Varanasi is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus. An experience that will take you on a self enlightening tour, Varanasi is located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. The colossal temples and ghats of Varanasi are among the popular attractions of Varanasi, luring tourists from far and wide every year. The legendary place is a famous pilgrimage centre for Hindus and equally revered for Buddhist and Jain followers. Famed for its various ancient temples and beautiful ghats, Varanasi is an ideal place for spiritual purification.
Among the popular attraction of the place is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most sacred temples in India. The temple is famous for housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Often referred as ‘Golden Temple’, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was rebuilt by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in the 18th century. Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple and Bharat Mata Temple are among other famous temples in Varanasi.
Other major attractions of Varanasi are its beautiful ghats, which are a delight to explore. Housing about 100 ghats, the Assi Ghat, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Panchganga Ghat are the most famous and oldest ones. A must have experience is spending an evening at Dasashwamedha Ghat, and taking part in the evening aarti here. Moreover, a boat ride along the River Ganges praising the beauty of the ghat is quite a wonderful activity.
Another must visit attraction here is the Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the year 1917. The university is the largest residential university in India, housing new Vishwanath Temple, built by the Birlas in 1966. Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art museum, is also located inside the university campus. The museum houses a vat collection of scriptures, miniature paintings, sculptures, and old photographs of Varanasi.
Ramnagar Fort is another popular attraction of Varanasi. It was once the royal residence of former Maharaja of Varanasi. Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh, the red sandstone edifice houses a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa and a museum displaying vintage cars, royal palanquins, swords, guns, antique clocks, etc.
Ashoka Pillar is a prominent site in Sarnath located 10 kms away from Varanasi. Sarnath, being the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon post his enlightenment, holds a very important place among Buddhists.
The city of Varanasi is also famed for its silk industry. From Banarasi silk sarees, to silk brocades, there are various options to choose from. Food lovers must have hot kachoris, lassi, sweets, paan and thandai.
Other major attractions in Varanasi are:
