Planning to go to Varanasi. Here is all you need to know more!

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A City of astronomers, sacred Ghats, funeral pyres, secretive tantric temples and shrines, Varanasi is a spiritual place. Also called as Benaras or Kashi, it is the cultural capital of India and very closely linked with rich heritage of Indian culture. Located on the left bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River, the city is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It is the rich heritage & culture of the city that millions of tourists find satisfying to visit this place every year. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermin speech.

Sightseeing in Varanasi:

Ghats > Temples > Museums

Ghats: Varanasi sightseeing revolves around its over one hundred Ghats (river landings). Important ghats are Asi, Dashashwamedha, Adi Keshava, Panchganga and Manikarnika, To bathe at these five ghats in this order in a day is known as the panch thirtha yatra. The Bachraj Ghat is used by Jain devotees, Kedar Ghat-dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other important ghats are Manikarnika Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Tulisi Ghat , Mansarovar Ghat.

Temples: Kasi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the main attraction in Varanasi, Destroyed by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669, the temple was rebuilt by Rani Ahalya Bai in 1776, is also known as the Golden Temple for its gold shikara. Closed to this, there is Annapurana Temple, Vinayaka Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple , Vishwanath Temple, Durga temple,  Tulsi Manas Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, are there. It is said Tulsidas lived and composed the Hindu epic Ramcharit Manas over here.

Museums: The Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum located on the campus of Benaras Hindu University is known for its splendid collections of sculpture and terracotta, miniature paintings and manuscripts. The Fort Museum at Ramnagar fort has displays of arms, costumes, palanquins and royal memorabilia.The ABC Gallery located near the Tulsi Manas Mandir has an exhibition of contemporary art

Tips for Travellers:

  • Wear decent clothing throughout your trip. Modest clothes would avoid awkward stares from locals.
  • Avoid street food due to hit and-mis-hygiene.
  • Stay careful from pick pocketers, thieves & beggars.
  • Alcohol is not served locally but only available at mid-range and luxury hotels away from the ghats.

Things to do in Varanasi:

Boat Ride in Ganges River, Rendezvous with Gods at temples of Varanasi, A Sunset Stroll Along The Ghats. Evening Aarti Ceremony at Ganges River.

Shopping in Varanasi:

Muslin and Silk brocade fabrics, Rudraksha Mala, Perfumes, Ivory works & Sculpture, Copper utensils are the specialities.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March are the best months to visit Varanasi.

Places to Eat Around Temple:

Pizzeria Vatika Café, Aum Café, Open Hand Café and Shop, Niyati Café.

Hotels to stay:

Taj Nadesar Palace Varanasi , Ramada Plaza JHV Varanasi, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, The Gateway Hotel, Guleria Kothi, Hotel Alka, Bliss Hotel, Hotel Ganges View.

How to reach:

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Airport is well connected to some of the major cities in India like Delhi and Mumbai. The city is linked to inter & intra state run bases & trains connected to major cities in India.

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