As the world’s oldest living city, Varanasi is also known as Kashi (City of Life) and Benaras. It holds significant importance in Hinduism as one of its seven holy cities. The old city of Varanasi is situated along the western banks of the Ganges, spread across a labyrinth of narrow galis. Be prepared to walk on foot and encounter some holy cows! Temples at almost every turn engulf Varanasi but the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is by far the most visited and oldest among them all. Benaras earns its nickname as the city of Lord Shiva for good reason – it truly is a place where he reigns supreme.
The city of Varanasi is considered to be a very auspicious place to die, as it is believed that doing so will grant you moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death. The heart of the city pulsates around the ghats, of which there are about 80 bordering the Ganges river. Be prepared for the sights, sounds and smells! Don’t miss out on trying some of the hot chaat and cool lassi. However, all chaos and noise on the ghats take a pause before dusk when the Ganga Aarti begins to take place – a ceremony of immense grandeur.
Benaras is an exquisite city that holds deep significance to Buddhists. It was here, in Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha preached his first sermon and set forth a spiritual journey for many who followed him.
The enchanting city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benaras, is the oldest living city on Earth. It’s a hub for Hindu culture, mythology, artistry and literature – its history rooted in 2500 years ago when Lord Shiva wed Goddess Parvati and decided to call it home. As Aryans migrated here centuries later they initiated trading silks, muslins ivory and perfumes giving rise to the wealth of this region. Unfortunately during Afghan invasion followed by Muslim rule temples were destroyed leaving behind an era shrouded with sorrows yet today Varanasi stands firm illuminating India’s most vibrant spiritual pilgrimage sites.Under the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar, its lost grandeur was fully restored.
By flight
Varanasi International Airport is the gateway to one of India’s most sacred cities, with countless domestic airlines flying in and out daily. Jet Airways, Air India and SpiceJet are some of the more popular ones that you can choose from for your journey. Although there aren’t many international flights arriving directly into Varanasi, it is well connected by its own network of national flights regularly scheduled throughout the day.
By road
The roadways in and around Varanasi are kept up well and convenient, which makes it a hot spot for tourists who usually travel to Uttar Pradesh. Tourists often times will visit two or three nearby cities and commute between them. Cities like Allahabad, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur are all within driving distance from National Highway 19.
By train
Varanasi is renowned for its major railway station which serves as the gateway to many populous cities in northern India. Mughal Sarai Junction, located at 18 kilometres from Varanasi city centre, also offers a variety of train services connecting all across India..
