Varanasi, or Banaras, known in the Bible as Kashi, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. It has been the epitome of Indian culture, philosophy, traditions, and spirituality since time immemorial. This is one of the Sapta Puries, meaning the seven holy cities of ancient India. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which has two tributaries in the city: Varuna and Assi, hence the name Varanasi. The combination of Kashi, the holy city; Ganga, the sacred river; and Shiva, the supreme god, makes Varanasi an immortal destination.
Today, Varanasi remains a center of cultural and sacred activities. In the field of learning, especially religion, philosophy, yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, dance, and music, this city is certainly unparalleled. Banarasi silk and brocade sarees are known worldwide for their elegance. Varanasi is full of surprises at every corner. The more we explore it, the more we love it!
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has long been the last pilgrimage place for Hindus. Commonly known as Banaras, Varanasi is the oldest inhabited city in the world. These few lines from Mark Twain say it all: "Benara is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and seems twice as old as all of them put together. " Hindus believe that whoever has the grace to die in the land of Varanasi will receive salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The homeland of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Varanasi's origin is unknown. The Ganges River in Varanasi is said to have the power to wash away human sins.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
Varanasi, don't forget to take part in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, which takes place at the Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening. This spiritual and cultural experience is a must-see. Additionally, exploring the narrow lanes, markets, and street food of Varanasi is a unique experience in itself. Here are some of the top places to visit in Varanasi:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This is one of the most sacred temples for Hindus. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a major pilgrimage site.
Ganges River Ghats
The ghats along the Ganges River are one of the most iconic features of Varanasi. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat are among the most famous. You can take a boat ride along the river to get a different perspective of the city.
Sarnath
Located just a few kilometers from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. There are several stupas, temples, and a museum that houses ancient artifacts.
Ramnagar Fort
This historic fort on the eastern bank of the Ganges River is known for its impressive architecture and the museum that contains the personal collection of the former royal family.
Bharat Kala Bhavan
It's an art and archaeological museum on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and houses an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.
Tulsi Manas Mandir
This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is a popular pilgrimage site and a beautiful piece of architecture.
Durga Temple
This red-colored temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is known for its bright and colorful appearance.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
Dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, this temple is unique and known for its religious significance.
Banares Art Gallery
It houses a collection of Indian and international art and is a great place for art enthusiasts.
Kedar Ghat and Rana Mahal Ghat
These lesser-known ghats offer a more serene and less crowded experience compared to the more famous ones.
Malviya Bridge
It's not a tourist attraction per se, but it offers a fantastic view of the city and the Ganges River, especially during the evening when the ghats are illuminated.
How To Reach Varanasi
Varanasi is the cultural capital of India and the melting pot of Indian civilization. Varanasi, or Benaras, has a developed transport network and is well connected to all major cities and states of India by air, road, and rail.
By Air
Varanasi is well connected and accessible to major cities and tourist destinations in India. There are daily domestic flights to and from Varanasi to several cities in India. Apart from the state-owned Indian Airlines, there are many private air taxi operators offering their services from Varanasi to other Indian cities. In fact, daily flights on the Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi route are very popular among tourists.
By Rail
Since Varanasi is located in the heart of the North Indian plains, it is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other parts of India. There are two railway stations in Varanasi: Kashi Junction and Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cantonment). The Rajdhani Express from Delhi or Kolkata also passes through Varanasi. One can also take a train from Mughalsarai, just 10 kilometers south of Varanasi.
By Road
Located on the flat plains of the Ganges River, Varanasi has a good road network. Regular public and private buses and road transport reach all major cities in Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Peak Season (from November to February)
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter months (November to February). Although winter is quite cold, this is the best time to explore the holy city without getting tired. The average low temperature is about 5°C.
Off-Season (from April to October)
You can plan a spiritual journey to Varanasi at any time of the year, but remember that summers in Varanasi last a long time (from April to October), and the temperature generally is on the higher side of 30°C, going up to 45°C in peak summers. If you go during this time, don't forget to carry your sunscreen.