Banaras( also known as Varanasi) is a fascinating land, where every corner has a shrine, and every narrow road leads to a temple. Where chants invoking God's and Goddesses reverberates throughout, rhythmic prayer fills the air with energies. They say, when you are blessed, the force of the holy pulls you somehow to this land. This three-hour tour in Varanasi covers all that there is to see in the spiritual capital of India.
First, you would be taken to St. Thomas Church, that is painted in hues of yellow. In a land said to be built by Lord Shiva, a church might seem a bit out of place, but it goes on to show how communities dwell in harmony despite such vast cultural diversity. Move on next to the colourful and bustling markets of Banaras, followed by a visit to a silk manufacturing company. Banaras silk is known all over, and on this trail, you get to witness the process of its making first-hand!
You move on next to the Kedareshwar temple, a Shiva temple on the banks of the holy Ganges. The temple is supremely sacred; it is believed that the Shiv lingam appeared naturally at this spot and a visit here is as holy as a visit to the famous Kedareshwar temple in the Himalayas.
Continuing your spiritual tour, visit Kedar Ghat on the holy banks of River Ganges where the life and heart of Varanasi lies. The story of life, death and afterlife is what you witness here in action - aesthetic sadhus, devotees taking the holy dip, prayers at sunrise and sunsets, the last customs before the Hindu way of cremations. Indeed a place, where life and death mingle freely.
And then you would visit the Parvati Kund, a sacred well located close to the Ghats. The well is believed to have medicinal properties and a dip there is said to heal many diseases. Walking past the streets, you would get a glimpse of many other holy places like Sri Sringeri Shankar Math, Chimneshwar temple and Shitla Ghat. Midway, you would stop for some refreshments and snacks at a local eatery, and then, continue with your trail, towards the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Later in the evening, you would be joined by a multi-lingual guide at the Ghats once again, where you would witness the spectacular Ganga aarti ceremony.
"Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together!" - Mark Twain