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Banaras

Banaras is one of the oldest and holiest cities, located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River. Known for its grand temples, spiritual energy, and historic ghats.

History

Banaras has a history that dates back over 3,000 years. It is believed to be the city of Lord Shiva, making it a sacred place for Hindus. Many ancient scriptures mention Varanasi as a center of learning, wisdom, and spirituality. Over the centuries, great saints, poets, and philosophers have lived and preached here, making it an important cultural hub.

Banaras, Uttar Pradesh

Architecture and Landmarks

Banaras is home to many ancient temples and stunning architectural sites. The city also has many narrow lanes with old houses, traditional markets, and beautiful ghats that showcase its rich history and architecture. The most famous banaras places include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar and Dhamek Stupa.

Top Attractions to Explore in Banaras

Assi - Banaras Places to Visit
Assi Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest Banaras places on the Ganges River.
Manikarnika Ghat
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a serene Buddhist monastery in Varanasi, among notable Banaras places.
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Dhamek Stupa, one of the most significant Banaras places, marking Buddha’s first sermon in Sarnath.
Dhamek Stupa
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Banaras places dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dashashwamedh Ghat - Banaras Places to Visit
Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Banaras
3:34 pm, Jun 28, 2025
temperature icon 36°C
overcast clouds
Humidity: 44 %
Pressure: 995 mb
Wind: 3 Km/h
Wind Gust: 3 Km/h
Clouds: 100%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:10 am
Sunset: 6:52 pm
Weather from OpenWeatherMap

How to Reach Banaras from India & Worldwide

Varanasi is a very old and holy city in India. It is easy to get there by plane, train, or car. Here’s how you can reach Varanasi:

By Air (For International & Domestic Travelers)

Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) – 26 km from the city
Alternative Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) – for international travelers with a connecting flight
From the airport, take a taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw to reach the city center.

By Train (Best for Domestic Travelers)

Varanasi Junction (BSB) and Manduadih (MUV) are major railway stations.
Well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Lucknow via express and superfast trains.
Kashi Railway Station (KEI) and Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) also serve the city.

By Road (Best for Nearby Cities)

Banaras is well-connected via NH-19 and NH-31.
Regular buses run from Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, and Allahabad.
Delhi to Varanasi: Approx. 10–12 hours by road.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are coming from another country, you can fly to Delhi or Mumbai first. From there, you can take another flight or an overnight train to Varanasi in India. This way, you can reach easily!

Find the Best Hotels & Tickets for Your Banaras Trip

Nearby Attractions

Sarnath: A sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon (10 km away).
Chunar Fort: A historic fort with stunning river views (40 km away).
Vindhyachal Temple: A famous Shakti Peeth (70 km away).

Find & Navigate Top Attractions in Banaras

Visitor Tips

To make your trip to Varanasi smooth and memorable, follow these helpful travel tips:

✅ Best Time to Visit

  • The ideal time to visit is October to March when the weather is pleasant.
  • Avoid the summer months (April to June) as it gets very hot.
  • If you want to witness grand celebrations, visit during Dev Deepawali or Mahashivratri.

🎒 Travel Essentials

  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle.
  • Always keep some cash as small shops and local eateries may not accept cards.
  • A power bank and camera will be helpful for capturing beautiful places.

🍛 Food and Dining

  • Try simple vegetarian meals at local eateries.
  • Try local food like Kachori Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyo, and Banarasi Paan.
  • Many restaurants serve pure vegetarian and Satvik meals, especially near temples.

🚕 Local Transport

  • Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available for short distances.
  • Taxis and e-rickshaws are good options for traveling between major attractions.
  • Boats are available for a scenic ride along the Ganga River, especially at sunrise and sunset.

🏨 Booking and Accommodation

  • Book hotels in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • If traveling from faraway cities, book trains and flights early to get the best rates.

Stay Safe: Essential Contacts for Visitors

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