Varanasi or Benares, Banaras, Kashi, as you may want to name it as is-one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. Varanasi has the finest [religious] river frontage in India, with miles of ghats (steps) for bathing, an array of shrines, temples, and palaces rises tier on tier from the bank. More than a million pilgrims visit each year; many hope to die there in old age. A center of Hindu learning through the ages, it has lots of schools and countless Brahmin pandits.The art and culture of Varanasi is unique. It is the rich cultural tradition of Varanasi that makes it the cultural capital of India. The food of Varanasi is influenced by its people, their is a regional touch to the cuisine. The vegetarian delicacies are majorly prepared in desi ghee and mustard oil, be it spicy, sweet or sour. Also overly impact of street food is evident including Kachori sabji, Choora Matar, Thandai And Lassi, Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe and many more. The center of action in Varanasi can be found at the Banaras ghat-devout descend the stairs to wash away their sins in the holy water, and at night, they return for fire-fueled prayer ceremonies. The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. Assi Ghat's star attraction is a Shiva lingam (phallic representation of the Hindu deity) beneath a sacred fig tree. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come to worship Lord Shiva after rinsing in the Ganges River.
Flying to Varanasi: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (23.8 km away) is the central airport of Varanasi. It provides domestic flights to Agra, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Gaya, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna and international flights to Bangkok, Colombo, Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur.
Driving to Varanasi:
Destination | Distance (km) | Time (hh:mm) |
---|---|---|
Jaunpur | 61.9 km | 1:52 |
Prayagraj | 120.9 km | 3:07 |
Ayodhya | 203.1 km | 5:29 |
Gaya | 246.9 km | 5:44 |
Chitrakoot | 252.7 km | 5:49 |
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