North India Tour Packages

About Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Mythologically Varanasi is believed to be the first city to be created on the Earth! Varanasi, one of the holiest pilgrimage centre for the Hindus, is the city which enshrines the very essence of Hinduism. Varanasi, the cultural centre of India, is the oldest living city in the world. Since the ancient times, Varanasi has preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy and stood as an emblem of Hindu history. From the time unknown, pilgrims from far reaching places have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.

When to travel
Throughout the year, but preferably October to March.

How to Reach There
Varanasi is well connected by air to several cities in India. It is on the popular daily tourist service Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi route. Varanasi has two railway stations - Kashi and Varanasi Junction. Though there are not many trains running directly between Delhi and Varanasi, most Delhi-Calcutta trains pass through Mughalsarai, which is 10 km south of Varanasi. Varanasi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.

Where to Stay
Varanasi offers a long list of accommodation from heritage, luxurious to deluxe and budget hotels along the lanes behind the ghats. Some of the hotels are : Taj Ganges (5 star), Clarks Varanasi (5 star), Varanasi Ashok (ITDC) (4 star), Hotel de Paris, Pallavi International (3 star), Vaibhav (3 star), Best Western Kashika, Pradeep (2 star) and lots more.

Tourist Attractions
Temples are the major source of attraction in this ancient city of Varanasi. The Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here.

Some of the Tourist attractions are :

Kashi Vishwanath Temple :
Visiting Kashi Vushwanath Temple is must for the Pilgrims to Varanasi. The temple is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University. It is about thirty minutes walk from the gates of the university. Built by the Birlas, this temple was planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. This temple is open to all irrespective of caste or creed.

Ghats :
The ghats, the chain of stone steps, along the western bank of the Ganges are the major attraction of Varanasi. There are about hundred ghats in the city. Each of the ghats is marked by a lingam and all of them have their own special significance in the religious geography of the city. Most of the ghats are thriven by early-morning bathers, Brahmin priests offering puja and people practicing meditation and yoga. Cremations are also perfomed in several 'burning ghats.'

The other Place of Attraction are :
River Front, Alamgir Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Sarnath, Archaeological Museum and lots more.

Fairs & Festivals
Varanasi celebrates many elaborate fairs & festivals, involving processions and rituals outside the temples. Some of the festivals celebrated in Varanasi are - Chittirai Festival, Avanimoola Festival, Teppam Festival or the Float Festival, Panguni Festival.

Shopping Delights
Varanasi is a celebrated centre for silk weaving and brass ware. Some of Varanasi's shopping attractions are - Fine silks and brocaded fabrics, exquisite saris, brass ware, jewellery, woodcraft, carpets, wall hangings, lamp shades and masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities and many many more.

The main shopping areas are :
The Chowk, Godaulia, Vishwanath Lane, Lahurabir, Thatheri Bazaar, etc.