Varanasi
Best places to visit in Varanasi, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Varanasi
Even after sunset there is no let up in the buzz along the famous ghats of Varanasi. If at all, there is a spike in the tempo and a high-voltage current of anticipation crackles across the noisy waterfront as pilgrims and tourists wait for the evening aarti to commence. Boatmen jostle for position on waters of the holy river Ganga which is speckled with floating diyas. The clanging of bells, the chanting of mantras, the call of conch shells emanating from the crush of temples that line the banks hangs heavy in the humid air. The atmosphere is so thick with expectation that one may well imagine Lord Shiva himself gate crashing this chaos of piety and starting to dance, dragging his adoring devotees into a higher stratosphere of frenzy.
Map of Varanasi
Whats Famous Here:
Cultural heritage: Indeed, Varanasi is an antithesis of peace and quite that one would associate with the nirvana that it assures those who die here. Varanasi started to assert her distinctive personality as one nears its famous ghats where a sea people surge across the steps that lead down to the river. Bearded Sadhus in orange robes and elaborate cast marks on their foreheads invite tourists to take their photographs and then demanded to be paid. Scraggly beggars sit patiently for the gods to provide. Pilgrims drop coins into their begging bowls and notch up good karma. Kids splashed happily in the water’s edge. Pundits perform sacred ceremonies… Boatmen row visitors to the sandy beach on the opposite bank and across the face of the 80 ghats that telescoped into each other.
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Varanasi
Aarti of Lord Shiva: As the sun slips behind the ghats, a sea of boats bobs in the water patiently waiting for the sunset aarti to commence. Soon enough a row of priests step onto elevated platforms and start a highly choreographed dance of fire to the clanging of bells. As the ritual of swirling lamps end the floating mass of boats disengage from each other and head for the ghats.
By now the burning ghats are aglow with pyres: the ultimate aarti in which Lord Shiva welcomes the participants into his eternal abode
Places to Visit in Varanasi, Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
What to See:
Syambhunath Temple: A devotees first task, however, is to pay his/her respects to the presiding deity of Varanasi – Lord Shiva whose jyotilinga is enshrined in the Syambhunath temple. Yes, he may dwell in the Himalayas with his wife Parvati but it is in Kashi (as the city was known in ancient times) that he mingles with his devotees. In fact, the head of Bhrama which clung to him ever since he chopped it off for uttering a lie when they first met in cosmic time finally dropped the moment he first set foot in the holy city. To reach temple one must walk down a maze of narrow streets which are awash with a bouquet of aromas: incense, spices, flowers, ghee and sweets
Places You Should Not Miss in Varanasi
Ghats of Varanasi: After paying ones respects to Lord Shiva one set off on the long awaited river cruise. The ghats of Varanasi unravel like a roll of film, each frame capturing its different moods. Dhobis laying out clothes like a patchwork quilt on the steps; buffalos wallowing in the shallow waters; a stairway going nowhere; fortress like walls flexing their muscles behind temple spires; murals of gods; holy men washing their orange robes; the minarets and domes of a mosque… A mummer of a prayer caressed one’s lips as one cruises passed the city’s burning ghats blurred behind a veil of smoke. Partly submerged in the water is the leaning temple of Varanasi.
Travel to Varanasi:
Best time to visit: August – March.
Local languages: Hindi
How to Reach:
AIR: Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, has its own airport. Many flights operate or fly en-route Varanasi.
RAIL: The city is well connected with trains and Varansi serves as an important station for Uttar Pradesh.
ROAD: Varanasi is well connected with nearby cities. One can take state transport or private bus to reach Varanasi.
Excursions from Varanasi: Sarnath: Sarnath is considered to be one of the four most holy places on the Buddhist pilgrim circuit as it was here that the Buddha set the Wheel of Life in motion After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha thought it only fitting that he share his new knowledge with the five sages who had accompanied him through the six years of fasting and meditation before they parted ways on the sandy banks of a river just outside Bodhgaya. Divine inspiration let him know that they had moved to Sarnath and so he followed them there. And it was in a little forest clearing, what is know as The Deer Park today, he preached the first of the many sermons he would over the remaining course of his life. It was here that the five sages became his first disciples.
Chunar fort: This majestic monument is known to offer a magnificent view of Ganga River.
Hotels and Resorts in Varanasi:By way of accommodation the temple town has a wide selection of accommodation from 5-star properties to budget lodges.
Travel packages to Varanasi: Customize your travel. Write your requirements we will revert with a quote soon.
Flights to Varanasi: Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, has its own airport. Many flights operate or fly en-route Varanasi.
Trains to Varanasi: The city is well connected with trains and Varanasi serves as an important station for Uttar Pradesh.
Buses to Varanasi: Varanasi is well connected with nearby cities. One can take state transport or private bus to reach Varanasi.
Car Hire in Varanasi: To experience Varanasi at your own pace you can take a care hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Varanasi. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Varanasi
