Considered as the spiritual and cultural capital of India,
Varanasi plays an indispensable religious role in the country. Its various
temples and religious buildings have earned it the nickname of "city of
temples". Varanasi is known worldwide as one of the oldest living cities
in the world. Inhabited by 2 million people, Varanasi is located on the banks
of River Ganga, the holiest river in the world. Situated at 80 meters above sea
level, Varanasi is spread over nearly 1,535 square kilometers. Varanasi in
north India is a famous tourist destination. Varanasi tour is mostly opted as
part large India tour packages. Culture, heritage and lifestyle of people
attract a large number of people from across the globe. Varanasi tour packages
are customizable on the basis of duration, activities, sightseeing and budget. Ancient
sites make Varanasi a historical destination as well. The first inhabitants of
the region appeared in the 12th century BC. It was in 528 BC that
Buddhism was founded by Gautam Buddha in Sarnath, on the outskirt of Varanasi. The
presiding deity of Varanasi is Lord Shiva. The worship of Shiva was instituted
by the Hindu philosopher Adiguru Shankaracharya in the 8th century
and, thus, devotion to Lord Shiva got raised to the rank of official sect of
Varanasi. The Muslim rulers, fundamentally intolerant and barbaric, demolished
more than thousand ancient temples in the city. Even after numerous attacks of
Islamic invaders & mindless destruction, Varanasi could not be prevented from
shining forth as a religious and educational center. The Rajput, Maratha &
Bengal kings started the construction of various ghats, temples, palaces,
mansions etc in the 18th century. This period coincides with the
development of tourism in the city. Varanasi tours offer several sights to show
like Ramnagar Fort, Jantar Mantar Observatory at Man Mandir Ghat, KashiVishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Baba Keenaram
Sthal, Benares Hindu University, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Sarnath, BharatMata Temple. Varanasi tour packages also several activities that impart exotic
experiences of Kashi to a visitor. Morning boat ride in the Ganga alongside the
ghats of Varanasi is one of the preferred day tours / excursions. The boat
passes along several ghats such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat,
Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat and Tulsi Ghat. Evening Ganga Arti at DashashwamedhGhat is a major tourist attraction. Among the popular Varanasi tour packages
are Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour, Golden Triangle with Khajuraho VaranasiTour, 2 Days Varanasi Tour from Delhi, Best of North India Tour etc.
