Banaras (also known as Kashi or Varanasi) is the home of Shri Kashi Viswanath Temple, which is located in the ubiquitous heart of India. River Ganga, the mother of a large portion of the world’s people, kindly wraps this little continent into her horseshoe bend. Throughout mediaeval history, the Viswanath Temple has survived every chew of time and remains a key feature of the country’s Hindu pilgrim circuit.
Banaras has a particular character, with the shadow of a haveli protecting stories from bygone eras at every turn of the roadway. Banaras is like touching the pulse of India, an ancient and dynamic nation!
Arriving in Banaras, on the other hand, is generally described as overpowering. Chaos, colour, and the sensation of going back in time will meet you. Banaras is a fantastic destination to visit, and I urge that anybody visiting India go to Banaras if they get the opportunity. Here’s what to anticipate if you’re planning a vacation to Banaras. The oldest city in India, situated on the banks of the famed River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, North East India.
Banaras is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, steeped in spirituality and history. It is one of India’s seven Hindu and Janist sacred towns, known as Sapta Puri. Banaras is also claimed to be the birthplace of Buddhism. Banaras is a spiritual city on the banks of the Ganges, where Hindus come to worship, wash away their sins, and remember their ancestors. In Banaras, dying is considered fortunate, since it terminates the cycle of rebirth.
THE HIDDEN GEMS OF BANARAS
The Temple of Kathwara
This temple is known for its beautiful woodwork and construction. The temple is said to have been built by the King of Nepal, and as a result, this shrine is also known as the Nepali Temple. It is located in the Lalita Ghat and attracts many people to Banaras.
Lakhaniya Dari
Lakhaniya Dari is a 150-meter-high waterfall that cascades into a pool. When the monsoon is at its peak, the falls are even more spectacular and breathtaking. The water from this fall is held in Ahraura Dam, which is utilised to irrigate nearby village farms and fields. It’s a great place for families to have a picnic and trekkers to have a minor adventure.
To get to the main waterfall, one must hike 2-3 kilometres from the entrance gate. It takes around an hour and a half for visitors to pass big boulders, rivulets, forests, and other obstacles. It’s a lonely spot, and most people that go trekking for the big waterfall do so in groups.
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Nadesar Palace
Nadesar Palace in Banaras? Who hasn’t heard of it? The Taj Group of Hotels has turned an old historic palace into a resort. This old mansion is nestled among mango orchards and jasmine meadows, about 3.7 kilometres from the Ganges River. It has a grand vibe about it, as if it were built in 1853. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the castle while receiving a luxury treatment.
Deer park
A very magnificent park where you will be mesmerised by the sight of deer gathering inside the fences. Through the pits of a fence, one may get a close look at this species. Furthermore, it has a very low entrance fee, allowing you to enjoy both nature and its animals for a much lower cost.
Get a sense of calm by inhaling a stale air of solitude and also tranquillity, which is a far cry from your loud existence. In Sarnath, it is an obvious destination. For Buddhists, the park holds special significance since it is the site of the Buddha’s first Dharma discourse.
Chaukhandi Stupa
Sarnath’s Chaukhandi Stupa is one of the city’s most prominent Buddhist shrines. It’s a colossal block with a square dwelling encircled by an octagonal tower. During the Gupta period, the Chaukhandi Stupa was said to have started off as a tiered temple (fourth to the sixth century). The Chaukhandi Stupa was designed by Govardhan, Raja Todarmal’s son.
Ahilyabai Ghat
Ahilyabai Ghat, formerly known as Kevalagiri Ghat, is one of Banaras’ most revered ghats, dedicated to the illustrious queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. Under the commands of the titular Queen, the ghat underwent a comprehensive reconstruction and enlargement in the 18th century. Aside from that, the ghat is home to a ten-house cluster built by a Brahmapuri, as well as a service cost and a few temples.
Kashi Vishwanath temple
The famous Kashi Vishwanath temple will undoubtedly be absent from any list of sites to see in Banaras. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has also been mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. The current building of the temple includes a number of smaller shrines in the Vishwanath Gali.
Mosque of Alamgir
The Alamgir mosque is well-known for its stunning architecture and is also a great destination to visit. The mosque is situated on the banks of the River Ganga and offers a beautiful view. Alamgir mosque, said to have been erected by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, is a beautiful piece of architecture. Because of a nearby spring with the same name, the mosque is also known as the Gyanvapi mosque. Although there are traces of North Indian or Hindu architecture in this mosque, most of it is built in the Islamic style.
How to reach Banaras
- Banaras airport is well-connected to several of India’s main cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. International visitors can connect flights from Delhi airport, which is well-connected to all the world’s main cities.
- State-run buses connect Banaras to the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. Banaras may also be reached by private air-conditioned buses from neighbouring cities.
- Taking the Train: The Banaras railway station has train connections to all of India’s main cities. Tourists can rent a taxi or a cab to get about the city from the railway station.
