Banaras..Where Ancient India still Breathes !

Banaras is a place where one can see the cycle of life and death repeating itself everyday. A place which is older than history itself, a place where ancient India still breathes.

I so longed to travel to this magical land filled with all kinds of enigma, charmers and mystics. Finally, after 2-3 failed attempts at making a solo trip to this spiritual abode, I got chance to experience it at its finest. Let me tell you this; Experiencing Divine Ganga Arti while sitting in unsoiled Ghats will take you to another realm altogether. No one, and I repeat no one can describe how it feels, one can only experience it.

Under the Initiative of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Banaras Ghats recently become much more cleaner.
Try sipping tea while sitting in Prabhu Ghat and listening to Raag Darbari. I can bet you will get to know your inner Prabhu a little better.
Any trip to banaras without doing a boat ride is 'Adhoori'. Take an early morning boat ride to witness the magical sunrise and a night boat ride post Arti to celebrate the golden and colorful hues of Ghats on mighty river Ganga.

Savour at local food joints. Get to meet new Sadhus and learn few life lessons. Keep your wallet safe in front pocket and walk on foot with your backpack.

Few tips to make your banarasiya trip a little better :

1. Reach early morning and find a good hotel stay / Dorm near Assi Ghat. I highly recommend Palace on Ganges if you want something good in terms of both luxury and pocket friendliness.
2. Get to experience 'Subeh E Banaras' in assi Ghat. Watching seagulls (yes they too come here during migratory seasons and stay here from Oct till Feb end) while listening to raag darbari and Malhar will be rejuvenating.
3. You can get nice breakfast at nearby restaurants and river side cafes. These days, 'Banaras bhi Cafe Culture ke ras me dooba hua hai.' My recommendation : Budhiya Ki Dukaan for Kachori and sabzi will satiate your hunger pranks. Other highly recommended eateries are : Banaras Chaat Bhandar for evng snacks and Pahalwan Lassi and Rabri for dessert.
4. Watch Ganga Arti from Ghats. Go early around 6 pm and sit in the front in the side row. It will offer you the best view. Evening Arti at Dashwamedh Ghat and Morning arti at Assi Ghat. Do not watch it from boat.
5. Take 2 boat rides at least. One after Arti ends and another in the morning. Negotiate with the same person promising for both the rides.
6. Try Banarasi Paan at keshav tambul Bhandar and hymn 'o khayike pan banaras wala'
7. Take at least 2 walks across the Ghats from Assi to Manikarnika.
8. Religious temples to visit : Kaashi Vishwanath IIT BHU, Kaashi Vishwanath Old one, Kotwal temple, Sarnath temple complex and Durga Mata Temple.
9. If you want to experience real banaras, Experience it on foot.

Banaras has incredible aura and it will remain with you for eternity.