One of the oldest cities in India is Varanasi which is in Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the western bank of the Ganga, the city is also known as the ‘land of lights’. Varanasi has a rich history and there are many stories that related the place with Indian mythological characters. According to Hindu belief light symbolize wisdom – the destruction of the darkness of ignorance. Ignorance leads to sins and evil acts. Dying in this city is believed to bring about the liberation of the soul from the circle of reincarnation. The city has been a famous pilgrimage for Hindus since time immemorial.

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How to Reach Varanasi

You can have a direct flight to the city from places like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Khajuraho, Agra, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, and Kathmandu. The airport nearest to the city is Babatpur. The two most important railway stations in the city are Varanasi and Mughal Sarai. The trains that take you to these stations are the Rajdhani Express that leaves from Howrah, the Toofan Express,

Magadh Express, Pawan Express, Poorva Express, Sabarmati Express, Mahanagari Express, Sealdah Express, and Himgiri Express. If you are traveling by road you can take the NH2 from Kolkata that leads to Delhi. From Kanya Kumari, you can take NH7 and from Gorakhpur NH29.

Religious Destinations in Varanasi

Temples, Pavilion, palaces, and terraces that date back to the eighteenth and the nineteenth century are situated near the banks of the river of Varanasi. There in these riverfront Ghats, the usual sight is that of numerous people offering pujas and sages performing meditation and yoga. There are several early morning bathers and Brahmin priests who are busy in their daily rituals. There are other Ghats like the Assi Ghat and the Kedar Ghat to be visited. In the Assi Ghat people are seen to worship the huge lingam which is under a peepal tree. Another popular Ghat in this city is the Dashashwamedh Ghat where a series of complex sacrifices are performed to Lord Brahma. There are other Ghats that pilgrims often visit. They are Lalita Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and Keshva Ghat. Each Ghat has its historical significance attached to it which makes it an important place for pilgrims to visit.

Other Places of Importance in Varanasi

There is the famous Benaras Hindu University that was founded in 1916 by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya who was a renowned nationalist leader. The university is internationally recognized. The history of the university also shows how Annie Besant had played an active role in the formation of the institution. Presently the university has more than 15000 students and students of all castes, religions, and sects studying here. The university has six advanced studies centers and the Special Assistance Programme has 10 Departments under it. Inside the Banaras Hindu University, you have the Bharat Kala Bhavan. Established in the year 1920, the Bharat Kala Bhavan is a museum of art and architecture.

It houses numerous paintings and sculptures of archeological importance. In the main hall of this institution, you can see a figure of Lord Krishna seen lifting the Govardhan Mountain. There are also many miniature paintings that are collections from the courts of the Mughal emperors. There is the Ramnagar Fort which lies 14 km away from Varanasi. This fort was built in the eighteenth century by Maharaja Balwant Singh. In the fort, you can see the collection of guns, Swords, Royal Palkies, antique clocks, and ivory work. There is a Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman temple in the fort. Varanasi with its background of rich history and antique collections intrigues the mind of any traveler who loves to delve into the forgotten past.