Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourists track in India that attracts the customer locally as well as globally too. Golden Triangle, comprising of three beautiful and highly diversified cities comprising, the capital city – New Delhi, Love Symbol – Agra, and the Pink city – Jaipur. This triangle takes you to the past, present and future of incredible India in its own way making it one of the first choices for every visitor.
How about adding a blend of religious and some pilgrimage taste of the holy city Varanasi in your journey to double the excitement and fun of your next trip? Today I will share with you some of the interesting facts related to the Golden Triangle trip along with Varanasi.
The journey starts from the national capital i.e. New Delhi being the starting point of the India Golden Triangle with Varanasi tour. Further taking you to Agra and then to Jaipur – The land of Rajputana’s. The trip to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi can be explored up in many ways based upon your own means of transport. All the places are well connected by land, rails and air. But if asked, the best and first preference will be always the roadways.Delhi – The Capital City
Being the primary destination of golden Triangle, the capital city has seen many phases of development and still is everyday in the way towards progressing for a new India. As per the historians, the city (Old Delhi) was founded by Mughal emperor – Shahjahan in 1639. Further many forts and other historic monuments were built during the Mughal reign in India. Delhi offers an incredible way to witness the past, present and future to its visitors. Whether it’s the local markets of Delhi or the ancient monuments, religious temples or mosques or the national parks, it has something for everyone. Some of the major and historical places of Delhi can be listed down as – India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk Market.
Agra – City of Taj
Everyone is well aware about the craze and beauty of Taj and holds a wish to witness its beauty one day. Taj Mahal – One of the seven Wonders of world comes under the second destination of Golden Triangle i.e. Agra. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife – Mumtaz. Agra was once considered as the capital of Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar. One can explore several beautiful and ancient monuments scripted during the Mughal-era. Some of the major tourist destinations in Agra comprises the list of Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, Chini ka Rauza etc. holding place in the list of World Heritage Sites.
Jaipur – The Pink City
Jaipur is the best place to sneak-peak into the erstwhile Rajputana diversity and royalty. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727. The major tourist attractions here can be listed down as – Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and much more with a never ending list. Also don’t miss out to explore the wide range of handicrafts available in the local markets.
Varanasi – The Holy City
Varanasi is also known as Banaras or Kashi and it is major religious city of India. It is one of the best places to explore the incredibility of India and holds the title of one of the oldest settled cities across the world. Earlier known as Banaras, the city doesn’t only hold the religious spots but is also famous for the different Ganga Ghats and the evening Aarti of sacred river Ganges. The major tourist spots are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple. Being here don’t forget to do marketing of the famous Benarsi Silk Sarees and tasting the sweet betel leaves.
The Ghats in Varanasi are world-renowned embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Varanasi has at least 84 ghats, most of which are used for bathing by pilgrims and spiritually significant Hindu puja ceremony, while a few are used exclusively as Hindu cremation sites.
Ghats
The ghats are an integral complement to the Hindu concept of divinity represented in physical, metaphysical, and supernatural elements. Steps in the ghats lead to the banks of Ganges, including the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, the Panchganga Ghat, and the Harishchandra Ghat, where Hindus cremate their dead. Many ghats are associated with Hindu legends and several are now privately owned.
The Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varanasi located on the Ganges, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Brahma created this ghat to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed there. Above and adjacent to this ghat, there are also temples dedicated to Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, Ganga, and Bandi Devi, which are all important pilgrimage sites. A group of priests performs “Agni Pooja” daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the entire universe. Special aarti are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.
The Manikarnika Ghat
The Manikarnika Ghat is the Mahasmasana, the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. Adjoining the ghat, there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals. According to a myth, it is said that an earring of Shiva or his wife Sati fell here. Fourth-century Gupta period inscriptions mention this ghat. However, the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in 1302 and has been renovated at least three times throughout its existence
The Jain Ghat
The Jain Ghat is believed to birthplace of Suparshvanatha and Parshvanatha. The Jain Ghat or Bachraj Ghat is a Jain Ghat and has three Jain Temples located on the banks of the River. It is believed that the Jain Maharajas used to own these ghats. Bachraj Ghat has three Jain temples near the river’s banks, and one them is a very ancient temple of Tirthankara Suparswanath.
