Varanasi, simply a destination that every traveller wishes to go to, at least once, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is arguably the oldest city on Earth that has been continually inhabited by people. The other notable city that ages nearly same as Varanasi is Babylon, but as everyone knows Babylon came to fall as the time passed by, whereas
Varanasi still remained the home to many. Over the years Varanasi developed a huge significance in the map of the nation. The city grew into significance not only in terms of religion but also in terms of education, commerce, administration, and tourism. The city, being one of the oldest and most revered cities on planet, is sufficient enough to raise one's desire to travel to this magical city. However, there are certainly many other aspects of Varanasi tour that worth to explore and to relish. The city very well sums up what Mark Twain said once, “is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
Also known as Benaras or Kashi, the city flourishes on the holy banks of Ganges river. It is about 320 km to the south-east of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Home to many poets, philosophers, writers, and sages, Varanasi is a very vital part of all the Hindu religious celebration. The religion is huge here. It is perhaps the most dominating attribute of the city. Counted amongst the seven most sacred cities in India, the city is also often called the “city of lord Shiva” and “the city of learning”. It is the city that finds mention in many religious epics and gave birth to many scholarly books, including Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas. Washing the lifetime of sins at the Ghats of Ganges, paying homage to several Hindu gods and goddesses, and completing several rituals or part-taking in religious events, are the prime regions for the tourists to head to the magical city. Nonetheless, many also visit the city with tourism intent. It is one fine destination for budget holidays. Simply head to this enchanting city, choose one from the best budget hotels in Varanasi, and relish the best of the city with or without the help of the guide.
The age-old temples are major tourist attractions in Varanasi. The narrow lanes of the old part of the city is where, there exist most number of temples. The Kashi Vishwanatha temple, where lord Shiva is worshipped, is the most revered temple. The other popular temples include: Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Durga Temple. Next to the temples, the pious Ghats along Ganges, are the next popular tourist points in the city. Pilgrims and devotees taking dips on the banks is a common site. Besides, it is also the venue for cremation. There are several legends on the making of the ghats; taking a boat ride in the morning in the river is an activity that should be done by every tourist. Watching hordes of devotees and priests doing rituals at the ghats is delight to cherish.
The additional popular places to visit in Varanasi include: Sarnath, Gauri Matha Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Nepali Hindu Temple, Sarnath, Durga Temple, Harishchandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University. , Sankat Mochan Temple, and Manikarnika Ghat.
The city has a tremendous good range of hotels options. The good thing is most of the lodging options are fitted with latest amenities. From hotels that belong to cheap hotels category to those that are conceived as the luxury replete top-rated hotels, one can choose the hotel that best suits his budget and stay needs. Temple On Ganges, Rivatas By Ideal, Ajay Guesthouse, Hotel Broadway Varanasi, Ganga Fuji Home, Hotel OK International Varanasi, Suraj Guest House, Hotel Sahu Varanasi, Hotel Meraden Grand, Monu Family Paying Guest House, Ganpati Guesthouse, Nadesar Palace, Jukaso Ganges, Ganges Inn, and The Gateway Hotel Ganges are some of the most run-after hotels in the city to choose from.
Martin Wynn
