| Travel to the city of Varanasi and you will travel back | | | | power, mysticism and long ago ages. You'll know what |
| in time. No other city in India will impact you more than | | | | I mean when you see it. |
| ancient Varanasi. | | | | Ganges |
| Varanasi | | | | The Ganges is the hub of life in Varanasi. The holiest |
| One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is | | | | of cities, Varanasi is known as the city of light, but is |
| located in the upper east area of India and is not far | | | | really the city of death. Believed to have been founded |
| from the border with Nepal. Sitting on the Ganges | | | | by the Hindu goddess Shiva, the city is a mecca for |
| River, the city is an overwhelming display of crowds, | | | | those seeking religious enlightenment. Thousands of |
| colors and ancient Indian architecture. Roads are | | | | Indians seek to cleanse themselves in the waters each |
| packed with people, cars, cows and the pavement is | | | | morning, which makes for an explosion of activity and |
| more or less dirt and mud depending upon when you | | | | colorful dresses. The rest of the day will amaze you |
| are there. | | | | even more. |
| Architecturally, Varanasi is a typical of India itself. You'll | | | | As the holiest Hindu city, many of the Hindu faith |
| find shanty towns and run down homes laying in | | | | believe dying in Varanasi brings enlightenment. |
| contrast to stunning temples and homes of the | | | | Thousands upon thousands of Hindus travel to the city |
| Maharajas. If you want to be impressed, simply walk | | | | in their later years for this purpose. Charitable |
| down to the Ganges River and look up and down the | | | | institutions and Hindu temples take in the multitude of |
| river. The structures lining the river will remind you of | | | | elderly. Although not as prevalent as in the past, many |
| Venice, Italy, without the glitz. The towering structures | | | | of the deceased are cremated in the open on pyres |
| are both beautiful and ancient. | | | | overlooking the Ganges. It is truly a site to be seen. |
| Following this view, a visit to the Darbhanga Ghat is an | | | | In many ways, Varanasi is a microcosm of India. If you |
| eye opener. The massive structure is home to the | | | | visit only one place in India, Varanasi should be the |
| Maharajas of Dharbhanga of Bihar. The Ghat reeks of | | | | destination. |