Varanasi Travel Tourism Holidays Vacation Trip Packages Operators

Varanasi Travel

Varanasi Travel

City Information
Older than history and tradition, Varanasi is the cultural heartland of India. The smells, the sights, the flavours, the way of life, everything is untouched by time and remains Indian at the heart. The holiest of sacred Indian cities, Varanasi is a must visit pilgrimage for Hindus since antiquity. Known by various names such as Banaras and Kashi, this city of lights is the abode of the Hindu god Shiva. The city of paradoxes, one part of Varanasi vibrantly glitters in spirituality and aromatic wafts of aarti pujans, whereas other part is gloomy where people believe that the dying in the city will liberate them from cycle of death and rebirth. A culmination of two rivers, Varuna and Asi, that join with Ganges River here form Varanasi the most celebrated pilgrimage destination in India. Famed for its rich lavish Sarees, an Indian garment for ladies, one should relish the refreshing Paans and Rabris - the Indian deserts.

Major Tourist Locations
Ghats
The waterfront of River Ganges with 100 Ghats dotted over the miles of the city is spiritually the soul of Varanasi. Famed amongst them are Dashashwamedha, Manikarnika, Mana Mandir, Scindia, Tulsi Ghats are renowned ones. Dashashwamedha stands out of all, because of myths and legends associated with this one. Tranquility of River Ganges can be experienced on these Ghats with the holy dip and Boating during sunrise and sunset.

Vishwanath Temple
The divine abode of ruler of Varanasi - Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Hindu belief. The holiest existing place of Hindus, Vishwanath Temple is one of the must visit pilgrim destination. Located on the western banks of the holy river Ganges, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples and is considered very pious. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha which in Hindi means the Ruler of the universe. Due to this 15.5m high golden spire, the temple is sometimes called as the Golden Temple, similar to the Golden temple, a Sikh Gurudwara at Amritsar.

Bharat Mata Temple
It is one of those temples which personify the Indian motherland and instead of a deity; the map outline of India carved on marble is worshipped. Built during the time of independence struggle and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the temple represents the dream of united India and fuels the spirit of patriotism in the heart of every Indian.

Benaras Hindu University
One of the largest residential universities in the world, Benaras Hindu University represents the oldest city in the world with its centuries-old tradition of learning, wisdom and spirituality. Even though it is a university, still it holds importance as one of the most visited sites in Varanasi, reason being it’s immaculate architectural edifice spread over 1300 acres. This is also mostly revered for producing the gems in the fields of arts, literature, journalism including the likes of Bhupen Hazarika, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, etc.

Best time to travel – September to November

How to reach there
By Air Airport from Varanasi is about 25km from the city center connected by major air service providers.

By Train Served by two major railway stations, Varanasi Junction and Mughal Sarai, Varanasi is the easily accessible through railways. Famous operating trains include Mahaparinirvana Express and Rajdhani Express.

By Road Varanasi is accessible from the rest of India through National Highways including NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanyakumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur

Excursions
Sarnath
Sarnath’s deer park complex comprises the site where Buddha Sakyamuni rendered his first teaching after gaining enlightenment. Here only the original Sangha was formed. It holds prominence in the life of Buddha and forms the footprints of Buddha by being one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

Lucknow
The city of Nawabs, Lucknow is known for its enriched culture and way of life. The respect, the code of conduct and the famous Awadhi tehzeeb – etiquettes make Lucknow the most civilized city in India. A tour to the capital city of Uttar Pradesh is incomplete without relishing the elaborate and rich Lucknowi and Awadhi cuisines and Chikankaari - the exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.

Allahabad
The city of confluences, Allahabad is famed for its prayag – where the holy nectar was spilled. It is believed that the holy dip in Sangam at Allahabad washes away the sins and purifies the soul.

Ayodhya
The birthplace of the Ideal Indian Lord – Rama, Ayodhya is the sacred place of Hindu faith.

Agra
The City of Taj Mahal, Agra was the Mughal capital located on the banks of the river Yamuna. The city showcases luxuriant splendour of Mughal Emperors and architecture through Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri as well. All three of them are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gaya
The land of Lord Vishnu and Lord Buddha, Gaya is sacred pilgrimage famous for offering pind dan funeral offerings at the Ghats of River Niranjana to free a deceased from the bondage to the earth. The much revered Vishnupad Temple houses the imprints of Vishnu’s Foot on a 40 cm solid rock draws a lot of pilgrims towards Gaya. 1 km south west to the temple is Brahmajuni Hill, the place where Buddha is said to have preached fire sermon.

Mathura
If one has to explore about Lord Krishna, then a visit to Mathura and Vrindavan is a must. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, these two villages showcase the life, childhood antics, frolics and most popularly redolent melodies of Krishna’s flute. Located approximately 50 km north of Agra, these hamlets host hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and are considered sacred by a number of religious followers.

Nearest cities
Agra (565 km), Allahabad (116 km), Lucknow (286 km), Sarnath (10 km), Gaya (210 km)

Where to Stay