Varanasi – ‘The Spiritual Capital of India’
Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India. It is believed that Lord Buddha founded Buddhism in this very place around 528 BCE. The religious significance of the city continued to grow when Adi Shankaracharya, an Indian philosopher, established the worship of Lord Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi in the 8th century. Over the years, the city has emerged as a major commercial centre, known for the trade of its perfumes, sculptures, ivory works and silk fabrics.
- Tourist attractions in Varanasi: Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Centre for Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation, and Benaras Hindu University are among the few must-visit places in the city.
- Places to shop in Varanasi: The best places to shop for traditional Benarasi silk saris, garments, carpets, jewellery, accessories, musical instruments, handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs are Thatheri Bazaar, Golghar, Dashashwamedh Gali, Godoulia, Vishwanath Gali, Gyan Vapi and Chowk. Chowkhamba Lane is famous for local sweets and delicacies, like pickle, papad and gajak.
- Modes of transport: Although cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available, the best way to explore the city is on foot. One can ferry across the Ghats on boats.
- Weather in Varanasi: The temperature is Varanasi rises to a scorching 45-degree Celsius in summer (March to June), making it extremely hot and uncomfortable. However, winters (December to February) are quite cold and foggy with temperatures dropping below 10-degree Celsius. Monsoon brings moderate showers between July and September.
Airport in Varanasi
The primary airport serving the city is Varanasi Airport. IndiGo operates many weekly flights to various domestic locations from this airport. For more details, visit the IndiGo website.
- Airport Address: Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh 221006
- Airport IATA code: VNS