Located on the banks of the holy Ganga, Lord Shiva is believed to have established his permanent home here. It is one of the most sacred cities, holding great importance to Buddhists, Jains and Hindus alike. It is true that modern day Kashi is more a maze of winding lanes and markets and the ghats almost always teem with a huge crowd looking for the holy dip, prayeing to the sun or simply soaking in the mysticism that is Ganga. The important Vishvanatha Linga, believed to be the first Jyotirlinga, is accessed by several streets and severe checking by the authorities. Kashi does not only symbolize creation; it is also possibly the greatest example of destruction and life's end. This is made clear when you visit the Manikarnika Ghat, where almost 30,000 cremations take place over a year! We say, discover the town on foot or take a boat ride early morning on the Ganges, simply the best way to explore it! And carry back with yourself that, which cannot be seen or bought - just experienced…