God’s Own Abode..

As luminescent diyas dot the banks of the Ganges like a shimmering carpet of gold, and as the bells of the priest ring in the much sought-after evening aarti, you feel strangely close to heaven. The evening aarti, a flamboyant and elaborate affair complete with props and intricate choreography, takes place every day at sunset at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, near the Kashi Vishwanath temple. But a morning boat excursion can introduce you to unique sights and narrations, unseen anywhere else in the world. Inspite of the pollution that’s now so omnipresent that its hard to miss, you feel a sublime connect with the higher energy, an experience that stays with you, long after everything else has faded.

Keeping in spirit with the vibrancy and homeliness of Varanasi is the aesthetically designed yet simple and cosy Aashray Homestay, your home away from home. Once rested, be sure to visit Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermons to his five disciples following his enlightenment. The Ashokan Lion Capital at the Sarnath Archeological Museum is a must-see.