Varansi : Culture on the Ghats
It is the Ganga that makes Varanasi so holy, so compulsive for ascetics and artists, for the lowest and highest of the land, and every faithful Hindu.
Hotel Clarks Varanasi presents a glimpse of the magic of Varanasi to visitors through a cultural entertainment on the river bank. The entertainment is organised by Clarks Cultural Centre at and around a 1807 AD vintage palace, Amrit Rao Peshwa Palace, set along the Raja Ghat on the river.
The programme begins with the Ganga Aarti (prayers to Mother Ganges) in which visitors can also participate by floating lighted earthenware lamps to the Ganges. Other attractions of the evening include traditional folk dances (Ahir-dance with ‘nagaras’), scenes enacted from the Ramleela in local style and Indian classical dances.
The entertainment starts in the evening (at sundown) and lasts for about one-and-a-half-hour. The hotel olfers 5 different tours varying in content and duration. All the tours, however, have to be booked well in advance with minimum limit of participation.
Related Travel Information
Varansi : Luxury Hotels
Taj Ganges Nadesar Palace
21 km from airport, 3 km from railway station, 5 km from the ghats
Restaurants, Open-air Barbecue, Bars, Conference/Banquet Halls, Business Centre, f ness Centre, Herbal Massage, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Jogging Track, Tra' Counter, Shopping Arcade, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
Clark's Varanasi The Mall Cantt
21 km from airport, 3 km from railway station, 7 km from the ghats.
Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Bar, Conference/Banquet Halls, Secretarial Services, Swimming Pool, Travel Desk, Shopping Arcade, Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange.
Varanasi : Cruising The Ghats
The most important facet of Varanasi is the Ganges and the ghats lining its western bank in the city. Virtually the raison deter, from dawn to dusk the ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, or 'Nirvana'.
One of the ways to assimilate this life on the ghats is to mingle with the crowds and let all of one's senses experience. But this mode has limitations, too. Especially, if one has limited time or if one desires a panoramic view of the activity.
Alternative? Just cruise
Varansi : Local Transport
There are no yellow-top metered taxis in the city. However, tourist taxis are available at the airport, railway station, prominent centres in the city, especially Cantt. area, and through hotels and agencies. The rates for these are negotiable.
Auto-rickshaws, un-metered, are a more popular mode of transport. The rates for these, too, are negotiable and they are found all over the city. Some auto-rickshaws also run on fixed routes on per person fixed tariff. But these can be uncomfortable, except for short distances, as they carry as many as six to seven passengers.
Cycle-rickshaws, rates negotiable, are the most
Varanasi : Living On The Ghats
The River Ganges and the ghats lining its western shore are the most important feature otVaranasi. Life on the ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals, ever-changing aspects of the river and a wide landscape across which has fascinated visitors from all over the world. From the earliest times the river was lined by important temples and mansions. With changing patterns of society and standards of living, many of these residences were abandoned. However, with renewed interest in the life of the ghats, some of these have ken repaired and adapted for tourist
Varansi : Eating Out
As in any tourist resort, Varanasi can boast of a range of cuisines, especially in hotel-restaurants. But there is no cuisine specially linked with the city, though the state's specialties are, of course, available.
Though a Hindu pilgrimage, non-vegetari¬an food is available and alcohol is served in some restaurants.
Some of the important restaurants in the city are:
Kesari, Dashshwamed Road;
Garden Restaurant, Opp. Sushil Cinema, with live classical music at dinner
Temple Restaurant in Hotel Ganges
Ashiyana, Varuna Bridge, Cantt
El-Parador,Opp. Varanasi Cantt. Railway Station.
