Varanasi Tourism Package

Varanasi: The holy site for purification, redemption and healing

Pregnant with the enchanting and mystical alchemy of religion, history and nostalgia, Varanasi is colourful, resonant and dazzling for tourists all over the world. Warmly embracing the chaos and swarming lanes within itself, this holy city is located in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Lauded for being one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, one can witness the subtle metamorphosis in Varanasi, conjuring both the traditional and modern spaces to integrate in a sacred union. Prominent authors like Mark Twain have called Varanasi older than history, legends and traditions put together.

Also, known as Benaras and Kashi, this city is dotted with spacious ghats, rhythmically lined over River Ganga.Dedicated to Lord Shiva, pilgrims believe that visiting the sacred and auspicious ghats of Varanasi, bestows the pilgrim with salvation and redemption. One can easily spot tourists from different parts of the world, flocking the ghats and the local markets, searching for peace and nirvana. The foreign photographers love coming to Varanasi to capture the natural and intriguing charm of India's magic, getting lost in the smell, sounds and sights of the city. Along with Hinduism, Varanasi has also been the melting point for Shaivism and Vaishnavism . In addition, the city is also known for the prestigious Benaras Hindu University, set up by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Even famous British theosophist Mrs. Annie Besant selected Benaras as the origin for her Theosophical Society. Affectionately, it is also known as the cultural capital of India.

Following are the main attractions of Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: It is revered for preserving one of the main Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in its secret abode. This Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered very essential in the spiritual and religious history of India. Lord Vishweshwara is the worshipped deity in this holy temple. It is believed that famous Indian protagonists like Swami Vivekananda, Gurunanak, Tulsidas, Adi Shankaracharya and Ramakrishna Paramhansa had come to Varanasi to take the holy dip in the sacred water of River Ganga and worship the Jyotirlinga. This temple is also considered very sacred in the Shaiva Philosophy. The current architecture of the temple was constructed by the Maratha ruler Ahilya Bai Holkar, hailing from Indore in 1776. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had gold plated the towers in the temple in 1835.

Dasaswamedh Ghat: Located close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Dasaswamedh Ghat is known for being one of the most important ghats of Varanasi. It is presumed, in accordance to the Hindu Mythology that Lord Brahma had created this ghat to welcome Lord Shiva in Benaras. Several sadhus and monks perform rituals and religious customs at this ghat. Every evening, a group of priests perform the 'aarti' or 'agni pooja' at this ghat in a ceremonious manner, which is attended in huge numbers by people from all across the world. The entire aarti is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga, Fire and the Sun.

Jantar Mantar: This scientific observatory in Varanasi was built with the astronomical focus, keeping in view the star and earthly movements. It is located near to the Dasaswamedh Ghat and is situated on the top of the Man Mahal Palace. Its construction was finished in 1737 by King Jai Singh from Jaipur.

Ramnagar Fort: Located on the eastern bank of the Ganga River, it was built by Raja Balwant Singh in the year 1750. The exquisite architecture of the fort is done through Chunar sandstone. It is known for its beautiful and enrapturing view of the River Ganges along with the preservation of old weapons of the independence day in its museum.

St. Mary's Church: Revealing the true integration of different religions in Varanasi, the St. Mary's Church is known for being one of the oldest and most important protestant churches in the city. Danniel Corrie had laid the foundation of the church in 1810. It is peacefully located in the cantonment area in Varanasi.

Excursions from Varanasi
Tourists can also visit the nearby places such as Sarnath (11 km), Allahabad (!20km), Amethi (170 km) and Chitrakoot (250 km)

When to Reach
Thousands of pilgrims come to visit Varanasi irrespective of the time and the season. The ideal time to visit this city is in between November to March.

How to Reach
Air: The Varanasi airport is easily connected to the main cities of the country with regular availability of flights.
Rail: The Varanasi railway station is easily connected with the major cities.
Road: Regular bus service to Varanasi from cities like Allahabad, Faizabad, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Bodhgaya and Khajuraho are available.