Overview
Varanasi:
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major spiritual hub in India. Located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, it is revered as the city of Lord Shiva. Varanasi is famous for its ghats, where pilgrims perform rituals, bathe in the holy river, and cremate the dead. The city is also home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a daily spiritual spectacle that draws visitors from around the world.
Gaya:
Gaya is a significant religious site in Bihar, known primarily for its association with Buddhism and Hinduism. Bodh Gaya, a part of Gaya, is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a symbol of peace and enlightenment. Gaya is also important in Hinduism for the Vishnupad Temple, where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is said to be imprinted on a rock. The city is a key location for performing the Pind Daan rituals, which are believed to help ancestors attain salvation.
Varanasi Gaya Tour
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Evening Ganga Aarti
- Sarnath
- Vishnupad Temple
- Bodh Gaya