Uttar Pradesh : Varanasi/ Banaras
Varanasi cannot be described, only experienced. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts a large number of tourists - domestic and international. Though Varanasi retains its heritage, the city is changing. New markets, commercial complexes and modern hotels make it a melting pot of both. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world’s most ancient. It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a distance of 12 km from Varanasi is Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. Here he revealed the eight-fold path to Nirvana.
Related Travel Information
Uttar Pradesh : Sarnath
Situated 8 km from Varanasi is Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment at Bodhgaya. At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent India's national emblem.
Varanasi : Hotel Clarks Varanasi, The Mall
Hotel Taj Ganges also arranges Magic of the Ghats, a cultural and theme party reliving the traditional royal entertainment and devotion enjoyed and performed by the maharajas. The evening entertainments of classical arts and cuisine are held at Chet Singh Ghat.
Varanasi : Shopping
Varanasi has been a centre of handicrafts, especially silk weaving. Other attractions include brassware, ivory ware, gold jewellery, woodcraft,, wall hangings and lamp shades, carpets and masks of various Hindu/Buddhist gods, goddesses and saints. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Godowlia, Vish-wanath Lane and Thatheri Bazaar.
Mandi Travel Guide
At the confluence of the Beas and the Suketi rivers, Mandi (800 m), capital of an erstwhile kingdom, is one of the most important cities of Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1278 by Ban Sen, it developed into an important religious centre with over 80 temples and earned the epithet of 'Varanasi of the Hills'. Combined with Rewalsar Lake and Jogindernagar, this is a minor circuit which is an offshoot from the NH 21 at Mandi. Temperatures drop to near freezing point in winter and in summer the climate is hot. The circuit is excellent for a winter sojourn.
Varanasi : Tourist Information Counter
Tourist Information Counter of deptt. of tourism, govt. of UP, at the Varanasi Cantt. Railway station is just the place you may require to begin your sojourn in the city. Located beside the entrance gate to the platforms in the main hall, the office is open on weekdays from 0600-2000 hrs and on Sunday from 1000-1700 hrs. The staff is very helpful and provides all reasonable assistance and information to visitors
