Top 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN VARANASI, 2020. (UPDATED)

 Varanasi, also known as Benaras which was formerly called Kashi is a city on the banks of River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus, Varanasi is a place that will surely be embedded in your heart because of its rejuvenated, divine and exhausting experience. The magnificent temples and Ghats and many other popular places to visit in Varanasi that attract millions of tourists throughout the year, not only from India but people come from all over the world to witness the sacred city.

Although the city is known for its Ghats and Temples (Did you know? There are total of 88 Ghats ), it is also famous for Banarasi Silk, Muslin, and Music too.

I recently got the opportunity to visit this place and I have finally come to the conclusion that so far these are the best places to visit in Banaras.

1 Vishwanath Temple:  

Sri Viswanath Mandir also known as Vishwanath Temple, located in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the biggest temple in Varanasi and is one of the most famous tourist attractions, The Temple is built in such a way that it has entrances from all the sides so that it’s never crowded. Outside the temple there are many stalls for snacks and souvenirs that you can take home with you.

2. Ganga River:

One does not come and visit Varanasi and goes without visiting the sacred River Ganges. The River Ganges runs through Bangladesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Barisal, Rajshani, Khulna and Chittagong. Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come and bathe in the sacred water of River Ganga and perform their rituals. There are a total of Fifty-two ghats in Varanasi along the river where Ganga Aarti is performed everyday at 6:00 pm.

3. Ganga Aarti:

The city is full of chaos and activities during the day but at the Ghats during the evening everything freezes. The soul comes to life and bedazzles you. The light of the diyas reflecting the river and the river reflecting the worshippers, is what makes it so overwhelming. The drama that plays is nothing less than a well orchestrated play.

 4. Ganga Ghats:

Varanasi where the Ghats meet River Ganga, where mortality meets immortality, where life and death walk hand in hand. It’s of no surprise that there are 88 Ghats in Varanasi. Out of which the most important ghats are, , Dhashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Panchganga Ghat and Keshav Ghat. People from all over the world come and visit these ghats, the Hindu Pilgrims come and bathe in the holy water of the river Ganga.

5. Banaras Hindu University:

Banaras Hindu University is located in Varanasi, with over 30,000 students residing in campus making it the largest residential university in Asia. The University spreads over 1,300 acres(5.3kms). The most prominent land mark is the Sri Vishwanath Mandir where tourists come from all over the world. The university is also well kept and definitely should not be missed.

6. Sankat mochan:

Sankat Mochan is a Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. Sankat Mochan , means “Reliever from troubles”. It was established back in the 16^th Century and situated on the banks of Assi river. Devotees from all over the world come to worship the Lord Hanuman ji, and offer him special sweets and flowers. This temple has the rare view of Lord Hanuman facing Lord Rama.

7. Statue of Standing Buddha:

The Statue of Standing Buddha is in Varanasi in the Abhaya Mudra position indicating fearlessness. The statue is about 25 meters tall and made of dull grey stone. It stands in a beautiful setting near the Thai Temple and the entrance into the ground with a view of Laughing Buddha, in contrast to the sandstone of Buddha. It is yet another places to visit in Sarnath, Varanasi where tourists come and visit throughout the year.

8. Tibetan Temple:

Like the most Buddhist Temples one can also find one in Sarnath, north-eastern side of Varanasi. It has great architecture along with mesmerizing view that it offers. It brings peace to your souls. You can avail a local guide who can explain about this place and its history which is worth listening to. This place should also be in your list of places to visit in Varanasi.

9. Dhamek Stupa:

Dhamek Stupa is situated in Sarnath, 12kms from Varanasi. It is a 1500 years old Buddhist Stupa built by King Ashoka in this holy site for the Buddhists. This place is considered scared because Lord Buddha preached his 5 disciples the philosophy of Buddhism the very first time. It is maintained very well with a beautiful garden surrounding it. Worth visiting it.

10. Pehlwan Lassiwala:

Last but not the least I would end with the most exciting thing about a trip and that is food. Pehelwan Lassiwala located in Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road. It sells the most delicious Lassi in Varanasi and they also have a famous sweet dish called Malliyo which is made out of milk froth and Rabri topped with some pistachios. Apart from these Banaras is also famous for Banarasi Paan and Thandai.

Malliyo

If you visit these places in Varanasi, you've had it all, you will return with gratifying feeling in your heart.

Written by, 

Mary Ann Chesney.

Top 5 Places to Visit in South India

Top 5 Hill stations to visit in South India:

 South India comprises of enchanting hills, cascading waterfalls, green valleys, pristine backwaters and of course the divinity of nature, it is truly mesmerizing. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, family vacation, or a weekend getaway from your busy schedule these places offer you with indescribable experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

If you’re planning a Honeymoon, which is the most important thing after the wedding. We take so much into consideration for the honeymoon as well because that’s the time you get to spend with your partner and know them better.

So, after exploring some on my own and researching about these places, hands down these are the top 5 hill station to visit in South India.

1.MUNNAR

Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki district of Southwestern region of Indian State of Kerela. It is one of the most pristine hill stations of India also known as the “God’s Own Country” Munnar is a great place for Honeymoon, vacation or just a weekend getaway. The best time to visit Munnar would be October - November and from January – May when its comfortably cold.

2.KODAIKANAL

Kodaikanal also called the “Princess of Hills” is situated on the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The name in Tamil means “The Gift of Forest”. The enchanting view will definitely mesmerize you. With so many lakes, incredible viewpoints, Kodaikanal has so much to offer. It is indeed a very romantic getaway. The best time to visit would be from October – March when the weather is at its best. During monsoon months of May – July also make a good misty Kodaikanal trip.

3.OOTY

Ooty situated in the Nillgiris District of Tamil Nadu, is just the perfect place if you’re looking for cozy, yet adventure filled vacation. It is flooded with honeymooners, Ooty has so much to offer in place of astounding view, fun filled adventures, trekking etc. Ooty is indeed the perfect place to chill with friends, or your counterpart. The best time to visit Ooty would be from the month of October – June when the temperature is around 25 degrees celsius which offers a pleasant weather.

4.IDUKKI

Ikuddi is one of the most exquisite places in Kerela, will spice plantations, night safari, cascading waterfalls, and so much more It is really incredible that Ikuddi has so much to offer. Great place if you’re looking for a Honeymoon Destination or a Weekend Getaway. Munnar is also close by. The best time to visit Ikkudi would be in the month of November – February.

5.COONOOR

The picture does not justify its stunning beauty of mother nature, there are many spots where you can just sit and relax with your partner, friends or family. It is famous for gardens, evergreen trees and truly rare and diversified species of flowers. The best time to visit would in the month of November – March.

 Written by Mary Ann Chesney.

BROOM CHALLENGE 2020, 11th FEBRUARY

The Broom Challenge is the next big viral thing on the internet today: 

https://twitter.com/maryann_chesney/status/1227132427924987904

 According to NASA you could make a broom stand due to gravitational pull today, and it's taken a toll on the internet. But don't let this get the better of you!
Everybody is trying the #broomchallenge and uploading funny videos on internet across the world.

Some really funny videos from the broom challenge. #viral

The #broomchallenge isn't something new, earlier in 2012, CNN meteorologist CHAD MYERS called it the "Magic Move" where you can challenge gravity by placing the broom on the floor 90 degrees.

KoKo….

24^th December 2015, was the first time I held him in my arms and fell in love with him instantly. His eyes staring right into my eyes, he was a little cold so I held him tighter to give him the warmth. Let’s just say it was one of the happiest I had been in a while and I couldn’t ask for a better companion. We took him inside the house and put him in the basket which I had prepared for him from before. He seemed to like it because he fell asleep instantly on it. As days passed by he got familiar with us and had recognized us as well. He was obedient and playful.

KoKo (a black Labrador) was one of a kind he knew us by our names, me as ‘didi’, Mom as ‘mummy’, and Dad as ‘papa’. His favorite activity was bathing. As soon as mom would scream “KoKo bath!!!” he would come running with his grey towel. 

The best thing about having a dog is waking up to him wagging his tail and uncountable kisses till you actually wake up and KoKo was a stubborn dog, my mom had trained him to wake me up every time she said “Go wake didi”.
He also didn’t like any sort of violence so just to annoy him a little we would pretend to tap each other a little and he would get really angry and try stopping us. He was like a son to my parents and like a brother to me and would get jealous if I would sleep between my parents or hug my mother he would jump right in between and push me away so he could cuddle with mom and dad.
I remember once I was travelling to a Pune for an internship and a night before while I was packing he came and sat on my suitcase and didn’t move. It was almost like he knew that I was leaving and didn’t want me to go. Whoever said that dogs are a man’s best friend is true.

14^th June, 2018 was the second happiest day, because KuKi came into our lives (German Shepard), she was as cheerful as KoKo in fact more.
KoKo was a little hesitant to play with her in the beginning but they soon became familiar with each other and there was no going back. They literally fought like cats and dogs but KoKo to my surprise was very generous when it came to sharing his food or letting KuKi capture his place in front of the air-conditioner. It is safe to say that KoKo is a good boy!
Two weeks back I had shifted to Bangalore, and not a single day went by without video calling them. It was the highlight of my day until KoKo fell really ill. He was a fighter I must say because he fought for his life. We were really scared because the doctors were sceptical about his survival.

 2:30pm, 24^th September, 2019. I got a text from my brother KoKo is no more. I couldn’t control myself, tears were rolling down. It was a shock to me as well as my family. KoKo was and will always be close to our hearts. He will always be my little brother and wherever he is right now I hope he’s happy and peaceful. We love you!