Varanasi tour offers a traveler a unique opportunity to explore and experience the mysticism and spiritualism of the Vedic philosophy and Hindu way of life. The ancient Sanskrit literature is full of several references about this city. In Upanishads and Mahabharata, the city has been mentioned as an important centre of Hindu (Sanatan) philosophy and religion. As per common belief, Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city, is present here in each and every pebble of the Varanasi. Here, going to temple is a sort of recreation or hobby in the form of daily routine. Taking a holy bath, visiting their respective deities, making a mark (teeka/ tilak – टीका / तिलक) on the forehead, offering sweets, distributing and eating it and then taking betel, all is done as a pleasure duty or in the form of enjoyment. In spite of various shrines of Lord Vishwanath (the Lord of the universe), there are innumerable sacred shrines of many cults located all over the city. The city enjoys a unique position on the left bank of the holy river Ganga forming a crescent shape. The major part of the city, as its name denotes, lies between the two rivers Varuna in the north and Assi in the south. The stretch of Ganga is marked by more than eighty “ghats”, step-stones leading to Ganga. These ghats are excellent riverfronts serving as embankment and theater of cultural and routine day-to-day activities. Ghats of Varanasi are must-see tourist attractions.
Recognized as one of the oldest living cities in the world & formerly known as Kashi, Benares /Banaras, Varanasi, the sacred city of the Hindus, is one of the five largest cities of Uttar Pradesh. It is home to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingam”. Also, there are many ancient temples devoted to the different gods of the Hindus. Ramnagar Fort and Buddhist site of Sarnath are historical monuments to be discovered. Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first lesson. Foreign tourists include in their itinerary visit to some important religious centers like Varanasi to understand and have a glimpse of the deep-rooted phenomenon of pilgrimage in India. Varanasi tours offer opportunity to explore city by partaking in several activities. Varanasi tour itineraries, henceforth, can be customized. The most popular activity in Varanasi (Benares) is a boat ride on the river Ganges. This boat cruise in Varanasi is a unique experience offering you a view of the Ghats- the pilgrims performing Puja, the incineration of bodies, etc. In the evening, attend Ganga aarti on the ghats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Varanasi Tour Packages
Considered as Lord Shiva’s city, Varanasi is known for temples, ghats, River Ganga, ashram, Sanskrit learning, Sarnath (the place where Lord Buddha initiated Dharmachakrapravartana), Hindu culture, Kashi Vishwanath (one of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga), Banarasi saree, Benares Hindu University (BHU), Vyas Kashi , classical music & dance etc.
Varanasi is the land of innumerable exotic experiences, activities and attractions. Depending upon the duration and nature of the travel, Varanasi tour packages may include following not-be-missed attractions like evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, morning boat ride in the Ganga, ambience of Manikarnika Ghat at the time of burning pyres, heritage walk through narrow alleys, savouring street food, handlooms weaving silk sarees, a visit to Hindu temple, dinner in a rooftop café on the banks of Ganga, walk along the ghat, watch wrestling in traditional akhara, holy dip in Ganga, Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat etc.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most revered shrine in Varanasi. In addition to Kashi Vishwanath, there are several venerable temples like Annapurna Devi Temple, Kedareshwar Mahadev Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Adi Keshav Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Nepali Kathwala Temple, Lalita Devi Temple, Vyas Temple etc.
The holy city of Varanasi, cultural capital of India, seems to be a perennial fair of street foods. Innumerable dishes, unique tastes, pleasant aroma and exotic ambience make the tourists to salivate. Relish Kachori Sabji of Ram Bhandar, Aloo Kachori of Vishwanath Mishthan Bhandar at Vishweshwar Ganj, Desi Ghee Ki Jalebi, Baati Chokha at Anand Mandir Cinema, Aloo Tamatar Chaat & Golgappe of Kashi Chaat Bhandar, Launglata & Rabri of Pahalwan Lassi Corner at Lanka, Lassi at Baba Lassi, Thandai of Baba, Chhena Dahi Bada of Om Shree Ram Bhandar, Bhog of Annapurna Temple, Kulhad Wali Chai, Lemon Tea near ghats, Banarasi Paan of Keshav Paan Bhandar at Lanka, Malaiyyo of Markandey, Sweets & ‘namkin’ of Ksheer Saagar in Varanasi.
The cultural capital of India celebrates festivals with religious zeal. Among the most popular festivals in Varanasi are Mahashivaratri, Diwali, Dev Deepawali, Budhwa Mangal, Dussehra, Holi, Chhath, Vasant Panchami, Hanuman Jayanti, Dhrupad Mela, Annakut, Rangbhari Ekadashi, Makar Sankranti, Akshaya Tritiya and Ganga Dussehra.
Located on the trident of Lord Shiva and considered cultural hub of India, Varanasi is one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Hindus. Famous for its temples and ghats, Kashi is the center of Sanskrit learning. Kashi Vishwanath and Ganga make the city holier than holy. The ancient city of Banaras finds mention in Vedas, Upnishad, Aranyaka, Smritis, Puranas and epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. Owing to intact centuries old traditional practices, unique lifestyle, aura of ethereal spirituality and cultural heritage, Varanasi is so special.