Exploring the Spiritual Oasis: Varanasi's Top Tourist Destinations and Cultural Delights

Varanasi is also known as Kashi or Banaras which is the spiritual capital of India. The city of Varanasi lies along the western banks of the Ganges. There are Temples at almost every turn engulf Varanasi but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most visited and the oldest of the all.

Varanasi is considered an auspicious place to die, as it is believed to grant moksha from the cycle of life and death.

The city's most iconic features are the 80 ghats along the Ganges, where daily life unfolds against the backdrop of rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual practices. Dashashwamedh Ghat, the main ghat, witnesses the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual where priests offer prayers to the river with the rhythmic movement of lamps, fire, and chants. The boat ride along the Ganges during sunrise or sunset provides a serene and immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the city's timeless beauty.

The narrow galis of Varanasi, house numerous shrines, shops, and eateries, creating a maze. The city is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds during festivals, especially during Diwali and Holi. The vibrant ghats, adorned with thousands of diyas (lamps) during Diwali, create a mesmerizing spectacle. Varanasi's local markets, such as the Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar, offer an array of handcrafted silk, brassware, and traditional Banarasi sarees.

Ganga Aarti, Varanasi