Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
cultural heritage of India where you discover art & craft, dances,
music, costumes, and languages of India.
The city of Varanasi is situated
along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh.
Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important
pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics
of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade center when
Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon
in 500 BC. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote,
"Benaras
is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and
looks twice as old as all of them put together." 
Right
from the ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance
and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages,
pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine
blessings. Summers can be quite harsh in Varanasi with the temperatures
going up to 45°C. The monsoon season, which starts by late June or
early July, brings in the torrential rains and high humidity. Winters are
quite pleasant with temperatures remaining at around 20°C in the day.
However, the early part of the day can remain enveloped in the fog.
For
a relatively short period, while under Mughal rule, Varanasi was also known
as Muhammadabad. Modern-day Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the
Ganges (also Ganga) and extends into a myriad collection of narrow lanes
that form an integral part of it.
The city winds itself around
these vines of communication, stretching from one ghat to the other.
" Down the ages, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of
Hindu renaissance. Swathed in an aura of history, religion, and tradition,
Varanasi preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. From a
time stretching beyond human memory, pilgrims from distant lands have come
to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.
 Major
Attractions of Varanasi |
 |
Kashi Vishwanath Temple : This temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the golden Temple due the
Gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire. One tonne of gold donated by
Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been used in the gold plating of the spire. The
temple was destroyed in the various invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by
Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.
The Ghats Of Varanasi : AThe numerous ghats along the
bank of the Ganges present a varied scene from dawn to dusk. A ghat is a
series of well-paved steps that lead to the water. A ghat in Varanasi
usually has small temples built into its side, while the larger structures,
housing the powerful gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon, form a
formidable backdrop to the serene beauty of the meandering river. For
centuries, the Hindus considered it very auspicious to bathe at the ghats of
Varanasi. Everyday at dawn thousands of pilgrims can be seen offering
salutations to the Sun God in waist-deep water, secure in their conviction
that the muddy waters of the Ganges will wash away all the accumulated sins
of their life.
Bharat Kala Museum : The
Kashi Hindu university has a museum which has a very rich collection of
precious and rare historical artifacts, statues, pictures, paintings and
manuscripts. This small but very well maintained museum gives an over view
of the ancient city of Varanasi. Entry in the museum is free but check out
the timings.
| How
to Get There |
|
By Air : Varanasi is well connected by air
to several cities in India. It is on the popular daily tourist service
Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi route.
By Rail :
Varanasi has two railway stations-Kashi and Varanasi Junction (also
Cantonment Station). We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles
for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.
Destinations
