India /Uttar Pradesh /Varanasi /Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras is the India’s most sacred city. Varanasi is also called as the city of light. Varanasi, the holy city is situated on the northern bank of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi derives its name from the two tributaries of the Varanasi Uttar Pradesh. Ganga which are Varuna and Asi, between which it is situated. This city is visited by over one million people from all over the world. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage city in India. Varanasi is situated at an altitude of 81 meters above sea level. This city is not only linked with Hindus but it is linked with Buddhism and Jainism as well. Each year over one million pilgrims visit this place. Best time your visit to fall between October and March.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 221002

STD Code: 542

Info Website: varanasi.nic.in

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

Varanasi once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical and most famous Hindu pilgrimage city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Some people believe that Varanasi is a must see destination on any trip to northern India. Ghats (flight of steps) and temples are the principal tourist attraction in Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves by taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. There are about 100 Ghats in Varanasi which are situated on the west banks of the river Ganges. The other main tourist attraction in Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath temple or the Golden temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other main places in Varanasi are the great mosque of Aurangzeb, Durga temple, Bharat Mata temple, the Ramnagar Fort Museum and Banaras Hindu University. Sarnath and Bodhgaya are also situated near by Varanasi.

Places to VisitAdd

 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Varanasi airport is connected to some cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Agra. There are daily domestic flights from Varanasi to these cities. International travelers can get connecting flights from Delhi, which is 755 km away. Delhi is well linked with all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

By Train : Varanasi is well connected with all major railway stations in India. There are two railheads nearby, namely Varanasi junction and the Kashi junction. Many express trains connect Varanasi with Delhi and Kolkata.

By BUS : State owned public bus services connect Varanasi with other holy cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states. Frequent and regular private bus services are available from nearby cities to Varanasi.

By Taxi : Taxis, Private taxis can be hired form hotels and local travel agencies.

By Other : Auto rickshaws and tempos are easily available for moving about in the city.

Top HotelsAdd

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Palace On Step (Ajaya Guest House & Hotel ; D21/11,Rana Mahal Ghat, Banagali Tola ,Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh varanasi. ; Ph – 0542 245 0970 ; Facilities – All major credit exchang, swimming pool, snooker, body massage, gym, doctor-on-call, parking, laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Radisson Hotel Varanasi ; The Mall Cantonment, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 Varanasi Cantt, Varanasi
; Ph – 0542 250 1515 ; Facilities – Facilities in the hotel includes- airport and railway station transfers, business centre, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, travel desk.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Pallavi International Hotel ; Chaitganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Ramakanth Nagar, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 ‎ ; Ph – 0542 239 3012 ; Facilities – 24 hours room service, Tv, laundry, H/C running water.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Ganpati Guest House ;  D3/24 Meer ghat Varanasi, UP ; M –  0542 239 0059 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

• Hotel Hindustan International ;  C-21/3,Maldahiya, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
  ; M –  0542 241 1484 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Banarasi silk sarees ; Shivansh Handicraft ;  Shivansh Handicraft, Pandey Ghat, Varanasi. ; Ph/M:  9335640006

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Ganga Mahotsav ; Venue:  Varanasi ; Period :  October–November ; Details:  Ganga Mahotsav is a tourist-centric festival in Varanasi, which is celebrated for five days every year starting from Prabodhani Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima during the month of October–November. It is showcases the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. The festival, with a message of faith and culture, covers popular cultural programmes, classical music, a country boat race, daily Shilpa Mela, displays of sculptures, displays of marital arts, and on the final day (Poornima) which coincides with the traditional Dev Deepawali (light festival of Gods), the ghats on the Ganga River glitter with more than a million lit earthen lamps.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Double-check all hotel and restaurant bills for errors.
• Don’t leave cash and valuables in your hotel room. Use room safes where available.
• Keep daily cash in separate pockets.
• Don’t flash jewelry or large sums of money.

HelplineEdit

• Police: (91)-(542)-2505355, 100
• FIRE: (91)-(542)-2451970,101

ItineraryEdit

Day 1 :
8:00 am – Ganges ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
1:00 pm – Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
4:00 pm – Banaras Ghats ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs;
6:00 pm – Bharat Kala Bhavan ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 2 :
10:00 am – Manikarnika Ghat ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Ramnagar Fort ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:00 pm – Chaukhandi Stupa ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
Day 3 :
10:00 am – Dhamekh Stupa ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Gyanvapi Mosque ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Asi Ghat ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
6:00 pm – Nepali Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

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