Swagatam! Welcome! Bienvenido!
Varanasi (Hindustani pronunciation: [ʋaːˈraːɳəsi], also known as Benares, Banaras (Banāras [bəˈnaːrəs], or Kashi (Kāśī [ˈkaːʃi], is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Uttar Pradesh state of North India, 320 kilometres (200 mi) south-east of the state capital, Lucknow, and 121 kilometres (75 mi) east of Allahabad. A major religious hub in India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in #Hinduism and #Jainism, and played an important role in the development of #Buddhism and Ravidassia. Varanasi lies along National Highway 2, which connects it to Kolkata, Kanpur, Agra, and Delhi, and is served by Varanasi Junction railway station and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
The city is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy river. Known as the City of Temples and a beacon of culture, Varanasi has produced many renowned writers. It’s also a centre of silk weaving, so practice haggling at the chaotic bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. #Rickshaws are the best way to get about.
Varanasi has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and is closely associated with the #Ganges. Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many #Ghats, embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Of particular note are the #Dashashwamedh Ghat, the #Panchganga Ghat, the #Manikarnika Ghat, and the #Harishchandra Ghat, the last two being where Hindus cremate their dead and the Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi are kept here.
It has a lot to offer to visitors, The Ramnagar Fort, near the eastern bank of the Ganges, was built in the 18th century in the Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. Among the estimated 23,000 temples in Varanasi are #Kashi Vishwanath Temple of #Shiva, the Sankat Mochan #Hanuman Temple, and the #Durga Temple. The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations. An educational and musical centre, many prominent Indian #philosophers, #poets, #writers, and #musicians live or have lived in the city, and it was the place where the #Benares #gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed. One of Asia's largest residential universities is #Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Are you already thrilled? Then just get in touch with us for your upcoming tour of Uttar Pradesh. #Happy Traveling!
