Varanasi Weekend Tour | Short Trip To Kashi

OVERVIEW- The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

VARANASI- It is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varuna to the north and the Asi to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi. The city of Banaras is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'.

Tour Destination: Varanasi

Travel Duration: 02 Nights/03 Days

DAY 1: VARANASI

Welcome to the Land of Sacred Light- Varanasi. Transfer to the hotel.

Evening view Aarti Ceremony on the Ghats.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: VARANASI

After breakfast, visit Varanasi viewing

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE- Kashi Vishwanath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the patron deity of Varanasi. The idol is a jyotirlinga, one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India. The Kashi Vishwanath temple has been built and re-built several times over the past few centuries. The present temple was built in the 18th century by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the previous temple and built a mosque at the site (now adjacent to it). The temple gets its name from Kashi, which is another name for Varanasi.

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY- Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest universities in the world and a prime attraction in Varanasi. It was founded by Pandit Mohan Malviya in 1916 and is internationally reputed.

ASSI GHAT- Assi Ghat is the southern most ghat. It is located at the confluence of Ganga and Assi rivers. In the evenings, there is an aarti at Assi Ghat which attracts many tourists. Pilgrims bathe in the waters at the ghat before paying homage to Lord Shiva. It is the best place to witness Hindu culture and traditions as well as a beautiful sunrise.

DASHASHWAMEDH GHAT- Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the oldest and most important ghats in Varanasi. In the early 16th century when the Marathas were ruling over the region, they built several ghat sin Varanasi that lined the holy river Ganga.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: VARANASI - SARNATH - VARANASI

Early morning excursion to Sarnath, 10kms east of Varanasi, is one of the Buddhists pilgrimage centers of India. Post attaining enlightenment, Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon.

Later depart to airport to catch your flight towards onward destination.

Varanasi at a Glance