Varanasi is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities whose traces can be found in Hindu epic books. Its name is derived from the two tributaries of Ganga River, Varuna and Assi; other names are Banares and Kashi. The city is recognized for being a sacred place for death. Hindu mythology states cremation in this city helps one achieve moksha (salvation). A lot of pilgrims and travelers throng the city; some to take blessings and a holy dip in Ganga and some to unlock its religious mysteries. The river is edged by 84 ghats that dub the city as 'City of Ghats'. A boat ride is the best way to see them which also rewards with stunning sunrise and sunset views.
It is one of the prominent ghats famous for the grand Ganga Aarti. The legend associated with it says it was this place where Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna. You should attend the evening Ganga aarti which is held as a daily ritual. It is performed by chief priests creating a blissful environment that soothes the soul.
A visit to this ghat will open your eyes to different cultures and experiences you’d never seen before. Named after the Rani of Jhansi, it is venerated for being am an auspicious place for death. It is mainly a revered cremation ground where last rites are performed by family members. The dead one is believed to attain moksha after cremating here.
Visit this popular Shiva temple which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (holiest Shiva temples). It is located on the western bank of Ganga River. The presiding deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. The most striking feature you should not miss is 15.5 m high gold spire and three gold domes.
Sankat Mochan meaning 'remover of difficulties' is a popular name used to address Lord Hanuman, to which this temple is dedicated to. It was established by noted Hindu preacher and Saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century on the bank of Assi River. You will see the idol of Lord Hanuman facing his Lord Rama.
The mystical temple dedicated to Hindu poet-saint Tulsidas is a must-visit in Varanasi. It is said that Tulsidas translated Hindu scripture, Ramayana from the Sanskrit language to Awadhi dialect in this temple. Take a tour and see its beautiful walls adorned with verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas.
It is a heritage fort that once belonged to Maharaja Kashi Naresh of Benaras (now Varanasi). He built it in the 17th century on the bank of Ganga River following Mughal architecture. Extensive use of sandstone can be seen on the fort. A part of it is still the residence of the descendants of the last ruling Maharaja of Varanasi. You can also admire its beauty with a boat ride.
By Air- The easiest way to get here is to fly to Babatpur (26 km away) which has Varanasi's nearest airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
By Rail- Varanasi Cantt and Mughal Sarai are the main railway stations that connect it with all major cities.
By Road- It is well-connected through the National Highways with the rest of the country.
MarcoFrance1965
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE !
I just came back from a 12 days Rajasthan tour. It was just myself and my 14 year olde daughter. I found Caper surfing the web and had non suggestion from friends and had never read comments or reviews about it. Totally "blind-choice". I was very lucky. The organization was really excellent. The agent that followed us, Mr. Praveen Juyal did a great job. I decided our itinerary and he punctually gave me suggestions on the best management of my choices. The hotel choice was fine and confirmed expectations. We had tour guides in every site seeing location and they were all extremely professional, very punctual and really kind and polite.
But I must say that what made the trip even better was our driver; Mr. Deshraj.
One of those persons that you really wish you could meet once in your life. Not only an excellent driver but always helpful, respectful and friendly. He explained us many things about Indian life along the journey and sometimes stopped for short breaks in beautiful places on the road that were not even mentioned in the guide books. My only regret is that at the end of the trip I didn't have much money left and I left a tip probably not adeguate for the kind of service but I will definitely send him try to sort this maybe in a next trip. Thank you very much Caper and Deshraj.
Dreamer802943
A Memorable Trip
We recently concluded a 12 day driving tour of New Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan with Caper Travel. It was most enjoyable !! The logistics arrangements were excellent - from tour planning , hotel selection , vehicle condition to driver. Mr Alok handled the planning, and Mr Vikram was our Tempo driver throughout the journey. Mr Vikram was very helpful , accommodating and patient throughout the tour, despite long hours of driving on the roads ( not to mention India traffic}. We would not hesitate to recommend Caper to our fellow travellers who are thinking of visiting India. Thank You Caper !
goochie33, London, United Kingdom
Golden triangle goa and mumbia
Just come back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience. All the cities were wonderful but be prepared to see lots of temple one seems to run into another but wow the taj was my highlight along with the Hindu temple in Delhi. The driving the cows the dogs are everywhere are all an experience. Goa was beautiful we stayed at the taj exotica. In mumbia we done a city tour and ended our trip in the taj for afternoon tea another must. It is a exhilarating trip but one I will never forget. From booking with Manika to all the drivers and guides they were always there to meet us from the airport and hotels on time. They really looked after us thank you all.
Aileen M
Wonderful trip
We have just returned from our first trip to India and we must say it was absolutely fascinating. The itinerary was first class and covered everything we could have wished for. On arrival we were met by a very nice rep and driver who took us to our hotel and sorted out the necessary paperwork with us. We had our driver Vishan for our time in the north and he was terrific, kept the vehicle spotless and kept us supplied with water. We then flew to the south of India and met up with our driver Suhdeer who again was very nice and very informative about things as we drove along. The guides we had on all our trips were excellent and again very informative.
The only down side to it all was that in our package we paid for the drivers accommodation, food and allowance only to find out that the drivers don’t receive this money and if they want accommodation they have to pay for it themselves. We ended up paying one of our drivers an amount for the nights that we had him for him to get somewhere to sleep and food as we were concerned that if he slept in his car he wouldn’t be rested enough to take on the next day driving for 4-5 hours.
All in all Caper Travel are excellent in their planning and can’t fault them for that.
Urquiola, New York City, New York
Caper travel
Recently traveled to India on a private guided tour with Caper Travel. Ms. Mumtaz Khan worked with me on arranging my itinerary.
She was always available to answer all my concerns immediately. On my arrival in Delhi I was welcome with warm smile at the airport by a young gentleman name Kapol Joshi . My experience with the company was amazing and I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to India.
I would also like to mention the personal attention I received at Amritsar by Aman Shara and his lovely wife who welcomed me and my son to their home
and soon to open their beautiful hotel.
Any Query? Please write us at info@india-travel-packages.in
