Benaras is the place to rejuvenate your soul

One of the favourite destinations of people who seek peace and serenity, Banaras is the perfect place to enjoy a natural as well as religious vacation. A true heaven for travel photographers, this city is said to one of the oldest settled civilisation of the world.

The famous and oldest ghats of all the ghats are the Dashashwamegha. It has two ghats – the Manikarnika and the Harishchandra Ghat.  They are majorly dedicated to the cremation ritual. Although the practice has become controversial for the pollution it creates to the river, it is very difficult to bring change in the beliefs. Hindu rulers Ahilya Bai Holkar of Malwa region, Peshwa’s of Gwalior, Man Singh of Amber, Jai Singh of Jaipur and many more are said to have contributed the making of these ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat is located very near to the famous Vishwanath Temple, and is undoubtedly the most spectacular ghat. The famous Ganga aarti everyday twice, in morning and evening is what tourists love to see.

To capture the essence of real street life, opt for tempo travelling in Benaras.

Old Varanasi’s ancient ruins lie on the Rajghat plateau, in the northeastern part of the city. To name the most important place to see in Varanasi or Benaras, is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is about 3500 years old. It was also called the Golden Temple as it had a golden spire and domes. Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), New Vishwanath Temple is another centre of tourist attraction. The architecture of the temple is almost inspired by the old Vishwanath Temple and is made up of white marbles.

Monkey Temple is yet another popular sight to visit which is locally known as the Durga Temple. This Nagara style of architecture is one of the sacred places for Hindus. Alamgir mosque is famed for its exquisite architecture and its landmark position. Situated on the edge of the river, it is said to be built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The mosque is also known as Gyanvapi mosque and has stunning resemblance to Hindu architecture.

The other places to while touring in Benaras are the different Ghats which are along the banks of the river Ganga. Shivala Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat etc. are some of the places which makes one wonder this is where one of the oldest civilisations started.

Adjacent to the Vishwanathan Temple is the Gyan Vapi Well which translates to the well of wisdom. To the south of the Vishwanath Temple is one of the largest universities of India, the Benaras Hindu University. It was founded by Madan Mohan Malviya. the famed Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum is within the campus of BHU and has some of the exotic paitings of Indian heritage.

Built in the 17th century, Ramnagar Fort was the home to royals of Varanasi for over 400 years. The Durbar Hall of the fort is converted into a museum which preserves certain artefacts of teh regal era.