Two
major religions, namely: Hinduism and Buddhism have seen their budding days
here in this oldest living city of the world. Almost near about 3000 yrs old
this pilgrimage city which is also famous as Kashi is one of the four dhams of
Hinduism. With its very old temples, teeming Hindu monks along the ghats,
old havelis it will give you an antique feeling as you set off on your spiritual travel. Besides the religious part
it has many contributions in the development of Indian socio-cultural
scenario. Banaras Hindu University has carved out a niche for itself, when
it comes to education. Arts, culture, crafts- be it anything Varanasi never
be said to have lacked behind.
Travel Attractions in Varanasi
The main attraction of this age-old city is its temples. Traveling reaches
the ultimate bliss in Varanasi. Varanasi with its myriad attractions draws
tourists from all over the world.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
One of the most popular tourist places to see in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath
Temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
What's interesting about this temple is that anyone, irrespective of their
caste and creed, can visit the temple.
Durga Temple
The Durga Temple in Varanasi belongs to the 18th century and stands at a
distance of 2 km south of the old city. Due to the presence of aggressive
monkeys all around the temple, the Durga Temple is also sometimes referred
to as the Monkey Temple. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the sanctum
sanctorum.
River Front (Varanasi Ghats)
The biggest attraction in Varanasi, however, is the group of riverfronts or
ghats along the western bank of the divine Ganges. From dawn till dusk, the
ghats are a scene to watch and you can always experience the spiritual
wealth that India has long been known for.
Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U)
Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the Banaras Hindu University happens
to be one of the oldest education centres in India. The university campus
covers an area of around 5 sq km. The Baharat Kala Bhavan is a must-see for
everyone travelling to Varanasi.
Archaeological Museum
The archaeological museum stands at a distance of 10 km from Varanasi.
Here, you will be able to see a good and rare collection of figures and
sculptures dating back to the periods of the Mauryas and the Kushanas.
Excursions Tours from Varanasi
If you want to enjoy excursion around Varanasi you can visit Sarnath which
is a major Buddhist centre and situated in about 10 kilometres north east of
Varanasi. You also can go to Bodhgaya, in Bihar. Allahabad, Kushinagar, The
17th-century Ramnagar Fort are some wonderful places which you can visit
Other Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
You can enjoy an almost 365 festivals in 365 days in Varanasi, colorful
rituals, Elephants and musicians lead the processions are the main features
of these cultural festivals and fairs. Chittirai Festival, Avanimoola Festival,
Teppam Festival or the Float Festival, Panguni Festival etc are some of the
major festivals of this place. For the shopping tour enthusiasts this place is another
heaven, where they can get all the traditional costumes at a very discount
rate.
Varanasi Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
Through air, road and rail, Varanasi is easily accessible from other major
cities of India. It has two major railway stations in Kashi and Varanasi. If you want
to reach Varanasi in 8 to 9 hrs in the best possible ways then you should
take Rajdhani Express from Delhi or from Kolkata. Indian Airlines regularly
flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km, from Varanasi and 30 km. from
Sarnath. There is also a direct flight from Varanasi to Delhi which connects
Agra, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. From Mughal
Sarai Station which is just16 Km. from Varanasi you can catch Rajdhani
Express train. Varanasi is also well connected by bus to the major cities of
India. Some important road distances from Varanasi are: Agra 565 km.,
Allahabad 128 km, Bodhgaya 240 km., Khajuraho 405 km, Lucknow 286 km, Patna
246 km, Sarnath 10 km, Kushi Nagar 250 km.
Tourist Preferred Hotels in Varanasi
Stay options in Varanasi are too many. Hotels in Varanasi are also known
for providing wonderful views of the Ganges. Whether it is 5 star hotels in
Varanasi, 4 star hotels in Varanasi or budget hotels in Varanasi, you've got
a wide range of accommodation options in Varanasi to choose from. Travellers
can choose to stay at one of the following hotels
» Hotel Taj Ganges
» Hotel Ramada Plaza
» Hotel Clarks Varanasi
» Hotel Hindustan International
» Hotel Varanasi Ashok
» Pallavi International Hotel
