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Varanasi, or Benaras, (also known as Kashi) is one of the oldest living cities in the world, prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Mark twain, the English author and litterateur, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: "Beneras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together ". According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and Assi rivers originated from the body of Primordial person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be 'Varanasi', the holiest of all pilgrimages. The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'kas' which means to shine. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is 'original ground' created by Shiva and Parvati upon which they stood at the beginning of time.
Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, art, crafts and education. Some of the world-renowned exponents India has produced in these fields were schooled in Varanasi's cultural ethos.
General information
Altitude:
80.71 meters
Best Season: Throughout the year, but preferably October to March.
STD Code: 0542
How to get there
Air
Varanasi is connected to all major cities
Rail
Varanasi is connected by rail with all the major cities in India.
Road
Good bus service connects Varanasi with most of the important places of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Some of the road distances are:- Agra 610 km, Allahabad 127 km, Bodh Gaya 240 km, Gorakhpur 215 km, Khajuraho 406 km, Kushinagar 260 km, Lucknow 320 km, Lumbini 320 km, Patna 270 km Calcutta 681 km, Delhi 710 km etc.
In and around
River Front
The Ghats of Varansi truly embody the real essence of this timeless city. As the first rays of the sun set the gently flowing Ganga afire, thousands of devout take the ceremonial dip and the Ghats come alive to people from all walks of life, each performing rituals the way they were done, centuries ago.
Alamgir Mosque
Popularly known as 'Beni Madhav Ka Darera', it was built by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Bharat Mata Temple
A novel temple dedicated to Mother India, which instesd of the customary gods and goddesses, houses one of the most perfect relief maps of India carved out of marble. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Shri Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists and antiquarians, gifted the temple.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Constructed in 1964 by a philanthropist family of Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ram. The white marble building is inscribed with quarters and couplets of the Ramcharitmanas all over.
Gyanvapi Mosque
It was built by emperor Aurangzeb adjacent to the Vishwanath temple.
Durga Temple
Dedicated to Durga, the goddess of power, it is one of the most important temples in the city. Constructed during the 18th century in Nagara style of temple architecture, its shikhara or spire is formed of many small shikharas, one atop the other.
Sarnath
It the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon "Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan" (in Buddhist terminology, 'turned the wheel of the law') after his enlightment. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century AD. Ashoka built hrer the Dharmarajika stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorsed lions, which today forms the national emblem of India.
Ramnagar
The fort at Ramnagar houses a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage cars, Royal palkies, an armoury of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks.
Chunar Fort
Saint Bhartrihari took live Samadhi inside the fort. The historical fort at Chunar is ascribed o one of the greatest warriors-rulers, Sher Shah Suri. Sonwa Mandap, Sun clock and a huge well are some of the attractions inside the fort.
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