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A Rendezvous With
Varanasi |
Varanasi
is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major Hindu pilgrimage
center. Also known as Benaras, Varanasi stands on the northern banks of
river Ganga and is situated in the north-Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Varanasi is also known as a center of music, art, crafts and education since
ages. Believed by Hindus as an eternal city, Varanasi's famous history dates
back to about 3500 years. Held in high reverence by Hindus, thousands of
pilgrims throng the holy city of Varanasi all throughout the year, which is
dotted with many beautiful and soulful temples. A place where you can
experience peace and harmony.
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Things You Can Do
in Varanasi |
» Sightseeing : The chief attractions of
this holy pilgrimage center are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple,
Bharat Kala Bhawan and the sacred bathing ghats of the place.
» Shopping : Go for silk sarees, which are the
specialty of Varanasi, known as the Benarasi Sarees. brass ware, copper
ware, ivory ware, glass bangles, wood and clay toys and exquisite gold
jewelry are some of the other crafts you can purchase from here. Bhadohi
carpets and musical instruments are among the other things which you can
look for. Main Shopping Centres in Varanasi are : The Chowk, Vishwanath
Gali, Gyanvapi, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashaswamedh and
Golghar, etc.
» Eating Out : Varanasi is famous for its mango
fruit - Langda Aam (Summers) and delicious sweets. But you should not miss
the delicious Langa Aams if visiting in the summers.
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Sightseeing in
Varanasi |
» The Benaras Ghats : The ghats of Benaras
are held as sacred by Hindus. In fact, all the ghats have a history attached
to them. Some of the Varanasi ghats also find mention in our ancient
scriptures. The best known ghat of Varanasi-Dashashwamedha ghat is regarded
as the most sacred of all ghats. The ghats of Varanasi stretch up to 4 kms.
The Ghats of Varanasi are best viewed at dawn, as a steady stream of
devotees perform various kinds of rituals.
» Durga Temple : The Durga temple of Varanasi is
also held in high reverence by devotees. Here Durga is worshiped as the
embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in a red Saree and riding a
tiger. Armed with a trident, discus and sword, the deity is shown in an
angry posture. The earlier ritual of animal sacrifice has now been replaced
by a symbolic mark in vermilion.
» The Kashi Vishwanath Temple : Dedicated to Lord
Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath temple is also known as the Golden Temple. More than
the ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains
the devotional focus of Varanasi.
» Bharat Kala Bhawan : Established in the year 1950,
Bharat Kala Bhawan is famous for its impressive collection of miniature
paintings. There are Rajasthani paintings, pahari painting, Nepalese &
Tibetan Thankas, company paintings and also paintings of many contemporary
artists. Many ancient scriptures are also in the possession of the museum.
Varanasi is visited by pilgrims in large numbers from both India and abroad.
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Excursions from
Varanasi |
Varanasi
extends its divine glory and charm to the nearby cities of Sarnath, Chunar,
Jaunpur, Kaushambi and Vindhaychal. Sarnath is 10 km from Varanasi and is
most famous for being the chosen spot where Lord Buddha preached his first
sermon after enlightenment. Thus it is an important pilgrimage place for the
Buddhists. Sarnath also boasts of a number of antiques ranging from the
Ashoka period to the 12th century. Chunar is 40 km from Varanasi, where the
Churnar fort is a delight to look upon and the Kaimur Hills provide
fantastic views of meandering Ganga River. 65 km from Varanasi, Jaunpur was
built in 1360 by Feroz Shah to guard the eastern side of Delhi sultanate.
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Most Ideal Time to
Visit Varanasi |
Located in the north of India, Varanasi experiences extreme type of
climate. Summers are very hot and the temperature can shoot up to 46 degrees
while Winters are chilly but pleasant. The place also receives good rainfall
during the monsoon. But irrespective of the weather devotees throng the holy
pilgrimage centre throughout the year. The most perfect time to visit
Varanasi is during the month of October to April.
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Getting There |
» By Air : Varanasi is well connected by air
to several cities in India. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara
connect Varanasi to many cities in the country. The Varanasi airport is at
Babatpur, 23 km from Cantt. and about 30 km from the Ghats. Taxis are
available at the airport for transfer to the city.
» By Trains : Varanasi has two railway station-Kashi
and Varanasi Junction. It is the focal point for both northern and
northeastern railways and is connected to all the major cities and towns in
India. Varanasi is connected to New Delhi by Kashi Vishwanath Express (18
hrs journey).
» By Road : Varanasi is situated at the junction of
three national highways - NH2 from Kolkata to Delhi, NH 7 to Kanyakumari and
NH 29 to Gorakhpur. Some important distances are Allahabad (125 km), Lucknow
(320 km), Patna (210 km), Bodhgaya (234 km), Khajuraho (406 km), Lumbini in
Nepal (396 km). Buses operate regularly between Varanasi and national
capital of Delhi. The well defined road network makes the transport from
other major towns of Uttar Pradesh very easy. UPSRTC and MPSRTC connect
Varanasi to important nearby centers.
» Private Vehicles : You can contact us for this, as
we are well established with an extensive number of cars and coaches
(ranging from luxury to budget and between) for the tourists from all over.
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Anchoring in
Varanasi |
The Ancient city of Varanasi is an important Hindu pilgrimage, very
sacred and holy. The city has its own charm, the early morning 'Puja' and
the 'Aarti', lightens up the atmosphere. The temple bells and the flowing
river Ganga, all add to the beauty of Varanasi. Many western tourists arrive
to discover the secrets of ultimate nirvana at Varanasi. One can also
perform religious ceremonies on the Ghats of Varanasi.
If you want to go around the city it is better to fix the fare in the
rickshaw and auto rickshaw beforehand. However, to avoid any hassle book
with us and travel comfortably, as we have a good number of cars and coaches
that provide personalized services.
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Accommodations |
Varanasi offers a wide spectrum of accommodation facilities for the
tourists. There are hotels in all categories-budget, mid-range and top-end.
It is worth mentionable that Dharamshala are also available here for
staying.
varanasi india
