It’s funny when you consider yourself a bit of a world vagabond, trying to see as much of the world as you can, only to find that there are hidden gems that are in plain site that you’ve never considered. When we here think of all of the destinations where we’ve been able to step out of the plane into something completely different. India is the subject today. We’ve been twice and have only scratched the surface. Your editor has been very fortunate to be a part of Expedia companies over the years (including now) which has certainly not only made our quests much easier to attain, but also has returned us with a little bit of monetary benefits, too. Stepping away from the monetary aspects, the best perks are when we meet new people in new places.
That happened to us today when a YouTube video popped up out of nowhere extoling the virtues of Varanasi, India. Shamefully, that’s a new place for us that we haven’t visited. So, join us with this pilgrimage of our own here. Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, stands apart from the rest of India due to its unparalleled and intense concentration of spirituality, its ancient history intertwined with the cycle of life and death, and its vibrant, unfiltered display of Hindu religious practices.
Did you know that Varanasi is Oldest Continuously Inhabited City: Varanasi is often touted as one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, with a history stretching back over 3,000 years, and some archaeological findings suggesting habitation as far back as 1800 BCE. This immense age gives it a palpable sense of timelessness and a deep connection to ancient traditions.
The city is inextricably linked to the sacred Ganges River, which Hindus revere as a living goddess. Millions of pilgrims visit Varanasi to bathe in its waters, believing it has the power to cleanse sins and lead to spiritual liberation. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city, this is one of the most important Jyotirlingas (devotional shrines of Shiva), symbolizing a fiery pillar of light. The omnipresent devotion to Shiva is a defining feature. It’s something to behold. Unforgettable. Watch above.
Want to get there? Expedia can make your trip a breeze. Flights, stays, cars and more. To book, click here