|
|
Travel to the
city of Varanasi
Author: Rick Chapo
Travel to the city of
Varanasi and you will travel back in time. No other city in India
will impact you more than ancient Varanasi.
Varanasi
One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is located in the
upper east area of India and is not far from the border with Nepal.
Sitting on the Ganges River, the city is an overwhelming display of
crowds, colors and ancient Indian architecture. Roads are packed
with people, cars, cows and the pavement is more or less dirt and
mud depending upon when you are there.
Architecturally,
Varanasi is a typical of India itself. You'll find shanty towns and
run down homes laying in contrast to stunning temples and homes of
the Maharajas. If you want to be impressed, simply walk down to the
Ganges River and look up and down the river. The structures lining
the river will remind you of Venice, Italy, without the glitz. The
towering structures are both beautiful and ancient.
Following this view, a visit to the Darbhanga Ghat is an eye opener.
The massive structure is home to the Maharajas of Dharbhanga of
Bihar. The Ghat reeks of power, mysticism and long ago ages. You'll
know what I mean when you see it.
Ganges
The Ganges is the hub of life in Varanasi. The holiest of cities,
Varanasi is known as the city of light, but is really the city of
death. Believed to have been founded by the Hindu goddess Shiva, the
city is a mecca for those seeking religious enlightenment. Thousands
of Indians seek to cleanse themselves in the waters each morning,
which makes for an explosion of activity and colorful dresses. The
rest of the day will amaze you even more.
As the holiest Hindu city, many of the Hindu faith believe dying in
Varanasi brings enlightenment. Thousands upon thousands of Hindus
travel to the city in their later years for this purpose. Charitable
institutions and Hindu temples take in the multitude of elderly.
Although not as prevalent as in the past, many of the deceased are
cremated in the open on pyres overlooking the Ganges. It is truly a
site to be seen.
In many ways, Varanasi is a microcosm of India. If you visit only
one place in India, Varanasi should be the destination.
About the Author:
Rick Chapo is with
http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel
journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student
travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit
http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com
for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.
Things To Do in Varanasi
Manikarnika Ghat,
Varanasi
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest
Banaras Ghats,
Varanasi
One of the oldest cities of India, Banaras acts as
an important religious
center. The numerous bathing ghats (steps)
along the bank of the
Ganges attract huge crowds of pilgrims.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest; Religious site
Dasaswamedh Ghat,
Varanasi
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest
Golden Temple
(Kashi Vishwanath), Varanasi
Attraction type: Architectural building; Religious site
Sarnath, Varanasi
The Dhamekha stupa and other imposing structures
adorn this holy site where
Buddha first preached his message.
Attraction type: Religious site
You may also interested in...
-
Traveler Reviews of
Varanasi
-
Top10 Tourist
Attractions in India - Photo Gallery & Map
-
Unbiased Hotel Reviews, Photos
and Travel Advice
|
TRAVEL & TOURISM INFO
| by Trip Advisor
Tours & Activities in Varanasi
Traveler Reviews
Hotels & Hotel Deals
Vacation Packages -
Hotel + Air Deals
Quick Search
(hotel prices & availability) |
Dorling Kindersley's
Eyewitness
Travel
Guide
Books
DK EYEWITNESS
BOOKS
Eyewitness Travel Guides:
India
Eyewitness Travel Guide:
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
|
|
>