Walk through Varanasi's streets - Of chaos and creation

Itinerary
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Pass By: Assi Ghat, Sdkfjl, Varanasi 221005 India

Hailed as one of the seven prominent cities of Hinduism, Varanasi pulsates with the crowd, clamour and chaos…as an embodiment of the universe of living. Above all, there are also the chimes of the innumerable temples whose spires rise above the plumes of smoke from the rituals near the Ghats of Ganges. So, here is a city that represents the cycle of life…from its narrow lanes, the crowded streets, the noise, the calls, the cries, the colours to that which is finally ashen…everything that supposedly drains its soul into the Ganges! Walk through this holy city that will beckon you in spirit and body…and leave you charmed all the way!

The meeting point of the 3-hour walking tour of Varanasi is the Sanskrit university. Established in 1791 to facilitate learning of Sanskrit as a hard-core discipline, the college was converted into a university under the aegis of Dr. Sampurnanand. Hailed as one of the best universities in Asia, you will find the heritage of this place spanning religious and geographical boundaries.

Your discovery of Varanasi will continue as you follow the trail by catching a rickshaw to Gola Dinanath or the Spice market. Here is a place where you will find more than 20,000 herb varieties popularly used in Unani and Ayurveda. The market is known to be Asia’s largest for its groceries and following the clank of brass utensils, you will be at the Thatheri market derived from the community of Thatheras who engaged in the making of brassware. Pick a few of the quaint artefacts before you make your way to the Perfume market, which is famous for its traditional perfumes and is the biggest in the town.

From the fragrances of the perfume market to the wafting aromas of Kachoris, you will find the famous Kachori market sizzling in blackened cauldrons. The tantalizing flavours and the piping hot freshness will draw you into the throng of people, just to dig into these delicacies served with imli and mint chutney. From eating to praying, follow the Vishwanath Gali, pick a few trinkets, pooja items to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is a crowd-puller for the legends it is steeped in.

On following the temple paths through the Nepali Khapda Gali to visit the 19th century Nepali temple built by the King of Kathmandu. Built of stone, terracotta and wood, the temple is a replica of the Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu. The river steps from this temple will take you to the Mansingh observatory located on the western banks of the river Ganges. A classic example of Mughal-Rajput architecture, it is famous for its stone masonry observatory. While you explore, make sure to keep your cameras handy for a few clicks and as you head out to Gowdowlia crossing, you will revisit those snapshots of a city…lively, holy, of the material and spiritual streaming its way alongside the Ganges!