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Tours In And Around Varanasi
River front
The morning of Varanasi is famous in the world and to see this one has to visit the river front at sun rise by a boat. At this time people come to have their bath and pray. These rituals remind one of the nature worship prevalent in India.
Vishwanath Temple ( Golden temple )
The present temple was erected by Maharani Ahilyabai of Indore in the 18
th century i.e. in 1776 A.D. The Gold plating on the roof (Shikharas) of the temple was a gift by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1835 A.D. Due to this tourists call it Golden Temple it is near the Dashawamedh Ghat, in the narrow lane.Alamgir Mosque
Populary known as Benimadhav Ka Dharera. It was originally a Vishnu Temple erected in the early 17
th century by Beni Madhav Rao Scindhia. The temple was destroyed by emperor aurangzeb in the 17th cencury and a mosque was raised at the site. It is an odd mixture of Hindu and Mughal style of architecture. The lower portion and the encloser walls are entirly hindu design and the mosque islamic.Gyanvapi Mosque
Constructed in the 17
th century over the ruins of Vishveswara Temple which he destroyed. The foundation and the rear of the mosque still reveals rare specimens of the ancient temple architecture of India.Bharat Mata Temple (Mother India Temple)
A novel temple dedicated to Mother India which instead of customary gods and goddessess houses one of the most perfect relief map of India carved out of white marble. The map was gifted by the nationalist Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Shri Durga Prasad Khatri, a leading numismatist and antiquarian. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Constructed in 1964 by a philanthropist Sureka family . This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The Temple is situated at the place where the great seer of the medieval age. Tulsi Das lived and wrote the epic Ram Charit Manas expounding the history and deeds of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Durga Temple (Monkey Temple)
Dedicated to the Goddess Durga the consort of Lord Shiva, it is one of the most important Temples of the city. The temple was constructed in the 18
th century in the Nagara style of architecture of North India. The Shikhara or spire is formed of many small Shikharas each on the top of the other. Starting with five elements has ultimately to merge in the supreme. The Temple is also called the monkey temple on account of a large number of them playing around.BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
This is perhaps the largest residential univercity in Asia, Housed in an area of approximetly 2000 acres gifted by the former Maharaja of Varanasi a Scholor of Hindu philosphy and Sanskrit. Founded by Pandit Madan Malviya, it is a great seat of oriental learning. The university was started as a centre of education in sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music.
BHARAT KALA BHAWAN( ART GALLERY) B.H.U.
There are good collection of paintings and other arts.
NEW VISHWANATH TEMPLE(B.H.U.)
Planned by founder of the Benaras Hindu Unversity Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, a great nationalist and erected by the Birla family. Pt. Madan mohan Malviya not only founded the Benaras Hindu University for the propagation of Hindu culture but used it for the revival of ancient Hinduism free from the Prejudices of caste, creed and colour.
EXCURSIONS FROM VARANASI
SARNATH
The hollowed spot where lord Buddha preached his first sermon. He converted the five ascetics who had followed him in the early part of his search for truth but had left him when he partook bowl of rice pudding offered by Sujata, a cowherd’s daughter. Two hundred years later, in the 3
rd century B.C. Emperor Ashok raised a number of stupas, Monasteries and Viharas at this site and it became cradle of Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa is the most important Stupa to be seen.RAMNAGAR
18 kms. from Varanasi. The fort at Ramnagar houses a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage cars, royal palkies, an armoury of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clock. The Durga temple and Chhinnamastika Temple are also located at Ramnagar.
RAMESHWAR
It is a beautiful temple situated on the bank river Varuna. 16 kms. from Varanasi Cantt. Area. The temple is dedicated to lord Rama. It was built by queen Ahalyabai of Indore in 18 century. A part from the main temple there is a shiva temple and a newly built temple dedicated to the Sant Ravi das. This is the place where the pilgrims during Panchakoshi Yatra spend the third night. A cattle orfanage for cows is also the main attraction.
TANDA FALLS
This fall is situated in the district of Mirzapur at a distance of 88 kms. fromm Varanasi. A picnic spot amid wild surrounding.
WHYNDHUM FALLS
It is in the district of Mirzapur near the Tanda falls. A scenic spot and ideal for picnic.
JAUNPUR
One of the most important muslim settlements. The Sharquie rulers of Jaunpur were great patrons of art and architecture. The tombs and other building in the Afghan style of architecture are a class by themselves. Jaunpur is also known for perfumes and incense. Distance from Varanasi 65 kms.
CHUNAR FORT
This fort is situated 60 kms. from Varanasi, Bhartrihari took live Samadhi inside the fort. This historical fort at Chunar is ascribed to one of the greatest warrior rulers Sher Shah Suri. Sonwa Mandap, Sun Clock and a huge well are some of the attraction inside the fort. The fort offers a splendid view of the river Ganga. There is PWD rest house and tourist Banglow of U.P. tourism for over night stay.
VINDHYACHAL
75kms. from Varanasi. One of the Shaktipeeths, Ashthbhuja,Vindyavasini Devi Temple and Kalikhoh are the major attraction a part of Mirzapur district.
ALLAHABAD
128 kms. from Varanasi and located at the confluence ( Sangam) of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Sarasvati. Allahabad one of the oldest cities of India and a pilgimage centre of utmost importance is also famous for the kumbh and ardh kumbh melas held every twleve and six years respectively. Allahabad is also known for its annual magh mela ( Mini kumbh mela ) and colourful Dussehra festival.
KAUSHAMBHI
185 kms. from Varanasi. This ancient city is ascribed to the Pandav brothers of Mahabharat. The ruins of an old gigantic fort are testimony to the city’s antiquity. Lord Buddha visited Kaushambhi in the 6
th and 9th years after his enlightment, giving several sermons and discourses elevating it to great centre of BuddhismCHANDRAPRABHA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
70 kms. from Varanasi are the forests of chandraprabha. These forests nestle within them the Rajdari and Devdari water falls. Beautiful secluded spot for a relaxed outing or a picnic.
KAIMOOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
130 kms. From Varanasi. Spread over an area of 500 sq. kms. The sanctury has a variety of wildlife. The Mukha water fall is a tourist attraction. 11005000 Years fossilis of trees can be seen. Tents available for stay in season for camping