One of India’s most venerated and holy rivers is the Ganges River, usually referred to as Ganga. India’s culture and customs are inextricably linked to the ghats or the steps that lead to the river. Some lesser-known facts about Ganga Ghat are as follows:

1. In Varanasi alone, there are more than 80 ghats along the Ganges River, each having its own background and significance.
2. The ghats were initially built over a period of several centuries by numerous Hindu monarchs and emperors. Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, the Peshwa of the Maratha, constructed some of the most renowned ghats.
3. The busiest and most well-known ghat in Varanasi is Dashashwamedh. Lord Brahma is said to have offered a large sacrifice, or yajna, here to welcome Lord Shiva back after an exile.
4. The most sacred ghat for Hindus is the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. A person is said to achieve moksha, or freedom from the cycle of rebirth if they are cremated here.
5. Another significant ghat in Haridwar is the Har Ki Pauri Ghat. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his imprint here when the gods and demons were churning the seas.
6. Ancient Hindu texts make reference to the Assi Ghat in Varanasi, one of the earliest ghats. Also, before beginning the Pancha Kosi Parikrama, a 50 km journey around the city, pilgrims bathe here to purify themselves.
7. The ghats serve as a social and cultural center for the neighborhood in addition to being a location for religious rituals. Folks come here to unwind, have fun, and socialize.
8. Millions of tourists visit the ghats each year to watch the great festivities, ride on boats, and take in the distinctive ambiance of these ancient sites.
   

By Senior World.com

Travel is an experience where age plays absolutely no barrier. It is one of the most rewarding experiences and the benefits of travel to mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health have been well established.

As per a leading senior focussed travel company, SilverWings Holidays (SeniorWorld), higher disposable incomes and more adventurous mindsets have propelled senior citizens to travel more than ever. Today’s Gen S–some call them ‘seenagers’ or ‘senior teenagers’–are healthier and wealthier than their predecessors and are willing to spend more on experiences rather than material goods.

Since a full-time job hardly gives time for extensive travels, seniors are making the most of the ‘golden’ period of their life and ticking places off their bucket list. Senior travel today is not limited to visiting children’s homes in other cities or other countries. The new age seniors are well aware of the evolving world and remain eager to make their “second innings” happy, engaging and fulfilling. From vacationing with friends at emerging destinations like Rann of Kutch, Vietnam, New Zealand & Japan, the new age seniors are no longer restricting themselves to traveling to just small or local destinations. Even culturally rich and diverse places like Israel and Jordan are being preferred.

Seniors consider travel as a way to socialize and keep their minds active and engaged. Travel opens doors for them to meet new individuals, encounter new situations, and take part in activities that are not quite the same as their routine everyday life. A journey well shared is a journey well enjoyed. Group travel is instrumental in increasing confidence as senior travelers overcome their fears and mental blocks. Watching their fellow travelers allows them to dive deep into their hearts to fulfill the hidden desires of fun and adventure. A couple, Mrs. & Mr. Mahajan from Jaipur, shared that the whole experience of traveling has brought out the inner child in them again.

Today, senior-focused travel companies are charting out diverse travel experiences for the new-age seniors. Mrs. Arora, one of SilverWings Holidays’ frequent travelers, shares how she felt so encouraged after one of her recent travel trips and believes that these excursions help many seniors fulfill their young and forgotten dreams. The joy and happiness these travels bring to the seniors make their children happy too.

“Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” It stands true for the new age seniors who look at the world with a new perspective and learn new ways of life. They seek new interests and new goals. Traveling to far and wide places pushes them out of their comfort zone and helps the mind to open up to new ideas, opportunities and experiences. The memories they make, prevent mental decline due to isolation and boredom attached to a reclusive life post-retirement.

Senior life is another chance to go out and about in the world to feel free and transform yourself. It’s all about the choices we make in life: choose travel – be healthy.

Bon, voyage!