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Wonder is when age knows no bounds; for a 5-year-old child standing beside you charms you as much as the 5,000-year-old city you are standing in. Wonder is when nation knows no bounds, when faith knows no bounds, when time knows no bounds and when you know no bounds. This ancient city of Varanasi, previously called Banaras, defines every possible dynamic of 'wonder'.
The acclaimed writer Mark Twain was so taken over by the wonder of this eternal city that he remarked, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." When Twain mentions old, it's not quantity that he's referring to but quality. It's the good ol' old with a taint of gold.
The tall buildings, flowing river, jittery people, chiming bells, noisy streets - they all blend in so beautifully that one would never want to leave this holy city. So you ask, what about the beggars bothering tourists, shopkeepers fluctuating the always fixed-price of goods, cows and snake-charmers who have come back from the legends of India abroad?
Well, what about it! It is a transcendental world! Spiritual seekers come to experience just that and more! There has never been anything wrong with the setting sun for it inspires a hope of tomorrow - a new sun!
So here's what wonder looks like...
Ahilya Ghat, Of Everyday Colours...
Make sure you visit all the ghats on the banks of River Ganges. Ahilya Ghat in particular will acquaint you with a serene and yet vibrant colours of everyday!
Jago re, Of Morning Teas...
The holy sadhus don't miss their morning tea, neither should you! You're sure to find a tea stall in every street corner; savour every sip...
"Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge..."
Take a boat ride early in the morning. Or sit on the ghats and watch the sun rise. You could also walk the streets near the temples...
Fresh Old Eyes
Buy fresh flowers at temple corners! The colours and fragrance of the flowers will surely force you to take your cameras out of your bag...
Of Intense Looks and Fun Talk
The intense looking Sadhus on the ghats will be a revelation. Talk to a couple of them and rediscover the child within. But just be sure who you talk to...
Hop While You Shop
You cannot not hop while you shop because of the cattle that barges in the main market. The fixed-rates of items on sale could also make you hop. It's best to take a friend along if you can't speak the local language.
Moo, Of Cow Love
You'll find cattle wandering about just everywhere in Varanasi. Hakuna Matata! Give it a warm stroke and move on...
Outlandish Arrivals
Spiritual tourists and photographers from all over the world come here. Yoga, dance, meditation are some of the many things that pull foreigners here!
Security Check
Police ensure complete security to all tourists. But your spiritual tour to Varanasi will teach you that you're always at your own risk. Always.
Manikarnika Ghat, The Cycle of Life...
Moksha is the word often thrown at you in Varanasi. If bodies are burnt on the ghats or if one dies in Varanasi, they go to heaven - liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Magical Realism?
The magic of Varanasi is revealed at the Ganga Aarti performed every evening. Do not miss your chance to witness people drowned in devotion.
Peek-a-boo
Dive into one of the local shops and savour traditional snacks that you'd have never imagined existed.
And, The Wonder Continues...
The story of beggars isn't wrong. The story of wonder isn't wrong either. As a traveller along the journey of life, you are free to choose what you experience...
