About Varanasi - The Spiritual Capital of India
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River, it is considered the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva himself established this city over 5,000 years ago. It is believed that anyone who dies in Kashi attains moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The city is famous for its 84 ghats, ancient temples, narrow lanes (galis), and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti performed every evening.
Mark Twain famously said, "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." The city has been a center of learning, culture, and spirituality for millennia.
Major Temples in Varanasi
Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the most sacred abode of Lord Shiva. The temple has a gold-plated dome donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Timings: 2:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Special Darshan: 4:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Key Features:
- Gold-plated spire visible from across the city
- Ancient Shiva Linga that is the main deity
- Annapurna Temple located in the same complex
- Recently renovated Kashi Vishwanath Corridor for better access
Tip: Visit early morning (4-6 AM) to avoid crowds. Dress modestly. No photography inside.
Significance: Founded by Tulsidas in the 16th century, dedicated to Lord Hanuman who removes all troubles (Sankat Mochan).
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Key Features:
- Temple where Tulsidas had vision of Hanuman
- Daily morning and evening aarti
- Famous for answering devotees' prayers
- Annual Sankat Mochan Music Festival
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce avatar. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Key Features:
- Distinctive red architecture in North Indian style
- Sacred Durga Kund (water tank) adjacent to temple
- Hundreds of monkeys roam the temple premises
- Navratri celebrations are grand
Significance: Built at the place where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas in 1574.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Key Features:
- Verses from Ramcharitmanas inscribed on walls
- Beautiful white marble construction
- Ram Leela performances during Ram Navami
- Peaceful garden surroundings
Significance: Unique temple dedicated to Mother India (Bharat Mata), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Key Features:
- Has a marble relief map of undivided India instead of idols
- Shows mountains, rivers, and major landmarks
- Symbol of unity and patriotism
- Maintained by Banaras Hindu University
Famous Ghats of Varanasi
Varanasi has 84 ghats along the Ganga River, each with its own significance and story:
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Most famous ghat, grand Ganga Aarti every evening at 6:00 PM with thousands of spectators
Assi Ghat
Southern-most ghat, popular with young travelers, morning aarti, riverside cafes
Manikarnika Ghat
Holiest cremation ghat, believed that cremation here grants moksha (liberation)
Harishchandra Ghat
Another cremation ghat, named after the truthful King Harishchandra
Kedar Ghat
Has ancient Kedareshwar Temple, peaceful for meditation and prayers
Man Mandir Ghat
Built by Man Singh, has observatory and beautiful architecture
Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Ideal Period: October to March (10°C - 30°C) - Pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing, boat rides, and ghat walks.
Weather Guide:
October-November: Post-monsoon, fresh air, Dev Deepawali festival
December-February: Cool winter (10-22°C), foggy mornings, best for temple visits
March: Pleasant spring, Holi and Maha Shivaratri celebrations
Avoid: April-June (35-45°C extreme heat) and July-September (monsoon, flooded ghats)
Major Festivals:
| Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dev Deepawali | November | Millions of diyas lit on all ghats, most spectacular festival |
| Mahashivratri | Feb/March | Grand celebrations at Kashi Vishwanath, all-night prayers |
| Ganga Mahotsav | November | 5-day cultural festival with music, dance, boat races |
| Holi | March | Colorful celebrations, especially at Assi Ghat |
Must-Do Experiences
🌅 Sunrise Boat Ride
Witness the golden sunrise on the Ganga, see morning rituals, yoga practitioners, and watch the ghats come alive. Book early morning (5:00-7:00 AM).
🔥 Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh
Evening spectacle at 6:00 PM with priests, fire lamps, bells, and chants. Most mesmerizing spiritual ceremony. Arrive 30 min early for good spot.
🚶 Walking Tour of Galis
Explore narrow lanes with ancient shops, street food (kachori, chaat, lassi), hidden temples, and silk weaving workshops. Hire local guide.
🙏 Sarnath Visit
10 km from Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. See Dhamek Stupa, archaeological museum, deer park.
How to Reach Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) - 26 km from city center
Connections: Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow
To City: Pre-paid taxi (₹600-800), Airport shuttle, App cabs available
Main Stations:
- Varanasi Junction (BSB) - Main station, well-connected
- Varanasi Cantt (BCY) - Secondary station
- Manduadih (MUV) - Some express trains
Major Trains: Shiv Ganga Express, Kashi Vishwanath Express, Mahamana Express
From Major Cities: Delhi (10-12 hrs), Mumbai (24 hrs), Kolkata (12 hrs), Lucknow (6 hrs)
National Highways: NH19, NH29, NH56 connect to Varanasi
Distances:
- From Ayodhya: 200 km (4-5 hours)
- From Prayagraj: 120 km (3 hours)
- From Lucknow: 320 km (6-7 hours)
- From Gaya: 240 km (5-6 hours)
Bus Services: UP State Roadways, private buses available from major cities
Accommodation Options
| Category | Price Range | Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹500-1,500/night | Old city lanes, Assi Ghat area, hostels |
| Mid-Range | ₹2,000-5,000/night | Near ghats, Assi, Cantonment area |
| Luxury | ₹6,000-15,000/night | Ghat-view hotels, heritage properties, Taj Gateway |
| Dharamshalas | ₹200-800/night | Near Kashi Vishwanath, various trusts |
Recommendation: Stay near Assi Ghat (peaceful, cafes) or in old city near Dashashwamedh (close to main temples). Book well in advance during Dev Deepawali.
Plan Your Varanasi Trip
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Book Varanasi Tour Call: +91 88088 00808Quick Facts
- Location: Uttar Pradesh
- Famous For: Kashi Vishwanath, 84 Ghats
- Best Time: Oct-Mar
- Duration: 2-3 Days
- Airport: 26 km (VNS)