Overview
Varanasi
Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. The spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites.
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi, along the city streets are some of 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
In the Mahabharata the city is referred to as Kāśī (काशी: Kashi) from the Sanskrit verbal root kaś- “to shine”, making Varanasi known as “City of Light”, the “luminous city as an eminent seat of learning”. The name was also used by pilgrims dating from Buddha’s days.
Winter season starts from November and lasts till March. The city becomes very cool during this period and the temperature even comes down to five degrees Celsius. Cold wind coming from the Himalayan region makes the environment even colder. This is definitely the best time to visit Varanasi.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Ahilyabai Ghat, Mahal Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Causatthi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Sita Samahit Sthal, Batuk Bhairav Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir, Gyan Vapi, Ramnagar Fort & Museum, Chunar Fort, Sarnath, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Man Mandir Observatory, Alamgir Mosque, Ramnagar Ramlila, Aqua World, Varanasi Fun City, St Mary’s Church, Banaras Hindu University, Godowlia Market, Chowk & Vishwanath Gali, The Banaras Silk Emporium, Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar.
