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Distance Chart
From Varanasi |
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| Jaipur |
58 km |
| Agra |
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| Allahabad |
128 km |
| Lucknow |
380 km |
| Patna |
249 km |
| Gorakhpur |
230 km |
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| Varanasi is commonly called as Banaras. The devout Hindus call it Kashi (resplendent with light). |
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 It has been the religious capital of Hinduism. Each Hindu devotee wants to visit Varanasi to purify their body and soul by dipping into the sacred Ganga river.. Varanasi is also famous for its silk weaving, and Benarsi silks are a part of every girl's trousseau. Benaras brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, Copperware, Ivoryware, Glass beads and bangles, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. Varanasi or Benaras, since ages has been famous for the handicraft items. The delicate and intricate work on the saris, carpets, wooden works are unmatched. The hand-knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other attractions. The local silk weavers produce the silk which is in demand not only in India but across the world .The Bhadohi carpets can match the delicacy of weaving in any part of the world. Benaras has been famous for the 'Gharanas' in Classical Music and Singing. These styles of singing and music have been amply supported by the musical instruments which are manufactured in Varanasi. Benaras is also famous for its 'Langda Aam', a variety of mango available in the summers. In 1949, after Indian independence, the Varanasi state became part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi has the finest river frontage in India, with miles of ghats, or steps, for religious bathing; an array of shrines, temples, and palaces rises tier on tier from the water's edge. The inner streets of the city are narrow, winding, and impassable for motor traffic. The sacred city is bounded by a road known as Panchakosi which every devout Hindu hopes to walk to visit the city once in a lifetime.
Important
 To all tourist - beware of touts if, new to the place. On the Ghats there are many posing as 'Pundits', these people try to extract money from the devotees who come to the the banks to perform religious ceremonies. While going around the city it is better to fix the fair in the rickshaw and auto beforehand as these small vehicles are without fair meters. The drivers have a tendency to overcharge and take the commuter for a ride so it is advisable that get prior information before hiring any vehicle.
| In Varanasi there is a trend of agents aiding in any transactions between the buyers and sellers of handicraft items. Do not fall in the trap of these agents. In the temple incidents of snatching and pickpocketing have been common. Keep your valuables in the hotel. While visiting the Kashi Viswanath temple / mosque make sure that you are not carrying any arms or ammunitions as the security arrangement in this place is very strict. |
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| How to Reach |
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By Air:
Regular service connects Varanasi with cities as Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Bombay, Bhubaneswar and Katmandu. Varanasi is on several Indian Airlines flights including the popular daily tourist shuttle Delhi/Agra/Khajuraho/Varanasi and back. Sahara Airlines also has flights to Calcutta, Mumbai and Lucknow. Jet Airways operates flights to Delhi and Khajuraho. The airport at Babatpur is about 22 km away from the city. |
By Train:
Varanasi is major rail junction. Several trains a day come to Varanasi from both Kolkata and Delhi. The city is linked by trains with all metros and major cities across the country - New Delhi (760 Kms), Mumbai (1509 Kms), Calcutta (735 Kms), Madras (1970 Kms), Lucknow (286 Kms), Allahabad, Patna, Jaipur, Gorakhpur and Khajuraho.. There are not many trains running directly between here and Delhi or Calcutta but most Delhi to Calcutta trains do pass through Mughal Sarai, 18 km south of Varanasi. |
By Road:
Varanasi is connected with Calcutta (677 Kms.), Delhi (765 Kms.), Madras (1901 Kms.), Bangalore (1763 Kms.) Varanasi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.There are buses running from Varanasi to Jaunpur, Allahabad, Lucknow, Faizabad, and Gorakhpur. |
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| Famous Lanes of Varanasi |
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- Vishwanath Gali
- Kachauri Gali
- Khova Gali
- Nandan Sahu Lane
- Kalika Gali
- Chitraghanta Gali
- Brahamnala Gali
- Nepali Khapada Gali
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- Bangali Tola Gali
- Kali Mohal Gali
- Garhvasi Tola Gali
- Someshwar Gali
- Gola Gali
- Pathar Gali
- Anandmai Lane
- Sankata Gali
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| Temples and Mosques |
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| There are 198 important Temples in the holi city Varanasi. Important Temples are as follows: |
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- New Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU Durga Temple
- Kal Bhaurav Temple
- Magala Gauri Temple
- Vishalakshi Temple
- Chausatti Devi Temple
- Kamaksha Devi Temple
- Mahishasur Mardani Temple
- Baba Kinaram Temple
- Tailang Swami Temple
- Nepali Temple
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- Tulsi Manas Temple
- Sankat Mochan Temple
- Bharat Mata Temple
- Sankata Ji Temple
- Maha Murtunjai Temple
- Bathuk Bhairav / Adi Bhairav Temple
- Guru Vrispati Temple
- Kedareshwar Temple
- Badae Hanuman Ji Temple
- Baijnath Temple
- Sarangnath Temple
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| Others |
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Jantar Mantar
The ruler of Jaisingh built an observatory in Varanasi in line with those built in Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. The Varanasi observatory has all the instruments which are required to record the motion, speed and properties of various stars and planets and other cosmic objects. Although the observatory was built in 1600, the instruments give the exact measurements which can match any modern instrument. |
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