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Shopping Delights	City Name

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		<title>Varanasi</title>
		<link>http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide</link>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:50 EDT</pubDate>
		<ttl>10</ttl>
		<image>
			<title>Travelguru</title>
			<link>http://www.travelguru.com/hotels/</link>
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			<width>145</width>
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			<description>Hotels in India Find Cheap and Budget Hotels online on India largest Hotel Network.Instant Hotel Reservation at Best price</description>
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<item>
	<title>Editor's Note</title>
	<link></link>
	<description>
		<![CDATA[
			
		
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 	
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 <td class="body-text" align="justify"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-editor.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />Located on the banks of the holy Ganga, Lord Shiva is believed to have established his permanent home here. It is one of the most sacred cities, holding great importance to Buddhists, Jains and Hindus alike. It is true that modern day Kashi is more a maze of winding lanes and markets and the ghats almost always teem with a huge crowd looking for the holy dip, prayeing to the sun or simply soaking in the mysticism that is Ganga. The important Vishvanatha Linga, believed to be the first Jyotirlinga, is accessed by several streets and severe checking by the authorities. Kashi does not only symbolize creation; it is also possibly the greatest example of destruction and life's end. This is made clear when you visit the Manikarnika Ghat, where almost 30,000 cremations take place over a year! We say, discover the town on foot or take a boat ride early morning on the Ganges, simply the best way to explore it! And carry back with yourself that, which cannot be seen or bought - just experienced…
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<item>
	<title>Fast Facts</title>
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		<![CDATA[
			
			<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
 
 <tr>
 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Climate</td>
 <td class="body-text"><table class="body-text" width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2">
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 <td class="body-text" width="15%" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_03.gif" alt="Summer" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td width="83%" valign="middle">Summer 
 April - mid June, Hot & humid

Temperatures - 32.7oC-41.8oC</td>
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 <td class="body-text" align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_10.gif" alt="Monsoon" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td class="body-text" valign="middle">Monsoons 
 Late June - August, High humidity & torrential rainfall

Annual rainfall - 1110 mm</td>
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 <td align="left" valign="top"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/icons_06.gif" alt="Winter" width="48" height="44" /></td>
 <td valign="middle">Winter 
October - mid February, Pleasantly cold

Temperatures - 7.2oC-15.6oC</td>
 </tr>
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 <td width="20%" class="climate-head">Local Languages:</td>
 <td width="80%" class="body-text">Kashika Bhojpuri & Hindi</td>
 </tr>
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 <td class="climate-head">Best Time to Visit:</td>
 <td class="body-text">October - April, when the weather is at its pleasant-most</td>
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 <td class="climate-head">Clothing:</td>
 <td class="body-text">Cotton during summers & light woolens during winters</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Moving Around: 
 </td>
 <td class="body-text"> Varanasi has a good local transportation system and getting from one place to another is easy and quick. Take the local buses that ply within Varanasi and constitute as a cheaper mode. Another option is to hire a private vehicle or tourist bus - easily available at the travel agents and hotels. However, we recommend taking a ride on the absolutely local mode of auto rickshaws or cycle rickshaws, although they are not allowed inside the old city lane. To view the ghats, take an early morning boat ride available from the Dashashwamedha Ghat. Remember to take the tour before devotees and pilgrims gather at the ghats.
 </td>
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 <td valign="top" class="climate-head">Tourist Offices:</td>
 <td class="body-text">
	Uttar Pradesh Tourism 
	Parade Kothi, Cantonment, 
Varanasi 
	Tel : 0542 - 2206638

</td>
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<item>
	<title>What to See</title>
	<link></link>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-what-to-see.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />The Ghats : The Ghats at Varanasi are plenty and constitute the most important feature of this holy city. There are almost 100 ghats in Varanasi and all of them are forever busy with pilgrims taking a dip, meditating or simply soaking in the splendid views. Among the most important ghat is Dasaswamedh Ghat, which derives its name from the legend that ten horses were sacrificed here by Brahma. It is one of the oldest ghats and the best to catch splendid views of the flowing river and sadhus meditating on its banks. Especially interesting is the evening aarti, when thousands of diyas (lighted lamps) are set afloat on the river from this ghat. Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ground of the city, hence one of the most sacred. It is believed that a cremation here grants an entry to heaven and frees one of the cycles of life and death. This ghat has a sacred well called Manikarnik Kund, which is believed to have been created by Vishnu during the creation of earth. There is also a shrine dedicated to Vishnu and a Tarakeshvara lingam, making it one of the busiest ghats. Remember that photography is strictly prohibited here and you must maintain absolute silence.

The Tulsi Ghat is considered important for the fact that the great Hindu poet Tulsidas spent his last days here. His house, samadhi, pillow and the idol of Hanuman he worshipped have been preserved here. This ghat is also believed to be the site of the first Ramlila, hence a temple dedicated to Lord Rama has been erected here. The waters flowing through this ghat are supposed to have curative powers from diseases including leprosy. The Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi River and is known for the shivalingam it houses under a peepal tree. Another important lingam is the Asisangameshwar Lingam sited in a small marble temple near the ghat. Pilgrims are required to take a bath at this ghat before proceeding to pray here.

The Kedar Ghat is one of the brightly painted ghats known as the site for devotees taking a dip early morning. It is also home to a Shiva temple and a Parvati Kund whose waters have healing powers. Extremely popular with Jains is the Bachraj Ghat, which houses three Jain temples near the river bank. The Rana Ghat has several cafés and is an important centre for yoga. Similar to the Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat is also a cremation ghat, owing its origin to King Harish Chandra, who once worked here to epitomize truth and charity. Similar to its predecessor, a cremation here is also said to grant salvation. The Hanuman Ghat is famous for the Hanuman Temple believed to have been established here by Sage Tulsidas. Shivala Ghat is known as one of the important bathing points. It is home to a 19th century mansion, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the spiritual centre Brahmendra Math. Birthplace of Agni, the Scindia Ghat is known for its almost submerged Shiva Temple and the several important temples located above it and the Bhonsale Ghat has red sandstone houses and terraced hostels. Built by the king of Jaipur, the Man Mandir Ghat is home to an 18th century ornate observatory, a stone balcony and the lingam of Someshwar (Moon God). The Lalita Ghat is home to the wooden Ganga Keshava Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It also houses an image of Pasupateshwar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Mansarovar Ghat, deriving its name from Lake Mansarovar at the foot of Kailash Mountains, was another construction by the King of Jaipur and houses a stone balcony and a small observatory. Panchganga Ghat is one of the most sacred ghats and bathing points and is the site of the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana and Dhupapa.
<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-what-to-see-1.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Located on the Western Bank of Ganges, this is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vishwanatha. Its 15.5 mt high gold-plated vimana has earned it the name Golden Temple. The temple complex is made of several smaller shrines that line the Vishwanatha Gali. The main linga is black in colour and housed within a smaller shrine in a silver square. Smaller shrines dedicated to Mahakala, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri are also present within the complex. You’d also find a Nandi Bull facing what was once the original shrine. Enter the temple well in time to view the offerings of milk, Ganga water, lotus flowers and garlands made by devotees. Open from: 5.30 am-12.00 noon; 4.00 pm-8.00 pm 
Note – Cellphones, handbags and camera are strictly prohibited within the temple complex

Bharat Mata Temple : This is the only temple dedicated to Mother India in Varanasi and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The main idol is built in marble and depicts an undivided India, complete with mountains, plains and oceans. The highlight of this temple is the absence of the usual gods and goddesses and instead housing a map of India in marble.

Durga Temple : Peculiarly known as the Monkey Temple, this 18th century temple is red in colour and sports a multi-layered spire. The idol within is believed to have appeared on its own, hence held in great reverence. The profusion of monkeys in the temple precincts grants it the name Monkey Temple. This temple is the site of great activity during Navratri. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard but not the inner sanctum.

Tulsi Manas Temple : Dedicated to Lord Rama, the Tulsi Manas Temple is located close to the Durga Temple. This white marble construction is believed to be the spot where Tulsidas wrote the epic Ramcharitamanas. In fact the walls of the temple are inscribed with verses and scenes from this epic. 
Open from: 6.30 am-11.00 am; 3.00 pm-9.00 pm

Sankat Mochan Temple : Located near the Benaras Hindu University, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman as the reliever of all sufferings. This temple is especially busy on Tuesdays when thousands of devotees line up to offer prayers to the lord. Pilgrims smear their foreheads with vermilions and offer the lord his favourite food of laddoos.

Bharat Kala Bhavan : Located inside the BHU campus, this museum is a treasure house of paintings dating to the Mughals, varieties of textiles and Hindu and Buddhist figurines. A particularly popular sculpture is of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain – depicted by a man standing on one leg and listinf a mass of stone above with one hand. The museum is divided into several sections, including Mahamana Malaviya Gallery, Nicholas Roerich Gallery, Chhavi Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Nidhi Gallery and Decorative Art Gallery. 
Open from : 11.00 am-4.30 pm

Jantar Mantar : Another creation of Maharaja Jaisingh of Jaipur, this observatory is similar to the ones in Delhi and Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi has several instruments made of stone, which were used to record the motion, speed and behaviour of stars and planets and to study such accurate astronomy that can still be used today.

Benaras Hindu University : One of the oldest educational centers in India, the Benaras Hindu University was built in 1917, as a centre for the study of humanities, social sciences, science, technology, medicine, fine arts and performing arts. Spread over a vast expanse of landscaped gardens, it houses a temple, an airstrip and beautifully designed buildings. Popular centres include a medical college, an engineering institute, a hospital and a sports complex. The highlight of this university is the fact that not only Indians, but a large number of foreign students who attend the university.

Ramnagar Fort : Built in the 18th century, this was once the ancestral home of the former Maharaja of Varanasi. Located south of the city, the fort is built in typical red sandstone and houses within a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa and a museum within the grounds. An interesting array of ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs, vintage cars, ivory artifacts, antique clocks and weapons are some of the artifacts on display in the museum. Also present inside is a Durga Temple and a Hanuman Temple. Check out the huge clock within the fort – it displays year, month, week, day and astronomical calculations about the sun, moon and the stars!

Yoga : Varanasi has always been a great centre of ayurveda and yoga and several such centres imparting education on these have been established here. Among the better known centres are BHU, Man Mandir Ghat, Kashi Yoga Sangh at Sankat Mochal Temple and International Yoga & meditation Centre at Nagawa.

Sarnath : This is one of the closest excursions from Varanasi, known as the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Sarnath is one of the most revered Buddhist centres and the presence of several Buddhist monuments establishes the fact. The Sarnath Museum houses an interesting collection of Buddhist artifacts, including a statue of Buddha seated with his eyes cloed in meditation and a halo around his head. Another important structure is the Ashokan Pillar with its four lions, an inverted lotus and 24 spoked Dharma Wheels with four animals. The Mulagandhakuti Vihar is the main temple in Sarnath, said to be the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits. Fine paintings done by a Japanese artist adorn this temple’s walls. The Dhamekh Stupa is the most important structure here, deriving siginifance from the fact that Buddha delivered his first sermon here. Other significant stupas are Dharmrajika Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Gourmet Feasts</title>
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	<img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-food.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />
	
	Needless to say, the religious character of this town makes it vegetarian and non-alcoholic. But you definitely won’t be lost looking out for good food that comes with great value! We say, skip the pizzas and pastas and head out to the more desi bhojanalayas that conjure a great combination of subzi, daal, chawal, rotis, salad, papad and jalebis and kheer for dessert! For this, the Jaipuria Hotel in Gowdolia Chowk is the best bet! What makes them more unique is the fact that onion and garlic are not used at all! For breakfast, you must try the typical puri-subzi,w hich are available at the Vishwanath Gali. The best option is Vishwanath Saheb’s, which serves the most authentic desi ghee kachauri and subzi. Visit the Ganga Fuji Restaurant that has live Indian music every evening from 7.30pm onwards. The restaurant serves multi cuisine food and is a cozy and comfortable place for a night out. New Garden Restaurant, located on Mandapur Road is a breezy upstairs eatery that serves up a scrumptious meal, including non-vege items like chilli chicken and special thali. Mandarin Restaurant, in Shivam Hotel is a popular restaurant that serves some of the best local dishes in Varanasi. A must try is the dum aloo Benarasi or the lemony kalimirchi chicken with tawa rotis. Haifa is a restaurant that has some great Middle Eastern food and El Parador is a remarkable restaurant that serves Mexican and continental food. Good and clean snacks are available at Sri Guru Ravidass Gate – take your pick from samosas, boondi and gulab jamun. Ayyar's and Madhur Milan at Dasaswamedh Road are two of the best cafés in the area selling some hot steaming coffee, and snacks apart from South Indian food. Varanasi’s lassi is not-to-be-missed and the best is available at the Shiv Prasad Lassi Bhandar. Their highlight – they add a layer of thick rabri malai! Don’t leave Varanasi without tasting the Benarsi paan, available at the Keshava Tambakoo Bhandaar and Lakshmi Tambakoo Bhandaar and laced with zarda and sweeteners!</td>
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	<title>Shopping Delights</title>
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 		<td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-shopping.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />
	Varanasi has always been the centre for handicrafts and its silk weaving industry ranks the highest! True, there aren’t too many people who wear Benarsi Silk Saris anymore, but it is definitely worth having at least two in your cupboard. Take your pick from saris embroidered with real gold and silver threads and zari work – available at the Handloom House and Bhagwan Leela in central Sigra and the Mohan Silk House near the Vishwanath Temple. The local bazaars around Vishwanatha Temple lets you pick up just about anything from brassware and copperware, to wooden and clay toys and even exquisite gold jewelry. The hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping items of interest. You can head out to some of the main shopping areas like Vishwanath Gali, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Browse through the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gali with its Temple Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewelry). For buying fabrics, the Government-run-shops of Uttar Pradesh Handloom are the best bet. Stone carved items of Varanasi are also quite famous. The ace craftsmen chisel out beautiful utility items and objets from stone. Candle stands, ashtrays, jewelry boxes or a replica of the Taj Mahal are just the right gifts to take back home. An added attraction – head out to Dashashwamedh Road for its range of supari/zarda (betel nut/ tobacco) shops and a range of flavoured supari and digestives.</td>
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<item>
	<title>Festive Celebrations</title>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-festival.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />
 The lifeline of Varanasi, the Ganga Mahotsava is a five day grand celebration in her honour. This festival is organized on Dev Deepavali, when it is believed that the gods descend to take a dip into Ganges. The ghats are decorated with earthen lamps and people take a holy dip in the early hours of the morning, while setting lighted lamps afloat. Several cultural programmes are also organized to promote Indian dance and music. Celebrated in November or December, Kartik Purnima is also celebrated by lighting and setting afloat thousands of lit lamps. Buddha Purnima is held in April or May in Sarnath to commemorate Buddha’s birth. The celebrations include a vibrant fair wherein the relics of Budha are carried out in a procession for everyone to view. Also, prayer meets, sermons, religious discourses, meditation and worship of Buddha’s idols are held. The Mahashivratri Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva takes place as a procession from the Maha-Mrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple. Devotees make offerings of milk, dhatura, flowers, coconuts, fruits and incense before the Lord, seeking his blessings.

Bharat Milap is held in September or October during Dusshera, celebrating Lord Rama’s return from his exile and meeting his younger brother Bharat. The Ramlila is another famous event held during Dusshera in October. It is marked by processions and tableaus depicting scenes from Lord Rama’s life. Another event based on the Ramayana is the play Nakkatyya held in Chetganj, which depicts the scene of Ravana’s sister trying to influence Lakmana to marry her. Instead, Lakshmana chops off her nose and she goes crying to Ravana, thus instigating him to abduct Sita followed by the famous battle in Lanka. An important character of Ramayana, Lord Hanuman’s birth is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti in March or April. The most important site for this festival is the Sankat Mochan Temple where devotees smear their foreheads with the sacred vermilion. Devotees offer the sweet laddoos to the idol, which is then distributed among the poor. Several cultural programmes and musical shows are also held, with artists from across the country performing. 
 The Dhrupad Mela is the best time to witness the real culture of Varanasi and it draws tourists from across the world. Held in March, this five-day festival takes place on the Tulsi Ghats and is marked by interesting musical performances by renowned artists. Panch Koshi Parikrama, so called because it passes through five places, namely, Kardmeshwar, Bhimchandi, Rameshwar, Shivpur and Kapildhara, finally culminating at Manikarnika Ghat.</td>
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	<title>Staying There</title>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text">Quite a range of hotels available, suiting all budgets. For a really close glimpse at Varanasi’s everyday life, check in at <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002656&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Temple+On+Ganges&hotelClass=0&address1=Assi+Ghat&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=Utter+Pradesh&pinCode=000000&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Temple on Ganges</a>, a budget hotel located on the Assi Ghat or at <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000558&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Pradeep&hotelClass=0&address1=Jagatganj&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=Uttar+Pradesh&pinCode=221002&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel Pradeep</a>, a better-priced hotel close to the Ganges. <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002658&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+M.M.+Continental&hotelClass=0&address1=The+Mall%2C+Cantt&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=UTTAR+PRADESH&pinCode=221002&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel MM Continental</a> is another budget option located close to the railway station as is <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00001223&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+De+Paris&hotelClass=0&address1=Cantt.+Varanasi&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=Uttar+Pradesh&pinCode=221002&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel De Paris</a>. Among the better, if a tad higher, options, try Hotel India, located near the station. Among the high-end hotels feature <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00002665&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Ramada+Plaza+JHV&hotelClass=5&address1=The+Mall%2C+Cantonment&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=utter+Pradesh&pinCode=221002&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Ramada Plaza JHV</a> and <a href="http://hotels.travelguru.com/moreinfo.do?strHotelId=00000192&link=HotelOverview&hotelName=Hotel+Clarks+Varanasi&hotelClass=5&address1=The+Mall%2C+Cantt.&address2=&city=Varanasi&state=Uttar+Pradesh&pinCode=221002&country=India&strAffiliateCode=00000080&strCurrency=INR&searchChoice=right">Hotel Clarks Varanasi</a>. Both these hotels are close to the station and offer extremely comfortable stay options. </td>
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 <td width="75%" valign="top" class="body-text">The Babatpur Airport at Varanasi is located almost 28 kms from the city. Taxis and cabs are available to reach Varanasi city.</td>
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text"> Varanasi Cantonment (Cantt) is the main station. Located in the heart of the city there are a number of trains that ply between Varanasi and Delhi, Agra, Calcutta, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
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 <td valign="top" class="body-text"> Varanasi is well connected by a good network of roadways to Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad and Patna. Regular state transport buses this route.</td>
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 <td align="justify" class="body-text"><img src="http://www.travelguru.com/travelguide/images/varanasi-trivia.jpg" hspace="15" width="220" height="140" class="body-img" alt="Varanasi" align="right" />An interesting legend explains the origin of the Manikarnika Ghat, which goes thus: To keep Lord Shiva from moving with his devotees, Goddess Parvati hid his manikarnik (earrings) in the ghat and told him that they were lost on the banks of Ganga. This was done to ensure that Shiva stayed forever searching for his earrings! This legend further claims that whenever a body is cremated at this ghat, Lord Shiva asks the soul whether it has seen his earrings! </td>
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