An abode of knowledge
In keeping with the tradition of knowledge and wisdom Varanasi has always enjoyed a reputation for learning. The Benaras Hindu University, located in the city, is held in high esteem throughout the length and breadth of the country. Bharat Kala Bhavan museum located on the campus and culled from the original collection of Rai Krishnadasa will give you a comprehensive history of Benaras. The manuscripts, artefacts, etc., will give the visitor all the details about the times when Varanasi was ruled by Hindu kings until the 17th century and subsequently when it fell into the hands of the Mughals and underwent the fate of many a Hindu kingdom. But most of what was destroyed has been restored and thanks to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Varanasi's temples escaped complete annihilation. Today's Varanasi still preserves its rich history while meeting the demands of the modern world.

Varanasi is not only about temples and history. It is a thriving centre for many arts and crafts. Notable among them are the beautiful silk saris and shawls that are woven here. As the inflow of pilgrims into Benaras increased, small industries started flourishing. Silk weaving was an art practised from ancient times and with the number of visitors that the city attracted, it soon developed into a full - scale industry. Known for their intricate embroidery and lovely texture, Benaras saris are a must - buy for any tourist. Enjoying the status of a cottage industry the skills are often passed on from father to son and you can see whole families at work on individual looms as you pass through Varanasi.

Hotels are plenty in Varanasi catering to the needs of all sections of the society. Most hotels in Varanasi are situated on the outskirts of the city in the Cantonment area or the commercial belt. For the budget - traveller small lodges are ideally suited.

ITDC Varanasi Ashok, The Mall,
Tel: (091-542) 46020-30
Fax: (091-542) 348089.

Hotel Taj Ganga,
C21/3 Maldahiya,
Tel: (091-542) 351485/90
Fax: 0542-350931.

Paying Guest Accommodation,
'The Nest',
C/o, Mr. S K Roy,
B 21/122 A2,
Kamachha,
near Baijnath Mandir
Tel: (091-542) 360137.

Railway Retiring Rooms,
Varanasi Cantt,
Railway Station

U.P.T.D.C. Tourist Bungalow,
Parade Kothi, Cantt,
Tel: (091-542) 43413

For further information the visitor can contact:
Government of India Tourist Office. Tel: (091-542) 43744.
Government of India Tourist Information Counter. Tel: (091-542) 43472
UP Government Tourist Office. Tel: (091-542) 43413.
UP Government Tourist Information Counter. Tel: (091-542) 46370.

By Air
The city is easily accessible and well connected with the rest of the country by air to all the major metros as well as places like Agra, Khajuraho, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar. It has its own airport at a distance of 22 kms from the city at Babatpur.

By Rail
The main railway station, Varanasi Cantt., is well connected to most major cities in the country. For visitors from the North and North - East it will be easier to alight at the Mughal Sarai Railway Junction as it is the closer of the two.

By Road
Varanasi is connected to most of the country (Delhi is 765 Kms, Calcutta is 677 Kms. and Madras is 1901 Kms.) by good motorable roads.

Within the city, buses and auto - rickshaws may be used to go about from place to place.

For the tourist the best time to visit Varanasi is between September and March, as they won't have to face the extremes of the climate. The average temperature at this point of time is about 20 - 33 degrees Celsius. However, as September end - November is the festive season in India, it will be ideal if one could plan their trip accordingly, so that one can partake in the festivities. Dussera and Diwali the two major Indian festivals fall during this time of the year. Besides these Mahashivratri, Bharat Milap, Hanuman Jayanti and Dhrupad Mela are celebrated in Varanasi with great pomp and ceremony. This will give any visitor an idea as to what makes this ancient city tick.

As a safety precaution all travellers are advised to drink only bottled or boiled water. One must totally avoid consuming tap water. You can also carry water - purifying tablets with you as an added precaution.

Be very careful as to what you eat outside. One must also avoid consuming food items that are kept out in the open like pakora or samosas.

While travelling it is always a good idea to carry a small first aid kit that must include an anti - itch cream, some bandages, an antiseptic cream, a pair of small scissors and some disinfectant.

Be cautious when interacting with strangers and unknown agencies to avoid any kind of cheating.

So, whether your purpose is a pilgrimage or just sightseeing, the trip to the oldest living city in the world is bound to leave you enriched.

- Sujata S

<< back

Archive