Varanasi
(also known as Benares, Banaras, Benaras, Kashi, and
Kasi) is a Hindu holy city on the banks of the river
Ganga (Ganges) in the modern north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient
living cities in India.The whole Varanasi culture
revolves around the river Ganga, which is the heart and
soul of the city. Varanasi is also known as the city of
temples and learning . The river-front of the city is
decorated by hundreds of well built ghats which is a
unique feature. The holy Buddhist place, Sarnath is in
its precincts . The city is reputed for silk fabrics,
perfumes, artistic brass and copper wares and a variety
of handicrafts. It is an important centre of literature,
art and culture. It has produced great poets. writers,
musicians and scholars.
Hotel Radisson
Address: The Mall, Cantonment, Varanasi .
Rooms:
117 Rooms
Location: 12 kms. from Agra Airport,
10 kms. from Agra Railway Station, 10 kms. from Agra Bus
Stand.
Taj Mahal is regarded
as one of the eight wonders of the world.Taj Mahal is built entirely
of white marblel. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the
memory of his beloved wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra.
The magnificent
towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways of the Agra Fort symbolize
the stature and power of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Agra fort is built
alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. The Fort was
built between 1565 and 1571 AD.
The city of Fatehpur
Sikri is located at a distance of 40 km from Agra. The city was built
to symbolize the power of Akbar's empire.The grand monuments in
Fatehpur Sikri are Panch Mahal, the Buland Darwaza, a prayer hall
for the new religion called Din-i-Illahi started by Akbar.
Sarnath
Durga Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple
The
tomb of Emperor Akbar presents a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim
architecture. Its construction got completed in 1613 A.D. and has
been retained in its best possible form. It is also open for the
tourists from dawn to dusk.
This unique tomb in
red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbars
Goan Christian wife-Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
One of the earliest
Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar-the founder of the
Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here
before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.
How to reach
Varanasi
By Air
By Rail
By Bus
Varanasi is well
connected by air to several cities in India. It is on the
popular daily tourist service Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi
route.
The main railway station in Varanasi is the Varanasi
Junction. It is well
connected to Delhi and Calcutta by many trains and also to the
other significant Indian cities. Rajdhani Express from Delhi or
from Calcutta passes through Varanasi too.
Varanasi is well connected by a network of roads. Privat luxury
busses are easily available for transportation.
Events in
Varanasi
Mahashivratri
Buddh
Purnima
Ganga Festival
The Taj Mahotsav
festival is held in Shilpgram about 1km from the easten gate of taj.
Taj Mahotsav is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together
the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances.
It is a major fair
celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva who is believed to have appeared
here in the form of a stone lingam.
Varanasi is a city of
festivals, which is perched on the edge of time along the banks of
an ever flowing river. Every year at Varanasi, devotes and visitors,
alike, celebrate the ancient glory of the Ganga. Every year a
festive experience like none other awaits you at Ganga Festival at
Varanasi. The festival is celebrated in the month of October-Novmber.
Culture
Varanasi (also known
as Benares, Banaras, Benaras, Kashi, and Kasi) is a Hindu holy city
on the banks of the river Ganga in the north Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh. Varanasi has a unique culture, quite different from other
places in the region. This culture has developed through thousands
of years during which it has been one of the major cultural centres
of northern India. The whole Varanasi culture revolves around the
river Ganga, which is the heart and soul of the city. Varanasi has
its own 'Gharanas' (style of music) in classical Indian music.
Varanasi has produced some of the most well-known musicians,
philosophers, poets, writers in Indian history. To name a few, Kabir,
Munshi Premchand,Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad
Bismillah Khan were/are from Varanasi. It even has its own dialect,
which is quite different from other dialects of the region. It has
been a seat of knowledge from about 700 BC onwards. Its universities
attracted students from all over the then-known world. Varanasi is
also known as the Cultural Capital of India.
Mark Twain once said, "Benaras is older than history, older than
tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of
them put together!".
Weather
Because of
Varanasi lies in the tropical region, the city enjoys a pleasant
winter with a daytime temperature of around 20°C. The
temperature can touch a low of around 10°C in late December and
January with heavy fog in the early part of the day.
October-November and February-March are usually comfortable and
sunny. The summer season is, however, harsh in Varanasi.
Beginning in April and continuing through June, it is extremely
dry and daytime temperatures often climb up to as high as 45°C.
The monsoon season, which starts by late June or early July,
brings torrential rains and high humidity to the city.
Last Minute Guide
Shopping At
Varanasi
The city has a number
of Souvenir shops approved by the Government. Varanasi is a premier
centre for some of the finest handicrafts. The most renowned craft
of the city is its silk weaving. "Banarsi Sarees" produced by local
craftsmen are among the most preferred, not only in India but across
the world. Brassware, copperware, ivory ware, glass bangles, wood
and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelry are some of the other
crafts the city is famous for. Bhadohi carpets and musical
instruments are among the other shopping attractions.Main shopping
centers are:The Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Gyanvapi, Thatheri Bazar,
Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashaswamedh and Golghar.
Cuisines of
Varanasi
Varanasi is famous
for it's bazaars full of 'jalebis', sweetmeats and a myriad variety
of 'kachoris'. The hotel Radisson offers two restaurants: one full
service and one coffee shop. The hotel also offers 24 hour room
service. At Hotel Taj Ganges,The chowk is a Multi-cuisine coffee
shop and bar.
Hospitals in Varanasi
Banks/Money Changers
Þ
Heritage Hospital And
Research Centre ,Lanka,Varanasi
Þ
Indian Overseas Bank,
Lahurabir.Varanasi
Þ
Sri Shiv Prasad Gupt
Hospital ,Kabir Chaura,Varanasi
Þ
State Bank of India,
Cantt, Banaras Hindu University.
