5Varanasi, India

Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, as well as an important site for Buddhism and Jainism.

Walking along the ghats (steps leading down to the river) in Varanasi is a spiritual journey. Pilgrims from all over India come here to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform rituals that have been practiced for millennia. The city’s narrow streets are filled with temples, ashrams, and markets, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. In Varanasi, time seems to stand still, and travelers can experience the deep spiritual traditions that have shaped India for thousands of years.

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