VARANASI - A Confluence of Religion, Art andCultrue
Varanasi,
the 'eternal city' is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in
India for the Hindus. Also known as Kashi, the city has been a centre
of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years. It is a major tourist
attraction for its long string of bathing ghats on the steps of the
river Ganges. Places on interest include the Golden temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva; the great mosque of Aurangzeb; Durga temple; Vishwanath
temple; Bharat Mata temple; and the Ramnagar Fort Museum. A boat ride
down the River Ganges at dawn is an experience to remember. Varanasi
is famous for silk brocades and beautiful Banaras saris. Excursion include
Sarnath and Bodhagaya, both major Buddhist pilgrimage centres.
HOW TO GET THERE :
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Air : There is a direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Bombay, Lucknow and Bhubaneshwar.
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Rail : Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metres and major cities across the country. New Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahabad, Lucknow, Dehradun... the city has direct rail connections.
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Road : Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur is connected literally to the rest of the country by good motorable, all-weather roads. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., Patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 Kms., Lumbini (Nepal) 386 km.
Last modified: 26/02/2004