About Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is the spiritual capital of India and one of the oldest cities in the world. This holy city lies on the banks of the River Ganges and is famous for its beautiful temples, shrines, and ghats. Considered a holy city, a large number of pilgrims visit the city every year to worship and take a holy dip in the River Ganges. With a variety of places to visit and explore, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the most prominent landmarks in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The city is also known for wooden toys, carpets, glass bangles, perfumes, handicrafts, and artistic brass ware.
Places to visit in Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Located near the banks of the River Ganges, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of oldest and holiest shrines in India. One of 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has a huge significance as it is mentioned in several holy scriptures. It also consists of several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri. One of the most striking things about the temple is its spire which has gold plating.
- Ramnagar Fort: Located opposite Tulsi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort was built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. The fort is beautifully built as it consists of lovely gardens, large halls, decorated courtyards, and finely carved balconies. There are two temples within the complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Veda Vyasa. It also has a museum known as Saraswati Bhawan that houses a great collection of armory, large astronomical clock, vintage cars, and murals of Maharajas.
- Assi Ghat: Located at the confluence of Rivers Assi and Ganges, it is known for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is visited by a large number of pilgrims who take a dip in the holy river. It is also a great place to experience the energy of the evening aarti and to enjoy a boat ride in the river.
- Man Mandir Observatory: Also known as Jantar Mantar of Varanasi, Man Mandir observatory is one of the best places to visit. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century and consists of different astronomical instruments that are used to determine positions of the Sun, stars, and planets.
- Godowlia Market: One of the oldest markets in the city, Godowlia Market has several shops and stalls selling clothing, hardware, and various household items. It is well-known for selling high-quality silk fabrics, Bhadoni carpets, and zari clothing. Additionally, beads, bracelets, shoes, shawls, and jewellery are available in this market at reasonable prices.
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Located in Banaras Hindu University, it is one of the best places to learn about the rich art and culture of Varanasi. The museum’s exhibits include paintings, antiques from the Harappan civilisation, coins, jewellery, sculptures, and documents. Most notable things present there include Ram-Siya coins from King Akbar’s era and artefacts from King Aurangzeb’s reign. There is also a seminar hall and research library to visit.
About Varanasi Airport
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located 26 km north-west of Varanasi and is the principal airport serving the city. The airport offers all the necessary facilities for the comfort of passengers such as restaurants, snack bars, duty-free shops, and medical services. It also has separate lounges for arrivals and departures. The IATA code for the airport is VNS.