Introduction:

Varanasi, also renowned as Kashi and Banaras, is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The holy city Varanasi, believed to be founded by Lord Shiva about 5000 years ago, is placed picturesquely on the west bank of Holy Ganges River and is one of the most revered religious destinations in India. Varanasi has got its name from the two rivers Varuna located at the north and Assi located at the south of the city. This place has got its mentions in the holy epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The importance of the Varanasi (Kashi) lies in the religious belief that those who die in the area in the Kashi city bounded by the Panch Kashi Road will attain the salvation. The city is thronged by thousands of Hindu devotees every day throughout the year. Any Hindu believer in the country and abroad is a devout aspirant of visiting Kashi at least once in the life time.

Ghats in Varanasi

Destination Facts:

Location: Uttar Pradesh, District Varanasi
Altitude: 80 Meters
Temperature: (summer 30 to 45°C) & (winter 5 to 15°C)
Languages spoken: Hindi and English

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Varanasi itself has a airport
Main Railway Station: Varanasi itself has a railway station
Main Bus Station or Road: Varanasi is well connected with nearby cities of Uttar Pradesh

Distance of a few Major Towns from Varanasi:

Sarnath - 10km, Tezpur - 27km, Khalispur - 32km, Mizapur - 57km

Places of Tourist interest:

Ramnagar Fort:
This was the royal residence of Raja of Banares, also known as Maharaja of Kashi. Still this fort continues as the presidential palace of the royal family members.

Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Museum:
This praise worthy museum is a home of many medieval period artifacts, collection of many items belonged to the Royal family of Banaras and also many handicraft items.

Alamagir Mosque:
It is believed that the Mosque is placed at a place where a majestic Krishna temple was located. This temple was destroyed and the Mosque was constructed at that place during Mughal invasion in India.

Assi Ghat:
The Ghat is renowned for a spectacular and large Shiva Lingam placed under a Peepal Tree. This is a favorite spot for Hindu devotees to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva after taking holy dip in the river.

Assi Ghat

Darbhanga Ghat:
Darbhanga Ghat, a renowned holy spot among the Hindu devotes, is an ideal location to have the religious rites associated with the death of the relatives or friends. This is situated in the bank of the holy Ganges between two other Ghats famously known as Dashaswamedh Ghat and Rana Mahal Ghat.

Dasaswamedh Ghat:
Dashaswamedh Ghat, a much acclaimed religious spot, is a very favorite among the Hindu devotees and is considered as the main Ghat. It is believed that Lord Brahma performed his victorious Dasa_Ashwamedha (ten-horse) sacrifice in this spot. Legends claim that a similar kind of ten horse sacrifice was done here in the second century by Bhara Shiva Naga rulers.

Getting around the destination:
For local transport buses, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws are available.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:

Gold jewellery is famous in Varanasi

Best time to visit:

October to March is the best time to visit the destination.

Festivals:

Bharat Milap is celebrated in October- November
Mahashivtri is a huge festival here as well and attracts thousands of devotees every year.