumbh when people take holy dip at
Sangam. The spacious city with broad avenues, beautiful gardens, historical
places, religious sanctity, judiciary centre of Uttar Pradesh, Museum etc. call
upon numbers of visitors year around.
Bodhgay & Gaya ( APPROX.
270 KMS. 6 HRS.) - the twin city of knowledge &
religious sanctity is situated in the state of Bihar, India. While Bodhgaya is celebrated
as a place where Tathagata- theLord Buddha got enlightenment under a Peepal
Tree; Gaya is revered for Vishnu Pad Temple. People come from far off corners
of India at Gaya for Pind-daan in memory of their ancestors. Places of Interest
are Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Village, Dungeshwari Hills, Vishnu Pad Temple,
Brahma Kund, Pretshila Hills etc. Added advantage at Bodhgaya with a day halt
is there are plenty of time to explore Nalanda (Probably the first residential
University of World), Rajgir (Premier Constructed Capital City of India),
Barabar Caves (Architectural Wonder of Ancient India), Pawapuri (Jain Pilgrim
Centre) & Kakolat Waterfalls.
Gorakhpur & Kushinagar(APPROX.
270 KMS. 7 HRS.)- the wonder of visiting Indo-Gangtic
Plains of Uttar Pradesh is that it is studded with countless aged old places
which aesthetically, traditionally & socially enriched India’s plentiful
prospect for each devout travelers. Situated on the borders of India and Nepal,
Gorakhpur district is a burgeoning modern city having rich history &
amenities. Baba Gorakhnath Temple (Nath Sampraday Centre), Arogya Mandir,
Rambhar Stupa, Mahaprinirval Stupa, Motif Stupas, Museum, Monasteries of
Different Countries etc. are places of interest here. Gorakhpur is a base point
to travel Nepal from Bhairava boarder.
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