Hotel New Temples Town - Varanasi, A luxury, affordable, budget hotel with star facilities in Varanasi

Tourist Place In Varanasi

KASHI Vishwanath Mandir -The history of Vishwanath Temple that is also called Golden Temple at times is full of ups and downs. The temple and city has always been on the receiving end of the invaders be it Afghans, Turks, Rohila or Marathas. The temple has been built and razed to the ground several times in the history. It was first destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in the 13th century and was later rebuild. Emperor Akbar donated several acres of villages to the trust that was later cut down substantially by Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was a fundamentalist who hated every possible religion and sects in India including Sufi and Shiite order among the Muslims. Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore built the present temple that stands in Varanasi, in the year 1776. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore donated the 800-kilogram Gold-plating of the towers that gives the temple its colloquial name

Durga Temple - The Durga temple is considered one of the most important temples in Varanasi. Built in 18th century the Durga temple is stained in Red with ochre. Though the temple might have Bangla influence spiritually, it is built exclusively on the North Indian pattern called Nagara. Multi-tired spires that decrease in diameter in horizontal pattern mark this style. Actually separate spires are clubbed together one over another to give this feel. Though this style looks less attractive than the South-Indian Gopuram pattern, it has a feel of its own. Lately, people have started calling it Monkey Temple due to the menace created by the monkeys that inhabit the campus of this Temple. At the time of Navaratri there are very mush crowd for the worship

Tulsi Manas Temple - Tulsi Manas Temple has a very historical as well as cultural importance for not only Varanasi but also for the whole of India. This is precisely because the place is connected to an event that still rules the Indian Psyche. The famous Hindu Epic of Ramayana was composed at this very place. Goswami Tulsi Das was the man who composed Ramayana in Hindi in the form of "Ram Charit Manas". Prior to that, Ramayana was only available in Sanskrit and that is why it was out of the reach of general masses.

New Vishwanath Mandir - Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.

Bharat Mata Temple - The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus near railway station. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble.

Sankat Mochan Temple -Sankat Mochan Mandir do not have much historical significance but is a good place to visit at least once. No body knows who established this temple. It was actually very small in its early phase. In the due course various 'Mahants' collected funds to upgrade the structure and today it boasts off a fairly large complex. The temple has every possible facility for the devotees. There is an inn too where devotees can stay overnight. The must attend religious function of this temple is the famous "Pratah Aarti" or dawn offering that takes place at 5 AM in the morning. The "Sandhya Aarti" or the evening offering is performed to Lord Sankat Mochan at around 8:30 in the night. "The Rathri Aarti" is performed at around 10 PM after which the gates are closed.

Gyanvapi Mosque -Gyanvapi Mosque This mosque was built by Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The foundation and the rear part of the mosque are the remains of a temple. One of its minarets which dominated the skyline of the holy city, collapsed in the1948 floods

GHATS -The city's life revolves around its seven km long sweep of about 100 bathing ghats that skirt the west bank of the Ganges. Most of them are used for bathing. Some are used for cremating bodies. The most sacred ghats are the Assi, Dasashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika and Panchganga. Pilgrims who bathe in each one consecutively believe their prayers will be fulfilled. A short boat trip from Manikarnika Ghat can be an interesting introduction to the river. It is believed that cremation at Manikarnika ghat ensures a safe place in Heaven, as the cremators of this ghat are believed to have the patronage of Shiva. The furthermost upstream ghat is Assi Ghat, which marks the confluence of the Ganges and the Assi rivers. Nearby is the Tulsi Ghat, where Goswami Tulsidas lived till his death in 1623A.D. Dashashvamedh Ghat, Varanasi's liveliest bathing place was constructed by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. It's name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. It's one of the most important ghats and is conveniently central. Nearby is the grand Man Mandir Ghat (1637) and an observatory both built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1710.

BHU -BHU is the largest residential university in Asia. It has been developed as a center for education in Indian art, music, culture and philosophy and for the study of Sanskrit. The campus also houses the Bharat Kala Bhawan that has a fine collection of miniature paintings and sculptures that dates from 1st to 15th centuries. The 5-square kilometers campus of BHU, houses as many as 55 hostels. The campus has other attractions too such as the Birla Mandir that is popularly called VT. Close by is an airstrip and a flying club. The central library named Sayajirao Gaekwad Library is also worth a visit. Apart from various manuscripts and periodicals, it houses as many as 14 lacks or 1.4 million separate volumes. There is a 1000 bedded hospital too. It is called Sir Sunder Lal Hospital. Apart from concrete buildings, the campus features open spaces, greenery and peacocks, the national bird of India, which are found roaming around almost every part of the university

Sarnath - 10 km. from Varanasi is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon "Maha- Dharma-Chakra Pravartan" (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turned the wheel of the law’) after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka downto the 12th century A.D Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorsed Lions, which today forms the national emblem of India.Among other structures at Sarnath are the ruins of the brick temple representing the Mula- Gandha Kuti, ruins of stupas and monasteries. Among the more imposing ones is the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings in the lower part, the Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society's Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. Sarnath has also yielded an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images which can be seen at Archaeological Museum, Sarnath.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum -Bharat Kala Bhavan is an art and architecture museum situated inside the BHU campus. Here, one can find a large number ofBuddhist and Hindu sculptures, paintings and other materials of archaeological relevance.This Bhavan was founded in 1920 A.D. In its main hall, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg, holding one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head with the other hand. It is believed that this figure is of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana. Most of the images in this Bhavan ascertain the presence of Krishna cult in Kashi during the 15th and 16th century.

Ashoka Pillar -Ashoka Pillar It is at Saranath, 10km north of Varanasi. Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The Ashoka pillar stands in front of the main stupa where Ashoka sat and meditated. The Sarnath Archaeological Museum at Ashoka Marg, houses a copy of Ashoka's lion pillar and some sculptures.

Manikarnika Ghat -This is one of the more famous of the Varanasi ghats where Hindus bring their dead for cremation. There is a fire here that’s been burning for the 4 centuries, it is claimed and is never allowed to die out. Burning logs from this fire is used to light the funeral pyre. It's not for everyone but there is something about the place that leaves a deep impact.

Buddhist Temples in Sarnath -Visitors to Sarnath usually wind up their visit by going through the main stupas and the museum at Sarnath. But beyond the main excavation site in the narrow lanes are some exquisite Buddhist temples set up and run by followers from countries like Japan, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, China etc It is a treat to visit these temples. There are amazing artifacts and ancient maps that trace the spread of Buddhism.

Sukrit Valley -Sukrit is a small town that lies on the Varanasi-Robertsganj national highway around 55 kms away from the city. The place is extremely rich in natural beauty. Small tribal villages dot the landscape around a meandering river and the way of life has remained more or less untouched by the curse of civilization. On the way is Lakhania Dari which is home to some ancient rock painting, caves and a beautiful waterfall. A Place only for those who are avid nature lovers and hate the crowds

How To Reach Varanasi

A general information by Hotel New Temples Town, Varanasi.

By Air: The holy city of Varanasi is well-connected and accessible by flights. It is well connected to major Indian cities and tourist spots like Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Jaipur, etc.

By Rail: Varanasi Railway station is well linked with major cities like Delhi, Bodhgaya, Patna, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.

By Road: Varanasi is well-connected with major cities like Patna, Bodhgaya, Agra, Kanpur, Allahabad, Kanpur, Bhopal, Lumbini, Kushi Nagar, Gorakhpur, Khajuraho, etc.

Festival of Varanasi

A general information by Hotel New Temples Town, Varanasi. Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage place for the Hindus. The rich cultural heritage and tradition of Varanasi makes it the cultural capital of India. For ages, Varanasi has been a center of learning of Indian philosophy, spiritualism, mysticism and other branches of education. Varanasi is essentially a melting pot of Indian culture. In Hindu religion, it is believed that one, who dies and is cremated at Varanasi, gets an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. Being associated with Hindu traditions and religion, Varanasi is home to numerous temples, muths and Ashrams. By virtue of its religious and cultural importance, Varanasi is abuzz with fairs and festivals all round the year. Almost every month, some important festival is celebrated in Varanasi. Besides festivals and holidays, many "Melas" or fairs are also held at Varanasi. At Varanasi, fairs and festivals are celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor and are symbolic of celebration of life at its best. The festive atmosphere never seems to end in Varanasi. It's not important to make itinerary according to the dates and months as one can come and enjoy the festive season of Varanasi anytime of the year!

Bharat Milap at Varanasi -

Buddha Purnima -

Dev Deepavali -

Hanuman Jayanti -

Mahashivaratri in Varanasi -

SarNag Nathaiya of Varanasi nath -

Nakkatayya of Varanasi -

Ram Leela of Varanasi -

Climate of Varanasi

A general information by Hotel New Temples Town, Varanasi. Varanasi is located on the banks of the holy river, Ganges. During summers, weather can be as hot as 45° C and humid too as Varanasi lies at the Tropic of cancer. Torrential rains and high humidity accompanies the monsoons that usually come in late June or early July for about two months. winters are pleasant and temperature dips down to about 7°C. In Varanasi, the climatic conditions are most favorable for the tourists between October to April. For those who are ready to face a sun and don't mind the odor of sweat, Varanasi is a place to visit all the year round

Shopping in Varanasi

A general information by Hotel New Temples Town, Varanasi. The shopping hotspots in Varanasi are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia or Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Besides the illustrious and fine silks and brocaded fabrics, one can also buy shawls, carpets, wall hangings, Zari work; stone inlay work, glass beads and bangles, masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities and lampshades. However, one has to be on watch while buying silk saris and beware of the imitations that are much cheaper than the real silk ones but are not so easy to distinguish.

Silk weaving is perhaps the most popular art of Varanasi and Banarasi silk sarees form an indispensable part of an Indian bride's trousseau. The world-famous gold and silver brocades and richly worked saris are known to have passed on from generations to generations much like family jewels without loosing their charm. Besides Banarasi saris and brocades, you may look for wonderful pieces of brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and antique designs of heavy gold jewellery in Varanasi.

Other shopping attractions of Varanasi include the hand-knotted carpets of Mirzapur, musical instruments, the 'khatta-meetha' (sweet 'n' sour) 'Langda Aam', a popular variety of mangoes available during summer season and the famous betel leaf that is considered a specialty of the place. Benarasi people can be seen chewing betel leaves as a part of their cultural upbringing and they even welcome their guests by offering them the famous betel leaves.

Attractions nearby Varanasi

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Agra - Varanasi, India, IN Being that Agra is in relative proximity, you simply have to leave time to pay a visit to this glorious city, and of course, India's most wonderful tourist attraction, Agra's very famous Taj Mahal, which boast incredibly detailed marble architecture at its very finest. Agra is also home to the Red Fort, the Persian-style Chini Ka Rauza and Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, amongst other historical landmarks, and if that's not enough to convince you, then come in February and enjoy the festivities at the Taj Food Festival, and the processions during the crowded Taj Mahotsav carnival.

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Allahabad - Varanasi, India, IN Located approximately 130 km / 81 miles to the west of Varanasi, the city of Allahabad resides at the meeting point of two incredibly important Indian rivers, the Yamuna River and also the River Ganges (Ganga). Allahabad seems to have found itself a little of the tourist trail, which is a shame, since there are a number of quality attractions situated here. These include Allahabad's grand Mughal fort and tombs, its holy Sangam area and is impressive Raj-era structures. And if you are a little hungry when you arrive, you will find that the city's Indian bakeries and ice-cream parlours are quite outstanding.

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Gorakhpur- Varanasi, India, IN Gorakhpur is a busy transport hub frequented by many visitors travelling to Kushinagar, Nepal or Sunauli. Whilst there are not really any attractions of any note within Gorakhpur, if you are stopping off here, you may well be pleased to fill your time by paying a visit to the Buddhist Museum, which is located on the southerly outskirts and close to the city's lake. There are also a huge number of shopping opportunities within Gorakhpur city centre.

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Kushinagar - Varanasi, India, IN A peaceful and rather verdant town, Kushinagar is the place to come if you crave a little respite, away from central Varanasi. Most people come to Kushinagar, since this reputedly the place where the great Buddha breathed his last breath, and has understandably become a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. There are a large number of Buddhist temples spread around Kushinagar, with the main sights lining the street known as the Buddha Marg. In particular, look out for the Mahasukhamdadachan Thargyi Pagoda, the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Mathakuar Temple, the Buddha Museum, the Wat Thai complex, and the famous Ramabhar Stupa, where it is said that Buddha was actually cremated.

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Patna - Varanasi, India, IN Patna is a large and busy city, with a population of more than 1.3 million residents. The city lies on the southern side of the River Ganges, where it stretches for around 15 km / 9 miles. Those looking for attractions within Patna will find that the majority of the historic sites lie within the Chowk area, on the eastern side of the city, while to the west you will find hotels, shops and the train station. The Patna museum is always popular, as is the Qila House (Jalan Museum), the Golghat Granary, the holy Sikh shrines of Har Mandir Takht, and the historical ruins of Pataliputra.

Varanasi Attractions Nearby: Sarnath - Varanasi, India, IN It is worth coming here to compare the different styles of these modern Buddhist temples, which were built by Buddhists from Burma, China, Japan, Thailand and Tibet. Within a peaceful parkland setting, the 5th-century Dhanekh Stupa monuments marks the very spot where Lord Buddha preached his very first sermon. Also from the same era is the Chaukhandi Stupa, while Sarnath's more modern Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple and Deer Park may also be of interest.