Varanasi, the cultural capital of India.

Varanasi,one of the oldest living cities of the world.

An ancient seat of religion and education of India, Varanasi has been variably known as Benaras and Kashi.
Located on the banks of the Ganga, the ghats at Varanasi leading to the river are the biggest attraction and the object of especial beauty in the evenings when thousands of lamps are lit along them.
It is believed that to be cremated in Kashi is to achieve deliverance from earthly bondage.
It is one of the holiest sites for Hindus.
Besides the several temples here, Varanasi is a lesson in the basic core of Indian culture, faith and tradition.
It is not Hindu, it is something beyond that; it is spirituality, which persons of all faiths can easily comprehend and soak in.
A visit to Varanasi is a must for every Indian at least once in their lifetime.

Best time to visit Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh:

September-November being winter in India , is the best time to move around.

Getting there/Reaching to Varanasi:
By air
Flights from several Indian cities operate to Varanasi.

By rail
Several major trains pass through the two railway stations in Varanasi, namely the Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction. Mughal Sarai (10 km) is another nearby railhead.

By road
A good network of roads connects Varanasi to the rest of the country.

Google Map of Varanasi:

View Larger Map

Pictures, Photos, Images, Slideshow, Video of Varanasi:

Varanasi in the Morning

Hotels and Resorts in Varanasi:

Best Western Kashika
Hotel Clarks
Hindustan International
Hotel India
Pallavi International
Hotel Pradeep
Hotel Radisson
Taj Ganges
Hotel Ramada Plaza
Hotel Varanasi Ashok
Hotel Vaibhav
Trimurti Guesthouse
Hotel Sunrise
Shiva Ganga Lodge
Hotel Gautam
Sahi Riverview Guesthouse
Things to do/ Places to visit
Bharat Mata Temple
Durga Temple
New Vishwanath Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple
Vishwanath Temple
Alamgir Mosque
Benaras Hindu University
The Archaeological Museum
Bharat Kala Bhavan
Chandraprabha Sanctuary

Food and Shopping in Varanasi:

Shopping in Varanasi is an experience in itself.
Home of the world-famous Benarasi silk saris and fine brocades, Varanasi markets are full of cloth vendors.
Besides silks, Varanasi is famous for Banarasi carpets, shawls, zari work, inlaid stonework and bangles.
The best places to shop are Vishwanath Gali, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Golghar and Dashswamedh Gali. Food is another story altogether.
As rich as the culture here, the food is packed with spices and is dripping with ghee.
‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mango and different types of ‘Chaats’ or street food must be sampled.

Other important links:

Official website of Varanasi
Varanasi on Wikipedia

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adminGeneral, Northern India, UttarPradesh28 Jul, 2009