The Ghats are undoubtedly the most valuable assets of India. In Hindi Ghat means a riverr landing stairs or the mouantin passes. These ghats are the great bio diversity hot spots and are the home to many endangered species of animals and birds. Ghats in India are mainly constituted by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The Western Ghats extend about 1,609 meters along the coast of Arabian Sea, while the eastern Ghats extend to about 1,448 km along the coast of Bay of Bengal. Apart from the Eastern and Western Ghats there are Varanasi Ghats in India, on the western Bank of the sacred Ganga river. According to the legends taking a dip in these auspicious and sacred ghats of Varanasi cleanses all sins and ensures a freedom from the Hindu cycles of rebirth
Unlike Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats are continuous range of mountains. Starting at South of the Tapti river (near the border of Gujrat and Maharastra), Western Ghats cover 1600 Km, and pass through states like Maharastra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. The mountain range of Western Ghats end at Kanyakumari, the southern end of India.
Eastern Ghats are older than Western Ghats. They are discontinuous range of mountain set along Eastern coast. Starting at West Bengal, Eastern Ghats pass through states like Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. These Ghats are ripped through by rivers like Godawari, Mahanadi, Krishna and Kaveri, the four major rivers of South India.
River GhatsHar Ki Pauri is the major pilgrimage attraction in the city of Haridwar, in Uttaranchal. Located on Bank of Ganga, it is considered as extremely sacred where the footprints (Charan) of Lord Vishnu (Hari) are found. It is the one such spot where the holy Ganges enters the plains. and is a site where the Kumbh mela is held every 12 years.
About Allahabad city of Allahabad is among the largest cities of Uttar Pradesh and is situated at the confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. The meeting point is known as 'Triveni' and is especially sacred to Hindus. The earlier settlements of the Aryans were established in this city, then known as Prayag. Its sanctity is manifest by references to it in Purans, the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth (i.e. Prayag) to perform 'Prakrista Yag', at the beginning of the creation and he also referred to it as 'Tirth Raj' or the 'King of all pilgrimage centres'. As per writing of 'Padam Puran' - "As the sun is amongst the moon and the moon amongst the stars, likewise 'Prayag' is best amongst all places of pilgrimage".
Emperor Akbar founded this city in 1575 AD by the name of 'Illahabas' which has now become modern Allahabad. The monarch realized its strategic importance as a waterway landmark in North India and also built a magnificent fort on the banks of holi 'Yamuna'. Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture and religion create a magical confluence, much like the sacred rivers that caress this blessed land. Due to its religious importance, many pilgrims come to Allahabad in the bathing season, the Hindu month of Magh (mid January to mid-february), to purify themselves. During this month, a great gathering and fair called Magh Mela takes place on the sands. Every 12th year when the waters are felt to be especially purifying, Allahabad holds a much greater festival called Kumbh Mela. Many millions of pilgrims attend this festival, coming from all over India. It is believed that bathing during Kumbh cures the bather of all sins and evils and grants the bather salvation.
In 1885, Mark Twain wrote about Allahabad Kumbh -"Pilgrims plodded for months in heat to get here, worn, poor and hungry, but sustained by unwavering faith
1) Varanasi Ghats: The ghats on the banks of the river Ganges are the soul of Varanasi. The ghats are virtually the kaleidoscope of belief, customs and traditions that constitute the philiosphy that is Varanasi. There are 84 ghats in number – huge rectangular stairs that lead to the river edge. Some of them were built as early as the 12 century while others have a more recent origin..
2) Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Originally built in 1776 by Maharani Ahilya Devi of Indore, the towers of the temple were gold plated by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835 who donated 1000 kg of gold. The ‘shivalinga' in the temple 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar.
3) St. Mary's Church: St. Mary's is probably the oldest Protestant Church in North India outside Calcutta. The foundation stone was laid on 29th April 1810 by Daniel Corrie. This beautiful Church is situated in 11.25 acres of land and has historic background which will be seen from the monuments in the campus of British soldiers who died in action. St Mary"s Church is situated in the cantonment area of Varanasi. This church has a low tower, spire and projecting portico. There are three simple louvered doors beneath plain cornices alternating with two bays, each with white plaster niches. Above each doorway is a rectangular fanlight, protected from the glare of the sun by a plain timber canopy - a simple device which has a major architectural impact.
4) Manikarnika Ghat: Also known as the "Mahashamsana' or the ‘ Great Cremation Ground of the World', Manikarnika ghat is where dead are brought from all over the country to be cremated by fire. There is a ‘sacred fire' that has been burning since centuries and it is the fire from this that is used for the cremation. It is believed that those who are cremated at Manikarnika ghat attain moksha and their souls are set free from the endless cycle of birth and death.
5) Bharat Kala Bhavan: An archaeological museum built in the campus of the Banaras Hindu University. Established in 1920, the museum has vast collection of over 100,000 artifacts like paintings, textiles, costumes, decorative arts, Indian philately and literary and archival materials. The first floor has Numismatic Gallery (collection of coins), Archaeological Gallery, Decorative Art Gallery, Benaras Through the Ages Gallery and Galleries on Alice Boner and M. K. Gupta. There are some proposed extensions of galleries like the Gallery of Archive and Literary Materials, Gallery on Textiles and Costumes and a Gallery of Metal Images.
6) Ramnagar Fort : This fort-palace was built in the eighteenth century and is the home of the king of Kashi( or Varanasi). Built in red sandstone, the fort has a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage Cars, Royal palkies, an armory of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. Also, on display are ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs and weapons.
7) Chunar Fort: Built by Maharaja Vikramaditya, the king of Ujjain(in Madhyapradesh), this fort had been the stronghold of Babar followed by Shershah Suri, Humayun, Akbar, Aurangzeb and finally,' the Britishers.Chunar fort is constructed at a height of 80' to 175' from the land level of Chunar. The fort area is approx. 3400 Sq. yard, its length is 800 yard & width is 133 to 300 yard. The Chunar Fort is located at a distance of 42 kilometers fron Varanasi city. Worth seeing inside the fort are the Sonva Mandap, Raja Bhartihari Samadhi, Bavan Khamba & Solar Watch.
8) Sarnath : A small town barely 12 kms from Varanasi rail junction, Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage site. This is where the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath is home to the excavated remains of the ancient Buddhist monasteries, the famous Lion capital – India's national emblem, a archaeological museum, huge stupas including the Dhamek and Chaukhandi Stupa and many Buddhist temples built here by missions from Japan, China, Tibet, Cambodia and others.
9) Nepali Temple: This unique temple is situated on the Lalita Ghat on the bank of the river Ganges. The temple was commissioned by the King of Nepal and is built in the Nepali style of architecture by workers who were brought from Nepal to create this marvel. The wood used in the temple is also found in Nepal. The specialty of the wood used in the temple is that termites do not eat this wood. The temple features magnificent wood work and there are erotic wooden sculptures built in to the external columns and facades.Due to the erotic sculptures, it is also called ‘mini-khajuraho'. Another popular name for this temple is the ‘kaathwala' temple.
10) Lakhania Dari Caves and Waterfall: Located at a distance of around 45 kms from Varanasi are the beautiful small hills of the Vindhyanchal mountain ranges. Ensconced in the hills is a mesmerizing waterfall that drains in to a small clear water lake. This is the Lakhania Dari. A small stream originates from the lake and huge boulders are strewn all over the two km long trek that leads to the waterfall from the lake. Ancient rock caves can be seen on the rocky face of the hills that surround the region. A visual treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visit The Holy City Of India With Varanasi Tours
Famous for being the centre for attaining "moksha" or salvation the city of Varanasi is the holiest place in India. People from all over the country come to Varanasi to take a dip in the holy river Ganga and attain purification of body and soul. India has always been considered as a mystical country with many layers to it. A trip to the city of Varanasi will introduce you to one of the many layers India has in it. India is home to many great religions like Hinduism, Bhuddhism and Jainisim, which have co-existed peacefully with religions from outside like Islam, Christianity, Jew and Parsi.
Varanasi is the oldest city in the world and has many places of historical and cultural importance. Varanasi is not just an important Hinduism centre but also Buddhism and Jainism. There are many Hindu temples as well as Buddhist Stupas and Jain Temples. The centre of attraction in Varanasi has to be the bank of river Ganga. The sight of Sadhus and Sanyasis sitting at the bank, praying to almighty is bliss. The riverbank is also centre of many other activities, including small heritage walks, shops and other items. Bharat Kala Kendra, Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Fort, Chunar Fort, and Chandraprabha Fort are few of the most famous sightseeing options. There are many famous temples in Varanasi including Sankat Mochan Temple, Tusli Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, and Vishwanath temple etc. the Buddhist Stupas and temples at Sarnath are also a very popular tourist attraction.
Varanasi has been the learning centre of ancient India. People from all over used to come here and study religion, art, history and astrology. The trend still continues so. Varanasi is a hub of intellectual and learning centers. Varanasi is also famous for its music and dance. Most of the music, vocal and instrumental both take inspiration from the spiritual and devotional aura of Varanasi. Sadhus in their orange attires roam around happily singing and paying their ektara. Cuisine of a place tells a lot about the kind of place it is. Varanasi has a vegetarian based cuisine most of which has sweets and snacks. One of the most popular snacks is "paan" or betel leaf. You can get hundreds of variety of paan here. Golgappas, Chaat, Dahi-Bhalle are few other popular snacks of Varanasi. Jalebi-Dhoodh, Rabri and Peda are famous sweets of Varanasi. If you want to shop for some exclusive jewelries and silk then Varanasi is the place to be. Local markets here offer you good deals with silk fabrics and silver ornaments.
There are many tour packages tailor made to suit your demands to visit Varanasi and immerse in the spiritual aura. Ganges Tour Package is one of them. This package takes you to the City of Varanasi starting from Delhi. India mystical tour Package introduces you to the mystical land of Varanasi and lets you explore the various facets of the city. India Temple Tour Package will suit your need to see Varanasi and its temples.
Come to the mystical land of Ganga and forget all worldly affairs. Soak your senses in the daily evening aarti at Ganga bank. The famous lines from a Hollywood movie - Eat, Pray and love suits Varanasi the best. Come here and enjoy few of the best and relieved moments of your life.
