Overview

Varanasi, anciently known as Kashi, has a huge religious significance in Indian history. Not just Hindus, a large section of which believe that death in the holy city is one of the surest means to salvation, Jains and Buddhists also hold the place in high esteem. It has continued to inspire art and literature for ages and finds itself glorified in the works of poets and writers alike. The city is the spot where Swami Tulsi Das wrote the Ramcharitmanas. Tulsi Manas Mandir is thus significant to both religious people and academicians. Evening aartis performed by the banks river Ganga have a special charm of their own. The Ghats that lighten up with clay lamps / diyas as the sun sets on the city re-illuminate the old-world charm of Varanasi. Foreigners are easy to spot in the city trying to get a sense of India’s ancient values that have been kept alive in Varanasi in narrow lanes and cluttered colonies. Famous for its Banarsi sarees, Varanasi is visited by art lovers from far & near on India day tour to Varanasi.

How to visit:

By road: Situated in the flat Ganga plains, Varanasi has a good network of roads. Frequent public and private buses and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas.

By rail: There are two railway stations in Varanasi, the Kashi Junction (KEI) and the Varanasi Junction, (BSB) (also known as Varanasi Cantonment). One can also catch trains from Mughal Sarai junction (MGS), just 10 km south of Varanasi.

By air: airport at Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) located at a distance of 20 kms. Varanasi is well connected and accessible to major Indian cities and tourist spots. The daily flights on Delhi-Varanasi-Khajuraho-Varanasi route are quite popular among the tourists.

Fast Facts

Location - Uttar Pradesh, North India

Places of Interest - Utter Pardesh, North IndiaJantar Mantar, Alamgir Mosque, Aurangzeb Mosque, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort and Museum of Varanasi, Banaras Hindu University, Sarnath, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Pandit Malviya Temple, The Ghats of Varanasi, ISKCON temple, New Kashi Vishwanath temple, Tulsi Mana temple, Chunar Fort, Vindhyachal, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Varanasi

Best time to visit - October to April

Language - Hindi, English

Festivals - Ganga Mahotsav, Boudh Mahotsav, Diwali, Sankat Mochan Music Festival, Nag Nathaiya

Varanasi Location Map