Hugging a crescent-shaped bend of the river Ganga, Varanasi easily claims the title of one of the oldest continually lived-in cities on earth. Whether you call it Kashi, Banaras, or Varanasi, this place has been the heartbeat of trade, religion, and learning for well over 3,000 years.
To Hindus, this is Shiva’s territory. It’s a place where death and liberation (moksha) go hand in hand. You don’t have to look hard to see its age, it’s right there in the stone ghats, the winding, maze-like alleys, and the clanging temple bells.
You can catch a sunrise boat ride to watch pilgrims, priests, and wrestlers start their day on the riverbanks, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and watch the Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Image Credit: Canva
