Varanasi Tourism-In Search of Almighty

The holy city of Varanasi or Banaras attracts visitors with its indelible charm. Situated in Uttar Pradesh, the city lies on the west bank of Holy Ganges River. It is one of the most sacred destinations in the country and the Varanasi temple tourism enchants one and all. The place has also found its mention in the famous epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Let us explore the Varanasi travel guide.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Counted among popular Varanasi attractions, Kashi Vishwanath Temple serves as the most famous temple in the city. The temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This sacred site boasts of receiving the footfalls of many great saints. There are two gold-plated domes that hold visitors’ attention.

New Vishwanath Temple

Famously called as the ‘Golden Temple’, this famous temple is located in the campus of Banaras Hindu University. Built by the Birla family, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple boasts of the similar structure like Kashi Vishwanath temple. Travel to Varanasi to visit the religious site that speaks volume about its architecture, designed by the founder of BHU Madan Mohan Malviya. The walls of the temple are beautified with the stunning sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple remains open to all people regardless of caste, religion and creed.

Bharat Mata Mandir

Established in honour of Mother India, Bharat Mata Mandir boasts of its wonderful architectural design. Constructed in 1936, the temple has the relief map of the country. Constructed on five pillars that mark five elements of nature-earth, fire, wind, sky and water, the temple serves as a prominent attraction in Varanasi.

Panchganga Ghat

                                                                    

Varanasi travel offers you an opportunity to witness the famous Panchganga Ghat. Situated at the confluence of five sacred rivers (Panchganga), the Ghat is a famous religious attraction of Hindus. The five rivers include the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Saraswati, the Dhupapapa and the Kirna.

Banaras Hindu University

Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the university boasts of its large campus. It was constructed on the land donated by the king of Kashi. The university stands apart as a major educational institution in India. It offers several courses and specializes in Sanskrit.

Ramnagar Fort

This medieval period fort positions itself in the banks of the river Ganges. Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 17^th century, the fort was once the royal abode of the king of Banaras. Still the fort continues to serve as the residential palace of the royal family members. Use of valuable marble stones and lustrous marbles make it a spectacular place. One can witness the fine amalgam of Indian and Islamic architecture. The ‘Durbar Hall’ or the hall of public audience is the highlight in the fort.

Varanasi tourism beckons pilgrims to embark on a holy journey. Explore the ancient temples, witness the sacred Ghats with Varanasi travel guide.

Touch the Core of Spirituality with Varanasi Tour

An ultimate pilgrim spot for Hindus, Varanasi boasts of being the oldest living city in the world. Varanasi tour takes you to a world of the age-old Ghats, ancient temples and important educational institutions.

Varanasi, being the holy land of Lord Shiva, has always grabbed my attention. I am a devotee of Lord Shiva so the places related to Him mean special to me. My Varanasi trip was not planned, it just happened when I got three day break from office. To make the most of this time, I along with my husband headed to Varanasi, the land counted among most famous North India attractions. Another reason was to visit my old friend who shifted to Varanasi long time back.

Hoping to recollect the forgotten time, we started our Varanasi travel from Delhi by train. First we visited my friend at Mughal Sarai where we sojourned on our trip. Everything was amazing at her place as we could enjoy the traditional hospitality.

It makes you feel blessed being near the holy River Ganges on India travel. The city that holds special mention due to its religious importance to Hindus. Earlier, known as “Kashi”, the city is renowned for its contribution to the age-old Ayurveda and classical Indian music. With its rich wealth of 100 Ghats, Varanasi tourism draws tourists with its unique appeal.

Situated on the assemblage of Assi Rivers and the Ganges, Assi Ghat was the first tourist place in Varanasi that we visited. The experience was good at the Ghat and by standing there you could also relive the past era. The tradition comes enrobing as ghats where we could see some religious rituals were being performed. Varanasi is a worth-visit destination of India tour packages.

We headed towards the Banaras Hindu University, nicknamed as BHU. My husband was rather eager to visit the university because of its significant contribution towards education. Bharat Mata Temple was another spectacular place to visit in Varanasi which we explored after that.

It houses the statue of Bharat Mata, which is constructed in marble and seems spectacular. You will not find any idols of gods and goddesses, instead, the temple houses a relief map of India, made from marble. In the evening, we enjoyed the spectacular sights of Ganga Aarti, where we could spot hundreds of colourful people, gathered along the ghats.

Being one of the most renowned temples of Varanasi, Tulsi Manas Temple also grabbed our attention. The beauty of the temple is enhanced by the majestic surroundings of landscapes. We were delighted to see the walls, exhibiting the verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple became the next part of our exploration. We also took sometime off for early morning boat ride which was very soothing and offered us the unique sights of the Ganges River. Our Varanasi trip was unique in itself as we came across age-old Ghats and pilgrim spots that filled our mind with sheer tranquillity.

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Search for your Soul with Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham or the four abodes, the most revered pilgrimage circuit lies in the Indian Himalayas. The journey moves in the clockwise circulation. Starting from left to right, it covers the four sacred destinations, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Char Dham is a wonderful tour of India. Situated in Dev Bhumi of Uttarakhand, it enables devotees to attain the peace of mind. It is a favourite pilgrimage centre for Hindu pilgrims. This holy voyage takes you to the four sacred spots. Blessed with fascinating attractions and majestic temples, every Dham is a treat to the eyes.

Char Dham Yatra India takes you to the following destinations:

Badrinath

Lies at an elevation of 3133 m in Garhwal, Badrinath is the home to Lord Vishnu. It is considered as the most sacred of all dhams, which you can explore with Chardham tour packages. It has snow-covered Neelkanth Peak on the back drop and the gorgeous Alakananda by the side. Badrinath is a paradise for tourists. It usually takes two-days journey from Kedarnath. Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site that lies on the route of Badrinath. The stunning structure of the temple of Badrinath resembles to the Buddhist gompas.

Kedarnath

Chardham yatra tour takes you to the abode of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath. This holy spot positions itself at an altitude of 3584 m. It is among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The spot is also considered as Shankaracharya's samadhi. Kedarnath Temple is the most remote place of four Dhams. Mandakini river, gushing by this holy site, is another charm of the destination.

Gangotri

This is the place from where the river Bhagirathi starts. Lies at a height of 3042 m, Gangotri is another destination of Char Dham tour. Goddess Ganga is the main deity here. According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Ganga manifested herself in the form of a river to exempt all the sins of the ancestors of King Bhagirath. Ritual duties are observed by the Semwal family of pujaris.

The Aarti ceremony at the site creates a spectacular sight. Adventurous devotees can embark on an overnight 17 km trek to Gaumukh, which serves as the actual source of the Ganga.

Yamunotri

The place positions itself in the lap of Himalayas, opposite to Gangotri.

There is a road opposite to Gangotri that divides from Dharasu and reaches to Yamunotri, which is the source of the Yamuna River. The place can be accessed from Mussoorie. It is another major destination of Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri is a full day trip from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehra Dun. Ritual tasks at Yamunotri like making and distribution of 'Prasad' are performed by the Pujaris or Priests. Rice is cooked into Prasad by using hot springs at the site.