Location: state of Uttar
Pradesh.
Famous for: The Ghats, Benaras Hindu University, Temples.
Ideal time to Visit: September- March.
About Varanasi
By visiting Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, you will be visiting
one of the oldest living cities in the world. Some call it Varanasi, some
call it Benaras while the devout refer to it as Kashi, meaning the city of
light. Apart from being a living lesson on Hinduism, the city of Varanasi is
also much popular for its rich tapestry of music, art and education. For
shopping enthusiasts, Varanasi offers a wide range of Banarasi sarees, woven
from silk. The sight of the sun setting over the holy Ganges, the
pilgrim-packed ghats, soul stirring chants and above all a holy dip in the
diving Ganges are the highlights of a Varanasi trip. Mahashivratri
(Jan/Feb), Holi (Mar/Apr), Ganga Dussehra (May/Jun) and Shri Krishna
Janmashtami (Sep/Nov) are some important Hindu festivals in Varanasi.
Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
Your trip to Varanasi is mostly spiritual and you are going to touch and
feel the spiritual heart of India. So follow the codes of conduct and be
determined enough. The highlights of your trip to Varanasi are as follows.
The Ghats
On the edge of river Ganga lies the eighteenth-nineteenth century temples.
Every day thousands of devotees take a holy dip on the riverbanks. Ideal
time to visit a Ghat is just after the sunrise. One can take a boat-ride to
see the Hindu pilgrims taking dip in the holy waters of the river Ganga. The
boat ride starts from Dasashwamedh Ghat and ends at Manikarnika Ghat along
the sacred Ganges Famous Ghats are Asi Ghat to Kedara Ghat, Chauki Ghat to
Chaumsathi Ghat, Dashashwamedha Ghat. According to belief, a dip in the holy
waters purifies ones sins.
Vishwanatha Khanda
Vishwanatha Khanda is an old city of Varanasi and is famous for its
magnificent temples. The temple Visheshwara commonly known as The Golden
Temple is adorned with a 15.5m gold-plated minaret. The temple is dedicated
to Lord Shiva. The prime attraction, the shivalingams, which is hidden
behind the wall, can be access through the most unassuming gateways.
Thousand of devotees visit the temple every day. Besides, there are other
temples like the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Durga
Temple, which are prime attractions for the devotees.
Benaras Hindu University
Benaras Hindr University is one of the biggest and oldest universities in
North India. It spreads on an area of 2000 acres. Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya
established this great place of education for the study of Indian art,
culture.
Bharat Kala Bhawan
It is a museum that houses one of the finest collections of Mughal miniature
paintings and scripts.
Visit Timings : 10.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
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 wealth
Excursions from Varanasi
The Buddhist pilgrimage centre of Sarnath is just a few kilometres from the
city of Varanasi. Other options of excursions from Varanasi are given below.
Sarnath
At a distance of 40 Km. Sarnath- the city of Buddhist pilgrimage retaining
the ruins of the ancient seat of learning, a place where Lord Buddha
delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples. There is also a
museum, which displays artifacts dating back to 3rd century BC.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Dense forests of Chandraprabha lie at a distance of 70km.from Varanasi.
Amidst the sanctuary are the splashing waterfalls of Rajdari and Deodari,
and is a home to many wild life species.
Vindhyachal/ Kausambhi
The famous temple of Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh are
the major sites of tourist interest locates at a distance of 75km.Kausambhi
Fort reminds of the ancient times of Mahabharata is located at a distance of
185km.
Popular Shopping Centres in Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for Banarasi silks, brassware and copper ware, wooden and
clay toys and jewelry, the hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur. The main
shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Godoulia ,
Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Specialty of Banaras : 'Langda Aam', a variety
of mango, famous all over the world.
Varanasi Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
Air : Indian Airlines connects Varanasi with
Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Agra and Delhi.
Rail : Varanasi is connected by rail with all the major
cities in India.
Road : Regular bus services connect Varanasi to major
cities in India. Important highways: Delhi 710kms, Mumbai 1550kms, Agra 610
kms, Bodh Gaya 240 kms, Khajuraho 406 kms,, Lumbini 320 kms and Patna 270
kms.