Varanasi Travel Destination
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is an ancient religious city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is a very sacred place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The presence of its streets, ghats, temples and sadhus fills it with spiritual energy.
The city is famous for its temples (especially the Kashi Vishwanath Temple), Ganga Aarti, Banarasi silk sarees, paan and classical music. Boat rides, evening aarti and holy dip in the Ganges here provide a spiritual experience for tourists.
The weather in Varanasi is most favorable from October to March, when there is a cool and pleasant atmosphere. Traveling may be difficult in summer and monsoon, but due to religious significance, visitors come throughout the year.
How to Reach
- The nearest airport to Varanasi is “Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport”, which is located in Babatpur area, about 26 km from the city. The airport is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore as well as international destinations like Kathmandu and Dubai. Taxis, Ola/Uber and local cabs are easily available from the airport. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the city from here. Air route is the most convenient option for pilgrims and foreign tourists.
- Varanasi is well connected by road to major cities of the country. National Highway-2 (NH-2) and NH-7 connect Varanasi to cities like Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna and Ranchi. Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation and private Volvo bus services are also available, which ply regularly to the city. Apart from this, one can also travel comfortably by owning a vehicle or hiring a taxi. Ghats, temples and markets are connected by main roads, making it easy to travel around the city.
- Varanasi Junction (also known as Banaras Junction and Kashi Junction) is an important railway station in North India. It is directly connected to almost all the major cities of the country like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur etc. The city has many railway stations like Manduadih, Kashi, Cantt, which provide access from different areas. Taxis and auto rickshaws are easily available from the railway station, which take tourists directly to their destination. Rail travel is considered to be an economical and convenient option.
Come explore the wonders and sites that Varanasi has to offer.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most famous pilgrimage site in Varanasi. This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has special significance in Hinduism. Devotees from all over the country come here for darshan. The architecture of the temple is very grand and its energy is considered supernatural. After darshan in this temple located on the banks of the river Ganges, devotees also take a holy bath. Rudrabhishek and special worship rituals are performed in the temple. Huge crowds of devotees gather here on festivals. Every traveler coming to Kashi must visit this temple.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most prominent and ancient ghat of the river Ganges. This ghat is especially famous for its grand Ganga Aarti, which is held every day at sunset. The sound of hundreds of lamps, mantras and bells fills this place with spiritual energy. It is believed that Brahma ji performed ten Ashvamedha Yagyas here, hence its name Dashashwamedh. This ghat is always full of saints, devotees and tourists. The view of this ghat looks very beautiful while riding a boat. This ghat is a symbol of the culture and religiosity of Varanasi.
Sankatha Devi Temple
Sankatha Devi Temple located in the Lolark Kund area of Varanasi is dedicated to Goddess Sankata, who is considered to be the goddess who removes troubles. Especially on Tuesdays and Navratris, a crowd of devotees gathers here. This temple is the center of special devotion among women, where they worship for the happiness and prosperity of their family. The interior of the temple is very peaceful and after darshan, devotees feel mental satisfaction. Sankatha Devi Temple is one of the major Shaktipeeths of Varanasi and its historical and religious significance is very great.
Sarnath
Sarnath, located about 10 kilometers from Varanasi, is a major pilgrimage site of Buddhism. It was here that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. The Dhamekh Stupa, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, Ashoka Pillar and Buddhist Museum located here are worth seeing. This place is a holy place for Buddhist devotees and Buddhist followers from all over the world come here. The atmosphere of Sarnath is very calm and spiritual, which is suitable for meditation and introspection. This place is very informative for those interested in history and Buddhist philosophy.
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is one of the most famous ghats of Varanasi, which is located at the confluence of Ganga and Assi River. This ghat is popular among students, tourists and sadhus. Yoga sessions, meditation and Ganga Aarti take place here at sunrise. There are also many cafes, libraries and cultural centers near the ghat. Sitting on the Assi Ghat and watching the flow of Ganga and experiencing peace is a memorable experience. Special events are held here during festivals. The atmosphere here is always lively and full of spiritual energy.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple was built in the memory of ‘Ramcharitmanas’ written by Goswami Tulsidas. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and the couplets and chaupais of the entire Ramayana are inscribed on its walls. The temple is built of white marble, which makes it very attractive. The atmosphere here is peaceful and the temple premises always resonates with bhajans and kirtans. Tourists and devotees get emotional by reading the episodes related to Ramayana here. This place is a confluence of religious, historical and literary importance and is a very favorite place for Ram devotees.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
BHU is the educational and cultural center of Varanasi. It was founded in 1916 by Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya. The huge campus, greenery and calm atmosphere make it worth visiting. The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located in the university is a special attraction for art lovers. The Vishwanath Temple located in BHU is also a famous religious place, which is open to people of all religions. Students from India and abroad come here to study. BHU is not only a major center of education but also of culture, art and research.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple in Varanasi, which was established in 1936 dedicated to the spirit of patriotism. In place of the idol of the goddess in this temple, there is a huge three-dimensional geographical map of India, which is made of marble. This map shows the mountains, rivers and plains of India. This temple is considered a symbol of national unity and cultural pride. Here the spirit of patriotism is reflected more than religiosity. Tourists and students come to this place to understand the geographical diversity of India and get the message of unity.
Be a part of the festivities and traditions that Varansi has to offer.
Diwali
Diwali in Varanasi is not only famous for the decoration of houses and lighting of lamps, but also for the “Dev Deepawali” held on the Ganga Ghats. Celebrated on Kartik Purnima, this festival gives devotees a spiritual bliss with Ganga Aarti, lighting of millions of lamps, and cultural programs. It is believed that the Gods themselves come to bathe in the Ganga on this day. The grand decoration of the Ganga Ghats, fireworks and the crowd of devotees make it unique.
Ganga Dussehra
This festival is celebrated to commemorate the descent of the river Ganga on earth. This day is celebrated with special reverence and religious fervor in Varanasi. Devotees take a bath in the Ganga and believe that it destroys all their sins. Yagya, Aarti and special pujas are performed on the Ghats. The significance of Ganga Dussehra is also that it is a festival to express gratitude to Mother Ganga and shows the sanctity and importance of Ganga.
Holi
Holi in Varanasi, especially “Lathmar Holi” and “Bhang ki Holi”, is celebrated in a very unique way. Holi here lasts for a week, which is a combination of music, dance, colors and thandai. Bhang mixed prasad is distributed especially at Assi Ghat and Lord Shiva temples. Holi here has become a cultural festival, in which foreign tourists along with local residents participate in large numbers.
Shravan month and Kanwar Yatra
In the month of Shravan, Varanasi’s atmosphere filled with Shiva devotion is unique. Thousands of devotees fill water from the Ganges and do Kanwar Yatra to offer it to Baba Vishwanath. Special pujas, bhajans and religious events are held in temples. Every Monday, Kanwariyas queue up for the darshan of Baba Vishwanath. This month is considered a symbol of Shiva devotion, penance and earning virtue.
Engage in the many activities, tours and adventures that await you in Varanasi.
Participating in Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is a divine experience for tourists and devotees. The Aarti involves chanting of mantras in unison by the pundits, fluttering incense sticks and music, and worship of Mother Ganga. This scene is soul-soothing. Tourists also enjoy this view from boats. Participating in Ganga Aarti is not only a religious experience, but also a meeting with the soul of Indian culture.
Boat Ride
Boating in the Ganga early in the morning is one of the most beautiful experiences in Varanasi. The view of the ghats at sunrise, the sound of temple bells and the waves of holy water give tourists a supernatural experience. During the boat ride, you can admire various ghats, see saints engrossed in meditation and feel the liveliness of Varanasi closely. This journey is a wonderful combination of spirituality and nature.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most sacred and prominent pilgrimage site in Varanasi. This Jyotirlinga dedicated to Lord Shiva is the center of faith for every Hindu devotee. The experience of visiting here is full of spiritual energy. The ongoing chanting of mantras, the fragrance of flowers and the sound of bells in the temple premises create a unique atmosphere. Devotees visit after bathing in the Ganga and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Shopping for Silk Sarees
Varanasi is known for the world famous Banarasi silk sarees. The sarees here are handmade, with excellent zari work. Tourists buy traditional clothes from the local streets and markets here like Godaulia, Thatheri Bazaar, and Chowk. These sarees are extremely popular for weddings and festivals. While shopping, you can also visit the workshops of the weavers and get a first-hand experience of their traditional craftsmanship.
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