Varanasi, also known as Benaras is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of sacred river Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years.Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered as an auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven Apart from Hinduism it is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists as it was at Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi), Lord Buddha gave his Ist sermon after enlightment. It is the only city in Asia with three Universities. Varanasi is believed to be 3,000 years old.. According to a myth, it is 5,000 years old being inhabited since the times of the Sumer civilization in Mesopotamia.
Varanasi is a noted centre for silk weaving and brassware, Temples, Hindu and Buddhist religion and Benaras Hindu University
The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the river Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for several thousand years. A particular style of classical Hindustani music developed in Varanasi centuries ago, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi. They include Kabir, Ravi Das, Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Tulsidas wrote his Ramcharitmanas here, and Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Kashi.
Ayurveda is said to have originated at Varanasi.
Varanasi is the home of Banaras Hindu University.
Varanasi has a humid subtropical climate with large variations between summer and winter temperatures. Summer is long from early April to October with intervening monsoon seasons. Cold waves from the Himalayan region cause temperatures to drop across the city in the winter from December to February. The temperature ranges between 32°C – 46°C (90°F – 115°F) in summers, and 5°C – 15°C (41°F – 59°F) in winters. The average annual rainfall is 1110 mm (44 in).. Fog is common in the winters, while hot dry winds, called loo, blow in the summers.
Besides the Banks, most hotel also extend facility of exchanging currency at a fair rate. ATM’s can be found around town but it is still advisable to carry some cash to be on the safe side.
Residents of Varanasi mainly speak Kashika Bhojpuri, which is closely related to the Hindi language
By Air: Varanasi has an International Airport and with flights to Kathmandu. Indian Airlines connects Varanasi with Delhi , Mumbai , Agra , Lucknow , Khajuraho .
By Road: The city is connected by a single road to major cities by the famous Grand Trunk Road which has been in existence since the time of Sher Shah Suri (16th Century)
By Rail: Varanasi and Mughal Sarai are the important rail junctions, with train connections to all major cities of India. Some important trains are Rajdhani Exp, Toofan Exp, North East Superfast Exp, Magadh Exp, Mahanagari Exp, Pawan Exp, Sabarmati Exp, Ganga Kaveri Exp, Poorwa Exp, Himgiri Exp, Sealdah Exp .
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the most widely available public transport within Varanasi. in outer regions of the city, mini-buses are common.
Small boats and small steamers are used to cross the river Ganga.
Assi Ghat, Dasaswemedh Ghat, Ghat Tulsi Ghat, Harish Chandra Ghat, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Kala Bhavan, Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Fort, Vindhyachal, Chunar Fort, Banaras Hindu University
Shopping:
Fine silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brassware, jewellery, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades and masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities are some of Varanasi's shopping attractions. The main shopping areas include the Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir and Thatheri Bazaar
Where To Eat
There are numerous food outlets with a wide range in quality and taste. The restaurants closer to the ghats cater more to foreign tourists. To get really authentic Banarasi food you're going to have to get to the main market area. Don't miss out on the street food and the local Banarasi Paan- betel leaves with fillings of spices and sugar or tobacco chewed as a palate cleanser and a breath freshener after meals. You can also try out delectable Indian dishes from the restaurant of Hotel India in Varanasi.
Where To Stay:
5 Star : Taj Ganges, Clarks
4 Star : Hindustan International,Varanasi Ashok
3 Star : Ideal Best Western, Pallavi International
