Varanasi Travel Guide - An Ancient City of India

Varanasi Ganga Ghat

Varanasi is a very famous city all over India. It is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The holy city of Varanasi is one of the most ancient living cities in the world. The city of temples, Varanasi is the famous pilgrimage center for Hindus. But people from all faiths reside in the holy town of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. The holy city of Varanasi is situated on the bank of the holy river of Ganga. The historical & spiritual city also known as Kashi or Varanasi famous for its Ghats along the bank of the Ganga River, temples, music, dance, festivals, traditions, art, and crafts. Varanasi is also known as a great learning center for years.

The ancient city of Varanasi is one of the most famous & important pilgrimage centers in India. It is also a major tourist destination in India. The holy city of Varanasi is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The city of Varanasi has been a major center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Temples, Ganga Ghats, Banaras Hindu University, Bazaars, and the culture of Varanasi, all are worth visiting. The city of Varanasi is also known for its fairs and festivals.

Varanasi Ghat Being one of the most ancient cities of the world and an important pilgrimage center of Hindus, the holy town of Varanasi attracts an abundance of visitors from all over the world. The holy town of Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, Hinduism, Indian Philosophy, and mysticism for centuries. One can observe all these aspects of Varanasi in its temples, ashrams, Ghats, and several sects. Apart from Hinduism, the city of Varanasi is also associated with Buddhism and Jainism. Apart from Hindu temples, the city has also some Buddhist Stupas and Jain Temples. If someone has a desire to see the age-old Indian civilization, he/she must visit Varanasi.

Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple

Some major worth visiting attractions of Varanasi are Ganga Ghats, Banaras Hindu University, Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Bharat Mata Temples, Buddhist Temples, Jain Temples and Alamgir Mosque (an excellent blend of Hindu and Mughal styles of the architecture). During tours to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India, one can also visit Archaeological Museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan, and the Buddhist Stupas and temples at Sarnath. Sarnath is very close to Varanasi.

Places of Attraction

Kashi Vishwanath Temple


Kashi Vishwanath temple

Built around 3500 years ago, this temple is known for being one of the most ancient and holy temples in India. This holiest of all the Lord Shiva temples in India is the most vital Jyotirlinga among the 12.

Tulsi Manas Temple


Tulsi Manas Temple

This temple is another iconic holy shrine of Varanasi, which is dedicated to Lord Rama and is built using gleaming white marble where the walls are adorned with scenes and episodes from the holy Hindu text of Ramcharitmanas.

Bharat Mata Temple


Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi

This is a unique temple which is dedicated to Bharat Mata which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1936. The temple displays a model of an undivided landscape of India which evokes a feeling of deep patriotism and appreciation for our motherland.   

Excursion from Varanasi:

Sarnath


Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath

Located at a mere distance of 10 kms from Varanasi, this historical city in India is replete with innumerable signs of Buddhist influence. There are several relevant Stupas here and the entire city remains flocked with pilgrims and devotees from various religious backgrounds like Jains and Buddhists.

Bodhgaya


Bodhgaya Buddha Statue

Situated at a road journey distance of 5 hours, this place is home to the iconic UNESCO world heritage site of Mahabodhi temple. There are also several monasteries, shrines, and temples here which appeal to religious people.

Allahabad


Allahabad Sangam

The holy city of Allahabad or Prayagraj is located at a distance of 3 or 4 hours from Varanasi. The entire city is replete with interesting sights of attractions which are dotted all over the city.

Festivals:

Chhath Puja


Chhath Puja

Celebrated between October to November, this four-day celebration to thank the sun god is one of the most important festivals of Varanasi.

Diwali


Diwali Festival

This festival of lights is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Varanasi just like the rest of North India. The city is adorned with special decorations and special Aarti ceremonies/puja rituals take place in the temples.

Maha Shivratri


Maha Shivratri, Varanasi

The entire town of Varanasi is decorated and everything comes to life during this festival since it is popularly believed that this holy town was the hometown of Lord Shiva.

Some major fairs and festivals of Varanasi which are celebrated with great zeal and zest are Buddha Purnima, Bharat Milap, Dhrupad Mela, Hanuman Jayanti Janmotsav Rangbhari Ekadashi, Ram Leela, Annakut & Rangbhari Ekadashi.

Best Time to Visit:

The summer months in Varanasi witnesses a general tropical-type climatic situation where the air is humid and very hot with the temperature reaching almost 40 to 42 degree Celsius. During the monsoon months, the region is prone to heavy rainfall and recurring showers making sightseeing difficult. The best time to visit this place is generally during the winter months of October to March, when the temperatures drop making sightseeing comfortable.

How to Arrive in Varanasi

Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and buses with all the major cities and places of India. Varanasi Airport is about 25 km from the city center. The City of Varanasi is about 700 km from Delhi.

Accommodation Facilities in Varanasi

Varanasi has a range of stay options and accommodation facilities available in Varanasi which can easily be accommodated in your budget. Ideally, it is advised for you to choose a hotel in front of the Holy River Ganga to witness all its happenings. However, other stay options are also made available like budget hotels, hostels, and luxury resorts. There is a range of easily available accommodation facilities offering everything from basic to luxury amenities.

Food of Varanasi

Along with being known for its religious destinations, Varanasi is also known for its locally available authentic Indian food. You can savor these delectable dishes from a range of Dhabas, food stalls, and eateries that dot this holy city. You can choose from gorging on locally prepared Indian food or you can also decide to indulge in some international cuisines which are prepared in cafes and restaurants located along the Ghats. Some of the famous food items of Varanasi include Kachori Sabzi, Choora Matar, Baati Chokha, Tamatar Chaat, etc. while on the other hand, the international menu includes - salad, burritos, pancakes, and much more. It truly is a paradise for foodies.

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