It is hard to remain unmoved by the spiritual energy in Varanasi. The ancient city in Uttar Pradesh leaves a mark on all its visitors – whether they come to wash off their sins in the holy waters of River Ganges or to find the answers of mortality in the land of life and death.

Rise with the morning light to catch the first glimpse of Varanasi. At dawn, a boat ride along the ghats on the calm waters of the Ganges is an experience that will stay forever etched in your memory. As the boat rows, the everyday sights will unfold before you… worshippers taking a dip in the holy river, priests performing the morning aarti, people meditating and performing yoga along the banks, and flowers carrying prayers floating in the waters – this quiet fortitude of the city attracts travellers aplenty. You can then take a stroll on the labyrinth streets that invariably revolve around the temples and the Ganges and scout for Banarasi sarees and other souvenirs. But make sure you get to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in time for the Varanasi evening aarti ceremony and find a good spot to watch the ritual.

Huge crowds gather on the ghat just before twilight to see the famed live Ganga aarti ceremony, when priests chant mantras and worship the sacred river and the Gods. The light from the massive brass lamps, the sound of conch shells, the fragrance of incense sticks in the air have a staggering effect on unsuspecting travellers.