1. Varanasi – The Eternal City
Varanasi is just… special. It feels like time has stopped, and it’s not just another city. When you go there, you can really feel that it is one of the oldest cities still standing. The streets are narrow and crowded, but they are alive with sound and color. As one of the holiest Shiva temples, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a well-liked tourist destination. Devotees line up in long lines, and the atmosphere is strong. But to be honest, the ghats are what make the city special. Particularly popular is Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the evening Ganga Aarti is simply magnificent. An almost hypnotic atmosphere is produced by fire lamps, music, and chanting. Additionally, visit Sarnath if you have the time. In contrast to the chaos of the ghats, it is serene and tranquil. Buddha delivered his first sermon there. Don’t miss the sunrise boat ride, too; you’ll never forget floating down the Ganges in the early morning while watching the city come to life.
2. Tamil Nadu – The Temple State
Here, temples are the main draw. Every town you go to has a more beautiful temple. The architecture is amazing, with all those elaborate sculptures and colorful towers.
Madurai is home to the enormously spacious and busy Meenakshi Temple. It has many rituals going on at once and is open almost all day. Then there is the coastal town of Rameswaram, which is religiously significant because of Lord Rama. The corridors of the temple are so long that they are like a maze.
Thanjavur is another must-see. The ancient Brihadeeswara Temple was built in a way that makes you realize how advanced they were at the time. It’s still intact, big, and magnificent.
Live Carnatic music is available in addition to temples, especially during festivals. I also went to a silk weaving factory, and it was amazing to see how they make those famous Tamil silk sarees.
3. Amritsar – The Spiritual Heart of Sikhism
Amritsar has the same spiritual impact as southern pilgrimage sites, despite feeling different. The Golden Temple is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It glows, especially at night. The still water surrounding it and the continuous Gurbani music make it incredibly peaceful.
There is also Jallianwala Bagh, which is a very poignant location to visit. Reading about what happened there during British rule is heartbreaking, and being there gives you chills.
Don’t miss the exciting Wagah Border Ceremony, where people cheer and wave flags. Very patriotic.
However, I thought the Langar at the temple was the best feature. Everyone, regardless of identity, is given free food. It truly makes you feel equal when you sit down in rows with strangers. Volunteer there if you want to make a difference. Being a part of something larger, even if it’s just serving food or cleaning dishes, feels good.