Varanasi

By Vandana Singhal

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Varanasi is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus in India. One of the most ancient cities in India, Varanasi is the holiest here. It is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities of India. Varanasi is different from any other usual tourist destination in India. Here people come not just for visiting its historical sites but rather it is a place where they can watch all the overwhelming views of life, death, devotion and more. In more than one ways, Varanasi reflects the best and worst aspects of India. For Hindus, Varanasi holds importance because it is believed that Lord Shiva created it and it was named after two rivers Varuna and Assi flowing into Ganga.

Location and climate
Located on the banks the holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is a city in the north Indian state, Uttar Pradesh. Lying on the Tropic of Cancer, Varanasi is the city of many seasons. In summers, it can be as hot as 450C with unbearable humidity. June and July are the months of heavy rains. The best time to visit Varanasi is winters (from October to April) when temperature there is pleasantly cool. Otherwise, people visit Varanasi all the year round as the season has nothing to do with their beliefs and customs.

Attractions
The sights at the banks of Ganga are more impressive than any historical attraction there. When you see the thousands of earthen lamps lit in the waters of Ganga at twilight, amid the chants of holy prayers, you won’t be able to withhold your emotions. This is the time when devotees offer their prayers to Ganga with the sunset in backdrop.

Varanasi is home to hundreds of Ghats and ancient temples. Banks of the rivers are called as the Ghats. It is believed that if you take a dip in Ganga from these Ghats, it cleanses all your sins. Most popular Ghats are Panchganga Ghat, Narad Ghat, Manikarna Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat and Tulsi Ghat. The most revered temples in Varanasi include Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Nepali Hindu Temple, Durga Temple and others.

Almost all the Hindus wish to visit Varanasi at least once. It is also said that if a Hindu breathes his last in Varanasi he will go to heavens. Apart from all these, there are many other interesting sights waiting for you in the meandering alleys of this ancient city. According to American writer Mark Twain "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”


Varanasi is well connected to all the major cities of India by air, rail and road. It is 776 km far away from Delhi. After reaching Delhi, the National capital of India or other major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, you can either board a domestic flight or a train to Varanasi. The nearest airport at Babatpur is just 25 km from Varanasi and you can hire an easily available taxi.




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