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Varanasi - A Brush With The Divine At Varanasi

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Varanasi, also known as Banaras, Kashi, and the spiritual capital of India, is a symbol of the relationship between the river and the people of Varanasi. A place of learning Vedas and a center for literature and arts- Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest and most relentlessly inhabited cities. Right through its existence, Varanasi has flourished and has maintained its unique identity at the same time. Situated on the bank of the river Ganga, this oldest living city holds a beautiful name representing a lovely fusion of the names Varuna and Assi, a tributary of the holy river of Ganga. Within the strange sense of serenity and amidst the chaos, the best way to make acquaintance with this incredible city is to take a boat ride along the river Ganga. It is said that the beamy river Ganga turns northward only to visit Lord Shiva's favorite city Kashi/ Varanasi. This blended city holds the center of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain thought.

Tourist Places In And Around Varanasi

Varanasi offers you a brush with the divine. The most interesting aspect of the city is the several ghats (steps leading to the waters of the river Ganges). Some of the more well-known ghats include Dasaswamedh Ghat, where the aarti is performed every morning and evening, Darbhanga Ghat, Hanuman Ghat and Man Mandir Ghat.

Varanasi is perhaps the only city in the world that also offers what can be called “death tourism”. Visitors flock the Manikarnika Ghat where dead bodies are cremated in full view before their ashes are immersed in the Ganges. Assi Ghat has the maximum concentration of hotels and restaurants. Then there are other ghats worth a mention including Tulsi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Shivala Ghat and the highly photogenic Kedar Ghat.

Varanasi is said to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and so there are plenty of temples dedicated to him including Kashi Vishwanath Temple and New Vishwanath Temple. Other temples of note include Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple. Muslims find representation in Alamgir Mosque while Jains find solace in the Jain temples.

Religious sites apart, Varanasi also houses the Ram Nagar Fort, on the other side of the river, and Jantar Mantar, an observatory. The city is also home to the Banaras Hindu University, spread over a very peaceful campus. The university was once known as the Oxford of the East. The city is also a well-known centre for classical dance, music and yoga.

Best Time To Visit Varanasi

From December to February is the ideal time to visit Varanasi.

How To Reach Varanasi

Varanasi is well connected by air, train and road.

Varanasi is Famous for

Varanasi Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Varanasi

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Varanasi

  • By Road
    Buses run from cities such as Lucknow (5hrs), Kanpur (5hrs) and Allahabad (2hrs). Buses are usually slow and uncomfortable and are best avoided if you can come by train or air.
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  • By Train
    Varanasi has two major railway stations, Varanasi Junction and Mughal Sarai Junction, which is about 20 kilometers to the east of the city. There are multiple daily services to Varanasi from cities such as Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata.
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  • By Air
    Varanasi has its own international airport and is well connected by direct flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Khajuraho and Kolkata.
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