3 ways to get to Male from the airport If you’ve made it this far, it means you’ve already decided that you’re going to travel to the Maldives on your own and you’re wondering how to get around the more than 1,200 islands that make up this curious country. Well, don’t worry, because whether you’re already clear about which of these islands you’re going to visit during your trip or you’re still deciding, we’re going to tell you how to get around between islands and what the different options are that you have at your disposal. If you’re going to travel to a super resort, it’s very possible that the transfer is included in the price. If, like us and the vast majority, you’re part of the club of mortals, then keep reading. 3 ways to get to Male from the airport The first thing you’ll do on your trip to the Maldives is get to Velana International Airport in Male, the capital of the Maldives. The airport is located on the island of Hulhule, very close to Male. So once at the airport you’ll have several options to get to the first island of your trip. Direct transport by speed boat Speed ​​boats are small boats that cover transfers between islands in a short time, because they travel at a much faster speed than the ferry… Hence their name, of course. Accommodations often offer speed boats that connect Male airport with local islands. This is the most comfortable and fastest option to get to any local island and you will be skipping the chaotic Male, which is not at all interesting. The price is quite high. We will give you more information about speed boats later. Public ferry from the airport to Male If you use the public ferry to move between islands, you will have to first get to Male, where all the ferry lines leave. The cheapest option to get from the airport to the city of Male is by using the public ferry. This one is very easy to find, just follow the signs for ‘’Ferry to Male’’ to find the ticket office, which is right in front of the airport exit. There is a ferry every hour and the ticket price is 15 MVR (0.91€) per person. In less than 15 minutes you will be in Male. The ferry drops you off at the Henveiru Ferry Terminal station from where there are several public ferry lines to many of the local islands. From here you can take the public ferry to islands such as Rasdhoo, Gulhi or Guraidhoo. Taxi, another option to get to Male from the airport A recently built road links Velana International Airport with Male so it is possible to go by taxi. The journey time is about 10/15 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. The price is slightly higher than if you opt for the public ferry. It is around 80/100 MVR (4.83/6.04€) per trip. Be careful, because there is usually traffic on the way from Male to the airport and the transfer can take about 20 minutes. We recommend that you leave plenty of time to make the transfer and not have any problems catching your flight back home. Once in Male, we will tell you how to get around the different islands you will visit during your trip to the Maldives. Public ferry, the cheapest way to move between islands in the Maldives The cheapest way to move between islands in the Maldives is by using the public ferry. The downside is that the schedules are a bit odd and the different lines do not operate every day of the week. Still, if you have time and saving money is your priority, it is possible to move between islands using public transport. We can say that we spent 19 days in the Maldives and visited 5 different islands using only the public ferry. To give you an idea, we only spent €32 between the two of us taking a total of 8 ferries to move between the different islands we visited. The key to success is to adapt your travel itinerary to the Maldives to the public ferry schedule. To do this, the first thing you should do is check and study the schedules and frequencies of the public ferry. You should know that the islands of the Maldives are organized into atolls, which are a kind of circle formed by a group of several islands belonging to the same coral reef. And why is this? Because ferry lines usually connect islands that are within the same atoll, although sometimes they also connect 2 atolls close to each other. Therefore, if your priority is to use public transport, it is best to move around the same atoll or ferry line. In this way, the transfer by public ferry will be more comfortable and you will have fewer complications. We used two different lines during our 19-day trip through the Maldives. Line 309 connects the islands of the Kaafu atoll, south of Male. And line 303 connects the islands of Thoddoo, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo. You can buy tickets at the departure terminal in Male or on the ferry itself, if you leave from a small island. The price ranges from 22 (1.31€) to 52 MVR (3.12€), depending on the line. The departure point for most lines is the Henveiru Ferry Terminal, located northeast of Male. Speed ​​boat, an agile way to move between islands in the Maldives If the public ferry does not fit your time, schedule or days, then you will have to opt for the famous speed boats, which we have already talked about. Here you should keep in mind that the price goes up a lot, since they speculate a lot with them. The duration of the journeys is much shorter than by public ferry. Therefore, if you have few days, it may be the most suitable option to move between islands in the Maldives. Here

Organizing an all-inclusive trip to the Maldives means choosing an “all-inclusive” vacation, a travel package that includes accommodation, full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinks included (which may have limitations depending on the different resorts) and the various services provided by the hotel. The basic difference between a full-board vacation and an all-inclusive package is the possibility of having drinks consumed outside of meals included in the price. So is full board or an all-inclusive vacation in the Maldives better? It depends on how you want to invest your budget and how much it is worth it based on your habits. There are so many all-inclusive offers in the Maldives and of all types, the advice is to evaluate the services of the various hotels and choose based on your needs. The Centara Grand Island Resort for example is one of the few resorts able to accommodate families with children in villas on the water, which is why it is an excellent choice for those who want to go to the Maldives with children in the all-inclusive formula. The Deluxe Family water villas include a sleeping area for children with bunk beds and PlayStation and safe access to the terrace. Kuramathi Maldives is ideal for those looking for a private island large enough with a wide choice of restaurants and types of rooms. The Basic package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Haruge, Farivalhu and Malaafay restaurants, the Selected includes the benefits of the basic plus access to all the restaurants on the island. The culinary choice is truly excellent, from Indian to Thai and Asian fusion cuisine. Here too, guests can take advantage of a kid’s club open from 8:30 to 19:30 with a wide range of activities for children aged 3 to 12 and night service upon reservation. Lily Beach Resort & Spa, in the South Ari Atoll, one of the most beautiful Maldivian atolls, is a recently renovated 5-star resort for those who prefer a modern and chic style. It offers an all-inclusive Platinum plan that includes free snorkeling and non-motorized water sports equipment, fitness classes, free access to the sports center and three free excursions to choose from. Most of the activities designed for children are grouped in one part of the island so it is an excellent resort for both a family trip to the Maldives and a vacation for couples. The Constance Moofushi Resort, opened in 2010, is certainly one of the best resorts for an all-inclusive trip to the Maldives. Not only does it boast the elegance of the Constance family combining luxury and simplicity, but it is also located in one of the best diving spots in the world. Everything is taken care of down to the smallest details thanks to the Cristal All Inclusive which includes, among other things, an extensive list of fine international wines, winner of The World’s Best Wine List Awards in 2019. Honeymooners will be able to live the incredible experience of a day on a deserted island at their complete disposal. Atmosphere Kanifushi goes one step further by elevating the normal plan with a 5-star Platinum Plus formula where you can enjoy sumptuous buffets, themed evenings and a wide range of activities. Among the restaurants, Just Veg, the first vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives. A perfect formula for those who don’t want to think about anything. Ozen by Atmosphere is ideal for the most demanding travelers as it is the first resort to offer an all-inclusive package entirely focused on luxury, The Atmosphere Indulgence Plan. Six venues enrich the luxury all-inclusive offer, a unique experience for a truly special 5-star vacation. Don’t miss dinner at the M6m underwater restaurant with delicious gourmet dishes revisited in a modern and exotic way. There are many all-inclusive trip to the Maldives offers to the Maldives, whether you are traveling with your family, for a honeymoon or you are a diving enthusiast, the important thing is to choose an all-inclusive hotel in the Maldives that reflects your vacation expectations by optimizing the services offered and the expense incurred. 1- Emerald Maldives We inform you that the average price for a 7-night stay in Full Board, in a Resort of this budget, including boat or seaplane transfers from Male airport, in the period October-March (the best and most expensive period) including taxes is around 6,000 Euros and 10,000 Euros per room for 2 people. (Excluding International flights and not considering the New Year period) We also point out that in our indicative price idea are always included transfers (about 800-1000 € per couple for seaplanes and 300-400 for boat transfers) and service taxes equal to 24% unlike the “current” quotes that you can find on most other websites. Basic Info Special Features: Maldivian Bathroom, Free Wifi in the room, Spa Miniclub, Rooms with private pool Sports activities: – Diving Padi, Yoga, Tennis courts, Surf, Kite Surf, Beach Volleyball, Gym, Fishing Cuisine:- Gluten Free, Veggie, Vegan, Italian Cuisine, Romantic activities: Getting married in the resort, Rental of a private island, Yacht rental 2 – Centara Grand Island Resort Maldives We inform you that the average price for a 7-night stay in Full Board, in a Resort of this budget, including boat or seaplane transfers from Male airport, in the period October-March (the best and most expensive period) including taxes is around 6,000 Euros and 10,000 Euros per room for 2 people. (Excluding International flights and not considering the New Year period) Furthermore, we point out that our indicative price idea always includes transfers (around €800-1000 per couple for seaplanes and €300-400 for boat transfers) and service taxes equal to 23% unlike the “Current” quotes that you can find on most other websites. Basic Info:- Special Features: – Maldivian Bathroom, Free Wifi in the room, Spa, Miniclub, Rooms with private pool. Sports activities:- Diving Padi, Yoga, Tennis courts, Surf, Kite Surf, Beach Volleyball, Gym, Fishing Cuisine:- Gluten Free, Veggie, Vegan, Italian Cuisine, Romantic Activities: – Getting married in the resort,

Before travelling to the Maldives, it is advisable to read all of these tips in detail to avoid unexpected surprises. We have listed useful information about this country to keep in mind. PROCEDURES To enter the Maldives, Europian citizens must have a passport with a minimum validity of one month. It is not necessary to arrange a visa in advance, since the 30-day tourist visa can be obtained free of charge upon arrival in the Maldives, by presenting at the airport the passport, a ticket to leave the country (within a maximum period of 30 days from arrival) and confirmation of hotel reservation or proof of funds to cover the stay. In addition, all travellers must fill out an online form (Traveller Declaration) 96 hours before their departure to the Maldives, and their return from the Maldives. TIME DIFFERENCE The time difference between the Maldives and Europe is +4 hours during the winter and +3 hours more during the summer. LANGUAGE The official language is Dhivehi. Due to tourism and the fact that the language is not widely spoken in the outside world, staff usually speak English in any hotel. CLIMATE The Maldives are located near the equator and therefore have a climate with stable temperatures throughout the year. In addition, the climate is dominated by two seasons: the rainy season, governed by the monsoons, is between May and October, while the dry season is between December and April, which is the best time to travel. LUGGAGE It is recommended to bring light cotton clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a swimsuit, sunscreen and repellent. SAFETY The Maldives is one of the safest countries in the world. However, it never hurts to take certain precautions. It should be noted that, as in all countries with a Muslim majority in the world, terrorism and radicalization are on the rise, so special care must be taken in Male. We recommend avoiding demonstrations and/or riots. The islands are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis and flooding during the monsoon season, so it never hurts to check the weather conditions during your visit. Also, keep in mind that bikinis can only be worn on bikini beaches. It is also worth remembering that alcohol consumption is prohibited except in resorts. TRAVEL INSURANCE When travelling abroad, it is advisable to take out travel insurance as it will allow you to travel more relaxed. However, if you have problems during your trip, you will have support and the possibility of obtaining a refund for the expenses. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS Medical insurance is not mandatory, but we recommend taking one out as medical services in the Maldives are limited and very expensive. In addition, in tourist resorts there is usually primary care in case of illness or non-serious indisposition. The yellow fever vaccine is only required for tourists from South America and Africa. However, vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, polio, rabies, typhoid fever and chickenpox are recommended. GASTRONOMY The main ingredient in Maldivian cuisine is tuna. You can also find more elaborate dishes, such as shrimp soup and traditional sweets. Tropical fruits are also prominent, including coconuts, bananas and mangos. As for drinks, in the resorts you can find fruit juices, as well as beer and any imported alcoholic beverage. However, it should be noted that tap water is not drinkable, so it is advisable to drink bottled water. CURRENCY The official currency of the Republic of Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa. You can calculate the estimated exchange rate at this link. OTHER Useful telephone numbers Customs The life of this nation is linked to religion and fishing. Maldivian society is established according to Muslim laws, since the vast majority of natives belong to Sunni Islam. However, it is a society with little radicalism in which the role of women acquires great importance, which is why Maldivians are very calm and hospitable people. Traditional festivals Tipping Tipping is not included in any service. It is not obligatory during the trip, although it is appreciated if paid. Tipping is customary in four- and five-star hotels. Before travelling to the Maldives, it is advisable to read all of these tips in detail to avoid unexpected surprises. We have listed useful information about this country to keep in mind. PROCEDURES To enter the Maldives, Europian citizens must have a passport with a minimum validity of one month. It is not necessary to arrange a visa in advance, since the 30-day tourist visa can be obtained free of charge upon arrival in the Maldives, by presenting at the airport the passport, a ticket to leave the country (within a maximum period of 30 days from arrival) and confirmation of hotel reservation or proof of funds to cover the stay. In addition, all travellers must fill out an online form (Traveller Declaration) 96 hours before their departure to the Maldives, and their return from the Maldives. TIME DIFFERENCE The time difference between the Maldives and Europe is +4 hours during the winter and +3 hours more during the summer. LANGUAGE The official language is Dhivehi. Due to tourism and the fact that the language is not widely spoken in the outside world, staff usually speak English in any hotel. CLIMATE The Maldives are located near the equator and therefore have a climate with stable temperatures throughout the year. In addition, the climate is dominated by two seasons: the rainy season, governed by the monsoons, is between May and October, while the dry season is between December and April, which is the best time to travel. LUGGAGE It is recommended to bring light cotton clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a swimsuit, sunscreen and repellent. SAFETY The Maldives is one of the safest countries in the world. However, it never hurts to take certain precautions. It should be noted that, as in all countries with a Muslim majority in the world, terrorism and radicalization are on the rise, so special care must be taken in Male. We recommend avoiding demonstrations and/or

You will not be short of things to see in Northern India. Being one of our favorite countries in Asia, and one of the most special trips we have made, India is as unique as it is chaotic, intense and wonderful. It is undoubtedly a totally different country from all others, and that is a big part of its charm and beauty. There are a program for two weeks in North India. From its incredible architecture that will leave you speechless, to its markets, its bustling streets and its unique and extremely distinctive atmosphere. In this article you will find all the most important points to see in Northern India in 15 days, so that you can organize a 2-week trip that you will surely not forget. What to see in Northern India in 15 days Day 1. City of origin – Delhi. Night in DelhiDay 2. Delhi. Night in DelhiDay 3. Delhi – Jaipur. Night in JaipurDay 4. Jaipur. Overnight in JaipurDay 5. Jaipur. Overnight train to JaisalmerDay 6. Jaisalmer. Overnight in JaisalmerDay 7. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur. Overnight in JodhpurDay 8. Jodhpur. Overnight in JodhpurDay 9. Ranakpur Temple and Kumbhalgarh Fort (Transfer Jodhpur – Udaipur). Overnight in UdaipurDay 10. Udaipur. Overnight in UdaipurDay 11. Udaipur. Overnight train to AgraDay 12. Agra. Overnight in AgraDay 13. Agra. Overnight train to VaranasiDay 14. Varanasi. Overnight in VaranasiDay 15. Varanasi. Flight to Delhi and back home Before you start: Take a look at the article where we talk about the 8 must-see places in New Delhi in 1 day If you want to be connected to the internet or be able to use Google Maps, you will have to buy a SIM card. You can buy it at the airport and go through a somewhat complicated process, or you can carry your SIM card already on your phone and activate it when you land, which we 100% recommend, especially in countries like India. It’s super easy and convenient, we love it. Reserve your eSIM with Holafly here with a 5% discount for being our reader. Remember to always travel insured! Day 1. Origin Country – New Delhi This is where your 15-day trip to India begins, where you will enjoy many things to see specifically in the North of India. The first day (or the first two, depending on your hometown) will have to be dedicated to getting to New Delhi, the capital of India, and the place where your 15-day trip to the North of India will begin. → If you want to know the entry requirements for the country, how to have internet in India and many other tips, read our article: To get from the airport to your hotel, we recommend that you use authorized travel agents. We did the same to get to our accommodation located in Connaught Place, the backpacker neighborhood of Delhi. Or you can use Ubers, have a specific area for pick-ups inside the airport. You have to follow the signs that say, “pick up” and they will take you to a huge parking lot. That’s where it is. To be able to book an Uber, as they haven’t activated your SIM card yet and the airport Wi-Fi doesn’t reach the pick-up zone, there is an Uber stand where they can give you Wi-Fi. We were going crazy until we discovered this. And above all, be patient because it’s chaos. Alternatively, you can also book the transfer in advance. IMPORTANT: There is a very typical scam that takes place at Delhi airport. It all starts when you take a taxi, whether it’s “official” or not, to go to your accommodation. Day 2. Delhi, a must-see city in northern India Points of interest: Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Chadni Chowk Market, Humanyun Tomb, Lotus Temple, Safdarjung Tomb, India Gate, Gurudwara Bungla Saheb & Connaught Place. New Delhi is one of the most important cities to see in northern India, and with good reason. It is full of attractions and very interesting things to do. Although it is usually a city that can seem difficult, especially because it is normally the gateway to India, we encourage you to give it a chance and dedicate at least one day to see its most representative places. You can do it at your leisure, but if you really want to soak up its culture and history, the best option is to take a guided tour. We loved it, it seemed magnetic to us from the first moment. And while it’s true that it’s chaotic beyond belief, it also has a very distinctive energy that’s worth experiencing. Day 3. Transfer Delhi – Jaipur and visit Jaipur Accommodation: We stayed at Dev Mahal, in the center city What to see in Jaipur today: Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal. The third day of this route through Northern India in 15 days begins by taking a plane or a train from Delhi to Jaipur, one of the most beautiful and interesting cities to see in Northern India in 15 days. We decided to take the train, and it is best to take it early in the morning, between 8am and 10am, to have time to enjoy Jaipur during the afternoon. In Delhi there are several train stations, some much more chaotic and busy than others. We decided to take the train at Sarai Rohilla, a small and not at all chaotic station. We highly recommend doing it this way, especially if it is the first train you take in India. On this journey we decided to travel on a third class train, since it is only a 4.30 hour journey and the difference in price between one class and another is noticeable. Travel tip: to have one of the best views of the Hawa Mahal, one of the most emblematic buildings to see in Northern India, you have to go to a bar called “The Tattoo Cafe & Lounge” which is right in front. You will have to climb some stairs to its small but

India Luxury Trip : Hardly any other region on earth offers a stronger contrast to the restlessness of everyday life than the monumental mountains of the Himalayas. On India Luxury trip you will explore the Indian part of the Himalayas in the high valley of Ladakh, which geographically and culturally already belongs to the Tibetan plateau. Ladakh is not only fascinating because of its magnificent landscapes, but also because of its lively monastic life, which culminates every year in colorful festivals. Breathtaking views of wide valleys and snow-capped peaks, intimate insights into the everyday life of the mountain dwellers and unique experiences that will stay with you for a long time, such as a Buddhist morning prayer ceremony at sunrise in the castle-like monastery of Tiksey. You can also look forward to two very special accommodations at the Ultimate Travelling Camps, which offer you the perfect combination of a nomadic lifestyle with all the amenities of a luxury hotel in the middle of a picturesque setting. The luxury camps also leave nothing to be desired in terms of cuisine and your personal butler is there for you around the clock. Your trip begins and ends in India’s capital Delhi, whose most beautiful sides you will explore together with your tour guide. Travel information Itinerary: 11 days: Delhi – Leh Thiksey – Diskit – Leh Thiksey – Delhi Specials for you: Day 1 Arrival in Delhi Your journey begins in Delhi, where you will be met & greeted by our representative at the airport upon arrival and driven to your hotel. First, rest or relax in your hotel. The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the heart of the city and is therefore an ideal starting point for exploring. The magnificent Mughal architecture, the dramatic façade made of pink Dholpur sandstone, immaculately maintained gardens and the spacious pool create the atmosphere of a luxurious oasis of calm. Enjoy the fantastic view of the city from your room and just relax. In the early afternoon, you will meet your tour guide to explore the imperial city of New Delhi with its wide avenues and imposing buildings. New Delhi also has fascinating historical sights: for example, the 72-meter-high Qutab Minaret and the Mausoleum of the Great Mughal Humayun’s, which is considered the architectural forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Overnight stay in Delhi. Day 2 Old Delhi: a journey back in time After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will go on a journey back in time in Old Delhi, where the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, bears witness to Delhi’s past as the capital of Islamic India. Past the Red Fort, the palace complex of the Mughals, which owes its name to the outer walls made of red sandstone, your journey takes you to the Moonlight Square – “Chandni Chowk” – one of the oldest and busiest market places in the city. Here you can experience the typical flair of an oriental bazaar: the noise of traffic mixes with the echo of prayers and the haggling of business people. You can delve even deeper into the streets and alleys of Delhi on a rickshaw ride. Your driver will show you the beauty of Old Delhi from a different perspective on various routes off the main routes and take you to traditional shops and bazaars. Back at the hotel, you have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Delhi. Day 3 Luxury in the high Himalayas After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport to continue your journey to Leh by domestic flight. Once there, you will be taken to your luxury tent in Thiksey. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi welcome. The rest of the day is at your leisure to get used to this high altitude. If you wish, you can take a walk near by Thiksey monastery and get a first impression of the life of the local population. Or you can enjoy the peace and comfort of the luxury camp. Located in the beautiful Leh Valley, Chamba Camp Thiksey is a tribute to the Ladakh way of life. The 11 exquisitely furnished, cream-colored tents exude the charm of the unattached nomadic life combined with exceptional luxury. Each tent is spacious and has a bedroom, a private bathroom and a veranda area. The large windows allow you to enjoy the beautiful and idyllic mountain world all around. The dining tent provides a first-class culinary experience. Overnight stay in Thiksey. Day 4: Excursion to Leh Morning free & enjoy your breakfast. Are you a bird lover? How about an early morning walk through the beautiful landscape with the camp’s naturalist (optional). If you are lucky, you will be able to observe a variety of birds from the Trans-Himalaya region. After lunch in the camp, you will visit the Matho Monastery, which is hidden in a side valley. The monastery is famous above all for its winter Nagrang festival, during which the oracle Rong Btsan reveals himself in two monks. Afterwards, you will explore the most beautiful sides of the city of Leh with your tour guide. Stroll through the winding streets of the old town at the foot of the old fortress towards the south, where the new town joins. Your walk ends near the village of Chubi, where you will be picked up and driven to the Shanti Stupa, which is visible from a far and sits on a hill. From up here you can enjoy spectacular views of the city before being taken back to your accommodation. Overnight in Thiksey. Day 5: Insights into rural life After a first cup of tea or coffee, you start the day with a visit to the Thiksey monastery, probably the most impressive complex in this part of the Indus Valley. The Yellow Hat Gompa, built around 1440, is a beautiful example of the castle-like monastery complexes that have shaped the cultural landscape of Ladakh since

5 Things to Do in Varanasi: A Travel Guide to the Holy City How to Get to Varanasi There are three ways to get from Delhi to Varanasi: flight, train or bus. Your budget, preferred travel style and time will determine your choice. Flights are relatively cheap and very fast, but the advantage of taking a bus or train is that you can enjoy the scenery and experience a long-haul trip in India. Below are detailed information on each mode of transport: Best Time to Visit Varanasi The winter months from November to February are the best time to visit Varanasi. The temperatures can be quite chilly as Varanasi is located in northern India, but the weather during this time is more pleasant for sightseeing, exploring and walking. Average daily temperatures range between 15 and 21°C (60 to 70°F). In the evening, temperatures often drop to 7 to 13°C (40 to 50°F). 5 Things to Do in Varanasi Varanasi is all about an emotional journey: discovering the famous Ghats, sailing down the Ganges or appreciating the simplistic beauty of the ancient temples on the riverbanks, under the glow of the rising sun. While there are plenty of ancient temples, forts, and special sites to see, one should set aside a good chunk of time to observe all the special rituals that take place daily in Varanasi. While it is difficult to narrow down the number of things to do in Varanasi, the five listed below are the must-see sites, events, and activities: Manikarnika Ghat Ghats are large, flat steps built into the ground that lead directly down into the Ganges. They are used by pilgrims to enter the water to wash away their sins, pray, and worship. The Manikarnika Ghat is a little different. It is the main “burning ghat,” the most prosperous cremation site for a Hindu. On these steps, the body is immersed in the Ganges before being burned with wood on the steps. Tourists are allowed to watch the ceremony, but respect is essential. Photography is absolutely not allowed. You can watch the ceremonies from the top of nearby buildings. You will likely be invited to these places by “guides” who will ask you to make donations for the ceremony in exchange for taking you there. Good to know: Varanasi is the holiest place to die for Hindus, as it is believed that dying and being cremated here frees you from the cycle of reincarnation. Some people travel to Varanasi just to die in the holy city. Boat trip on the Ganges Change your perspective of the famous ghats and book a boat ride on the Ganges, at sunrise or sunset. Watching people bathe and pray in the water as the sunlight illuminates the ghats and buildings of the city is a magical experience and certainly one of the best things to do in Varanasi. It also offers a different perspective for photographers looking for the perfect shot. Good to know: Traditional rowboats are available all along the river and the price can be negotiated. Kashi Vishwanath Temple As the holiest city in India, it is fair to assume that there are a lot of temples here. They are literally found on every corner, but the most spectacular is Kashi Vishwanath. Built in 1776 and dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds no stone unturned. From an aesthetic point of view, the temple is breathtaking: the dome and the tower are covered with 800 kilograms of gold. It is also one of the holiest (if not the holiest) Hindu temples in the world. Many saints have visited it and pilgrims attribute the visit to this temple and a bath in the Ganges as the path to liberation. Good to know: This temple is one of the twelve traditional Jyotirlinga temples in India, the most powerful and sacred place to worship Lord Shiva. Ganga Aarti Ceremony This is a nighttime event hosted by a group of young priests dressed in traditional attire on the banks of the Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ceremony is a testament to commitment and devotion to Lord Shiva. A huge crowd gathers around the ghat, lit by copper lamps, while mantras and chants fill the air as the ceremony begins. Incenses are burned, conch shells are blown, and loud music is played as the priests perform their rituals. It is a truly unique way to experience this holy city, making Dashashwamedh Ghat one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Good to know: The aarti takes place every evening at 6:45 pm and lasts for about 45 minutes. Take an evening boat ride to Dashwamedh Ghat for the best view of the aarti ceremony. Shopping in the markets and exploring the alleys Get lost in the city, soak up the real culture and witness everyday life in its purest form. Leave the Manikarnika Ghat behind and wander wherever you please. You will find street food, boutiques, guest houses and restaurants all crammed into the old narrow alleys. Don’t miss out on visiting the main shopping areas of Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar and Godowilia Market, all within a 20-minute walk or less from the famous ghat. These markets offer bags, ornate jewellery, shoes, clothes, silk sarees, bangles, textiles, religious items, trinkets, wooden carvings, copperware and much more. Good to know: Varanasi is famous for its beautifully colored Banarasi silk sarees. They can be worn wrapped around the waist like a skirt or around the bodice like a shoulder shawl. They are an authentic souvenir that is a must-buy in the bazaars. Where to stay in Varanasi The most popular place to stay and the best starting point for tours and experiences is near the Ganges, close to the ghats. Specifically, the closer you stay to Dashashwamedh Ghat, the closer you will be to the action. If you want to get away from it all, but still be close to the Ganges and the ghats, consider heading 3 kilometers south to the Assi