Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and often referred to as Benares,
Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. The name Varanasi has its origin
from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi. In the words of Mark Twain, American
humorist, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than
legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. It is believed that
those who are graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom
from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists
and Jains, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance and the birthplace of
Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. A great center of learning for ages, Varanasi
is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi
language and honored authors. A crossing place between the physical and spiritual
worlds, this overwhelming city captivates many visitors from across the world. A
boat ride on the river or a walk along the ghats is one of India’s most absorbing
experiences.
Eating Out!
Known for their rich hospitality, personalised services, and old world charm, Varanasi
has some much sought hotels like the Taj Ganges, Radisson. Hotel Clarks Varanasi,
and the Ramada Plaza JHV.
SpiceJet Recommendations!
Bharat Kala Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University, Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath
Museum, Mulagandha Kutivihar, Choukhandi.
Hotel Varanasi Ashok
Varanasi
Hotel Hindustan International
Varanasi
Best Western Kasihka Hotel
Varanasi
Pallavi International Hotel
Varanasi
- Chandraprabha Sanctuary
Situated to the Southeast of Varanasi, Chandraprabha is endowed with beautiful picnic
spots, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls like Rajdari and Devdari that attracts
several tourists. Established in May 1957, this sanctuary houses variety of wild
animals that include blackbucks, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, porcupine and
Indian gazelle. The flora comprises of a typical dry deciduous forest.
- Banaras Hindu University
An internationally reputed University, The Banaras Hindu University or BHU was founded
in 1916 by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Over the years,
it has developed into one of the greatest centres of learning in India. The BHU
has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders, contributing immensely
to the Indian independence movement. Subjects pertain to all branches of humanities,
social sciences, science, technology, medicine, fine arts and performing arts.
- PJantar Mantar
Built by Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur in the year 1737, Jantar Mantar was built
to measure the local time, the Sun's declination, altitude, and to determine eclipses.
Built in line with Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories, Jantar Mantar
has several masonry instruments to record the motion, speed and properties of planets
and to also study astronomy.
- Ramnagar Fort
Located on the opposite bank of river Ganga, the Ramnagar Fort was the ancestral
home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in the eighteenth
century, this fort-palace houses a museum showcasing the Royal collection that includes
vintage Cars, Royal palkies, ivory work and antique clocks. Also, a temple of Dakshin
Mukhi Hanuman is the fort. Legends have it that Veda Vyasa stayed here for a while.