Palace on Ganges, Varanasi

Advantages: A fascinating insight into Indian beliefs
Disadvantages: Poverty is all around you

...We visited Varanasi as part of a package tour of Northern India. We had heard lots about it before we went, but experiencing it first hand was much more than we imagined it to be. The Ganges is the holiest river in India and runs through Varanasi. It is believed that a dip in the river purifies the sins of the living and ensures the salvation of the dead. A bath in the Ganges has sacred and cultural connotations that go back centuries. Early morning is seen as the best time for bathing in the holy water, as the first rays of the sun break through the clouds. Most of the tourists head down for the river before dawn. Your senses are immediately assaulted by a wide variety of sights, sounds and smells. A boat trip on the Ganges at dawn is an unforgettable experience. Not only do you see the bathers, but you experience... Read review

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Advantages: Large and comfortable room, quite good breakfast
Disadvantages: Very poor Reception, dull dinner, boring bar

...The ancient city of Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganges is north eastern India. Also known as Benaras, it is over 3000 years old, one of the oldest continually inhanbited cities in the world. It is also one of the holiest sites for Hindus as it is believed that Varanasi was the home to the God, Krishna. The River Ganges, which flows through the city, is believed to have the power to wash away all sin and it is said that those who pass away and are cremated here will be able to break the cycle of birth and rebirth. Varanasi is also one of the four major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as the suburb of Sarnath is said to be the place where Buddha gave his first sermon about the principles of Buddhism. Attracting millions of pilgrims every year, it is also draws over a million international tourists every year... Read review

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Advantages: Best way to Travel in India
Disadvantages: Nothing

...-Ranthambhore national park ( we were lucky to see tigers first time in our life) - Jaipur - Agra ( the Taj Mahal, its so beautiful) - Gwalior fort - Orchha - Khajuraho ( kamasutra temples ) - next day we took flight to Varanasi ( so different then any other town of India, quite different feeling, we had great experience to see all the ghats on Ganges by boat) - Train to Delhi in first class air-con cabin. All the arrangements like hotels, safaris, boating in Ganges, train, flight, assistance…..everything was perfect. It was nice to deal with so professional people like Raju. He is honest and professional. It was surprising to know that his working team over hundred people to organize all the tours. Anyway!!! I love this trip! We did a mix of adventure with big cities to small places and it was a wonderful, interesting blend. I want to return... Read review

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