Ganges is the India’s most worshipped river with many religious aspects and Varanasi is well famous for Ganges and its activities and is one of the holiest cities in India. Earlier known as Banaras, Varanasi is found within Uttar Pradesh and it is truly a feast for visitors with warm welcoming citizens and heartfelt ceremonies and rich cultures woven around Ganges.
A specialty you will be able to experience here is the ghats which are small walkways where you can share them on visiting various places in the city. The west bank of the Ganges is the end point of the Varanasi which is divided into ghats that are connected with the city by a series of alleys. There are over 100 ghats to wander into which would be the most effective and reliable method to get to know the city. Varanasi is well known for its Varanasi silk which are world famous and best among many found in India. Varanasi, “the cultural capital of the world” also houses the largest residential university in Asia.
Due to the presence of the holy river Ganges, visitors not only from foreign countries but other provinces of the country also come to Varanasi to engage in the religious ceremonies. There are over dozens of wonderful temples in the city. Due to the immensity of religious activity going on in the bank of the Ganges, the best way to observe and explore these is to take a boat ride along the Ganges, a must do for all visitors.
Varanasi is an iconic place for first time visitors in India as it is very well equipped with all the energy, activities, rich cultures and events one can experience to get to know real India. This holy city has a great and fascinating past too. Said to be the one-time home of the God Shiva, the city is an important pilgrimage centre for Hindus, evidenced by the sight of temples and the mention of the city in the ancient Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. One bath in the Ganges is believed to wash away your sins of a life time. Hindus also believe that dying in the city stops the cycle of rebirth. Many pilgrims collect a vessel of Ganges water to take back home; drinking this in your dying moments is thought to ensure your soul goes to heaven.
Not only Hindus feel this connection with the city but Buddhist historical evidences show that Lord Buddha came to preach at Sarnath, just 10kms away, in 500 BC and designated Varanasi as a pilgrim site. Today, Buddhist pilgrims come to the ancient city to see the site of the Buddha's first sermon. Jains and Muslims have also helped to shape the religious character of Varanasi and both religions also have sites of religious importance here.
Travellers’ Guide
If you are planning to visit Varanasi, you can reach Uttar Pradesh either by bus or train from Delhi and Mumbai. Once you get there, exploring into the city won’t be a problem. But keep in mind that you are entering into a holy city therefore make sure you wear appropriate clothes when visiting Ganges and temples.
Also there are many hotels and eateries around the city for visitors, check them out.
Pradeep Hotel
Siddhartha
Ashok Varanasi
Ramada Plaza Jhv Hotel
Ideal Tower Hotel Varanasi
Clarks Varanasi
Radisson Hotel Varanasi
Suryauday Haveli
Palace On Ganges Hotel
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