This city of Uttar Pradesh is famously known as - The Spiritual Capital Of India
Varanasi also is known as Banaras is linked with BHU (Banaras Hindu University) and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is located on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the ancient and spiritual cities of India.
Historical Background
Varanasi is founded by Lord Shiva, according to the holy people residing there since ages. This place is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide Moksha.
In 1194, the city became victim to the Turkish emperor Qutb-ud-din Aibak who demolished most of the temples. After him also, most of the Mughal emperors have followed the same thing and destroyed the spiritual places. The city regains its momentum with the coming of Mughal emperor Akbar who invested in the city and constructed two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The city was ruled by the Marathas and Rajputs after the death of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. In 1948, Varanasi ceded to the Union of India.
In 1194, the city became victim to the Turkish emperor Qutb-ud-din Aibak who demolished most of the temples. After him also, most of the Mughal emperors have followed the same thing and destroyed the spiritual places. The city regains its momentum with the coming of Mughal emperor Akbar who invested in the city and constructed two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The city was ruled by the Marathas and Rajputs after the death of Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. In 1948, Varanasi ceded to the Union of India.
Varanasi – A spiritual city with great art and culture
Varanasi is famous for its educational institutions like BHU. Students from all over the world come to this heritage city to take the blessings of Goddess Saraswati – the goddess of education.
This city is a place for authentic Ayurveda and panchakarma treatments. A lot of tourists come here and experience the ayurvedic treatments and get relieved from their concerns.
Varanasi is also known as “the city of temples” and therefore a source of attraction among the tourists that they make a beeline to this city.
Varanasi is also famous for its rich art and culture and its Banarasi Sarees are famous among the ladies all over India.
Varanasi Culture
Varanasi’s culture of fine art and literature is known worldwide. Great writers like Kabir, Ravidas and Tulsidas belong to Varanasi. Carpet weaving, wooden toys, glass bangles are the famous handicrafts made by the artists of Varanasi.
The major religion which is followed is Hinduism. Muslims, Christians and Jains form the minority of the population.
Current Scenario
Silk weaving is the main source of livelihood for the people living in Varanasi. Diesel locomotive works are the major employer in the metal manufacturing sector which provides a lot of employment opportunities to the local residents of Varanasi.
Secondly, Tourism is the major employment generation sector in Varanasi. The State Government is taking initiatives to improve the infrastructure of the state to attract more and more tourist to this spiritual place.
Climate and best time to visit
Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate with great variations in temperature. In summers the temperature rises above 40 degrees while the winters are cool and pleasant. The best time to visit this place is between October to March.
How To Reach Varanasi
Being one of the most popular destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is well connected with other cities across India. You can reach Varanasi by flight, rail, and roads.
By Flight
The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) located at Babatpur located at 26 km of Varanasi. While the significant footfall is of the domestic passengers, this airport is also connected with nearby international destinations like Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia.
There is no direct bus available as of now to reach the city from the airport. You can hire a taxi, or you need to walk 2 km to reach Babatpur crossing to board a bus which will drop you at Varanasi Railway station.
By Train
The railway is the most convenient way to reach Varanasi. It is connected with all major cities across India. Varanasi Junction (BSB), Varanasi City (BCY), Kashi (KEI) and Manduadih (MUV) and four major railway stations to reach this holy city. Since all the railway stations are in the town, you can easily board public transport such as auto-rickshaw/tuk-tuk, rickshaw, bus to reach your destination.
By Bus
The beautiful city of Kashi is perfectly connected with all neighbouring cities by state-run buses and also major cities in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi bus stand is strategically located within the city and merely 850 meters from Railway station.
By Car
Benaras is properly connected with roads and you can self-drive to reach this city from any nearby metro cities of Uttar Pradesh. Public transport is quite famous within the city of Benaras. You can always hire a taxi, auto, and rickshaw to commute. One of the oldest cities in the world, roads in Varanasi are pretty dense, and traffic jam is usual within the town. Uber and Ola in Varanasi are frequently available nowadays.
See all destinations
Login with Facebook
Login with Google