VARANASI

ABOUT THE CITY
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism. 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, first used three thousand years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first sermon; the "City of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining one", referring to the light of Shiva.

Since Banaras is a pilgrimage centre, revered and honored throughout India, pilgrims come from all parts of the country to visit it. Some travel 2,000 kilometers to bathe in the Ganga and to honor their dead. Earlier pilgrims used to walk to Banaras on foot, and along the way visited other pilgrimages.The antiquity of Banaras is known not just by the archeological remains but by the diverse and varied literature of India
The inflow of pilgrims developed Banaras as a trade centre. Besides traders, crafts people also settled in Banaras. Today the city is renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

River Front (Ghats)

The great river banks at Varanasi, built high with eighteenth and nineteenth-century pavilions and palaces, temples and terraces, are lined with an endless chain of stone steps – the ghats – progressing along the whole of the waterfront, altering in appearance with the dramatic seasonal fluctuations of the river level. Each of the hundred ghats, big and small, is marked by a lingam, and occupies its own special place in the religious geography of the city. Some have crumbled over the years, others continue to thrive, with early-morning bathers, brahmin priests offering puja, and people practicing meditation and yoga. Hindus puja, and people practicing meditation and yoga. Hindus regard the Ganges as amrita, the elixir of life, which brings purity to the living and salvation to the dead; sceptical outsiders tend to focus on all-persuasive and extreme lack of hygiene. Ashes to the dead, emissions from open drains and the left-overs from religious rites float by the devout as they go about their bathing and ceremonial cleansing.
For centuries, pilgrims have traced the perimeter of the city by a ritual circumambulation , paying homage to shrines on the way. Among the most popular routes is the Panchatirthi Yatra, which takes in the Pancha, (five) Trithi (crossing) of Asi, Dashashwamedha, Adi Keshva, Panchganga and finally Manikarnika. To gain merit or appease the gods, the devotee, accompanied by a panda (priest), recites a sankalpa (statement of intent) and performs a ritual at each stage of the journey. For the casual visitor, however the easiest way to see the is to follow a south-north sequence either by boat or on foot.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Entry restricted for foreigners.

HOTELS

To find the hotel accomadations in the  city of Varanasi please click on the below given link:

http://www.up-tourism.com/destination/varanasi/varanasi_accommodation.htm

RESTAURANTS

Varanasi's various restaurants serve a variety of cuisine continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai.

• Shyamal Vatika, Lanka.
• Kerela Cafe, Bhelupur Chauraha.
• Mandarin Restaurant, Lahurabir.
• Shahi Restaurant, near Rathyatra Crossing.
• Yelchico Bar & Restaurant, Sigra.
• Amrapali, Hotel Clarks, The mall, Varanasi. Ph : (0542)2501011
• Ashiyana Restaurant , Varuna Bridge , Clark Road. Ph : (0542) 2503764
• Mc Donald; IP Mall Sigra JHV Mall , Cantt.
• Haveli Restaurant, The Mall, Cantt.
• Berger King , Nadesar, Varanasi. 
  
  SHOPPING
  
  Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving, and Banarasi silks are a part of every girl’s wedding trousseau. Banaras Brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other craft the city is famous for. The hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is also famous for its ‘ Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar.
  
  URBAN HAAT
  Keeping the preferences of tourists in mind the city has developed an Urban Haat where artisans (State and National Awarded) from various states are brought together to showcase the handicrafts of India daily on roster basis of 15 Days. So that the excitement of up coming crafts remains the same. The Compound of Haat is provided with all basic public amenities accolade the Indian music, art, craft and culture spiced with exclusive food plazas.
  Venue : Urban Haat, Sanskritik Sankul, Maqbool Alam Road, Chowka Ghat, Varanasi.
  Entry Ticket `2/-; Timing: Daily 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
  
  
   Souvenir Shops and Malls
• M/s Mehrotra Silk Factory, S. C. - 21/72, Englishia Line, Varanasi.
• M/s J. R. Ivory, Arts & Curios, D-20, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
• M/s Baba Black Sheep , Bhelupur , Varanasi.
• M/s Bhagwan Leela Sports, 41-Sindhu Nagar Colony, Sigra, Varanasi..
• M/s Mohan Silk Store, D-5/154, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
• M/s Bhagwan Store, D-10/3, Vishvanath Gali, Varanasi.
• M/s Chaudhari Brothers, Thatheri Bazar, Varanasi
• M/s Mahalaxmi Sari House, 10, Chandrika Colony, Sigra, Varanasi.
• M/s Bhagwan Silks, S-10/86, Sarnath, Varanasi.
• IP Mall , Sigra Varanasi
• JHV , The Mall , Cantt.
• Modern Reception Centre, Sarnath
• Shivansh Handicraft, Pandey Ghat, Varanasi, Mob. 9335640006