The city of Banaras is also known as Kashi Varanasi. Banaras is a old and very beautiful city on the banks of the river Ganges. Banaras is called the city of Lord Shiva. Here is the Kashi Vishwanath temple of Lord Shiva. There are narrow lanes here. There are very old houses and people here speak Bhojpuri language. What kind of a city is Banaras, if you come here, you cannot forget it in your entire life.
This city gives you peace, makes you feel at home. The narrow lanes here have a different charm. The people here are very nice. The people here always keep smiling. Banaras is also called the city of ghats because there are 88 ghats here. And sitting on these Ghats and watching the river Ganga is a different kind of fun in itself and what is even more enjoyable is that when you sit on a banyan tree and watch all the Ghats, you get to see a very amazing view. People from abroad also come to see the city of Banaras.
The food, paan and Banarasi sarees of Banaras are very famous. Some songs have also been made on this city which make the Bhajan Khan-Panch Saaris more famous among the people. Banaras is a religious place. You will find pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses painted in the streets of Banaras. Many sadhus also live here.
Who to Reach Banaras
You can easily reach Banaras by train, plane and road. There is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport here which is about 26 kilometers away from the city center.You will get a taxi from outside the airport which will take you easily to the city center. There are direct flights to Banaras from major cities of India. You can also come to Banaras by train. The railway station of Banaras is located in the city center itself. Trains to Banaras are easily available from major cities of India. You can also come to Banaras by road which is the best way.
Five Tourist Place in Banaras
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Vishwanath Gali. People who visit Banaras definitely visit this temple. This is a very old and ancient temple. A corridor has been built near this temple which takes you directly from the Ganges river to the temple. The main purpose of building this corridor was that people who want to visit the Vishwanath temple can take a bath in the Ganges river and go directly to the temple. That is why this corridor was built.
2. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is the Basai Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. It is also called a crematorium. Dead bodies keep coming to Manikarnika Ghat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Hinduism, it is believed that the souls of those whose ashes are burnt at Chintamani Ghat attain salvation and they are reborn.
3. Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is famous for Ganga Aarti. Every evening, Aarti is performed at Assi Ghat on the banks of Ganga. People sit on the steps of Assi Ghat and watch this Ganga Aarti.
4. Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University is called Bhav. Bhu was founded in 1916 by Pandit Malaviya.This is a very famous university. This university is the main centre of education, research and culture development. Engineering, medical science, social science and agriculture subjects are taught in BHU.
5. Sarnath
Sarnath is 10 km away from Banaras. It is a historical place. This is the place where Lord Buddha gave the first message to his first five disciples. This is called Dharmachakra Enforcement. There is a museum and many Buddhist stupas here.There is a wonderful confluence of history, religion and culture in Sarnath.
Best Street Food in Banaras
1. Kachori Sabzi
People like to eat Kachori for breakfast. It is like a round pastry in which lentils are filled. It is eaten with a delicious potato curry or you will get to eat it as breakfast in the streets of Banaras early in the morning.
2. Tamatar Chaat
Tomato Chart is a unique food of Banaras or Chat which is made from spiced tomatoes, potatoes and spices. It is served hot with crispy Puris which is very tasty.
3. Baati Chokha
Baati Chokha is a traditional food of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In this, gram flour is filled inside the flour and cooked on fire. It is called Baati and chokha is made by roasting brinjal and potato on fire and it is very popular in Banaras.
4. Malaiyo
Maliya is a light and airy sweet made from milk and tastes delicious. This sweet is available only in winters.
5. Banarasi Pan
Banarasi Pan is a traditional panchak and mouth freshener. It is made from betel leaves, betel nuts and sweet or salty mosquitoes. Banaras paan is very famous. You must try it once.
Frequently Questions
1. What are the top 5 tourist places to visit in Banaras?
Ans: The top 5 places are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, Assi Ghat, and Ramnagar Fort.
2. What is the best time to visit Banaras?
Ans: October to March is the ideal time, offering pleasant weather for exploring temples and ghats.
3. How many days are enough to explore Banaras?
Ans: 2 to 3 days are sufficient to visit the main tourist attractions comfortably.
4. Is Banaras safe for tourists?
Ans: Yes, Banaras is generally safe, but it’s wise to stay alert in crowded places.
5. What is Banaras famous for apart from temples?
Ans: Banaras is known for silk sarees, street food, classical music, and its rich spiritual culture.
