Varanasi

Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares and Banaras, is one of the popular pilgrimage centres of Hindus since ages. Located at an average elevation of 264.8 ft, Varanasi is famous for its ghats and stone carved temples. The city possesses religious importance as the holy river Ganges passes through it.

Being a cultural and religious centre in North India, the destination offers opportunities to explore various sites including historical monuments and forts. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, being the prominent attraction of the destination, attracts thousands of devotees every year.

The huge shrine is famous for its Vishwanath Jyotirlinga and the two gold plated domes.  The Vishwanath Jyotirlinga in the temple is one of the twelve renowned Jyotirlingas of India. Other prominent temples of the destination are Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple and Tulsi Manas Temple.  

Jantar Mantar, Ramnagar Museum, Ramnagar Fort and Gyan Kup are the other prominent sites of the destination. Jantar Mantar is an example of architecture and astronomy that was built during 18th century. Ramnagar Fort displays a blend of Indian as well as Islamic styles of architecture. The fort also houses a museum which has a huge collection of artefacts including ivory work, vintage cars and armoury of swords and old guns.

Many devotees as well as tourists throng the destination for its rich cultural heritage evident in the ghats situated along the banks of river Ganges. Darbhanga Ghat, Harish Chandra Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat are popular for performing religious rites. Tourists visiting Varanasi can also visit Panchganga Ghat, Rana Ghat and Shivala Ghat, which are some of the most beautiful ghats located in the city.