Varanasi& Sarnath

Route : Delhi-Vranasi-Delhi

Renowned author Mark Twain, who visited India in 1985-86 AD wrote, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

The ancient city of Varansi or Kashi, where time stands still, epitomizes the core of Indian civilization, culture, philosophy and spirituality. The holy river Ganges lined with ancient ghats ( steps) and temples have a unique charm of its own attracting a multitude of travelers and pilgrims who throng the city in their quest for the soul of India.

One of the highlights of a trip to Varanasi is to get on a boat at 6 am and enjoy the early morning views of the city against the back drop of the centuries old temples on the waters of the Ganges at sunrise.  The sights and stories of Varanasi create a net of magic and spirituality that gradually draws in the casual traveler in its embrace. Even a cynic finds something which was missing earlier.

Sarnath is one of the four most revered Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It is here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon referred to as Dharmachakra – Turning the Wheel of the Law, after attaining enlightenment.