Varanasi
About
Varanasi
Known as the city of temples and learning, Varanasi is a place of great
historical and cultural importance. Considered as the religious capital of
India, it is situated on the banks of river Ganges (considered holy in Hindu
Mythologies). It is an epitome of the culmination of many cultures,
religions and races.
The holy Buddhist place, Sarnath is in its precincts. It is the premiere
most place of oriental learning. Varanasi is also well advanced in modern
technology and educational facilities. It has three universities, one
Tibetan Institute and Institute of Arabic Studies.
Varanasi is an important centre of literature, art and culture and is
flaunted as to be the producer of many great poets, writers, musicians and
scholars.
Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
Ghats: Varanasi has fabulous and pristine river landings that are
considered sacred according to Hindu Mythologies. These are long spacious
and bright, Many important Hindu rituals like Pujas (worshipping), Pind-daan
(the ritual after death) and Jenui (a ritual of the Brahmins) are held in
these ghats.
Temples : The Golden Temple and the Durga Temple are
famous places to worship in Varanasi. Moreover there is the Bharat mata
temple, Annapurna temple to add to the religious climate of Varanasi.
Outskirts include Tulsi Manas temple, Banaras Hindu University, Ramnagar
Fort Museum (16 km), Raja Jai Singh's observatory, Anand Mayee Math, Kaal
Bhairav temple, Nepali temple, Guru Ravidas Mandir (near the university) and
Kabir Janmasthali Lahartara.
Shopping
Varanasi is famous for its silk (Benarasi silk), Brocades, Brassware,
copperware wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelry. The hand -
knotted carpets ( Mirzapur) and musical instruments are other shopping
attractions. ' Langda Aam',(a variety of mangoes available in the summer),
Betel leaf are also unique and special.
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Tours of Varanasi
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The main shopping areas are Chowk,
Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and
Golghar. State run emporia in Godaulia, lahurabir and the Chowk - the three
Handlooms outlets provide items of fixed prices and assured quality. Housed
in a former palace opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt, the CIE has a large and
impressive selection but outrageously expensive.
How to go there
By air : Varanasi can be reached easily by air. The
airport, Babatpur (22km-Northwest) is connected with the city through Indian
Airlines Buses. There are regular schedules of flights from Lucknow, Jaipur,
Bhubneshwar and Kathmandu (Nepal).
By Train : Mughalsarai (12 km South) is a major station
in India through which most Delhi-Kolkata trains pass. Mumbai, Allahabad,
Jaipur, Gorakhpur and Khajuraho are connected with Varanasi well through
railway routs.
By Bus : Buses run to and from Jaunpur, Allahabad,
Lucknow, Faizabad, and Gorakhpur.