October -March
542
3,131 km2
1,201,815
Blindingly colourful, bustling and whimsical are the few words which can describe Varanasi which serves as the most popular halts for the tourists. This distinct Indian city is situated on the shimmering banks of river Ganga which was once known as Kashi (City of Life) in history. It is one of the oldest inhibited cities which are counted one among the seven Hindu holy cities in India. The ghats of Varanasi uncover truths of life as on one side they witness the pilgrims washing away their sins in the scared waters while on the other they become the grounds of cremation. Varanasi is considered to be the most sacred place to die according to Hindu mythology. This place is said to offer moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) making Varanasi a prominent place. The most intimate rituals of life and death are performed here making this place unique and magical.
Varanasi experiences a humid subtropical climate with huge variations between summer and winters temperature. The summers are dry which start in April and last in the month of June. Summers are followed by Monsoon season which starts from July and ends in October. Winters feature diurnal variations with warm days and downright cold nights. The best time to make a visit to Varanasi is in between October and March.
Varanasi is well connected by train and bus and also is well connected in terms of airways.
Rail: Trains are the easiest modes t to reach Varanasi as there are numerous trains shuttling daily between some of the major cities like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Lucknow and Kolkata.
Road: There are public buses running daily that can help a traveller get to this place. These buses are by State government form few of the popular cities.
Air: Some of the chief airlines operate from the Varanasi Airport so even a journey by air can fulfil your dream travel to Varanasi.
Hit the bustling streets of Varanasi and you will realise a number of places which you can barge in for shopping. Visit Baba Blacksheep, Shir Gandhi Ashram Khadi, Benares Art & Culture and Indica Books. You can shop best quality silk, kurta pyjamas, saris, head scarves and khadi fabrics. The art gallery will bring to you sculptures, carvings, paintings, wooden toys made by local artists. You can also bag some of the finest literary books from this excellent bookshop at Assi Ghat.