Location - India, Uttar Pradesh
State : Uttar Pradesh
District : Varanasi
Population : 3, 682, 194
Famous for : Pilgrim, Jyotirlinga
Languages : Hindi, English
Best Season : Oct - Mar
Weather : Summer 30-45°C, winter 5-15°C
Area : 1550 km2 (598 sq mi)
Pincode : 221 001
Telephone : +0542

About Varanasi

Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India is also known as Kashi and Banaras. The venerable Varanasi is the religious center of the world for Hindus. Every Hindu visit here at least once in his entire life. The city plays a significance role for all pilgrims due to its various sacred attractions. The holy city Varanasi was believed to be founded by Lord Shiva about 5000 years ago hence believed to be the most revered pilgrim destination of India. It’s a city where both past and present, perpetuity and continuity live alongside.

You can see thousands of devotees here throughout the years who hail from both India as well as other European countries. The city got its name from the two rivers Varuna located at the north and Assi located at the south of the city. Varanasi is also mentioned in the two great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. There is a deep rooted faith among Hindus that those who die in the area in Kashi directly attain salvation.

Even the Hindu’s residing in European countries tends to come for the Kashi Darshan at least once in a year. Varanasi is also renowned as the place for performing the last rites for the believers and the mortal remains are immersed in the sacred water of Ganges in Kashi. It is believed that doing this, soul of any specific person gets free from every burden and gets relief after death.

Many people in India love to spend their last few days of life in Varanasi so that they could attain Nirvana after Death. The Ganga is believed to have flown direct from heaven that helps to wash the evil deeds of human being by taking bath in its tranquil water. It’s an ultimate wish to visit Varanasi of every Hindu.

Major pilgrimage attractions of Varanasi

Vishwanath Temple : The temple has been dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most sacred shrine of Varanasi. The centuries old temple underwent with many structural changes where the original temple was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb then in the 18th century it got renovated by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. The gold plated dome of the temple is the major attraction of the temple which was done by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Now it has come under the Ministry of Cultures and Religious Affairs of U.P. Govt. Vishwanath temple remains open daily for all caste of people.

Bharat Mata Temple : The temple is just 1km away from Varanasi station has been dedicated to mother India. Bharat Mata temple was constructed by Babu Shiv Prasad in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. It houses a marble statue of mother India and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself who is a “father of nation”.

Durga Temple : Durga temple was built in 8th century and dedicated to mighty Goddess Durga consort of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important shrines of Varanasi built in Negara Style architecture with an ornamented shikkara, wide range of courtyard and carved columns. Only Hindus are allowed entering the temple.

Tulsi Manas Temple : the shrine was built in 1964 and dedicated to Lord Rama. It is said that the temple is the same place where the great medieval seer Tulsidas has written the most known Indian epic “Ramcharitmanas. Various scenes from great epic “Ramcharitmanas” could easily be seen from the carved walls of the temple.

Ghats : Varanasi is shaded with around 100 Ghats along the sacred Ganges. Pilgrims who come from far and wide take sacred bath on these Ghats and perform various rituals, yogas and meditations. Regardless, there are some burning Ghats as well where dead bodies are cremated.

Other attractions of Varanasi Include

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Damekh Stupa
• Jaunpur
• Chunar
• Saranth

How to reach Varanasi?

By Air : The city has its own Airport named as (Babatpur Airport). This is at just 22 km of distance from the main city. It is well connected to some major cities of India like- Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar.

By Air : Varanasi is well connected with some of the major railways stations in India. There are two major railheads nearby Varanasi that include- Varanasi junction and the Kashi junction. Many express trains connect Varanasi with Delhi and Kolkata.

By Bus : Varanasi itself runs its own bus services that connect Varanasi and other major holy cities in Uttar Pradesh and also the neighboring states. Frequent regular bus services are available from the nearby cities to Varanasi.

Related Tours