Varanasi Travel - Popular Pilgrimage Destination of India

Varanasi, referred to as old Kashi, is the city of ancient holy ghats, saffron clad sadhus and age old temples, a city where faint strains of classical music blend with the sound of temple bells. For Hindus, Varanasi has always been one of the most popular religious center who come here to spend their last days of life in the hope to attain moksha and get freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Unlike most other sacred centers in India, Varanasi is a perfect package to mind, body and soul.

From time immemorial, Varanasi has remained the place of pilgrimage, a kind of tirth for Hindus and undoubtedly the most unusual as you yourself can discover after reaching there. The city posses rich cultural heritage in the form of traditional dances, music, and craftsmanship that lure tourists and artists from far and wide. Tourists are overwhelmingly drawn to its devotional, vibrant and colorful atmosphere, greeting them with somewhat unique and out of world experience.

Attractions of Varanasi :-

Most of the religious destinations in India are known for their temples, but only Varanasi is the city known for its holy ghats, located on the banks of pious Ganga. These ancient ghats are regarded as most sacred visited by devotees from all around the world. They are named after altruists, businessmen and erstwhile Raja's who led to the construction of these ghats on their name.

For the million of devotees who revere the Ganga and flock it to rejuvenate by its holy waters, going to Varanasi a like fulfilling life's ambition. While visiting the ghats one can conjure up the vision of some many activities at a time. Morning aarti starts here before the sunrise. Thousand of people through to these ghats to take a holy dip in its water.

Popular Ghats of Varanasi :

Dasashwamedh Ghat is the city most popular and most sacred spot. If you can manage to get up early in the morning, especially before the sunrise, than you can take a boat ride at Ganga river exploring the popular ghats.

Start it from the Dasashwamedh Ghat passing through the Manikarnika Ghat also known as Harishchandra Ghat. Be very careful, it is a popular cremation ghat, permanently lined with bodies in shrouds awaiting for the last rites. The sight could be bit emphatic for few.

From there take a turn towards the Tulsidas Ghat, which is actually the oldest ghat is Varanasi. Nearby is the another ppopular Darbhanga Ghat, which is said to have been built one of the royal families in Bihar.
Next comes the Man Mandir Ghat, which was built by Raja Jai Singh II, the than Maharaja of Jaipur. Here you get the opportunity to visit one of the four Jantar Mantars and a massive horologe.

Other Popular Ghats in Varanasi are Mir Ghat, Lalita Ghat, Gai Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Hanuman Ghat.

Famous Temples of Varanasi :-

Vishwanath Golden Temple :- Located very near to Dasashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous temple of Varanasi -Vishwanath Golden Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Durga Temple :- Dedicated to Goddess Paravati, the 18th century Durga Temple, is famous a Monkey Temple, because of presence of so many monkeys ever there.

Bharat Mata Temple :- It is most unique and most unusual temple in Varanasi as it has a marble relief map of India, dedicated to 'Mother India', typifying Mother Earth instead of Goddess.