Varanasi – popularly known as Kashi, is one of the ancient cities in the world. It is believed to be the holiest place in the world found by Lord Shiva before 3000 to 5000years. Khasi is an important pilgrimage centre attracting large number of people worldwide. The holy city is placed on the west side of the Holy River Ganges reflecting old Hindu culture, spiritualism, Indian philosophy and mysticism.
Since the city is mainly attached to Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. There are so many other attraction to see and are listed here,
Jantar Mantar
Jantar mantar is an observatory point with complex architectural styles. The building was constructed by Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur due to his passion towards astronomy. It is said that before constructing Jantar mantar, King Jai Singh sent his scholar abroad to study the construction and design of foreign observatories. Tourist can find various shapes in the building each possessing specialised function for accurate astronomical calculation. Jantar Mantar is a perfect combination of geometric form and is very popular among foreign tourist.
Panchganga Ghat
Among the other beautiful Ghats of Kashi, Panchganga is the most popular. This is the only ghat where the five holy rivers, the Saraswati, the Yamuna, the Kirna, the Ganges and the Dhupapapa converge together. Surrounded by about eight water front along with Alamgir Musque in its close vicinity, the Panchganga Ghat is worth visiting at least once.
Alamgir Mosque
Also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, the mosque was constructed during Mughals invasion in India by the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. It is said the land where the mosque is built was once a temple of Lord Krishna. The architecture of the Alamgir Mosque combines Persian and Hindu style with rich artwork of ancient India. Featuring a Hindu temple underneath, the mosque attracts tourist who visit Panchganga ghat.
Ramnagar Fort
Situated on the opposite bank of Ganges River, the fort attracts huge tourist all over the world. It was constructed during 18th century by Maharaja Balwant Singh using red sandstone. The fort features a temple built for Ved Vyasa, the author of Great Indian epic Mahabharata and a museum within its premises. Glossy marble stone, open courtyards, pavilions and beautifully carved balconies spotlight the fort. Apart from this, the fort possess a big clock of the ancient period which not just display time but also day, week, month and year.
Besides these famous spots, tourist can also visit Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Kedar Ghat, Shivala Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Hanyman Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat, Rana Mahala Ghat, Vishnu Charanapaduka and more. For those who wish for temples can visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, New Vishwanath Temple and Tulasi Mana Temple.
October to March is the best time to visit the holy city; since the temperature remains ideal during these months. Tourist can also opt to travel during Diwali and Maha Shivarathi to see the grand eye catching celebrations for the Lord God.
