Varanasi: A Spiritual Journey to India's Holiest City
- Sabine Harris

- Dec 3, 2025
- 2 min read

What happens when dawn breaks over the world's oldest continuously inhabited
city?
My husband Craig and I witnessed the answer from a small boat on the Ganges
River in Varanasi—watching millions of Hindu pilgrims begin their daily ritual of
devotion along ancient ghats that have welcomed seekers for over 3,000 years. The
colors, sounds, and spiritual energy created a sensory symphony unlike anything
we'd ever experienced.
The Daily Ceremonies Are Mesmerizing
Each year, millions of pilgrims come to bathe in its sacred waters, and the
atmosphere is so vibrant and spiritual. Witnessing the daily ceremonies performed
by holy men - complete with dances, food, and celebrations - was absolutely
mesmerizing for both my husband Craig and me. The vibrant colors, sounds, and
scents of this ancient city created an experience unlike any other we'd ever had.
There's something so profound about being on the banks of the Ganges and
witnessing these ancient traditions that continue today. The spiritual energy is just
incredible, and you can feel the deep connection people have to this sacred river.
An Ancient City Like No Other
Varanasi is considered one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and
you can feel that history in every corner. When I create India spiritual tours for
clients, I draw on our personal experience of this incredible place.
The Ganges River ceremonies, the ancient ghats, the spiritual atmosphere - my
husband Craig and I experienced it all firsthand. This kind of personal knowledge is
what helps me design luxury India travel experiences that truly capture the essence
of this sacred destination.
More Than Just Spiritual Significance
While the Ganges River and its spiritual significance are central to Varanasi, the city
offers so much more. The culture, the history, the incredible sensory experiences - it
all comes together to create something truly extraordinary.
Having walked those ancient streets with my husband Craig and witnessed the daily
rhythm of spiritual life along the Ganges, I understand what makes Varanasi such a
transformative destination for travelers.
The Personal Experience Matters
There's no way to truly understand Varanasi without experiencing it yourself. The
spiritual energy, the ancient traditions, the incredible atmosphere along the Ganges
- it's something you have to feel to believe.
This is exactly why my husband Craig and I travel to every destination we
recommend. Standing on those ancient ghats, witnessing those daily ceremonies,
gives me the firsthand knowledge to create India cultural tours that honor the
profound significance of this sacred place.
Ready to experience India's most spiritual destination? Let's design your
transformative Varanasi journey together!




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