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Varanasi’s old city is spread across a maze of narrow galis along the Ganges’ western bank. Prepare to walk on foot and come across some holy cows! Temples surround Varanasi at every turn, but the most visited and oldest is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Benaras is known as Lord Shiva’s city for a reason, and rightfully so.
The spiritually enlightening heart of the city revolves around the ghats, approximately 80 of which border the Ganges. Prepare yourself for the sights, sounds, and smells! Don’t pass up the hot chaat and refreshing lassi. The chaos and noise on the ghats, however, come to a halt just before dusk, when the Ganga Aarti, a ceremony of immense grandeur, begins.
This divine city is also a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in Benaras, which is now part of Sarnath.
Varanasi is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. It is an important center for Hindu culture, mythology, literature, and art. Its history begins 2500 years ago, when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and chose to live in the city. Later, the Aryans arrived and settled in the city, establishing the trade in silk, muslin, ivory, and perfumes. Varanasi experienced a destructive phase during the Afghan invasion and Muslim rule, which included the demolition and destruction of temples.
Varanasi appears to have been a part of Indian civilization from the beginning. Successive empires have used this city as a trading and cultural hub, connecting it to a diverse range of cultures. Varanasi has been influenced by Greek, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, Christian, and Jain cultures, ranging from the early Maurya and Gupta dynasties to the medieval Mughals and the British Empire.
Every evening, Ganga Aarti is performed on Varanasi's ghats, the most magnificent of which is Dashashwamedh Ghat. The aarti begins as dusk falls around 6 p.m. in the winter and 7 p.m. in the summer. The spectacle can be seen from the ghat steps, the rooftops of nearby houses, shops, and boats moored on the riverbanks. It can also be seen from the organizing committee's office, Ganga Seva Nidhi.
As its location on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi has evolved over centuries into a major hub. The Ganga's ways have heavily influenced trade, commerce, worship, living quarters, and daily routines in this city. Even today, it is the city's primary source of water. It is also the center of cultural activity. Because it attracts a large number of tourists, the Ganga contributes significantly to the city's tourism revenue.
Boat rides on the majestic Ganges are a must-do while in Varanasi. Every morning until sunset, there are numerous boats available for hire, both large and small. The rides can be customized, but they are generally more expensive in the mornings, known as Subah-e-Banaras, or at sunset, during Ganga Aarti.
Varanasi's cuisine has a distinct flavor, with dishes and styles from Bihar thrown in for good measure. Dum Aloo, Bati Chokha, Aloo-Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachori, Tamatar chaat, and sweets such as Jalebis, Rabri, and Banarasi Kalakand are popular local delicacies. Paan, a betel leaf delicacy, is another must-try in the town. Also, try the local beverages such as Lassi and Badam Sharbat.
Qutub Minar is a victory tower or minaret located in the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mehrauli, Delhi. Qutub Minar is Delhi's second tallest monument, standing at 72.5 meters (238 feet). After defeating the last Hindu ruler of Delhi, Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, began construction in 1192.
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