Varanasi, famously known as City of Temples is important pilgrimage travel destinations in Uttar Pradesh, India. Varanasi is one of the oldest city in India and is considered holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Every years thousands of devotee travel Varanasi.
Varanasi is the holiest place as well the center of the earth according to Hinduism. The city was founded with Lord Shiva himself that makes Varanasi such a important pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
Situated at the banks of Holy River Ganga, Varanasi has hundreds of small and big temples dedicated to Hindu gods. Varanasi is a must travel destination in North India to understand Indian culture and religious values. Varanasi is a spiritual destination.
The best time for foreign tourists to travel Varanasi is from October to March. During these months, temperature remains ideal for the tourists. However if you are traveling in December - January please do carry some warm clothes. Other important time to travel Varanasi is during Diwali or Maha Shivaratri.
Varanasi is not just famous for the temples but also for the Silk Sarees, considered as the best in the world. Varanasi has become a major shopping hub. Tourists should buy jewelry, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades etc in the city. Apart from that do visit the ghats of the city during the morning and evening aarti. The entire scene is a bone chilling experience with thousands of devotees in the river Ganga.
There are plenty of hotels in Varanasi for the travelers. From most luxurious to afforable there are hotels available for every kind of tourists. Some of the best hotels in Varanasi include Radisson Hotel Varanasi, Ramada Plaza JHV Hotel, Hotel Ok International, India Hotel Varanasi etc
ATTRACTIONS IN VARANASI
Kashi Vishwanath Temple - The temple also known as Golden Temple is important Lord Shiva temple in the country. Located on the outskirts of the River Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is visited by thousands of devotee everyday. The security is very tight here and sometimes foreign tourists are denied entry. Tourists are not allowed to carry purse, bag, pen etc in the temple. There is a shop where tourists can deposit these items. The two domes of the temple are covered with pure gold.
Durga Temple - The temple is a significant pilgrimage attraction. During Navratri thousands of devotee travel to Varanasi especially to visit the temple. According to the legends. the statue of Goddess Durga in the temple appeared on its own. Tourists should visit the temple during the Naag Panchami.
Sankat Mochan Temple - The word "Sankat Mochan" means reliever from troubles is often Lord Hanuman is described to whom this temple is dedicated. The best time to travel Sankat Mochan Temple is during Hanuman Jayanti - Birthday of Lord Hanuman.
Kaal Bhairav Temple - Also know as the Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, The Kaal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav that symbolizes death. Tourists should buy a black thread outside the temple, place it in the shrine and later wear it on arm or neck. This thread provides protection from evil forces. There is a well around the temple whose water is believed to have power to cure several diseases.
Tulsi Manas Temple - Named after the Tusli Daas who translated the life of Lord Rama from Sanskrit to Hindi in "Shri Ramcharitmanas". The temple is dedicated to the Lord Rama.
Bharat Mata Temple - This is the only temple of Bharat Mata in India. People of India refers the country as mother which means Bharat Mata. The temple was inaugurated by the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Sarnath - Locate around 13 km away from Varanasi, Sarnath has a significant religious importance for Buddhists. It is believed that Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples at this very place. The exact location is known as Deer Park. There are several Buddhist temples at Sarnath.
Gowdi Matha Temple - There is a tradition to visit this temple before you leave Kashi. Gowdi Matha is believed to be the sister of Lord Kashi Vishwanath.
Jantar Mantar at Varanasi - The observatory was built by the Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Jantar Mantar at Varanasi was used to measure local time, altitude, speed and positions of the stars.
Archaeological Museum at Sarnath - This Archaeological museum was built to keep the antiquties found in Sarnath. There are five galleries in the musuem that displays several artifacts and other discoveries made in Sarnath.
Bharat Kala Bhavan - This is a art and architecture museum that showcases paintings, scluptures and other materials related to the Hindusim and Buddhism.
Ramnagar Fort - Located on the bank of river Ganga, Ramnagar Fort is around 14 Km away from Varanasi. Onsite is a musuem and temple dedicated to the Ved Vyas. The museum displays royal collections inclduing royal palkies and cars, swords and old guns.
Ghats - The ghats are several steps leading down the river Ganga. These Ghats are used by pilgrims to take bath in the Ganga. These ghats are filled with pilgrims during the evening aarti. Some of the important ghats at Varanasi are Panchganga Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat - stay quiet at this ghat and never take images. Dasaswamedh Ghat - The most important ghat where the evenning aarti takes place. Kedar Ghat, Narad Ghat - do not bath with your spouse on this ghat.
