Varanasi, one of the most visited religious destinations in India, holds a profound place in the hearts of many due to its historic ghats, splendid temples, and the unique flavour of the city itself. Known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi’s timelessness adds to its allure, drawing visitors from across the globe. At the heart of this ancient city flows the sacred Ganga, an enduring symbol that shapes the daily life, culture, and spirituality of its people.

Our journey to Varanasi was planned as a part of our itinerary before catching the train to Ranchi from Prayagraj. We aimed to visit and pray at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple and enjoy an evening river cruise on the Ganga, a novel experience that promised incredible sightseeing and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.

The Alaknanda Cruise, a double-decker luxury liner, had been on my radar ever since I read about its launch by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on September 2, 2018. With a click, I secured our tickets online, eagerly anticipating the scenic views of the Ganga, the ancient ghats, and the evening’s grand Ganga Aarti.

Our adventure began early on the morning of November 28, 2022, with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Immersing ourselves in the old Kashi charm, we wandered through the city, absorbing its distinct atmosphere. As the day progressed, we checked out of our hotel and headed towards Ravidas Ghat for the cruise.

We arrived at Ravidas Ghat by 5 PM, giving us time to explore the beautiful Ravidas Park, a serene memorial dedicated to the spiritual master Sant Ravidas. The park’s central platform, featuring a statue of the saint, provided a tranquil setting as the evening light cast a warm glow.

The Ravidas Park is on the bank of the river Ganga and the ghat is known as the Ravidas Ghat due to is proximity to the house of Saint Ravidas. Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the bhakti movement during the 15th to 16th century CE. Most scholars believe that Guru Ravidas met Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. He is revered in the Sikh scripture, and 41 of Guru Ravidas’ poems are included in the Adi Granth.

Boarding the Alaknanda Cruise at 5:30 PM, we were ready for a new perspective of Varanasi. The modern liner, with its luxurious amenities, gently floated on the holy waters of the Ganga, unveiling the city one layer at a time. From the open deck, we admired the majestic ghats, each steeped in history and spirituality, while the fresh breeze added to the sensory experience.

As we sailed past landmarks like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, the sight of daily rituals and ceremonies unfolding on the ghats offered a glimpse into Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage. The Manikarnika Ghat, in particular, is known for its significance as a cremation ground, believed to be the gateway to Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of life and death.

As dusk fell, the anticipation for the Ganga Aarti at Dashaswamedh Ghat grew. This daily ritual, involving the chanting of hymns, fire, and flowers, is a tribute to the Ganga, seeking her blessings and expressing gratitude. The vibrant spectacle, set against the backdrop of the holy river, sent chills down my spine. It was an unforgettable experience, one that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

After the Aarti, the cruise gently steered back to Ravidas Ghat. We disembarked, still wrapped in the afterglow of the evening’s events. I purchased a Floating Diya, and together with Tania, we lit it and offered it to the river, watching in silent reverence as it drifted away.

The Alaknanda Cruise on the Ganga River was a highlight of our visit to Varanasi. It offered a unique perspective of the city and its iconic ghats, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.

Post-cruise, the ladies indulged in some shopping while we visited the Sankat Mochan temple. Our day culminated with a delightful dinner at the Sagar Ratna restaurant in Lanka. Sonu bhaiya and my aunt then escorted us to Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction in Mughal Sarai, where we boarded the Rajdhani Express for Ranchi, carrying with us the indelible memories of our Varanasi sojourn.