Varanasi

Varanasi has fascinated me .This was my first trip and I am completely awestruck by the mystery and splendour of the place. I think it is one of the most interesting and exciting places in the world. If one wishes to to see the two faces of India Varanasi is the place to visit. It is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, the secular and dogmatic. I have never been so overwhelmed by any place. The boat ride on the Ganges overlooking the famous Ghats of Varanasi can be a completely divine experience. The endless burning flames of Manikarnika Ghat reminded me once again how insignificant our life is. I felt as if I was floating in a timeless, cosmic state.
The place seems to be completely at peace with almighty -a stunningly beautiful mosque coming up just adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple , thousands of hindu pilgrims on the way to the DASASVAMEDHA ghat filing past wonderfully mounted muharram processions, St.Thomas Church decked up for Christmas and new year – the images present a glorious collage of diversity.
Modern Varanasi is like any other part of globalised India with its malls,McDonalds, multistoried buildings,latest cars, expensive apartments, new construction projects coming up all around.It however still lacks the culture of eating out. Getting good food outside is an uphill task. Mornings are dominated by jalebi and kachori breakfasts and rest of the day it is mostly a vegetarian affair. Guavas are available in abundance during this time of the year.Milk and milk based products are also readily available.