Varanasi- India

Varanasi also called as Banaras or Kashi is considered as sacred city in the Northern State of India Uttar Pradesh. 
Distance from Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 800 km . I took a direct flight from Delhi to Varanasi. There's also a direct train as well or you can  travel by bus.
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of India and has been one of the main tourist attraction from different countries of the world. 

Many Pilgrimage from India come to The Holy River Ganga to bathe in sacred river Ganges to wash away their sins. The river has almost 88 ghats and each ghat has special significance in Hindu mythology.
Therefore dnt miss boat ride along the Ganges to have a tour of all the ghats to observe the religious ceremonies and rituals at different ghats.
I like to mention about two such ghats in particular Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat .

On my next morning I decided to take a boat ride and preferred rowing boat with a Boatman. This made my ride very enjoyable as I was able to see the ghats without any rush and feel the River flowing. 

At Manikarnika Ghat the cremation rituals were performed. This Ghat is the holiest cremation ghat alongside the river  where families come to perform last rites . It is believed that if the departed soul is cremated at this sacred land they will attain Moksha (salvation ). The cremation and the other dead bodies wrapped with clothes and flowers waiting to be cremated made me very sad .
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat  in Varanasi on River Ganga. It was very long ride hence we decided to stay for evening Aarti. The Ganga Aarti is performed by the pundits with the flaming lamps in their hands to honor the Holy River Ganga chanting Mantras and Prayers. The Aarti is performed two times in a day Morning and Evening everyday .  With the positive energy around I could feel the Peace, Love , Light and connected to divine.
Do not forget to carry mosquito repellents if attending evening Arti.
The next morning we left to visit one of the most oldest Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva  Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Get prepared for a really long queue and avoid carrying much stuff with you or you might have to leave in lockers which I personally think is not a good idea.
After mandir darshan ofcourse I was looking forward for shopping and could see many retail and wholesale shops of Banarasi Sarees on the streets of crowded Bazaar. Finally stopped by at one of the shops. Here bought some authentic  beautiful silk sarees  with vibrant colors and silk fabric.
I also came to know that The Hand woven banarasi saree with it's original use of gold or silver Zari (thread) work takes 4 to 5 weeks which is a perfect bridal wear. We were in short of time but if possible must visit local weavers and know how they traditionally weave a saree with different thread. What an amazing skill .
When in Varanasi be prepared to walk in the narrow lanes and keep enjoying it's street food .
Some of my favorite street food are Kachori Sabzi, Chat ,Kesar Lassi and  Malaiyo ( sweet which is available during winters only).
After a good rich meal try exotic Banarasi Pan which has Lime, Areca nuts , sweet gulukand  (rose petals and sugar) and silver foil all this wrapped in a betel leaf. The ingredients are optional and can be made according to your choice.I prefer mine with lot of gulukand.
My accommodation was booked at Radisson Hotel Varanasi which is about 5 km to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The hotel is neat nice and comfortable with helping staff with onsite restaurant . It was a luxurious relaxing stay. There are many other hotels you can book online or a  registered Travel agent can assist with all the required ar

rangements.
Varanasi was a great experience and my most favorites are attending evening Aarti ceremony , Boat Ride and buying some beautiful elegant silk sarees and fabric .