Varanasi hits you the second you arrive. It just feels ancient. Between the constant temple chants, and the endless stretch of the Ganga, the city creates an atmosphere that sticks with you. This is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and here everything revolves around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the river ghats.
On sunset, Dashashwamedh Ghat gives you a spiritual spectacle during the Ganga Aarti with the light of diyas and the echo of conches. But it’s not all massive crowds. Early mornings at Assi Ghat for are peaceful, filled with yoga, classical music, and stunning sunrises.
Manikarnika Ghat here is a sacred cremation ground. Treat it with absolute respect, which means putting the camera away. Food-wise, you can’t leave without eating hot kachori-sabzi for breakfast, drinking a Banarasi chai in a kulhad cup, and chewing on the city’s legendary paan.
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