Varanasi The Spiritual Heart Of India

Varanasi The Spiritual Heart Of India | Select | Places | Techfunky.com

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism.

"Varanasi is among the oldest living cities in the world and its antiquity finds place in ancient scriptures.
Located along the Ganga it is a sacred place for all Hindus, Jains and Buddhists."

A visit to this legendary city will be among the most moving trips you ever make
Varanasi is believed to be the greatest tirth (pilgrimage) between earth and heaven and for a Hindu, to visit Varanasi and take a dip in the Ganga is a must in life time.
The combination of Kashi, the holy city, Ganga the holy river and Lord Shiva, the Supreme God, makes Varanasi an immortal destination.
It is a crucible of religious, spiritual and academic thought and beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It has always been a great cultural centre notably in the field of learning, religion, philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda, astrology, music, literature and spirituality.
Life on the the ghats of the Ganga and the evening Ganga arti change the way you see the holy river
The fabled Banarsi silk saree and carpets have made the city a big name in global markets
A morning spent at the ghats and temples is a spiritually cleansing experience

Area : 73.89 sq. km.
Population : 3147927 (As per 2001 census)
Altitude : 80.71 mtrs. above sea level.
Language : Hindi, English & Bhojpuri
STD Code : 0542

PLACES OF INTEREST

River Front (Ghats)

The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps - the ghats - progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air

Indian Airlines. Ph : 2502527, 2502529.
Air India. Ph : 2509195, 2502547.
Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport, Babatpur Ph. 2622494, 2622090

RESTAURANTS & HOSPITALS

Restaurants

Varanasi's various restaurants serve a variety of cuisine continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai.

Shyamal Vatika, Lanka.
Kerela Cafe, Bhelupur Chauraha.

General Info

UP Government Tourist Office, Urban Haat, Sanskritik Sankul, Maqbool Alam Road, Chowka Ghat, Varanasi. Telefax : (0542) 2505033
UP Government Tourist Information Counter, Cantt. Railway Station, Varanasi, Near Enquiry Office, Main Hall. Ph : 2506670
Modern Reception Centre, Sarnath
Government of India Tourist Office, 15 B The Mall, Cantt, Varanasi. Ph : 2501784

ACCESSIBILITY

Air

The nearest airport is Babatpur, 22 km from Varanasi and 30 Km from Sarnath.

Rail

Varanasi and Mughal Sarai (one of the main railway stations of Varanasi) are the important rail junctions, with train connections to all major cities of India.

Road

Varanasi, on NH 2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH 7 to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur is well connected to the rest of the country by good motorable roads.

This Article is Posted on 16 Apr 2015 in Travel Section and Places