
Exploring India on the luxurious Deccan Odyssey
11/04/2025 · By Ian Holt
Uncover the wonders of India with Great Rail Journeys on the luxury Deccan Odyssey, visiting the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, and seeking tigers in Ranthambore.
Read moreOn the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi holds sacred status as a spiritual capital of India, with Hindu pilgrims visiting to bathe in the holy waters. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it welcomes millions making pilgrimages here every year.
Ornate temples and decorated shrines line the banks of the river with 'ghats' (or steps) leading down to the waters. It is here where nightly rituals of prayer and offerings to the river goddess Ganga can be witnessed. At sunset, the Gana Aarti ceremonies offer a multi-sensory experience of chanting and music with lanterns lighting the skies and incense filling the air. Varanasi is also famous for the production of fine silk, and you can find your own silk souvenirs to take home from the lively, bustling bazaars and shops throughout the city. You can make a bucket list trip to Varanasi on one of the four Great Rail Journeys tours below.
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