Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a major cultural, religious, and historical center in India. Historical Significance Ancient History: Varanasi has a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Religious Importance: Varanasi is a sacred city for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. It is believed that Lord Shiva founded the city, and it is considered a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Cultural Hub: The city has been a center of learning and culture for centuries. It has been associated with renowned scholars, poets, philosophers, and musicians. Religious and Cultural Landmarks Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the holiest of Shiva temples. Ghats of Varanasi: The city is famous for its ghats, which are steps leading down to the river. The ghats are used for bathing, religious rituals, and cremation. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat are among the most famous ones. Sarnath: Located near Varanasi, Sarnath is a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Cultural Contributions Music and Dance: Varanasi has a rich tradition of classical music and dance. It has produced many famous musicians and dancers, including sitar maestro Ravi Shankar. Education: The city is home to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia. BHU is a major center of learning and research. Craftsmanship: Varanasi is renowned for its silk weaving, particularly the Banarasi sarees, which are highly prized for their intricate designs and craftsmanship. Festivals and Celebrations Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi, with the ghats illuminated by thousands of lamps. Ganga Mahotsav: This cultural festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Varanasi and features music, dance, and other artistic performances. Dev Deepawali: Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, this festival sees the ghats of Varanasi lit up with thousands of diyas (lamps) in honor of the Ganges. Modern Varanasi Tourism: Varanasi attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims each year. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture. Development: The city has seen significant development in infrastructure, including improvements in transportation and tourism facilities. Varanasi continues to be a vibrant and spiritually significant city, reflecting the timeless cultural heritage of India.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

  Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been the place of pilgrimage for Hindus since ancient ages, which is devoted to a black idol of Lord Shiva (Vishwanath). From 11th century to 17th century, Vishwanath Temple, one of the prime tourist attractions in Varanasi, was assaulted and restored a number of times. Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar rebuilt it in the beginning of 18th century. In the year 1889, renowned king Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab studded its 15.5 meters high acme with golden plating. Therefore, it is also called as Golden Temple. The evening worship is worth seeing.

  

  Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• The Ghat

  

  The Ghat

  The Ghat (River Front) of Varanasi are magnificent. Varanasi tour without experiencing Ganga Aarti at Ghats of river Ganga is incomplete. The tourists get internal peace here. Varanasi travel becomes a fulfilling experience with a morning boating cruise along the ghats of river Ganga. Boating in the evening fills the tourists with joy and wonder.

• The Galis of Varanasi

  The Galis of Varanasi It’s the eccentric charm of the city that makes flourishing Varanasi tourism an abstruse riddle. The Galis (narrow alleys) of Varanasi make it unique city. The serpentine narrow lanes symbolize the typical life style of its native people. Some of the famous Galis are Vishwanath Gali, Kachori Gali, Thatheri Bazar Gali, Khoa Gali etc.

• Kashi Hindu University

  Kashi Hindu University was established by the most learned educationist and patriot Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, collecting donations throughout the country. This is well renowned place for getting the knowledge of Indian culture. Bharat Kala Bhawan, a museum situated in its campus has a good collection of historic and scare ancient artistic idols, paintings and manuscripts.

  

  Kashi Hindu University

• Tulsi Manas Mandir

  

  Tulsi Manas Mandir

  Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to the Lord Ram. It is believed that Goswami Tulsidas created his epic 'Ramcharitmanas' at the same place. Besides above Kamkotiishwar Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Annapurna Temple, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Nav Vishwanath Temple, Gurudwaras, Jain Temples, Manmadir, observatory, Ram Nagar Fort and Museum are worth to be seen.

• Sarnath

  

  Sarnath

  Sarnath is also one of the major tourist attractions in Varanasi. Sarnath is a pious and famous place due to its religious traditions, archeological remains and a place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. After getting knowledge of ‘Kaivalya’ at Bodhgaya, he started his 'Dharma Chakra' here only. Emperor Ashoka, who spread the messages of Lord Buddha in his own empire as well in other countries, visited Sarnath around 234 B.C. and erected a 'Stupa ' here. Chaukhandi Stupa: made of bricks, is a squire edifice surrounded by an octagonal tower which is said to be built by Emperor Ashoka.

• Dhamek Stupa

  Dhamek Stupa built with bricks and stones, which is 28 meters in diameter at the base most remarkable structure at Sarnath. The Ashoka Pillar: 20 meter tall, having four lions connected from back on the top was built by the Emperor Ashoka. Now it is a national emblem of India. The Chakra engraved under the foot of the Lionsis put on National Flag of India.

  

  Dhamek Stupa

• The Ashoka Pillar

  

  The Ashoka Pillar

  The Ashoka Pillar, 20 meter tall and having four lions connected from back on the top, was built by the Emperor Ashoka. Now it is a national emblem of India. The Chakra (wheel with spokes) engraved under the foot of the Lions is put on National Flag of India.

  Superb India Tours offers relevant Varanasi information regarding various tourist attractions in Varanasi. Several Varanasi tour packages are on offer for the tourists interested in Varanasi travel. Many Varanasi packages include Sarnath in Varanasi tours. Kashi Vacations Tours recommends a tourist to definitely select a Varanasi travel itinerary which comprises a visit of Sarnath as well.

  To reach Varanasi

  Varanasi is though in a bit interior part of North India but it is well connected with almost all parts of India and is easily approachable by air, train and road. This oldest living city is connected with Kathmandu, Nepal by air and road. Sarnath, one of the most revered historic places in

• Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

  Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour circuit, is in Varanasi. Hence, flights from Buddhist nations also reach here frequently.

  Varanasi is 780 kms away from Delhi. There are several flights of different carriers at different time from Delhi to Varanasi. It barely takes one hour 20 minutes to reach Varanasi from Delhi. Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air India ply between the two cities on daily basis. There are many trains that cater to the travelling traffic between Delhi and Varanasi on daily basis. The famous trains on the route are Shiva Ganga Express, Kashi Vishvanath Express, Lichhavi Express, Swatantrata Senani Express etc. Delhi to Varanasi journey 400 kms distance between Varanasi and Khajuraho, can be traversed by air, train and road but the tourists prefer the air travel the most because of shorter duration and convenience. It hardly takes 1:30 hrs to travel between the two cities.