Varanasi
The Legend
The much admired city of Varanasi is the religious centre for Hindus all over the world. Varanasi means the land of sacred light and the real essence of Varanasi is the unique relationship between the holy River Ganga and the city. Varanasi is a confluence of myriad attractions where the past and the present stand together. Varanasi is a city which is a perfect blend of continuity and eternity. According to historians the city was founded 10 centuries before the birth of Christ. Situated between the Asi and Varuna, the two tributaries of Ganga, the city is eternal. The city has been talked about in Holy Scriptures like ‘Vamana Purana’ and the epic Mahabharata. Today the city rises from the northern bank of Ganga into scenery of buildings with different Indian architecture. Varanasi Hotels stand to prove the continuity of the city. The city is fast developing and has a fast growing infrastructure. The essence of Varanasi lies in its panoramic Ghats which are flocked by thousands of pilgrims at the break of dawn to take a dip in the Holy waters. As the sun rises, the activity on these Ghats begins with saints reciting verses from the Holy Scriptures, boats taking people across the bank and flower sellers selling beautiful colourful flowers to offer in the temples.
Attractions
In the itinerary of Varanasi tour packages you will come across the names of numerous temples located along the banks of river Ganga. Vishwanath Temple dedicated to lord Shiva is one of the most popular temples in the city. Varanasi also boasts of a distinctive temple dedicated to Mother India, the Bharat Mata Temple. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 as a mark of respect to Mother India. The temple is just 1 km from Varanasi station and was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. It has a marble statue of undivided India in three dimensional form. Tulsi Manas Temple is another important temple. It is built at the same place where Goswami Tulsidas composed the epic ‘Ramcharitramanas’. The temple was constructed in 1964 by a philanthropist family. Two things from Varanasi are famous all over the world. One is its Sarees which are a must shop when you are on a Varanasi Tour package. Second is its Betel Leaf or ‘Paan’ which you will be served after a meal in all the Varanasi Hotels.
How to reach
Varanasi is well connected by air to various cities in India. You can take the air tickets to Varanasi for the daily tourist service Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi by Indian airlines. Varanasi is well connected to almost all the metros and major cities like Delhi, Calcutta. Mumbai, Lukhnow, Dehradun by rail. Numerous Interstate bus services connect Varanasi to major cities by road. Summers are harsh here with the mercury rising up to 45 degrees. The monsoon season starts in June or July and is again a pain due to high humidity. Winters in Varanasi are comparatively pleasant. Though the climatic conditions in Varanasi are not very comfortable but Varanasi hotels are equipped with all modern day facilities and offer a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Trip packages and bookings
Varanasi tour packages are generally clubbed with other nearby destinations such as Sarnath, Khajuraho and Agra. These tour packages have comprehensive itineraries and they include the accommodation as well as bus, train or air tickets to Varanasi. The tour organizers accommodate you in some of the best Varanasi Hotels which could be budget hotels such as Hotel Buddha, Hotel Vaibhav or luxury hotels like Taj Ganges.
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