Location:Uttar Pradesh.
Attraction:The Ghats, Benaras Hindu University, Hindu Temples and Ramnagar Fort
Language:Hindi, English and Bengali
Ideal time to Visit: September- March.


About Varanasi
The city of light, Varanasi is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is famed with the western banks of the River Ganga and is renowned as the one of the oldest living city of the world. This Hindu pilgrimage center is popularly known as Kashi by devotees and Benaras by many Indians. Beside valuing a number of ancient temples the place is rich in Indian art, literature and music. The city's charisma is defined in its numerous ghats, Benaras Hindu University and religious shrines. Devotees cherish their life with stirring their life with spiritual mantras and holy water of river Ganges. The aura, all round the year get fused with religious fragrance during the festivity of Mahashivratri, Holi, Ganga Dussehra and Shri Krishna Janmashtami.
Climate and best time to visit Varanasi
Varanasi experience the extreme hot climatic condition in Summer. The scorching sunny temperature is maximum at 40 degree Celsius, while the winter days are chilly with 5 degree Celsius. An ideal time to visit the Holy Varanasi is anytime between the month of October to March.

Major Attraction at Varanasi
The Ghats
The famous Hindu pilgrimage center Varanasi is remarkable for a number of Ghats and its various rituals. Of the 81 Ghats some important names are the Assi ghat, the Dasaswamedh ghat, the Manikarnika ghat, the Tulsi ghat and Panch Ganga ghat. Different religious legends are connected with each ghats but the common theme lies in taking a dip shower into the holy water and wash away all the commited sins. Visitors can also enjoy a boat-ride starting from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ending the journey at Manikarnika Ghat.

Vishwanatha Khanda
Vishwanath Khanda, is one of the Oldest City of Varanasi, It lies between Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia to the south and west and Manikarnika Ghat on the river to the north. The place is famous for The Golden Temple, also known as the temple Visheshwara. The temple complex is flourished with the 15.5m gold plating and Shivalingams, made of smooth black stone, placed in a solid silver plinth.. Beside this the temple premises also treasures the Tulsi Manas Temple and the Durga Temple. Everyday the whole area remains clogged with a number of tourist from different parts of the world.

Benaras Hindu University
Varanasi holds the reputation of being a prime learning center since time immemorial. The city is popular for the Benaras Hindu University, built between the year 1916-1917. Its whole campus covers an area of 2000 acres and boast of to be the study center of Indian art and Hindu literature.

Bharat Kala Bhawan
Bharat Kala Bhavan is the home to some of the great ancient collections of Mughal art and scripture. It was built in 1920 AD and is nestled inside the campus of Banaras Hindu University. The museum hold the finest architectural work and a number of images of relating to Lord Krishna and his existence in Kashi. The main hall of the Bhawan is featured with a figure of a man standing on one leg and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand. Devotees believes that the figure is of Lord Krishna, lifting Mount Govardhana.

Ram Nagar Fort and Museum
Ramnagar Fort was the residence of the Maharajali of Varanasi. Situated on the bank of river Ganga, the fort also treasures lot of precious wealthThe very impressive Ram Nagar Fort & Museum is 14 Km from the main town and is located on the bank of river Ganga. It was built in the 17th century and was the home to the Maharaja of Benaras. The fort cum museum is treasured with old silver & brocade palanquins, gold-plated elephant howdahs, an astrological clock, macabre elephant traps and an armory of swords and old guns.
Excursions from Varanasi
Sarnath
Varansi trip gets more interesting with a visit to Sarnath, situated at a distance of 40 Km away. The city is famous for its Buddhist pilgrimage and the underlying stories of Lord Buddha. The most praised attraction is the Dharmarajika Stupa and massive statue of 4 majestic lions. A museum here is learnt of to be the home of ancient artifacts dating back to 3rd century BC.

Wildlife Sanctuary
A large portion of Varanasi city is located on the western banks of the River Ganga (Ganges). The area is covered with dense forest and is known as Chandraprabha. It is 70 Km from Varanasi and supports the wild life sanctuary, encircled by a ravishing waterfalls of Rajdari and Deodari.

Vindhyachal/ Kausambhi
Vindhyachal is one of the most visited place by the pilgrims. It is located 90Km from Rishikesh and is popular for the three temple namely the temple of Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh. History indicates that the place is the most visited place by Lord Buddha. Kausambhi Fort, situated at a distance of 185km, speaks of the epic age of Mahabharata.

Popular Shopping Centres in Varanasi
Varanasi is popular for Banarasi silks. Other items like the brassware and copper ware, wooden and clay toys and jewelry, the hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur are also looked for shopping. Some esteemed shopping centre in Varanasi are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Visitor can also buy some antique and good stuffs from the Emporia and Souvenir shops, all approved by the UP tourism.

Stay at Varanasi
The holy hub,Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is dotted with a number of hotels, guest houses and lodges, all catering to the quality needs of visitors. Hotels varying from Deluxe to medium-priced are available in the place. Visitors can opt for an over night stay in the Varanasi cantt station. Some luxury hotels are the Hotel Hindustan International, Hotel Clarks, Hotel Taj Gangas and Hotel Bestwestern Kashika.

Varanas from major Indian cities
Sarnath: 10 Km
Bodh Gaya: 240 kms
Patna: 270 kms
Khajuraho: 406 kms
Agra: 551 Km
Agra: 610 kms
Delhi: 772 Km
Mumbai: 1550kms

Reaching Varanasi
Air : Varanasi airport is connected to some major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Agra. Domestic flights operates from the airport, so international travelers are suggested to catch connecting flights from Delhi, which is 772 Km away from the destination.

Rail :Varanasi is well connected with all major railway heads in India. The two nearby railheads are Varanasi junction and the Kashi junction, which is managed with many express trains thereby connecting Varanasi with Delhi and Kolkata.

Road :Regular buses ply from neighboring towns to Varanasi. State owned public bus services connect Varanasi with other holy cities in and around Uttar Pradesh Also regular private bus services are available from nearby cities to Varanasi.

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