A mystical city – Varanasi
March 1, 2011 in India
‘Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.’
These few lines by Mark Twain say it all. The first city of Hinduism, an eternal city with vibrant past and myriad attractions, Varanasi has been the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus since time immemorial. It is a city that people visit not only to explore, but also to die in; it is believed that a person who dies in this city attains salvation!
The city is a maze of narrow lanes and quaint alleyways which are filled with colourful shops selling interesting items, people walking up and down, and even the occasional cow roaming aimlessly around. Clearly Varanasi is a city with a heart — everyone finds a place here.
The narrow lanes bustling with activity
These alleyways invariably lead you to one of the countless temples, shrines or ashrams. The most revered temple here is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where the three-eyed lord of the universe, Lord Shiva, resides in a self-manifested form.
The New Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The major focal point of the city, however, is the holy River Ganges, worshipped as a living goddess with the power to wash away the earthly sins of mankind. The 90-odd ghats which line the river banks are each unique in its own way, and are a major attraction of Varanasi.
A panoramic view of the ghats
The main burning ghat where funeral pyres continue to burn night and day
Life here starts well before dawn; the river glows as the sun comes up and the ghats burst into activity. You see people bathing, rituals taking place, sages meditating, boatmen wooing customers… These ghats are definitely the heart and soul of Varanasi. If you don’t have the time to roam around the ghats then the boat ride offers an unobstructed view of the city in all its splendour.
Even the Siberian seagulls come to experience the city every year!
The sights, smells and sounds, and the deep profusion of legends that you experience make a trip to this city an incomparable experience. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get exploring!
This article was written by Arti Shah
Arti loves travelling to spiritual destinations in India and chronicling them on her blog – My Yatra Diary. Complete with extensive descriptions that include delightful photographs, places to stay and eat, shopping and much more, the blog aims to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 
Dipesh said on March 1, 2011
What a fantastic post… Beautifully described, the worlds oldest city and what a day to be doing this post on… Today being the day of the Lord Shiva!!
Brilliant pics, the panoramic view of the ghats is amazing:)
Arti Shah said on March 4, 2011
Thanks Dipesh.
It definitely is a very beautiful place.
Thanks for the appreciation:)
Eva said on March 10, 2011
Hi Arti,
You have written a great post and you deserve appreciation for this. Keep them coming.
Eva
Ushnish Ghosh said on March 2, 2011
Dear Arti
Awesome photographs …I have visited Varanasi numerous times from University days to taking interviews at BHU campus at a later stage.
Baranasi is Baranasi. I can spend rest of my life there ..I love the place.
Arti Shah said on March 4, 2011
I too love the place…
Craig and Linda said on March 2, 2011
Yes – great photos, and a good story. Amazing serendipity on the date, isn’t it!
Arti Shah said on March 4, 2011
Thanks Craig and Linda, Yes the day is celebrated in a very big way in India and its a wonderful co incidence!!
Abhishek said on March 3, 2011
Another great article Arti.
Arti Shah said on March 4, 2011
Thank You Abhishek
Sofia - As We Travel said on March 3, 2011
I am definitely going to Varanasi next time I go to India. I’d like to go there during a festival, like the Kumbh Mela – seems pretty crazy!
Arti Shah said on March 4, 2011
The Kumbh Mela isn’t held in Varanasi… Any time of the year in Varanasi is great, especially during dec-feb when the weather is also cooler!!
Rachael Dodd said on July 28, 2011
Really nice post .Varanasi is a beautiful place in India. I heard that ghats are looking awesome specially in the evening.I will definitely visit there.