Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and perhaps the nerve-centre of Hinduism. For tourists, it is a bustling, colourful, soulful city that holds surprises in every corner and every lane. A centre for culture, religion, food – Varanasi is a city that can’t disappoint. Varanasi should ideally start with a sunrise boat ride. Floating past Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika or Assi Ghat, watch the city come to life as the sun rises. With the birds for company, an early morning boat ride is a paradise for photographers. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the main attraction for tourists who visit Varanasi for religious reasons. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas or holiest of Shiva Temples. The temple has a mention even in the Puranas but over history has been demolished and reconstructed a number of times, mainly due to Islamic invasion. Along with Vishwanath Temple, we will take you around Manas Mandir and Birla temple also. A short ride from Varanasi will take you to Sarnath – which is a place of immense historical importance as this is where around 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. It was excavated in 1834 by Alexander Cunningham, the head of the Archaeological Survey of India then. Dhamek stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Chaukhandi Stupa, Japanese Temple, Buddhist Monastery and the Sarnath Museum are notable spots to be visited.  Another one-hour drive would take us to the beautiful Ramnagar Fort, located in the eastern bank of the Ganga. It is a sandstone structure, inspired by the Mughal style of architecture and built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. If you are in Varanasi, you just can’t miss out on the Ganga Arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The raging spirits, the deafening clamour and the illuminated giant brass lamps together create a phenomenon that is loud yet soulful and peaceful. The magical atmosphere will transport you to a state of mind, no less than a beautiful spiritual trance. Evenings in Varanasi are to be enjoyed shopping as you just cannot miss out on the Benarasi silk weaves that are native to the region. Apart from these, you can pick up religious souvenirs like rudraksha malas and shivalingas. Varanasi is also famous for Gulabi Minakari which cannot be found anywhere else in India. If you have a sweet tooth, do not forget to pack some pedas to be enjoyed back home.