Varanasi

The Holy city of Varanasi is an important Hindu pilgrimage Destination in India. Located in Uttar Pradesh, it is known as the 'Cultural Capital of India.'

The name of the holy city, Varanasi, is supposed to be derived from the river Varuna, meaning Varanasi. Varanasi is a religious city for Hindus, Buddhists as well as the Jains. It is a city of rich culture, lights and temples.

The city takes pride in hosting innumerable number of nationwide and global tourists throughout every year. The rivers like Varuna and Assi with their respective convergence with the Ganga River, flowing by the land, are supposed to be the lifelines of the city and hold great religious significance.

Varanasi is also renowned for being an educational hub for the famous Benaras Hindu University and enriched, recognized classical music branch, Benaras Gharana, which was originated and spread all over India and the world.

Following are the main tourist attractions of Varanasi:

River Ganges
The existence of River Ganges in Varanasi is attached with the social, cultural and economic existence of the inhabitants. Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to immerse the ashes of their near and dear ones in this holy rive.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The city hosts the shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanath (an appearance of Lord Shiva) as well as one of the twelve venerated jyotirlingyas of Lord Shiva. The Hindus believe to wash off their sins once they take a holy bath in the Ganga in Kashi.

Dashashwamedh Ghat
It is the main ghat of Varanasi. According to the religious mythology, Lord Brahma had created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva. The evening ‘Agni Puja’ (Worship to Fire), dedicated to Lord Shiva is the best tourist attraction of Varanasi Tour.

Manikarnika Ghat
It is the main cremation ghat in Varanasi. It is also one of the oldest ghats of the city. It is believed that those cremated here attain moksha (spiritual salvation).

Ramnagar Fort
It is the residence of the King of Varanasi, fondly called as Kashi Naresh, the religious head. The museum located inside the fort preserves the belongings of the Kings of Varanasi from 18th century.

Assi Ghat
It is the southern-most ghat in Varanasi. One of the most popular ghats in Varanasi, it is where the long term foreigners and students stay. It attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists during festivities, like Shivaratri.

Gyanvapi Mosque
Constructed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, this Jama Masjid is located in the very centre of the city. It is an iconic symbol of Islamic architecture.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken several initiatives to promote tourism in the holy city. Be it serenity of the River Ganges, exotic Ghats built chiefly by the Maratha rulers, temple visits, shopping or education – tourists would really create indelible memories with their Trip to Varanasi.