Varanasi , Uttar Pradesh
About Varanasi
Varanasi, or Benaras, the holy city. All of the intensity of devotional India can be found here. These days, you can fly to this ancient city. Varanasi Airport is twenty five kilometers from the city center. Buses run daily to the Nepali border, while Varanasi is well connected by train to other India cities such as Delhi and Calcutta.
Varanasi has two histories, one legendary, one academic. Legend says the city was founded by Lord Shiva several thousand years ago, and that the city stands upon his trident.
For much of its history, Varanasi was part of the Kingdom of Kashi. Today, Anant Narayan Singh is Varanasi’s figurehead king.
In Varanasi, activities depend upon the visitor; some will take an active part in the rites and rituals of the city. Others will be observers, content to wander the ghats, visit the temples, take a boat out on the river and watch Varanasi, with the smoke from the funeral pyres and the music of devotional chanting, change the way they see the world.
There is an abundance of food of all kinds; vegetarians in particular will have more options than ever. Try thandai, and lassi to drink. To eat, sample kachaurl jalebi for breakfast, samosas for lunch, and your choice of North or South Indian, or even Chinese, Thai or Western for dinner.
For something different, arrange a trip to nearby devdari or rajdari. The waterfalls near these places provide a tranquil contrast to the bustle, sounds and smells of Varanasi.
Varanasi is believed by some to be the oldest city in the world. A clear date of origin for Varanasi is not yet known.
Try to eat at good restaurants to avoid food poisoning. There’s no need to avoid local food, but try to pick busy restaurants as the food will be fresher. Be careful accepting drinks, cigarettes or food from strangers, even holy men, as there have been cases of drugging and theft. As with any busy city, stay wary but remember to enjoy this incredible destination.
Location & Places to Visit on Varanasi Map
View destinations and attractions nearby Varanasi, on an interactive map.
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Varanasi
Benaras Ghats, Uttar Pradesh
1.8 km from Varanasi - See map
Watching people bathe in the Ghats , pilgrims performing pujas, being cleansed by the holy water. The sun, at sunrise and sunset, plays on the...
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Dasaswamedh Ghat, Uttar Pradesh
6.7 km from Varanasi - See map
Many Sadhus can be seen at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. The holy devotees of Shiva come here to perform riverside religious rites. Priests offer...
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Nepali Temple (Kathwala Temple), Uttar Pradesh
7 km from Varanasi - See map
The Nepalese Temple or the Kathwala temple is named so for a good reason; it was built by the king of Nepal using the wood(kath) imported from...
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Manikarnika Ghat, Uttar Pradesh
7.1 km from Varanasi - See map
At Manikarnika Ghat funeral pyres burn solemnly in the evening light. This ghat is sacred in Hinduism, so sacred , in fact, that it is believed...
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
7.1 km from Varanasi - See map
Built in honor of Lord Shiva, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also called the Golden Temple because of its gold plated spire. Just a glimpse of the...
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Chaukhandi Stupa, Uttar Pradesh
8.7 km from Varanasi - See map
The Chaukhandi Stupa is a Buddhist monument located at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. The Gupta Dynasty built the stupa in the 5th century. The...
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Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
9.6 km from Varanasi - See map
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar or Mulagandhakuti Vihara is situated in the heart of the city. It is believed by the  archaeologists that the Stupa...
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Sarnath Museum, Uttar Pradesh
9.7 km from Varanasi - See map
Sarnath Museum is situated near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Maintained by Archaeological Survey of India, the museum houses the excavated items of...
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The Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
9.7 km from Varanasi - See map
The Asoka pillar is one of the most famous places in Sarnath. The monument is of great importance for the Buddhist community as it marks the...
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Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
9.8 km from Varanasi - See map
Sarnath is about thirteen kilometers from Varanasi.  Here, Buddha preached his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. There is a deer park...
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Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Uttar Pradesh
10.5 km from Varanasi - See map
Bharat Kala Bhavan museum is within the Benares Hindu University campus or BHU. With over 100,000 exhibits, It is considered to be the best...
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Aasi Ghat, Uttar Pradesh
10.7 km from Varanasi - See map
It is believed by the locals that at Aasi Ghat or Assi Ghat, Lord Shiva is represented by a lingam placed underneath a peepal tree. This is the...
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