"Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Mark Twain
About Varanasi: The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. The abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown.
Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 3000 years. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar. Vaishnavism & Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, set up 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia.
Ayurveda is said to have originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery and Cataract operations. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, since the early days. Varanasi is associated with the promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honoured authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish.
The Benares Gharana form of Indian classical music developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi, including Kabir, Ravidas Their Guru Swami Ramanand, Trailanga Swami, Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Acharya Shukla, Ravi Shankar, Girija Devi, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Bismillah Khan.
How to Get There:
By Air:
Varanasi Airport is about 25km from the city centre and connected to both Delhi and Mumbai, besides Lucknow. Getting to the airport is a hassle as all drivers want double charges, as they will probably return empty. A bus runs between town and the airport but is irregular; actually, the aircraft are irregular.
By Rail:
Trains are the easiest way to reach Varanasi, with multiple daily services to cities including Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mumbai and Kolkata.
By Road:
Varanasi is well connected by road. There are daily buses to the Nepal border and other points around northern India
Getting Around:
Most sights are locked in the tiny narrow winding alleys. Rickshaws are only useful for longer trips across town or to the train stations. A cycle-rickshaw from the train station to the Ghats is the only option. Ultimately, you will have to trudge along the Ghats.
Where to Stay
There are over 100 hotels in Varanasi. The better ones are: Radisson Hotel Varanasi; The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi; A Palace on the River, Rashmi Guest House; Ramada Plaza JHV Varanasi; Hotel Surya; Hotel Ideal Tower and Hotel Clarks Varanasi.
What to See: Vishwanath Temple - also known as the Golden Temple; Kaal Bhairav Temple; Alamagir Mosque - overlooking Panchganga Ghat; Man Mandir Observatory; Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple; Banaras Hindu University;
Ghats: A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river.
Some of the main ghats, from north to south: Narad Ghat - bathing with spouse is not advised; Panchganga Ghat; Manikarnika Ghat - the main cremation ghat; a must-see, but remain quiet and NO photographs; Dasaswamedh Ghat - the main ghat and site of the large evening aarti; only reachable by foot at some times of day; Rana Ghat; Kedar Ghat - brightly painted and busy with bathers; Harishchandra Ghat; Hanuman Ghat and Assi Ghat - a popular place to stay with many hotels, restaurants and internet cafes
Where to Eat:
Karki's Restaurant; Bufffalo's Restaurant; Shiva Cafe and German Bakery and Mona Lisa Cafe for budget meals; Rasa Vritti; Open Hand Shop & Cafe; Flavours Cafe; Brown Bread Bakery; Zaika Restaurant and Moti Mahal Delux are mid-range. Haifa Cafe; Hayat's; Phulwari / Sami Cafe and Tahsin's Mediterranean, all catering to Israelis.
