Varanasi, India
Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is an ancient city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to around 1800 BCE, and holds great religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.
The history of Varanasi can be divided into several key periods:
1. Ancient Period (1800 BCE – 600 BCE): Varanasi is believed to have been founded by the Vedic tribe of Kashi around 1800 BCE. It soon became a prominent cultural and religious center in ancient India.
2. Buddhist Period (600 BCE – 500 CE): Varanasi gained prominence during the time of Gautama Buddha, who delivered his first sermon at nearby Sarnath in 528 BCE. The city became a major center for Buddhism, with monasteries and learning institutions attracting scholars from across the region.
3. Gupta Period (320 CE – 600 CE): Under the rule of the Gupta Empire, Varanasi experienced a golden age of art, literature, and science. The city became a hub of learning and culture, with the famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang visiting in the 7th century and describing it as a thriving metropolis.
4. Medieval Period (600 CE – 1500 CE): Varanasi continued to flourish under various dynasties, including the Harsha Empire, the Gahadavala Dynasty, and the Delhi Sultanate. It remained an important center of Hindu culture and learning, despite periodic invasions and destruction.
5. Mughal Period (1500 CE – 1750 CE): During the Mughal Empire, Varanasi experienced both prosperity and decline. Emperor Akbar built several temples and promoted religious tolerance, while his successor Aurangzeb destroyed many temples and persecuted non-Muslims.
6. British Colonial Period (1750 CE – 1947 CE): Under British rule, Varanasi became a center of trade and commerce, with the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University in 1916 further solidifying its status as a cultural and educational hub.
7. Post–Independence (1947 CE – Present): Since India‘s independence in 1947, Varanasi has continued to be an important religious and cultural center. It attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year, who visit its ancient ghats, temples, and other historical sites. Throughout its long history, Varanasi has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy, and the mysticism of India. Today, it remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and a major tourist destination for people from around the world.
1. **Kashi Vishwanath Temple** This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus. * Cost: Free entry, but offerings can be made * Hours of operation: 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM * Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India * Phone: +91 542 239 2629 * Website: https://shrikashivishwanath.org
2. **Dasaswamedh Ghat** This is the main ghat in Varanasi, where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every evening. It is a lively place to experience the essence of Varanasi. * Cost: Free * Hours of operation: Open 24 hours * Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Road, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India.
3. **Assi Ghat** This ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers. It is popular for morning rituals, boat rides, and cultural events. * Cost: Free * Hours of operation: Open 24 hours * Address: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India.
4. **Sarnath** Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It houses several ancient stupas, temples, and museums. * Cost: ₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreign nationals * Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset * Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India.
5. **Manikarnika Ghat** This ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi. It is a cremation ground and holds great significance in Hinduism. * Cost: Free * Hours of operation: Open 24 hours * Address: Manikarnika Ghat, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India.
6. **Dhamek Stupa** This ancient stupa is located in Sarnath and is believed to mark the spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. * Cost: ₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹500 for foreign nationals * Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset * Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India.
7. **Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum** This museum is located within the Banaras Hindu University campus and exhibits a vast collection of art, sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. * Cost: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹250 for foreign nationals * Hours of operation: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on Sundays) * Address: Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India * Phone: +91 542 236 8558 * Website: https://www.bhu.ac.in/bharatkala
8. **Banaras Hindu University** Established in 1916, this prestigious university is spread over a vast campus and is known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and the famous Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. * Cost: Free * Hours of operation: Open 24 hours * Address: Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India * Phone: +91 542 236 8558 * Website: https://www.bhu.ac.in
9. **Ramnagar Fort** This 18th-century fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges and is the residence of the Maharaja of Varanasi. It houses a museum displaying royal artifacts, weaponry, and vintage cars. * Cost: ₹15 for Indian nationals, ₹200 for foreign nationals * Hours of operation: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays) * Address: Ramnagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221008, India.
10. **Tulsi Manas Temple** This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is believed
1. **Sarnath** – Sarnath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is home to several ancient stupas, monasteries, and temples. Time and distance from Varanasi: 30 minutes, 10 km Cost: Free entry to most sites, small fee for the Sarnath Museum Hours of operation: Sunrise to sunset for most sites, Sarnath Museum: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Fridays) Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India Phone: +91 542 258 5584 Website: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/sarnath.htm
2. **Allahabad** – Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj, is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. It is famous for the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers, and the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival. Time and distance from Varanasi: 2.5 hours, 120 km Cost: Free entry to most sites, transportation, and food costs Hours of operation: Most sites are open from sunrise to sunset Address: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Phone: +91 532 240 8875 Website: https://prayagraj.nic.in/
3. **Kushinagar** – Kushinagar is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death. The city is home to various temples, monasteries, and the famous Parinirvana Stupa. Time and distance from Varanasi: 5 hours, 230 km Cost: Free entry to most sites, transportation, and food costs Hours of operation: Most sites are open from sunrise to sunset Address: Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India Phone: +91 5564 273 011 Website: https://kushinagar.nic.in/
4. **Chunar Fort** – Chunar Fort is an ancient fort located along the banks of the Ganges River. It has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Time and distance from Varanasi: 1.5 hours, 40 km Cost: Entry fee of INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners Hours of operation: 6 am to 6 pm Address: Chunar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh 231304, India Phone: +91 5442 222 106 Website: https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/monuments/chunar-fort-how-it-shaped-history
1. **Auto rickshaw**: Auto rickshaws are a common mode of transportation in Varanasi. The cost varies depending on the distance and negotiation skills. There is no specific website for auto rickshaws.
2. **Cycle rickshaw**: Cycle rickshaws are also used for short distances within the city. Costs depend on distance and negotiation. No specific website is available for cycle rickshaws.
3. **Taxi**: Taxis can be booked for local sightseeing or intercity travel. The cost depends on the type of car and distance covered. Hail in street, get at taxi stand or download apps such as Uber for mobile app store.
4. **Boat rides**: Boat rides on the Ganges River are a popular activity in Varanasi. Costs depend on the type of boat and duration of the ride. You can walk to the river side to find a boat.
5. **Public bus**: Public buses are available for intercity travel and local transportation. Costs are relatively low, but buses may be crowded. You can find information about bus routes and timings on websites like https://www.redbus.in/
**Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)** Descriptionur Shastri International Airport is the primary airport serving Varanasi and the surrounding areas. It offers domestic and international flights, and is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India. Cost: The cost of flights varies depending on the destination and airline. Hours of operation: The airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Address: Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh 221006, India Phone: +91 542 262 2155 Website: https://www.varanasi.org.in/varanasi-airport
Types of transportation: 1. Taxi: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal to take passengers to the city center. The distance from the airport to the city center is approximately 18 km, and the cost varies depending on the taxi service.
2. Prepaid Auto-rickshaw: Prepaid auto-rickshaws are also available at the airport. The cost and distance to the city center are similar to taxis.
3. Bus: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC): operates buses from the airport to the city center. The distance is approximately 18 km, and the cost varies depending on the bus service.
The currency of Varansi is Indian Rupee (₹). Varanasi does not have its own separate currency. Some facts about Indian Rupee (INR):
Paper bills:
• ₹10
• ₹20
• ₹50
• ₹100
• ₹200
• ₹500
• ₹1000
• ₹2000
• ₹5000
• ₹10,000
Coin denominations:
• ₹1
• ₹2
• ₹5
• ₹10
• ₹20
The climate of Varanasi, a city in northern India, is classified as hot and humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cwa). The city experiences hot summers, with temperatures often reaching up to 45°C (113°F), and cool winters, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Monsoon season typically occurs from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity.
The average annual rainfall in Varanasi is around 1,100 mm (43 inches).
