Have you ever observed the making of a garland? Isn’t it a beautiful sight?
Yes, it is. We feel that India is very much alike to that garland which has strung all the variety of beautifully scented flower-like cities, together. It’s a nation full of patriotism, cultural beliefs and spiritual vibes. Along with its great historical and mythological background, India is known by the World for its people & values.
Varanasi, Pushkar, Ujjain, Kannauj, Madhurai, Patna are some of the oldest cities of India with an enormous religious connotation while Amritsar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Bodhgaya, Haridwar (and Varanasi) are considered to be the most spiritual cities of the country that absolutely provide peace to one’s soul.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Also known as Kashi and Banaras, Varanasi is indeed the Spiritual Capital of India. The city has a rooted connection with Hinduism since its existence. Mukti Bhawan or Hotel Salvation is one of the most astounding and astonishing places one would come across in Varanasi. It is a place where people check-in and wait for their death. Many Indians want to go have a dip in the Ganga at Varanasi, believing that doing so could wash away their sins and when they die they will be at peace and attain Moksha. But there are thousands of others who go to the extreme by staying in Mukti Bhawan waiting for their death.
Ganga Aarti is the most spectacular ceremony that takes place every evening for around 45 minutes at the Dashashwamedh ghat. It is an Agni Pooja performed towards Lord Shiva, Mata Gange, Surya and Agni (Fire). All the priests wear the same cloth (Dhoti and Kurta). This ritual is performed by the students of the Vedas and Upanishads. The aarti starts in a well-organized manner by having a heavy brass lighting lamp, reciting mantras in rhythms and blowing of conch shells in intervals. This beautiful ritual makes every moment of the evening special and fills the air with spiritual vibes and thoughts. There’s so much about this “city of lights” to be honest that one requires to travel there and experience it all.
New Delhi to Varanasi- 800 Kms
By Road Approx 14 hoursBy Train Approx 14 hours train from New Delhi Railway Station
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is famed for its out of this world- Camel Fair which is one of India’s most tourism destinations. It’s the smallest yet oldest town in India which lies on the Shore of the Pushkar Lake. This tiny desert town is surrounded by abundant temples, and the most renowned temple is the Brahma Temple.
The initial purpose behind the annual Camel Fair was to attract camel traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima Festival (full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik) in November. But now, Rajasthan Tourism organizes assorted activities to keep travelers engaged. Even you can eyewitness the extravaganza of the camel fair from above in a hot air balloon. WOW!
If you really want to see the true colors of Pushkar then do not miss the evocative evening Maha Aarti (one of the rituals in Hinduism) ceremony held close to Pushkar Lake.
New Delhi to Pushkar- 406 kms
By Road Approx 8 hours
By Train Approx 7 hours from New Delhi Railway Station
Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar had attained its name- ‘Holy Pool of Nectar’ from the water body around the Golden Temple, which has multiple names such as Darbar Sahib, Harmandir Sahib and Swarna Mandir. This holy city was founded by Guru Ram Das ji (the fourth Sikh Guru) in the late 15th century.
Amritsar is the spiritual capital of the Sikhs, every day there’s a footfall of approximately 1 Lakh people to the impeccable Golden Temple. This peaceful city has a lot to offer, from heavenly food, such as Amritsari Kulcha to Footwears like Jhutiya, Amritsar’s bustling lanes and markets are certainly going to make a way to your heart.
One can not overlook the sound of the hymn (of Guru Granth Sahib ji- the holy book), always recurring in the backdrop when in Amritsar. We suggest you to explore the city, interact with the locals and importantly, do not miss the Langar (free hot meals prepared in the common kitchen) of Golden Temple.
New Delhi to Amritsar- 465 Kms
By Road Approx 10 hours
By Train Approx 8 hours from New Delhi Railway Station
Surely, the essence of India has been kept alive by these old & spiritual cities and Titlyy feels honored to be associated with this sacred land.