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The oldest continually inhabited city in the world.
Varanasi is situated on the left (west) bank of the River Ganga & is generally believed to be about 3,000 years old. Mark Twain wrote that ‘Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together’.
It is regarded as holy by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for several thousand years. Many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi, which includes Kabir, Ravi Das, Munshi Premchand, Jaishankar Prasad, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Tulsidas wrote his Ramacharitamanas here, and Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.
Morning pick up from hotel/airport & enjoy guided city tour including:
The River Front at Sunrise
Sun rise at the holy river is a truly tranquil and breath taking sight with pilgrims standing waist deep in water, praying to the rising Sun. Past these bathing ghats, see the "burning ghats" where the Hindus cremate their dead. This is done with great religious fervor which makes for a moving experience. These ritualistic activities of the faithful on the banks (Ghats) of the Ganges are interesting sights to behold. Witness these daily rituals by taking a boat ride on the Ganges.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The holiest existing place of Hindus where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage, and if possible, also pour the remains of cremated ancestors on the River Ganges. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
Bharatmata Temple
A novel temple dedicated to mother India. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated this Temple, it has one of the most perfect relief maps of India and its carved out of marble. This temple abounds with natural beauty overlooking the Ganges and holy Ghats. The style of designing was influenced as pentagonal cone with five pillars, supporting the structure.
Banaras Hindu University
Founded in the year 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Banaras Hindu University is India’s biggest study centre that has got internationally recognition. It is located in the heart of the Varanasi city. The credit of its construction also goes to Dr Annie Besant. History researchers said that this university has contributed a major role in the Indian independence movement. Over the passage of time, it has become a centre of learning. A large number of prominent researchers, artists and scientists have also contributed in Indian freedom. There are about 15000 students, 2000 teachers and 5000 non-teaching staff in this university irrespective to social groups, religion and races.
Durga Temple
Dedicated to goddess Durga, consort of lord Shiva, the temple is worth visiting.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Built in white marble, this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its walls. Well laid- out landscaping around the temple adds on its beauty.
Excursion Tour to Sarnath
About 10 km. away, this fable place bears testimony to its great past where lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. There are remains dating as far back, as the 3rd century B.C when Emperor Ashoka founded various institutions, stupas, monasteries and pillar edicts. The Ruins at Sarnath and the art collection in the Archaeological Museum are representation examples of the glorious past of the Sarnath.
Evening Ganga Aarti & Rickshaw (Tricycle) Ride
Passing through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi on a Rickshaw (Tricycle) takes us to the holy river Ganges where we cruise to witness The Aarti (Light ceremonies) amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings.
Evening dropping back to hotel/airport or your desired destination.
Subject to minimum Two person travelling together: US $ 75 per person
Subject to Single person travelling alone: US $ 127
Included Features: -
All sightseeing’s & drives by exclusive air conditioned private car.
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide for sightseeing.
01 time monument entrance fee.
Morning & Evening Boat Cruise at Holiest River Ganges.
Cycle Rickshaw Ride in Varanasi.
All Taxes & Parkings.
Unlimited mineral water.
Our personal care & attention.
Excluded Features: -
Meals not included.
Camera fees at monuments.
Tipping for guide & driver.
Items of personal nature like phone calls, table drinks etc.
Anything not mention in included features list.
Climate of the Varanasi is humid subtropical with the great fluctuations in the summer (around 22°C to 46°C with hot dry winds) and winter (about 5 °C with deep fog). Varanasi has a normal rainfall which is around 1,110 mm annually.
Nickname: The spiritual capital of India
Area of City: 1,550 km2 (600 sq mi)
Population of Varanasi urban agglomeration in census 2001 was: 1,371,749
Population of Varanasi urban agglomeration in census 2011 was: 1,435,113
Density: 2,399/km2 (6,210/sq mi)
Official Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu
Other Language: Bhojpuri
Unique Buys
Silk weaving is perhaps the most popular art of Varanasi and Banarasi silk sarees form an indispensable part of an Indian bride's trousseau. The world-famous gold and silver brocades and richly worked saris are known to have passed on from generations to generations much like family jewels without loosing their charm. Besides Banarasi sarees and brocades, you may look for wonderful pieces of brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and antique designs of heavy gold jewellery in Varanasi.
Festivals
January - February
- Makar Sankranti: After taking a dip in the Ganges in the early hours and donating grains to the Gods, it’s time for the main event of this festival - kite flying. Scores of kites of all shapes, sizes and colours dot the sky.
- Mahashivratri: For residents of Varanasi, this is the most important festival of the year. The great moonless night celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati and a huge wedding procession called Shiv Baraat winds its way through the city’s streets.
March - May
- Holi: The city is caught up in a swirl of colours, bhang, Benaresi nagara music and the Ahirau folk dance.
- Dhrupad Mela: A three day long festival of classical Hindustani music is held at the Tulsi Ghat.
- Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh: A galaxy of Indian classical music stars performs for five nights at this festival.
- Buddha Mahotsava: A celebration of the birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ of The Buddha at Sarnath.
May - June
- Ganga Dashahara: The day is celebrated to mark the day the Ganges entered the plains. Flowers and diyas are offered to the Ganges.
- Buddha Poornima: The full moon marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away of The Buddha. Prayer meetings and other events are held throughout the day.
July - August
- Rathyatra: This three day event is highlighted with a chariot procession for the Lords Jagnnath, Subhadra and Balbhadra, which winds through the city streets and is followed by thousands of devotees. There is a grand fete in the city on these days.
September - November
- Shri Krishna Janmashtami: On the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Sharavan, Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have been born at the stroke of midnight. Temples resound with chants and people decorate their homes with tableaux depicting scenes of Lord Krishna’s life.
- Dev Deepawali: On Kartik Purnima, the full moon night falls on the fifteenth day of Deepawali. The ghats are lit with earthen lamps and each stair glitters with a myriad golden flames.
Ganga Mahotsav: Is celebrated with cultural performances on the river front at Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
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