Domestic • Budget
Varanasi - The Ancient City of India
3 Days/2Nights
3 Days/2Nights
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is the holiest city on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Ravidassia. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma", at nearby Sarnath. In the 8th century, Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi. Tulsidas wrote his epic poem on Rama's life called Ram Charit Manas in Varanasi. Several other major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi, including Kabir and Ravidas. Guru Nanak visited Varanasi for Maha Shivaratri in 1507, a trip that played a large role in the founding of Sikhism. Varanasi has been a cultural centre of northern India for several thousand years and is closely associated with the Ganges. Hindus believe that dying here and getting cremated along the banks of the "holy" Ganges River allows one to break the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many ghats. Of particular note are the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Panchganga Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, and the Harishchandra Ghat, the last two being where Hindus cremate their dead, and the Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi are kept here. The Ramnagar Fort, near the eastern bank of the Ganges, was built in the 18th century in the Mughal style of architecture. Among the estimated 23,000 temples in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and the Durga Temple are most famous. An educational and musical centre, many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in the city, and it was the place where the Benares gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed.
On arrival at Varanasi Railway Station, Transfer to the Hotel, check in to the hotel and stroll on Ganga Ji Ghats.
Early morning, go for Baba Vishwanath Darshan, return to the hotel, have your breakfast and transfer to visit other religious places and ghats.
Today, after breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to drop off at the railway station
Includes taxes and fees. Flights not included unless specified.