Subah E Banaras

Overview

This theatre of sacred spaces, offers you one of the most sublime spiritual experiences in the holy city of Kashi, the abode of Lord Shiva, and what we know as present-day Varanasi. Home to over 2000 temples, set up over the centuries, Varanasi attracts visitors from home and aboard to imbibe of its spiritual and cultural richness which defines its ancient moorings. One of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in the world, it is imbued with the deepest permutations of the Hindu faith. Its ghats and temples with their ritualistic purposes are richly symbolic of these spiritual pursuits which include the intervention of Lord Shiva in the cycle of death and rebirth.

The morning boat ride on the holy Ganga is almost a spiritual ritual as you float past the heritage zone that comprises the temples and sacred ghats on the shoreline, watch the sunrise and the devout pay obeisance to Lord Surya…

Why you will love it

• This is the iconic Varanasi experience. The sunrise, the bathing devotees, and Ma Ganga all make the experience one of sublime spiritual satisfaction.
• Boat ride on the holy Ganga past the sacred ghats and temples such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is at the heart of the adulation of Lord Shiva
• Listen to stories what make Varanasi truly unique

What you will experience

Varanasi’s riverfront heritage zone features 84 ghats over a stretch of about 7 km, curving along the crescent-shaped bank of the holy Ganga from the confluence of Assi waterway in the south to the confluence of the Varana river in the north. Though its cultural importance has been witnessed since the 7th century it was from the 18th and 19th century that there was a predominance of palatial structures buildings built under the patronage of the Marathas, right through to the 20th century.

As the sun rises you will see those who flock to the riverside for morning worship. Along the way, you will hear some interesting history of the ghats and their patronage by the maharajas who built them. The adventure ends with a short walking tour around a hidden sun temple or a fantastic sunrise view from the riverside.