Banaras (Varanasi) - Do not visit in August.

Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is the only place where one can find peace amidst the chaos, despite being the oldest city in the world. The boat ride in the calm waters of the Ganga at dawn, watching the sun’s first rays turning the water golden. The beautiful bee-line of the Ghats which define Banaras! One peculiar Ghat amongst them is the Manikarnika Ghat, the central cremation site of the city, adorned with pyres round the clock. Visiting this Ghat brings you close to death in an enlightening way, with the realization of how important life is. According to Hindu mythology, the person cremated here attains Nirvana.

Another surreal experience is the legendary Ganga aarti, an event in itself, which is witnessed and documented by people from far & wide. The sound of the bells and the verses is music to the ears, coupled with the sync and devotion exhibited of the performing priests, a feeling that cannot be felt anywhere.

Banaras is known for its street food and bhang, making it the sole place in the country to sell it legally. From the mouth-watering puri-aloo to the chats and from kulhad chais to bhang-lassi, Banaras does has its way to please everyone!!

This was my second visit to Varanasi and I would strongly suggest to visit Varanasi only in the months of November - February.First time I visited in the month of November and it was nice and cold. The recent visit was in the month of August and it was crazily hot & sultry.