A City Older Than Time
A city as ancient as time itself, Varanasi, fondly called Kashi or Benaras. Here, time flows like the sacred Ganges, and every narrow lane echoes with centuries of stories. With Souvenir, a day in this timeless city becomes a journey into the heart of India. Wake to the rhythmic chants from temple courtyards, walk past saffron-clad sadhus and silken Banarasi weaves, and feel the pulse of a city that has stood for over 3,000 years, never losing its mystique.
Glide along the ghats at dawn as the river blushes under the rising sun, witness the quiet devotion of pilgrims, and partake in the powerful energy of the evening Aarti, as flames rise skyward and the air thickens with incense, music, and prayer.
We shape your day with care, letting Kashi reveal itself like a slow, sacred hymn. At the first light of dawn, we set out on a boat ride along the Ganges as the river reflects the golden glow of morning and the ghats come alive. Hear the soft, insistent ring of temple bells. Watch the faithful offer their prayers. Feel the river's current carry centuries of devotion in its gentle flow.
Next, we walk to a traditional Akhada, where wrestlers train in the ancient art of kushti, a form of Indian wrestling practiced here for years. In the sacred stillness of the mud pit, strength meets discipline, and every movement becomes a ritual passed down through generations.
As we continue our journey, we walk along the ghats and pass silently by Manikarnika Ghat, where the eternal flames never rest, holding space for life's final rites with quiet dignity. This ancient cremation ground is one of the holiest in India, where fire meets faith, and souls are believed to attain moksha, freedom from the cycle of rebirth. It is not sorrowful, but sacred.
As the sun dips behind the river, you'll step aboard a private boat once more to witness the Ganga Aarti, a sacred ritual where fire becomes prayer and the river becomes a temple. Priests move in graceful rhythm, lifting brass lamps that light up the dusk like stars. The sound of bells, chants, and flowing incense fills the air, while the Ganges glows with a thousand tiny flames drifting on its surface. It's a moment that feels both vast and intimate, ancient yet alive. And as you sit there, feet tucked under you, heart wide open, you'll understand: Varanasi doesn't just stay with you. It becomes a part of you.