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.

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