The heart of Hinduism Varanasi is the city of lights and faith.

There are hundreds of articles about Varanasi, and even more incredible photos, opinions about it are radically opposite not only among tourists, but even among Indians. Some tourists here see only death, others ancient history, beauty and lights on the banks of the Ganges, while others discover themselves, change their consciousness and begin to listen to the soul. One thing I can say for sure: this city is unique and unique, what you will see and feel here, it is impossible to repeat anywhere in the world. Many people call it the City of the Dead, but believe in it so much life!

This trip is the best way to understand India’s religion and culture. It is combined with the Golden Triangle, the Treasures of Agra or the Temples of Kajuraho.

Moving to Varanasi can be done at night by train from Agra, this is the most convenient option! (or by plane from Delhi - the fastest).

Day in Varanasi

In the morning we are in the capital of Hinduism – Varanasi. It is a city special to every Hindu and is considered a holy city for Buddhists and Jains. In India, it is said that every Hindu dreams of dying in Varanasi, because according to legend, every person who dies here is released from the circle of reincarnation.

In addition, there is an opinion that Varanasi is the oldest inhabited city on the planet and it is especially surprising that it exists to this day.

According to legend, it was founded by God Shiva about 5 thousand years ago, so pilgrims from all over the world come here all year round to cleanse themselves of sins, achieve bliss or scatter the ashes of loved ones.

The main attraction of the city is of course the sacred Ganges, every believer performs his ritual on the banks of this great river. As soon as we arrive at the embankment, you will see: some are bathing, others are drinking water, others are offering sacrifices in the form of flowers, someone is just picking up water. But all this feels such a power of faith that involuntarily freeze and reverence. I experience this every time I watch these scenes. And you'll feel, I'm sure.

Varanasi is best known for its ghats (stone steps descending to the water), there are about 100 of them in the city. Some of them are incredibly ancient and legends about them, some are used for bathing and others for cremation. We will walk along the embankment and see the most important for pilgrims ghata Panchaganag, Manikarnika (there is a fire for cremation for many centuries), Dasashvamedh (here we will return in the evening to see prayer), Kedar and Asi.

Next we go to get acquainted with the temples, there are more than a thousand of them in the city of lights and all were built before the 18th century. The temple of Kashi Vishwanath (Lords of the World) or “Golden Temple” is the most sacred temple in Varanasi. The dome is covered with 820 kg of gold!! Nearby is the Well of Knowledge, many believe that the water from it gives absolute knowledge. Then we will visit the temple of Kedashewar (it stands on the banks of the Ganges, many saw it in the photo - it is visible with red and white walls), the temple of Annapur Bhavani (here they pray to the Mother Goddess), the temple of Durga (there are many monkeys), the temple of Shukreshwar (here women strive and ask for the birth of sons) and the Nepalese Hindu temple of wood.

Mosques are a memory of the 16th and 17th centuries, when the country was ruled by the Great Mongols. Aurangzeb Mosque and Guyanwapi Masjid.

Walk through the narrow streets, learn the legends of this ancient city.

In the evening, we are waiting for one of the most magical sights - Ganga arati (evening prayer). Puja occurs in the ghat of Dashashwamedh. Priests light fires and perform a colorful ritual of worshiping Shiva, Mother Ganges, the Sun, Fire and the world. Thousands of people around are reading prayers, music sounds, lighted candles and floating flowers on the water ... at these moments the heart freezes, it seems even time stops ... Maybe it is, because this city is not for nothing for thousands of years.

Overnight in Varanasi

Sarnath

On this day we will see Varanasi wake up. Let's get up a little before dawn, get in a boat and swim to the middle of the Ganges. At dawn, the water in the rays of the sun seems golden, the city slowly wakes up and the first pilgrims perform a sacred ritual. . Now is the time to see my incredible India.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and head to Sarnath, which is located just 10 km from Varanasi. This place is sacred to Buddhists. Here the Buddha delivered his first sermon about 2,500 years ago. This is an important center of Buddhism, once a monastery and thousands of monks lived here, but Muslims destroyed and plundered this ancient monastery. It was restored and still pilgrims come here. We will see the ancient stupa Dhamek (height 31 m), which was built in the early 6th century. The Buddha said that stupas help to purify and enlighten the mind. Shall we?

Nearby is the Jain temple of Digamber (there are very beautiful frescoes inside) and another modern temple of Mulgandha Kuti Vihar (in the courtyard of this temple there is a tree - a direct descendant of the Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha gained enlightenment).

Everywhere preserved remains of ancient buildings, they create an unusual atmosphere, allow you to get in touch with history. Anyone who studies history and Buddhism should visit.

We'll be back in Varanasi by noon. For lovers of shopping, you can go to see silk products. Varanasi is famous for its silk, brocade made in this city has been famous for many centuries (it is said that the body of the Buddha was wrapped in a silk shroud made here). A feature of local products is embroidery from gold and silver threads. The manufacturing technique is quite complex and requires not only experience, but also time. The quality of these products is recognized not only in India.

And then I suggest you just walk through the narrow streets of this amazing city, after all you saw and learned the day before, the city will seem very different.

In the evening, we are waiting for a trip on a comfortable train back (or a flight by plane). On the way, you can think and decide what Varanasi is for you: the “city of the dead” or still “the city of lights and faith”.

You can arrange accommodation in hotels as 3 * - 4 *, and 5 * on request. All transfers from the airport, to the airport and along the route in comfortable air-conditioned cars. And I, a Russian-speaking guide, will accompany you along the route and help organize your vacation.