Varanasi|Banaras: The Cultural Capital of India

Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states attract travellers because of their glorious history, inspiring travel attractions in cities and rich flora and fauna. Varanasi, earlier known as Banaras, one holy city of the Uttar Pradesh State. Even though time has changed, but the characteristics of the city remains unchanged. Bearing the flag of one of the oldest city in the world, it is still on a roll. Visitors need at least two days to tour this city situated at the banks of the Ganga river.

Railways – Varanasi connects well with the main cities of India by the railway networks. The metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi well-connected with several express trains. From the Howrah Station, Kolkata, trains like the Poorva express, Vibhuti express, Doon express, Amritsar mail, etc., available for the Varanasi Cantonment Station. List of the trains from the other cities of India, given below:

Chennai – Ganga Kaveri express

Mumbai – Mahanagari express

Delhi – Rajdhani express

Gwalior- Bundelkhand express

Puri- Neelanchal express

Gorakhpur – Chauri Chaura express

Rajgir – Budh Purnima express

Ahmedabad – Sabarmati express

Airway – The Varanasi airport lies 25 kilometres away from the main city. Regular flights connect the airport with cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Visitors coming from abroad get flights to the place from Delhi.

Roadway – State run buses and several private AC buses connect Varanasi with all the cities of Uttar Pradesh and its neighbouring states. Taxi or the cab service available on rent from the railway station to explore the city in detail.

The main attractions of Varanasi include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the ancient Ghats on the banks of the Ganga River. Besides, several day tours available for Sarnath, Ramnagar and local sightseeing. Car rentals for the day tour ranges from RS 1000 to RS 1200. The Chunar Vindhyachal Tour ranges from RS 1500 to RS 1600. The Allahabad Tour ranges from RS 2000 to RS 2200. The top attractions of the Varanasi includes Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Sankatamochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, etc.

After touring the soul searching temples, visitors could enjoy boat riding and cruising on the holy waters of the Ganga river. They could eyewitness the ancient historic ghats while cruising the river on the boats. The boat charges RS 150 per hour for two hours. However, one should fix the rate before the cruise.

Visitors could make sure to attend the regular Aarti (prayer) at the Dasaswamedh Ghat starting from 6:30pm every day. After watching the temple here, one may move 12 kilometre ahead to Ramnagar Fort. The Ramnagar Fort, located at the river bank, has a museum and a temple. It opens for visitors from 10am to 5pm every day. One could enter the museum by paying a nominal entry fee of RS 15. Besides, the Baskasi Temple located within the palace also attracts visitors.

Next, one could proceed towards the Sarnath, the Buddhist pilgrim place. It has the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha kuti, Vihar Temple, Chini Temple, Japan Temple, Thai Temple, etc. Here, Gautama Buddha set in motion the Wheel of Law or the Mahadharmachakra Pravartan. The entry fee for the Dhamek Stupa RS 5.

The Archaeology Museum opens every day from 10am to 5pm, except Friday. Visitors could enter the museum by paying RS 5 as the entry fee. Suitable resorts like the Rahi Tourist Bunglow and the Modern Reception Centre available for visitors who wants to spend some time here.

The Shakti Peeth Vindhyachal lies 80 kilometres away from Varanasi. Travellers could see the Kalikho and the Ashtabhuja Temple. While returning, one must make sure to visit the Chunar Palace.

Famous Varanasi Pan Masala available at the Vishwanath lane. Besides, handicraft items, wooden toys, glass bangles available in the local markets. Moreover, one should taste the sweet confectionery items like the pera, laddoos, kesar sharbat, etc. The weavers at Varanasi well-known for weaving beautiful silk saris. The Varanasi saris has great reputation, popular in Indian wedding ceremonies and therefore visitors love having those in their shopping bags. Besides, silk items including Varanasi silk saris have great demand in the market.

Suitable lodging available at the region of Gadhulia lane and Dasaswamedh Ghat. One advantage of staying in this region is that the temples and ghats become easy accessible. A brief list of hotels with charges given below:

Hotel Deva Inn – Rent ranges from RS 600 to RS 1200

Hotel Lara India – Rent ranges from RS 600 to RS 2800

Hotel Ganges View – Rent ranges from RS 500 to RS 900

Shri Venkateshwar Lodge – Rent ranges from RS 600 to RS 800

Hotel Plaza Inn – Rent ranges from RS 600 to RS 1500