Varanasi also known as Kashi is the most important pilgrim center in India. It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest living city in the world. According to Hindu mythology, one who died on the land of Varanasi would gain freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. River Ganga in Varanasi is believed to have the ability to wash away our sins. Most of the prominent Indian poets, philosophers and musicians, including Kabir, Munshi Premchand and Ravi Shankar resided in Varanasi. It is a holy place for Buddhists too, as Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi.

 

 

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

Kashi Vishwanath temple stands on the bank of River Ganga. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve famous Jyotrilingas in India. Millions of Indians visit this temple to seek benediction and spiritual peace. The original temple was destroyed by Aurangazeb, a Mughal emperor. The present temple was built in 1776 by Maharani Ahilya Bai of Indore. The gold plating on the towers was contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Indore. The most interesting aspect of this temple is that it is open to all, irrespective of caste or religion. This temple opens daily at 2.30 A.M and closes at 11 P.M.

 

• Sankat Mochan temple:

This is another famous temple in Varanasi and is located near the famous Benaras Hindu University. The main deity of this temple is Hanuman. Tulsidas, a great Indian poet founded this temple.

 

• Tulsi Manas temple:

Tulsi Manas temple is a major tourist attraction of the city. It is a white marble structure, dedicated to Lord Rama. Tulsidas wrote his famous epic Ramchaitamanasa here. You can see the verses and scenes from the Ramacharitamanasaon the walls of this temple.

 

• Bharat Mata temple:

This temple is dedicated to Mother India. It was constructed in the year 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and Mahatma Gandhi was invited to inaugurate it. You can see the marble statue of Bharat Mata (Mother India) and a model of India, representing the Oceans and Mountains.

 

• Chandraprabha Sanctuary:

It is located in the southeast Varanasi. It is bestowed with several beautiful spots and dense forests. The most attractive features of this sanctuary are Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls. It was established in the year 1957 to felicitate Asiatic lion breeding. You can enjoy viewing a plethora of plant life in this sanctuary. The wildlife including Sambhar, wild boar, Chital, porcupine and blackbucks and reptilian species like python and gharial can be seen here. Besides, it offers a refuge to 150 rare species of birds.

 

• Jantar Mantar:

Jantar Mantar is an observatory located on the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi. It was established by Jaipur Maharaja Jai Singh in 1737. The king had great passion for astrology, science and technology. It was built in such a way to measure the local time, sun’s altitude, declination of the stars and planets. It boasts of several instruments to record the motion and speed of stars and other planets. It also features several structures which are used as astronomical instruments. The yantras or tools in Jantar Manta attract the tourists to a great extent.

 

• Banaras Hindu University:

Varanasi is renowned for its immense support to various educational institutions. It has six different universities and the most prominent among them is Banaras Hindu University. It is the largest residential University in Asia. It is a center for education in Indian art, music, Sanskrit, culture and philosophy. The Bharat Kala Bhawan located inside the university campus has an exquisite collection of miniature paintings and sculptures. The campus boasts of greenery and open space. Peacocks, the national bird of India can be found roaming inside the campus.

 

• Ramnagar Fort:

Ramnagar Fort is located on the opposite bank of River Ganga. It is fourteen kilometers away from Varanasi. It is the residence of Kashi Maharaja (king). The Durbar hall in this fort was designed with a blend of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture. The King of Kashi still resides on the palace inside the Fort, so the tourists are not allowed to visit that part. You can see the famous Ramnagar Fort Museum, which has a fine collection of splendid items used by the former kings. You can see palanquins, armory furniture, royal costumes and silver elephant saddles.

 

• Vindhyachal:

Vindhayachal is another important attraction around Varanasi. It is one of the most important Shaktipeets (places where Goddess of power is residing). It is located amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. Sitakund is the most famous spot in Vindhyachal. You can reach Sitakund by climbing over 48 steps. Ashtabhuja temple is located near the Sitakund. There is also a cave temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The roof of this cave temple is so low that you need to bow down to see the Goddess. The waters of Brahmakund and Agastyakund are very sacred and it is believed that they can wash away your sins.

 

• Chunar fort:

The Chunar fort is located 45 kilometers from Varanasi. It is said that King Vikramaditya (king of Ujjain) established this fort. This fort is famous for its fusion style of architecture. It features a huge well that was the source of water for the residents of the fort.

 

• Kaushambi:

Kaushambi is an exquisite Buddhist center and is located 185 kilometers away from Varanasi. Gautama Buddha visited this city after his enlightenment. He delivered his first sermons here. ParikShit’s fort is one of the most important tourist attractions here. You can also see the Ashokan pillars, built by the great Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 4 BC in Kaushambi. There are large numbers of stupas in this city, which are worth to see.

 

• Jaunpur:

Jaunpur is located near Varanasi. It was the important center of Urdu and Sufi knowledge and center. Jama Masjid, Atala Masjid and the Lal Darwaza Masjid are some of the significant spots to see here. You can also see an old bridge over the Gomti River. It is dated back to1564 AD.

 

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