Varanasi Travel Guide

Varanasi Travel Guide

 The ancient city of Varanasi is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Another popular name for the place is Kashi. This is a city that can be described more aptly as located on the banks of the River Ganga than in Uttar Pradesh. Probably the oldest among all other cities that have come down in Indian history this is a significantly holy city for Buddhists and Jains as equally as it considered to holiest among Hindus.

This has been a stronghold for powerful kingdoms and rulers of various dynasties. Additionally this has also served to be a cultural and educational backbone of Hindu society of the Vedic to medieval and even in the modern ages. This is one of the most favored destinations for pilgrimage among Hindus.

The foremost place of visit in Varanasi regardless of your religious inclinations is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Golden Temple is also known as the first of the jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. 

A traditional fondness remains to this day about the Ghats and the baths that people enjoy on the banks of the River Ganga in this city. There is a strange sublime serenity that can surround despite the clutter and the crowd. The slight breeze with the occasional songs of the fishermen out into the deeper waters will enthrall you magically.

There are short excursions that can be taken to Sarnath which is in close proximity. One of the most important temples for Jainism is also located in Varanasi – Parshvanath Temple. Varanasi is also a place for festivals and celebrations. Celebrations like Ramleela and Dussehra are observed with fervor and enthusiasm.

There are many other Hindu temples of extreme religious and historical significance – the Durga Temple and the Annapurna Devi Temple. There is also a Kalbhairav Temple and the Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple. Then you can also visit the Vishalakshi Temple and the Sankat Mochan Temple.

This ancient city has seen a continuous development as there has been a continuous flock of humanity to its soil. And as a result there is no dearth of modern facilities and amenities even in the midst of all the traditions and the rituals. You will have the convenience of hotels of different ranges and budgets. You can stay in these and even choose from less expensive budget hotels.

You can reach Varanasi by airways. The city has its own airport and has domestic and international flights operating from here. You can also avail trains to Varanasi. This is an important junction and has several trains commuting to different parts of the country.

You can also avail a well developed bus service that communicates from neighboring regions of the state as well as other states to this city.

Last Updated: 02/10/2012