Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – World’s Oldest Living City & Spiritual Heart of India
📍 Where is Varanasi Located?
Varanasi (also called Kashi or Banaras) is located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the River Ganga.
It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with history dating back thousands of years.
🚗 How to Reach Varanasi
✈️ By Air
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
- Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore
- Airport to city: Taxi (45–60 minutes)
🚆 By Train
- Varanasi Junction (BSB) & Manduadih
- Excellent connectivity from all major Indian cities
🚌 By Road
- Well-connected by national highways
- Overnight buses available from nearby cities
🔱 Why Varanasi is Famous
- Spiritual capital of India
- Sacred Ganga Ghats & Aarti
- Ancient temples & rituals
- Center of learning, music & culture
🏞 Top Tourist Places in Varanasi (Very Detailed)
🔥 Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Most vibrant and important ghat
- Famous for evening Ganga Aarti
- Best viewed from river boats
🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- Recently renovated corridor improves accessibility
🚣 Assi Ghat
- Calm ghat popular with tourists
- Morning yoga & sunrise views
- Less crowded than main ghats
🧘 Sarnath (10 km)
- Where Buddha gave his first sermon
- Peaceful Buddhist site
- Stupas, museums & monasteries
🗺 Places Near Varanasi
- Prayagraj (120 km) – Sangam city
- Chunar Fort (40 km) – Historic fort
- Mirzapur (90 km) – Scenic hills
🗣 Local Language
- Hindi & Bhojpuri
- English understood in tourist areas
🚕 Local Transport
- Auto-rickshaws
- E-rickshaws (very common)
- Cycle rickshaws
- Walking in old city lanes
🏨 Where to Stay in Varanasi
Budget
- Zostel Varanasi
- Guesthouses near ghats
Mid-Range
- Hotel Ganges View
- Ramada Plaza
Luxury
- Taj Ganges
- BrijRama Palace (heritage stay)
🍽 What to Eat in Varanasi
- Kachori Sabzi
- Tamatar Chaat
- Malaiyyo (seasonal dessert)
- Litti Chokha
📅 Best Time to Visit
- October to March (pleasant weather)
- Avoid peak summer (May–June)
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Travel routes, temple rules, crowd conditions, prices, and timings may change. We are not responsible for personal injury, loss, or legal issues. Please verify details with official sources or local authorities before travel.