Varanasi – Located on the other side (left) of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi also known as Banaras is the oldest city in India in the state of Uttar Pradesh, it has more than 1.2 million inhabitants. Varanasi is famous as the combination of two rivers, Varuna and Assi Ghat, which cross north and south of the city respectively.
Varanasi is considered one of the oldest cities in the world; it receives thousands of pilgrims who come to pray Shiva, but is also known for its silk production and rice cultivation.
The tourists who stay there appreciate its sweetness of life and its special atmosphere; one can visit its many Ghats (wide steps on the banks of the Ganges) and sit there to watch the inhabitants wash or pray, or attend a traditional cremation.
Do not miss to discover the ancient Temple, the most sacred Hindu temples, with its roof of gold leaf, or the temple of Hanuman (monkey temple) and a huge banyan tree at the center of the court; You can also rent a boat to watch the sunrise over the Ganges, an unforgettable sight. But many say that Benares does not visit but she lives! His light, the omnipresent animals (monkeys, goats, dogs, bull and cow), the majestic, life and death that come together, it all combines for a very special and striking atmosphere.
For each visitor, Varanasi offers different experiences. The sparkling red and gold water of the Ganges, with its first rays at sunrise, falling upon them, the bank, the temples, the ashrams, the pavilions are experiments in themselves.
Attractions and Travel Guide Varanasi
Varanasi is not only known for its temples, Ghats and Ganges, but it has also produced many famous exponents of arts, music, literature and craftsman. Not only electricity, Varanasi has also evolved in the art of weaving silk. The sarees of Banaras and the brocades are known as the pride of, collector on the whole world.
1. The Ghats of Varanasi
In this ancient city of pilgrimages, the Ghats are the biggest attractions. People accumulate here in large numbers every day to bathe and pray in the temples built by the river. The tradition dating back hundreds of years, offering Puja at sunrise are still maintained.
2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
This temple is dedicated to the god Shiva. He is known as the ‘Golden Temple’ – for his gold paintings on the 15.5 meters in height. This ton of gold was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Kashi Vishwanath Temple was destroyed by several bandits and had been rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.
3. Durga Temple
Built in the 8th century, the temple of Durga is one of the most important temples of Varanasi. This temple was built in Nagara style. The Shikara of the temple was formed by small spirals that are built on top of one another.
4. Temple of Bharat Mata
This temple is dedicated to the mother of India. Only one kilometer from the Varanasi Station, the construction of this temple was done in the Vidhyapeeth of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt.
5. Banaras Hindu University
Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, this is considered to be the largest residential university in Asia. It consists of the Kala Kendra Museum and the Vishwanath Temple on the campus. Climate:Varanasi has an extreme type of climate.
How to get there?
By Air:
Varanasi have very good connectivity of flights it is also direct plane available from major cities like Agra, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhubaneshwar.
By Train:
Varanasi is a major station for trains. Trains link major cities around the country.
To move around the city, rickshaws and private taxi are always available; you can also rent a bike and of course walk along the Ganges.
