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8 Reasons to love India's happiest & hippiest city

Winnie Karnik, September 30, 2016
Varanasi by the day

Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.

– Mark Twain

Kashi, as it was called in the days of yore, is the cradle of Indian Vedic culture. It is the oldest living city of India and as Mark Twain puts it, it is older than time. There's a whole lot of folklore associated with Varanasi - how it it was formed by Lord Shiva and how it became an important place in Mahabharata. Today, it still retains its old-world charm and the past is very much present. Varanasi is a melodious cacophony of its historical fragments and contemporary existence. There’s some enigmatic beauty in its chaos, which you may explore by taking a flight ticket down to Varanasi. It has emerged as India's happiest and hippiest city. 

I am Varanasi, I am older than time

Ghats of Varanasi

Timeless Aura: Feel the pulse of history in every ancient alley and crumbling step of the ghats. Varanasi is truly older than time, inviting you to leave your own mark on its enduring legacy.

Everyone washes their sins here. Even the 200-year-old sunken Shiva temple

A sunken temple

Sacred Ghats: Witness the daily rituals of life and death along the iconic Ghats of Varanasi, where pilgrims cleanse their sins in the holy Ganges. Don't miss the unique sight of the 200-year-old sunken Shiva temple.

Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon

Sarnath, Varanasi

Spiritual Enlightenment (Sarnath): Just a short journey away lies Sarnath, the sacred spot where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon. A profound experience for seekers of peace and wisdom.

The Saadhus seem to have frozen with time as well

Saadhus of Varanasi

Enigmatic Sadhus: Encounter the captivating Sadhus of Varanasi, who seem to have transcended time, living testaments to ancient spiritual practices.

The sacred Ganga Aarti is extremely musical and soulful

Ganga Aarti at Varanasi

Soulful Ganga Aarti: Be mesmerized by the spectacular and deeply moving Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, a musical and soulful spectacle that ignites the senses.

Fruit lassi, pizza like dosa, pan, chaat and kullad wali chai - Benarasis treat their bellies well

Yummy street food of Varanasi

Culinary Delights: Treat your taste buds to the legendary street food of Varanasi! From creamy fruit lassi and unique pizza-like dosa to flavorful paan, spicy chaat, and comforting kullad wali chai, Benarasis truly know how to feast.

That's what Varanasi is about, leaving your own mark on time. Graffiti by yours truly!

Ganesha, the elephant God

Vibrant Arts & Graffiti: Beyond its ancient allure, Varanasi embraces artistic expression, including captivating graffiti that adds a modern touch to its historic walls.

Colours and cacophony go hand-in-hand here

Colours of Varanasi

Colors and Cacophony: Experience a city where vibrant colors, bustling energy, and a melodic cacophony create an unparalleled, immersive atmosphere.

Varanasi isn't just a destination; it's an experience that awakens the senses and touches the soul.

Plan Your Journey to Varanasi!

Ready to immerse yourself in the spiritual and vibrant heart of India?