Varanasi City Guide

Climate In Summer : 45 C (Max) - 30 C (Min)
In winter : 15 C (Max) - 5 C (Min)
Rainy Season : July - September
Best time to visit : October - March

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in India. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Varanasi City is the tract of holy land lying between the Ganga and the Assi rivers. Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the root 'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light. Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. Top tourist places of Varanasi are Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Central Institute Of Higher Tibetan Studies, Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum, Ramnager, and Benaras Hindu University (B.H.U).

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir - Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is Said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which shiva manifested has supremacy over others gods, broke through the Earth's crust and flared towards the heavens.

Late Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore built the Temple in the present shape way back in 1780. In the year 1785 the then collector Mohd built a Naubatkhan up infront of the Temple. Ibrahim Khan at the instance of Governor General Warren Hastings. In 1839, two domes of the Temple were covered by gold donated by Punjab Kesari Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Third dome but was remained uncovered, Ministry of cultures & Religious affairs of U.P. Govt. took keen interest for gold plating of third dome of Temple.

Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum, Ramnager - The Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum is housed in the Ramnager fort itself. Ramnagar Fort was originally built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 1740-1770 AD. The museum collection mainly Comprises of textiles, pieces of decorative arts, arms & armours, utilitarian objects.

Banaras Hindu University - The Banaras Hindu University was established in 1916 by special efforts of Nationalist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. Today it has grown into one of the biggest universities of India. Banaras Hindu University has enormously contributed to the development of the country through a large number of celebrated scholars, scientists and artists. The structure of Varanasi Banaras Hindu University has a high rank amongst the Monuments in Varanasi.

Kashi Vidya Peeth - The Kashi Vidyapeeth was set up in 1920 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta to provide alternate education arrangement discarding that of the British. It soon became a centre of natoinal education with Hindi as the medium of instruction.

River Front (Ghats) - The spectacular 4 km sweep of the Ghats is unique sight, best viewed at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Dashashwamedha Ghat best approaches the Ghats, where boats are available on hire.

By Air : Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport, which is 22 km. from Varanasi, and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a direct, daily flight between Varanasi and New Delh.y

By Train : Trains serve the Varanasi city from all metros and major cities across the country.

By Road : Situated in the flat Ganga plains, Varanasi has a good network of roads. Frequent public and private buses and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and nearby areas.

Climate : Varanasi City enjoys a pleasant winter with a daytime temperature of around 20°C. October-November and February-March is usually comfortable and sunny. The summer season is, however, harsh in Varanasi. Beginning in April and continuing through June, it is extremely dry and daytime temperatures often climb up to as high as 45°C.