The Land of the Asiatic Lions- Gujarat

If you ever ask a person their top things to do in life, more often than not you will not be surprised by getting a response of ‘travel’ being on top of their list. Every avid traveller or a person who wishes to explore new places will have a list of places that they would like to explore and be a part of. India as a country offers innumerable choices to that very traveller to explore and revel in. Every part of the country offers something extraordinary and something very unique from the other parts of the country. One such state that is a sheer delight to visit and explore is Gujarat. A state full of surprises along with multiple picturesque locales, Gujarat is one state that should be explored while touring India. 

There are many beautiful facets to this western destination that range from plush foliage to dense forests, shimmering beaches to monumental places of worship and so one. A travel to the state of Gujarat will definitely leave some pleasant memories in your mind that will stay with you for a long time. With multiple cities to visit and exquisite monuments and ancient heritage to explore, Gujarat offers innumerable accommodation options to you as a tourist. You can explore the beautiful land of the exotic Asiatic Lions by choosing from the various accommodation options around the state. For the budget traveller, there are many budget accommodation options in Gujarat that can be booked round the year. The pleasant aura of the cities and the unforgettable monuments leave strata of pride in your memory that leave you mesmerized throughout your journey.

The budget accommodation options in Gujarat provide you with good and hygienic amenities that you would require during your visit to the city or cities of the state. With good interiors, warm hospitality and good cuisine options, budget accommodations in Gujarat have flourished and changed the city scape to a great extent. You can enjoy spending some quiet time with your spouse on your honeymoon and be sure to have warm hospitality meted to you or you can choose to have a lavish family outing with your folks, all within you budget. Some chains of budget hotels that you can opt from are – Savshanti hotels, Budget Inn Chain of Hotels, Ginger hotels, Sarovar Portico, Comfort Inn, etc. 

You can visit the city at your own pace, enjoy the beautiful landscape and amazing sightseeing options around the holiday destination and enjoy a pleasant stay in the hotel, without hampering your budget.

Budget accommodations in Gujarat create a perfect blend for the travellers wishing to explore more of the city than spend huge amounts on just accommodation. Every city has different budget accommodation options hence it would be advisable to pre-book it through a good travel planner before checking in. Enjoy a memorable stay exploring the various cities of Gujarat along with a budgeted stay!

The City of Temples- Varanasi

The oldest living city of the world- Varanasi or Kashi or Banaras, can easily be considered at the top pilgrim destination for Hindus from across the world. Situated on the banks of River Ganga, this magnificent city of Gods is an epitome of culture and heritage that has stood the test of time and age and is now one of the most revered sacred cities of the world. The effervescence of Varanasi is defined by the age old history and tradition that defines the city itself. Though the exact time of origin of Varanasi cannot be defined however the history of Varanasi or Kashi- as mentioned in Rig-Veda is said to be in existence since the creation of Mankind and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. A visit to the shores of the River Ganges flowing through Varanasi is said to rid all mortals of their sins and cleanse your soul of all evil. 

Words will never be enough to gather the magnificence of this city of temples where religions have co-existed harmoniously for centuries. Even with the Mughal invasion and the plundering of temples by Mohammad Ghauri, the city has arisen from all adversity and brings peace to mind, body and soul of the pilgrim and tourists. You can visit and sit at the Ghats or shores of the river in Varanasi and experience such tranquillity that encompasses you with positive energy and leaves you mesmerized. The continuous chanting of Shloks or prayers from the temples of Varanasi leaves you in a peaceful state of mind throughout your trip to this holy city. The origins of many astute figures and founders in history have their origins in Varanasi. It is not only sacred to Hindus but also Jains and Muslims. It is said to be the birthplace of the 23^rd Tirthankar of Jainism, Parshvanath, The Theosophical Society of India founded by Dr. Mrs. Annie Besant is said to have its origins from Varanasi; it is home to the largest university in Asia founded by erstwhile educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya- Banaras Hindu University (BHU); The origins of the famous natural stream of medicine- Ayurveda, is said to have its humble beginnings and origins in Varanasi as well and Lord Buddha- the founder of Buddhism is said to have delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, near Varanasi. With innumerable accolades and a glorious past, the history of Varanasi leaves the visitors in a state of awe and beckons you to come back for more. While in Varanasi you may like to visit the important temples and religious structures like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat and other pious Ghats of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Kalabhairav temple, Alamgir Mosque also known as Beni Mahadev ka Darera, etc. 

An utter state of equanimity surrounds you while visiting the holy city of Varanasi!