Visit famous Shiva temple at Tiruvannamalai and surroundings

How to reach Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai is on Katpadi-Vellore-Villupuram railway line, 68 km west of Villupuram and 83 km south of Vellore. Tirupati- Villupuram Passanger train leaving Katpadi at 6-40, reaches Tiruvannamalai at 9-30. Katpadi-Trichy Passanger leaving at 16-50 arrives at Tiruvannamalai at 19-25 via Vellore and then departs for Villupuram. The Passanger train that leaves Tiruvannamalai at 6-40 reaches Villupuram at 8-45 and then goes upto Pondicherry at 10-30. Buses take passengers from Tiruvannamalai to Jinji in 1 hour, Chennai in 5 hours and Pondicherry in 3 ½ hours. Tourists for Pondicherry are advised to go straight there by train or from Villupuram by a bus journey of 38 km. Railway station and bus stand at Tiruvannamalai is between 500 meters.

To 100 km south of Kanchi, on the northern side of Shovaroi hill and around Arunchaleswar Temple Tiruvannamalai, a holy place dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the foothills 1.5 km from rail and bus stands, Tejalingam complex of over 100 temples has come up on 25 acre of land. This is towering temple, the largest in South India, built with the patronization of the Vijayanagar kings of the 16- 17th century.

What legend says about Tiruvannamalai

Lord Shiva emerges here as Agni Linga or one of the five sources of life in the midst of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu who clashed for supremacy. Lord Vishnu taking the form of a boar failed to bore the earth to determine the character of the Linga. Similarly, Lord Brahma in the form of a swan failed to scale the peak of the Lingam to do the same. Both accepted the superiority of Lord Shiva at Tiruvannamalai hill. The temple said to have taken 1000 years to built and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Arunchaleswar. Other deities like Parvati, Subrahmanya (Kartik), Ganesh, Lakshmi, Venugopal are there in the temple.

The 66 meters high 13 storey Mandapam or Gopuram is a beautiful piece of art works. Carvings are simply marvellous. One will find after entering it on the east gate at the first courtyard the beautiful 1000 pillar Mandap built by the Vijayanagar kings. To the north of the temple is a tree, a cross between Neem and Bodhi (Banyan). The holy tree is a symbol of peace, happiness and prosperity. Newly married women come and pray to the holy tree for happy married lives. In November-December on the occasion of Kartik full moon a grand Kartikai Deepam festival is organized. Lord Shiva travels around the town on a chariot alongwith Parvati, Kartik and Ganesh. People from far off places come here to take part in the 10-days festival. One has to make 14 km tour trek up the Tiruvannamalai hill to see the Shiva Lingam.

Other attractions of Tiruvannamalai
Maharshi Raman's Ashram is another attraction. He died in 1950, cremated 2 km on the South West of the town. Further west is the 1100 meter high Shovaroi hill on the right side of the road and 300 meter high Kalrayan hill on the left side.

Opposite the temple to the North West side is the holy hill with its Virupaksha cave. Further up Skandasraman cave.

Where to stay at Tiruvannamalai
Pilgrims and tourists can stay in the Ashram. There after places like
Aruna Lodge, 82 Kosambadam St, Ph: (04175) 2323291;
Udipi Brindhavan Hotel, 57-A, Car St, Ph: 2322693;
Sri Kalaimangal Lodge, opposite north entrance. 14 Vadaothavadai St, Ph: 2324215; Park Hotel, Rajaram Lodge, Devil Lodge, Murugan Lodge, Ranga Lodge, Trishul Hotel, Hotel Akash, Thoumagal Lodge, Modern Cafe tourists can try.

Places to visit surrounding Tiruvannamalai
35 km west of Tiruvannamalai, in the Reserved Forest is Sathanur Dam (built in 1957) on the Ponnyar river which emerged out of North Bangalore. The lake created out of the dam has got a swimming pool and a crocodile project has also been taken up here. The park adjacent to the lake has a good ambience.

Further south is Kuddalore. East India Company set up a commercial house here in 1684. Fort St David was also their creation. However, the French destroyed the fort in 1758. Tourists may visit by bus to sculpturally beautiful Krishna Temple 43 km west of Villupuram.
This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Visit Thirukazhukundram or Pakshitirtham from Chennai or Kanchipuram

Location of Thirukkazhukundram / Pakshitirtham

Thirukazhukundram or Pakshitirtham is situated on the way of Chengelpattu-Mahabalipuram at a place of 49 km from Kanchipuram and 16 km east of Mahabalipuram. Chennai from here is 70 km on Chennai-Trichy roadway of NH 45 via Chengelpattu.

What to see in Thirukkazhukundram/ Pakshitirtham

Pakshitirtham Temple is on the peak of Bhedagiri Hill. One can go up to the temple, after ascending 537 step flight of stairs and climbing 160 meters up. Basket carrier Kandis may be availed of to go up the hill. This temple of Lord Shiva is visited by two eagles named Pusha and Prithwi everyday at 11-30am 12-00 pm to receive offerings. At some times only one of them flies down the temple. Legend says, two sages in disguise of eagles come here after taking a bath at Varanasi to take lunch at Pakshitirtham and then fly away to Rameshwaram. Some people dispute this story. There is a temple of Lord Shiva at a village at the foothills. There exists a holy pond at Pakshitirtham. Believers say a conch emerges out of the pond every 12 years.
Timmu Roy, the absconded King of Vijayanagar, built a fortress in the Jinjir style at Chengalpattu on the Chennai-Trichy Rd. This may also attract the visitors.



This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Places to see in Kanchipuram

Kailashnath is the oldest temple in South India. With a Pyramid-style dome the temple is octogonal at the top. It was built in700 AD by Pallava King Raja Sinha, 1 km to the west of the city to fulfill the wish of the queen. The front of the temple was added by Ring Mahendra Barman III. Lord Shiva at his own Mount Kailash is surrounded here by Goddess Durga on her lion and Vishnu. Nandi, 58 other Gods and Goddesses adorn the front space. A dance competition between Hara and Parvati with Brahma and Vishnu being the Judges is depicted on the temple walls in beautiful sculptural forms. Purana episodes and war ballads of the Pallava kings have been engraved in Pali language in Bas-relief form on the granite altar of the Kailashnath Temple made of sandstone.

On the NorthWest side of the city, 1 km from the bus stand, Ekambarareswar Temple is built by the Pallava kings. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kshiti or the Earth. The temple was renovated later by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings. Built on a 22 acre plot of land this temple's south-facing 8 storey Raja Gopuram is 57 meter high. Raja Krishnadev Roy of Vijayanagar built it with a stonewall around the temple in 1509. One can have all round view from the top of Gopuram. After crossing five open spaces, one finds Kalyan Mandap with 968 pillars. Here seated the Kameswar Shiva, in the form of an immovable Linga who favourably responds to one's desires. To the south the holy pond there is Sarbatirtham Puskarini. The mango tree of the legend is also there—the 3500 year old Antra Nathar. The God and the temple is called Sree Ekambaranathar. The yields of four branches mango of the tree give four different tastes. Legend says four kinds of mangoes represent four Vedas. It is also said, Ekambaranathar is the symbol of the marriage place of Shiva and Kamaskhi. In every April their marriage anniversary is observed here.


When Kanchi went under Muslim control, the image of Ekambaranathji was shifted to Chennai. Later, Clive reinstalled Shiva at Kanchi. There are entry fees and even one is charged for carrying cameras.

Shakuntala Jagannath Museum of Folk Art nearby at the house of C P Ramaswami Iyar is also worth visiting.

To the North West of the bus stand Sree Kamakshi Amman Temple, built by Chola kings in the 14th century, is another temple you should visit.. The original image of the Goddess is at Tanjore. Later, a new image was built. Trio is the source of power (Madurai, Kanchi and Varanasi). Sree Kamakshi Amman is one of them. There is an aircraft and gopuram made of gold. Ammai or the Mandap is also full of sculptures. Bas relief pictures on the panels are simply extraordinary. An art gallery at Sree Kamakshi Amman is also there. In February-March on the 9th Lunar Day, car festival is observed.

Tamil New Year is another great festival of Kanchi. The place where Sankaracharya was cremated is located here.

The very old Sree Baikuntha Perumal Temple adjacent to Sree Kamakshi Temple is next to Kailashnath is another important spot. It is situated on the South Western side, 1 km from the railway station. Pallava King Nandi Barman II built it in the 8th century. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the core of the temple which is delinked from the Mandapam. The Dravidian arts, sculptures, frescos inside the temple have an overwhelming effect on the visitors. The mural paintings tell the stories of Pallava Kings, their coronations, battles between the Ganga dynasty and the Chalukyas and the like. The 100-pillar Hall built by the Vijayanagar kings is also a noble feature.

Three km South-East of Kanchipuram, the Pallava kings built Sree Varadraja Perumal or Devarajaswami Temple. Here the deity is Perumal or Vishnu, shaped in the form of an elephant built on granite stone. This is the stone image of Hastagiri. Believers say another God is found there in the form of 30 ft image down deep in the pond. The God reveals himself out of water at intervals of 48 years. Next appearance is due in the year 2027. A pair of golden & silver lizards is stationed at the exit point from the core of the temple. The unholy spirit is removed by touching the lizards. At the western gate, kings of Vijayanagar, who were worshippers of power and strength, built the hundred-pillar hall (actually 96 pillars) in the 16th century. Though Hyder Ali destroyed the hall and its carvings and sculptures, some remnants of the granite chains on the four corners of it still charm the visitors. One has to pay entry fee and camera is allowed inside against a charge.

Sankaramandapam is yet another visiting spot at Kanchipuram.

Sree Chandrasekharendra, 64th Acharya, died at the age of 100 years in 1994. At the cemetery, a monastery has been set up with a room for meditation.

Anna Memorial has been newly built near Varadraj in the honour of Anna or Elder Brother Dr C N Annadurai, who was a popular Chief Minister.

Besides temples, Kanchi was the Pallava capital between 6th and 8th centuries. Kanchi was very much advanced in commerce and industry even at that period. Kanjivaram silk woven with golden thread and fibers (Kanchi's mulberry or Kanchivaram) was originally made as a dress material for theDevdasis (damsels dedicated to presiding deities of temples). Today the women throughout the country keenly seek Kanjivaram sarees and other dresses. As a result, over 20,000 persons are engaged by the silk industry. Interested persons can visit the silk units and can even make purchases there.

Contact—Weavers' Service Centre, 20 Station Road Ph: 222530. But Chennai is a better place for shopping Kanjivaram pieces, both for quality and price.

Apart from trade and industry Kanchi was quite advanced as a centre for learning. Kanchi is associated with erudite celebrities like Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder, Bodhidharma, Kautilya. Kanchi is proud of them and their great deeds.
Only 5 km away in Enathoor village, the monastery established by Sankaracharya of Kanchi is bestowed with all the qualities of a university. The wealthy collection of old books is simply fascinating. There is a 60 ft statue of the earliest Sankara.

See also:

Kanchipuram - The Varanasi of South India
Places to see in Kanchipuram

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Kanchipuram – The Varanasi of Southern India

Kanchipuram is the golden city of thousand temples. Kanchipuram is also known as Kashi or Varanasi of the south. It was a walled city in the past and was called Shiva-Vishnu Kanchi. Buddhism and Jainism also found roots here before the birth of Jesus Christ but this phenomenon faded in the 4th century with the advent of the Hindu temples. Even today a Jain temple built during Chola regime is located on the southern bank of the Begavati river, 5 km on the city's outskirts. Kanchipuram is one of the Seven Mokskhapuris for devout Hindus. Others are at Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Ujjain, Hardwar and Dwaraka. Thousand temples at Kanchipuram were built in 11.6sqkm and there are 10,000 Shiva lingas. Lord Vishnu is another God of Kanchi.

Around the bus stand on the northern side of the town, 200 temples still carry the mark of the Pallava sculptures. The sky-high Gopurams are still visible from far-off places. The artisans in Pallava era also invented Kanchivaram silks.


The control of Kanchipuram was highly coveted by rival dynasties, Pallavas, Cholas as well as the Chalukyas and Rashtrakuts of Badami.

The city has a population of about 2 lakh people. The temperature varies between 36.6° and 21.1° C in the summer and 28.7° and 19.8° C in the winter.

How to travel Kanchipuram
TTDC and ITDC conducted one-day bus tours (6-30—19-00 with breakfast and lunch) cover Kanchipuram, Pakshitirtham and Mahabalipuram at charges. Constrained by limited hours, the tourists cannot take a proper view of all the places however economic and time saving the conducted tours may be. It is better to avoid trains and avail bus services to reach Kanchipuram.

After arriving there contract a rickshaw or walk throughout the day to visit one temple after another made by the Pallava-Chola-Vijayanagar kings. The temples remain closed during the mid-day (13-00 Hrs—16-00 Hrs). One should be beware of demands of tips. Enthusiastic tourists may contact Archeological Department opposite Kailash for a thorough visit.


See also:

Kanchipuram - The Varanasi of South India
Places to see in Kanchipuram




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi

Other attractions of Varanasi and surroundings:

Kashi Hindu Vishwa vidyalaya (Benaras Hindu University or BHU): Kashi once was the cultural mooring of India. The place attracted countless of ascetics, sages and philosophers in pursuit of knowledge. Some came in search of the true disciples. Some of them were social reformers and some again, religious leaders. Glorious are the names— Buddha, Sankaracharya, Ramanuja, Kabir, Nanak, Tulsidas, Chaitanya,Trailangswami and others.

Central Hindu College of Anne Besant was in fact the birth place of the University. Today it is stretched over a sprawling area of 2000acre across (5 sq km), 11.2km from the city and 1 ½ km from the DurgaTemple. The University is the ultimate expression of a man's profound respect for the cultural heritage of India.

His name is Pandit Madanmohan Malavya (1862-1942), who founded this University.. The classical Indian ideological spirit was a perfect combination of the oriental and the occidental. It was above all sectarianism or narrowness. The University aims at rekindling this spirit among the students. 112 subjects are taught here. BHU Institute of Technology and the Departments of Agriculture and Medical Science is reputed across the world.
There is a rich collection of miniature paintings and sculptures in Bharat Kala Bhawan (Summer: from 8-00 to 12-00 and Winter: from 11-00 to 17-00) It is closed on Sunday.The New Vishwanath Temple, 30 minutes from the gate, is a replica of the destroyed temple of the past. The temple was a brain child of Pandit Malavya and constructed by the Birla Group. The walls have mythological tales inscribed on them in this replica temple. The temple is open to all. Tours are conducted from the city. Otherwise, you may take a service bus/taxi/tanga/rickshaw from Godhulia. You may even take a boat upto Asi Ghat and walk from there. The University is closed on Sunday.


Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya: Kashi in the past was one of the most important research learning centers of Sanskrit language and Indian philosophers. The British Government founded Queen's College in a rental house, in 1791, for study of Sanskrit. The College was shifted to the present building in the later years.

Saraswati Bhawan and the Museum are two more attractions. The University has a fabulous collection of more than one and a half million Sanskrit scriptures. There is a beautiful image of Ardhanariswara in the lawn.

Varanasi is also famous for its age old tradition of Hindusthani Music and even Thumri. The musical gharana has been enriched by maestros like Ravishankar, Shantaprasad and Bismillah Khan. Various musical programs and conferences are held during winter and springtime. The dance and musical program during the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) attracts a huge audience.

The boat race is also a major attraction during Ganga Mahotsav. Millions of lamps are lit and floated in the river water. The 5-day long Dhrupad Mela at Tulsi Ghat fetches a huge number of visitors. The kite festival is yet another big attraction.

Ramnagar : You may take a boat from Dashaswamedh Ghat or a bus/share auto from Godawlia to reach here. Conducted bus tours are also arranged for a trip to Ramnagar( 17.7 km) on the other side of Ganga.

The 17th century royal palace is a real sight with its towering gate. Get across the gatekeeper and there are 10/12 cannons on the courtyard. Tickets are issued for visiting the royal armory and museum. The big clock, manufactured by B Mulchand way back in 1872, still now gives the correct time and even a perfect reading of the solar and lunar position. The museum contains a silver palanquin of the royal family, hawdas or elephant-seats, ivory mats and antique ornaments. The descendants of the royal family still now live in a part of the palace. The visiting hours 10-00 to 12-00 and 14-00 to 17-00 hours.

The Durga Mandir, built by Raja Jait Singh, behind the palace, on the banks of Ganga is another sight. Empanelled images of various gods and worldly creatures stand in a row. The 4-armed Durga the family deity, is worshipped in the temple. The month-long Ramlila festival is annually held here in the month of Aswin (October). The festival was introduced in 1830.

Vyaskashi is on the Kashi-Ramnagar road: The temple has three idols made of eight metals. They are of Vyasdeva, Sukdeva and Viswanath. There is also a 250 year old imaginary oil painting of Vyasdeva. However, anyone dying in Vyaskashi is believed to be born as an ass in the next life.

Shopping at Varanasi
The Silk brocade or, Benarasi saree with zari works is another tradition of Varanasi. Benarasi is one of the most indispensable items in a Bengali marriage. Benarasi here is a cottage industry. Its fame is worldwide. Golghar, adjacent to GPO is the weavers' market and is a reliable place for shopping. You may also see die making process in the weavers' workshops. Quality Benarasi sarees are available also at Mubaraqganj and Madanpura. There are many shops at Godawlia. UPICA at Nadesar and UP Handloom at Lahurabir, Nedesar and Nichibagh. Though costlier but are highly recommendable for their good quality items. Avoid the touts and even the hoteliers while shopping. Shops are closed on Sunday.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Places to visit at Varanasi – Ghats of Varanasi

Ganga: Varanasi, the oldest city, spreads along the western banks of Ganga. The main township stretches from Raja Ghat near the bridge upto Asi Ghat. It is an old city with a maze of lanes and by-lanes, so narrow at times that even a carriage cannot go in. There are places where the sunlight never reaches! Kashi has 365 ghats in total and all of them built by the kings of the olden days. The chain starts from Harishchandra Ghat or the great crematorium at south and ends at north, at Manikarnika. A clumsy cluster of ramshackle houses run along the banks, at times leaning loosely over the water.

Yet with all this Ganga is great. The river, to the devotees, is the ultimate symbol of purity, a way to salvation. Its water, a panacea, absolves one of worldly sins. A three nights' stay by the river is believed to be a ticket to heaven. Drinking one palmful of its water is synonymous with an Aswamedh Yajna. Any charitable offering here is an act of piety. This is the holiest of the rivers. But this is the most polluted stretch of water in the country. Naturally the Ganga Action Plan, formed in 1986, has a monumental task ahead.


The Ghats are of immense attraction to the tourists and travelers. Stretched over an area of 5 km, the Ghat is always bustling in activities. There are the pundits ensconced under the parasols, performing many rituals necessary in a traditional Hindu's life. There are the hatha-yogis attracting people with their mysterious acrobatics. The Ghats are a place for everything like wrestling, yoga, pranayam and kathakata (story telling) which bears tradition of oral chroniclers now turned into the professional practice of narrating scriptures and mythological tales. Among all this are the countless bathers, men and women, from eight to eighty taking a holy dip. The Ghat comes to life right from the break of dawn. Devotees gather to pay homage to the first rays of the sun after their bath. The evening arati at 7-00 pm fetches a huge number of viewers from across the city. The Gangarati is followed by the evening arati's in all the temples.

Dashaswamedh, the greatest of the ghats, is centrally located is 4 km from the Railway station. For believers, a bath here gives the result of a Dashaswamedh yajna. According to mythology, Brahma, the creator of the universe, appointed Divyodas or Ripunjay, the King of Kashi. As advised by Brahma, Divyodas performed Dashaswamedh yajna, an offering of ten horses to appease Brahma on the banks of Rudra Sarovar. That is how the name originated: dash (ten) + aswa (horse) + medh (killing for yajna). All the other gods were driven out to further appease Brahma, the supreme. When even Shiva was about to leave, Brahma, thoroughly pleased, installed the Brahmeswara Linga. That is how the place was created.

You walk past the long row of beggars and reach the Sitala temple at your right.

The chain starts— ghats one after another—Ahalyabai Ghat built by Ahalyabai, the Queen of Indore, Munshi Ghat with Darbhanga Palace nearby, Darbhanga Ghat, Ranamahal Ghat, built by the King and the Queen of Udaipur, Dhobi Ghat, Chaushat Ghat with the temple of 64 yoginis (female attendants of goddess Durga), Digpatiya Ghat, Pandey Ghat, Raj Ghat-built by Bajaji Peshwa Rao of Pune, Narad Ghat-hearsay is, a couple bathing here are bound to have a quarrel, Mansarovar Ghat, built by Man Singh, King of Ambar, in memory of Shiva's abodes in Kailash and Manas, Kedar Ghat, the KedarnathTemple on it has a Shiva Linga of black stone, Someswar (Chandra) Ghat whose water is considered a panacea, Chowki Ghat with an idol of Naga beneath the peepal tree (Buddha is said to have attained Nirvana here), Lali Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat of mythological importance, associated with the tales of Harishchandra-Saibya-Rohitaswa is now the great crematorium. Further ahead are Hanuman Ghat, Kali Ghat or Shibala, a private ghat of the King of Varanasi, Bengali Mata Anandamoyee Ghat beyond the fort of Chait Singh, Tulsi Ghat also known as Lolarka Ghat in the past in memory of Tulsidas. Parents with a wish for child assemble at Lolarka fair during August/ September at Lolarka Kund. The Jains have built the Becharaj Ghat with three Jain temples. Nearby is Janki Ghat, another crematorium with electric pyre. Asi Ghat is at the confluence of Ganga and Asi. Ramnagar is on the eastern banks of Asi Ghat, which is also the end of the southern stretch of ghats.

North of Dashaswamedh are Rajendraprasad Ghat and Manmadir Ghat built in 1600 by Man Singh, the King of Ambar. Later, in 1710, Manmadir, an observatory was built in the old palace by Jai Singh, the King of Jaipur. Adjacent is the house of Lalua, the King of the doms, a Hindu lower caste, whose duty is to burn the dead and look after the crematorium. Though these people of lower rung are untouchable in considered caste-ridden Hindu Society, the house looks good.

Meera Ghat, built by Meera Bai has the Visalakshi Temple and also a holy well. Close to it is the Pashupatinath Temple with sculptures in the parental devotional form. The pinnacle is made of pure gold.

There are also Jalsen Ghat, Lalita Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat. The last of them is the second most important ghat after Dashaswamedh. The ear rings of Parvati are believed to have fallen here. It is believed that the kund or, the crater was dug out by Shiva in search for the rings. The water was formed out of his sweats. There is also a second opinion: the kund was dug out by Vishnu for some death-rituals. Between the Ghat and the well is Chandrapaduka, the foot print of Vishnu on a block of stone. There is also a GaneshaTemple. Manikarnika is also a busy crematorium.

Dattatreya Ghat is another holy place. The temple has an old footprint of its chief worshipper. Scindia Ghat was built in 1830. Part of it was damaged in later years and renovated. Above it is Sidha Kshetra, an abode of many gods who fulfill the wish of the devotees. Ram Ghat was built by the King of Jaipur and Rana Ghat, by the King of Udaipur. Panchaganga Ghat, another holy place was once a confluence of the five holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Trina and Durga. The Vishnu temple here built in the 17th century by Benimadhav Rao Scindia was destroyed by Aurangzeb. Later he built Alamgir Mosque in Hindu and Mughal architecture on the ruins of the temple. The aajan minar offers an overview of Varanasi.

So many ghats are there and each of them unique by itself. Gai Ghat with a stone idol of Garuda, Trilochan Ghat, Raj Ghat and others. The three-eyed Shiva Linga is above Trilochan Ghat. Vishnu is believed to have appeared at Adi Keshava Ghat.

But the holiest of all the ghats are Dashaswamedh, Manikarnika, Panchaganga, Kedar and Asi. Their water absolves one of sins. Devotees come here for offering pinda (food to the souls of ancestors).

Visit Godawlia during sunset and offer a lamp to Ganga. River cruise on Ganga is a special attraction. Particularly an early morning or evening cruise is a pleasant experience. A boat can be hired for leisure cruise. Move along the ghats and visit Kashi. Photography is prohibited. Taking pictures of a cremation is a strict no-no.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples

Kashi Vishwanath Temple : The Hindus consider him the greatest of the gods. A few steps south of Dashaswamedh Ghat take you to the lane on your right—and you are in Vishwanath Gali. The lane runs along Godawlia. The narrow lane is an abode of various Hindu gods and goddesses. The lane is also chock-a-block with shops with myriad merchandise. The main temple ahead has the black-stone deity of Vishwcswar in it Rituals are performed all day long—arati at the break of dawn 3 am, the evening arati at 7-30 pm, the donning of royal robe at 9 pm and finally the deity goes to sleep in a silver bed. Special tickets for observing all this are available at nominal cost.

The temple has been razed time and again during 11th—17th century. It has also been repeatedly renovated. It was renovated by Todarmal, the revenue minister of Akbar, in 1585 and it was again destroyed. Benimadha v Rao Scindia got it renovated again in the early 17th century. Aurangzeb destroyed it and built Alamgir Mosque on the ruins. The Mosque has 71 meter high minaret for performing aajan. The old temple was behind the Mosque and north-west of today's temple. Even the ruins of the old temple were washed away in the devastating flood of 1948. A detour across the main road takes you to the site. The base and the rear part of the mosque still now offer you a view of the old architecture. Razia Mosque too was built up on the ruins in the 13th century.


Hiu-en-Tsang's chronicle tells us that the copper-color idol in the old days was 100 arms high. The present temple was built on the ruins of the old one by Ahalyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore, in 1777, and Punjab Keshri Ranjit Singh, in 1839. They covered its pinnacles with 820 kg of gold. The main crest gilt and 51 ft high and is surrounded by the small ones. The big ornate bell came as a gift from the King of Nepal. And in the lane, left of the temple, the Nahbatkhana was built by Warren Hastings.

Gyan Bhapi, the well of knowledge is a bit north, between the temple and the mosque. The legend is, this well was dug out by a fierce Ishan with his trident. He had bathed Vishwanath in one thousand pitchers of water that came from the well. A second opinion says that Mukunda Brahmachari came to Kashi and hit a blow in the earth to get the holy water for worshipping Vishwanath. Gnyan Bhapi was a secret shelter for Vishwanath when Kalapahar or Kalachand Roy with 41 conservative Brahmin converted into Islam, arrived here to destroy the temple.

Some believe, people used to commit suicide in the water for emancipation. The temple of Gyan Bhapi was built by Baijabai, the queen of Gwalior in 1830.

Annapurna Temple, built by Peshoa Baji rao I in 1725, is in the same lane, opposite Vishwanath Temple. The spectacular Annakuta festival takes place on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartick. The golden idol of the goddess is open to public viewing during the festival.

Other temples of Varanasi:
There are more than 1000 temples in Varanasi. Here are few important ones.

Durga Temple, 8 km south at Asi, was built by Rani Bhabani of Bengal in the 18th century. This temple has a Nagara architecture and has a saffron idol of goddess Durga in it. The five crests of the temple signify the five basic elements converging in Brahma. The temple is also known as the Monkey Temple for a huge crowd of monkeys in the campus. People come for a holy dip in the pond of the temple.

Tulsi Manas Temple, built in 1964 in the memory of Tulsidas, the creator of Ramcharit Manas, is another attraction. The temple has three main deities— Ram, Lakshman and Sita. They are flanked by Lakshmi. Narayan, Annapurna and Vishwanath. Tulsidas lived in this place and this is where he wrote his great epic Ramcharit Manas. He died here in 1623. The Hindi couplets of Ramayana in eight volumes have been inscribed on white marble. Puppet shows of Ramayana are held on the first floor. Tulsi ghat, the exact location where Tulsidas believed to have composed his epic, is nearby. The temple is open to all during 5 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 12 am.

Bharatmata Temple, at Vidyapith Road south of Cantonment Station, was built by Siba Prasad Gupta and Durgaprasad Kshetri. The temple has its own unique charm. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. A relief map of India, instead of gods, is carved on the white marble wall.

The Town Hall near Kotwali Police Station was built in 1845. Nearby is Vairabnath Temple or the abode of Kalavairab, built in 1825 by Bajirao II. Close to it are Dandapani Temple and Kamrup. The common belief is, those who cannot see the shadows of their faces in the water of the well are destined to die an untimely death. There are other idols—Ganesha, Annapurna, Sukreswara, Shanaishchara. People believe that one has to report about one's return journey at Ganesh Temple. The same ritual is practiced before Sakshi Gopala at Puri. The Temple of Sankatmochan is near the Venaras Hindu University. Hanuman Temple also is quite close to it.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Choice of Food in Varanasi

Bengali hotel, Dashaswamedh Boarding House, Ph: 2401701, at the entrance of Dashaswamedh Ghat is highly reputed. Food is served also to non-boarders. Jalajog at Godawlia junction is another favorite place of the Bengalis. Equally popular is Jayanti, beside Luxa Police Station. There is yet another Bengali food joint Khabar Hotel, at the entrance of Pandey Dharamshala.
New Star Hotel—a Nepalese management—opposite Vishwanath Gali, but its food is commendable. Jayasree opposite Majda Cinema is also popular. In a narrow lane at the end point of Dashaswamedh Ghat Road, Keshari is famous for its food. Chinese food is served at Win fa Restaurant, Poonam Restaurant, El Parador near Pani Tanki and Tulasi Restaurant.
Kerala Café at Belapur is quite famous for its South Indian food.
El Chico, though a bit costly, is famous fonts wide range of food—Indian, Continental and Chinese vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.


Garden restaurant is also famous for its cuisine. It is situated just opposite to Sushil Cinema hall.
At Bhelpura, opposite to Lalita Cinema auditorium, Sindhi Restaurant is famous for vegetarian food.
At Cantonment area, restaurant of Tourist Bungalow is well known for its food, but the price is on higher side.
Mandarin Chinese Restaurant is there, just beside the Tourist Bungalow.
There is another popular food joint—Most Welcome Restaurant.
Varanasi Junction Railway Restaurant offers good food at a moderate price.
Varanasi is famous for its malai, rabri and lassi. Quality lassi is available in the lanes around Bombay Dyeing and at Dwarkapuri Chawk. Varanasi is also known for its pera, yet another variety of sweetmeat. Real good peras are sold at Mouchak at Bireswar Pandey Dharamshala Building. Apart from the sweets, there is a wide range of aloo-tikiya. dahi-phuchka and chat are quite popular among tourists. Varanasi's fame for paan is legendary. Debesh, a Bengali shop in the Vishwanath Gali is quite popular for Zarda paans.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi

Varanasi a major attraction to pilgrims as well as tourists. There are many accommodations available to cater to different categories of tourists. The hotels are generally clustered around three main areas. The middle-range hotels are at Parade Kothi, Cantonment, Opposite Varanasi Junction Railway Station. The high-range hotels at The Mall, New Cantonment, to the south of Railway station. The mixed-range hotels are available around Godawlia—the old city by Ganga, 4 km south of Railway station and bus stand. The area stretches across places like Vidyapith Road, Sigra, Laxa Road or Lahrabir, Chetganj and Nai Sadak.

With Viswanath Temple right on the banks of her, Ganga is the chief attraction in Varanasi. Better take a rickshaw from the Railway station and choose any Ganga facing hotel in Godawlia. Be careful about the rickshaw wallahs or the auto-tanga drivers who often drag travelers to their chosen joints for a commission.

List of Hotels in different areas of Varanasi
STD code: +91 542

4 km from Railway station/bus stand, at Dashaswamedh Road, Varanasi-221001, a Bengali hotel, Hotel Dashaswamedh Boarding House, Ph:2401701,
The house, though old, is quite good for its riverside location and tasty food.

Beside it, Dashaswamedh Lodge; Opposite Siddhartlia Lodging House, at more or less the same rate.


Near Vishwanath Lane, Sahu Hotel. Ph: 2393594,

Opposite a few steps ahead Hotel Ganges, Ph: 2276766, Kolkata Booking: Anwesa Ph: 25123723;

Same entrance on first floor Tripti / Opposite Banaras Lodge. Bel View Lodge, Sri Venkateswar Lodge

One of the best—Hotel Lara India, Ph: 2400805. Kolkata Booking: TTMI Ph: 22442051;

Hotel Summon, Ph: 2392241,
Hotel New Shivam.
Across Godawlia Crossing on Luxa Road-1—Hotel Empire, Ph: 2322127
Hotel Jamuna, Ph: 2392300,
Varanasi Rest House, Ph: 2391696.
Ganga tourist Lodge Ph: 2357071.
Hotel Jaslok, Opposite Ramakrishna Mission, Ph: 2421262;
Hotel J K International Ph: 2392141
Hotel Jyoti Ph: 2328333.

Baradeo Palace Hotel, Birla ClockTower, Ph:2352950.
Seema Hotel. Ph: 23S2686.

Down the narrow, meandering lane at Godawlia—

Yogi Lodge , modest in look but reputed for food and accommodation. The canteen serves both Indian and international food. Inspired by Yogi Lodge. two more names have come up—New Yogi Lodge and Jogi Lodge; rickshaws bring in travelers for commission.
Golden Lodge Opposite Yogi Lodge is moderately rated.
Very near Hotel KVM, Hotel Binod, Tripti Lodge are also can be tried.

Towards the North, beyond the temple, Trimurti Guest House, 35/12Saraswati Phatak.
Shahi Guest house is behind Yogi. In the Ghat areathere are Vishnu Rest House and Hotel Kumiko House, run by a Japanese woman married to an Indian.

Further ahead toward station, at Sigra

Hotel Multi. C-31/3 Vidyapith Road, Ph: 2222895, Kolkata Booking : TTMI Ph: 22442051/ Anwesa Ph: 25123723
Hotel Padmini, Sigra,
Hotel Ashok, Vidyapith Road. Ph: 2221391
Hotel Garden View, D-64/129 Vidyapith Road.
Hotel Siddhartha. Ph: 2220861.
GM Guest House, 1 Chandrika Colony.

From Godawlia, toward Railway station at Nat Sarak—
Green Lodge, Hotel Faran, Ph: 2358988, Hotel Samrat,

On the way to the station, at Chetganj—

Pattavi International Hotel, Hathwa Place, Chetganj-10, Ph: 2356939. Kolkata Booking : Holiday Managers, Ph: 22485829;
Hotel Basant, C-67/222 Chetganj,
Hotel Varanasi Sangam

Hotel New International, Ph: 2350705, Kolkata Booking: Diamond Ph: 22376714/ Trav Cons Ph: 22251542;
Pradip Hotel, Jagatganj-2 Ph: 2204963,
Gatrtam Hotel, Ramkatora, Ph: 2206239, Kolkata Booking : Holiday Managers Ph : 22485829 / TTMI Ph: 22442051;
Hotel Buddha, Ramkatora-1,Ph:2203656,
Hotel Natraj, Ph: 2203652,

Five minutes walk from Parade Kothi, Cantonment, Opposite Junction Railway Station—UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow, Ph: 2208413, Fax 0542-208545, with reputed food items.
At its left Shivam Hotel, Ph: 2201055.
Amur Hotel, Ph: 2203509,
Hotel Glory, Ph: 2511134,
Hotel Diwan, Ph: 2208856,
Hotel Relax, Ph: 2343503,
Hotel Plaza lnn, Ph: 2205504, Kolkata Booking: TTMI Ph:22442051 / Dishani Ph: 22194547.

Ordinary hotels: Girnar Lodge, Palki Guest house, Hotel Awadh, Hotel Satyam, Shekhraj Hotel, Artand Lodge, National Lodge, Maruti Lodge, Sumit Lodge are their at very nominal rates.

On GT Road, Opposite Railway station, at Cantonment—
Hotel Mansarovar, Ph: 2340704, DAB
Hotel Vishnu Priya, Cantonment, GT Road-2, DA;
Hotel Modern, Station Road, Ph: 2354994,
Hotel Gaurav, 23 Lajpat Nagar, Maldahiya-1, Ph: 2356224
Hotel Baraltdari— A Jain owned hotel is one of the most popular hotels near GPO, Ph: 2330581

At Cantonment behind Railway station
Hotel India, 59 Patel Nagar- 221002,Ph:2342912, Kolkata Booking: TTMI Ph:22442051 /Ashok Ph:22885208
Hotel Vaibhav, 56 Patel Nagar,
Manas Lodge, Tulsi Manas Temple,
Hotel Himalaya, Club Road,
Om Lodge, Bans Phatak;
Kailash Lodge, Rampura;
Manvi Guest house, Sidhgiri Bagh; Indra,

Besides there are Railway Retiring Room and Vikash Pradhikaran Guest house of the Municipality.

Near Railway station, at New Cantonment, modern western style hotels,
Hotel Varanasi Ashok, The Mall-221002,Ph: 2346020
Hotel Clarks Varanasi, The Mall-2,Ph: 2348501,
Hotel Diamond, Bhelupura Ph: 2310696, Kolkata Booking: TTMI Ph:22442051/ Anwesa Ph:25123723;
Hotel Taj Ganges, Raja Bazar Road-2, Ph:2345100,
International Guest house, Hindu University, Advance Booking : Registrar, BHU
U De Paris, The Mall-2, Ph:2346601
Hotel M M Continental, The Mall-2, Ph:2345272,
Hotel New International, The Mall, Ph: 2350805
Hotel Shalimar, The Mall, Ph:2342133
Hotel Jay Ganges, Maldahiya-2,
Hotel Hindusthan International, C-21/3 Maldahiya-2, Ph:2351484-90, Kolkata Booking : Ph:22472394/Delhi Booking Ph:24649068/Mumbai Booking Ph: 22702757;
Hotel Sandona, S17/ 331 -3 City Bus Depot, Maldahiya;
Kanhaiya Vishram Mandir Hotel;
Hotel Bombay International, Sonarpura-1,
Hotel Ideal Best Western.The MaIl, Cantonment-2, Ph:2348091,
Hotel Ideal Tops. TheMall, Cantonment-2, Ph: 348250,
Hotel surya, The Mall, Ph: 2343014
Hotel Varuna, 22 Gulab Bagh, Sigra-2, Kolkata Booking : Anwesa Ph: 25123723; Hotel Avaneesh, C-K Lajpat Nagar, Maldahiya, Kolkata Booking: Holiday Managers Ph: 22485829.

Company Holiday Homes in Varanasi:

Income Tax Sports & Recreation Club at Hotel Hat Hotel Sahu, Kolkata Booking : P-13Chowringhee Square-69,Ph: 22482361 Extension
601;
Union Carbide Employees Recreation Club, Jeevandwip, 1 Middleton St, Kolkata -71,Ph:22296047 at Ramnivas, D-17 Bhuteswar Gali;
UCO Bank Officers' Congress Holiday Home, Kolkata Booking: 16-A Brabourne Road, 3rd Floor-1, Ph: 22351778, at Ramni vas;
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation Company Cooperative Society, 1, Hogg St-13, Ph: 22443471 Extension 542, at Karunamayee Bhavan, Jangambari;
UBI Employees' Cooperative Society, Kolkata Branch, 4th Floor, 4, N C Dutta Sarani-1, Ph:22200841, at Pandey Haweli;
in the same building UBI Employees' Union, N S Road Branch, 67-A, N S Road-1, Ph:22431714;
Syndicate Bank Staff Recreation Club, 3B,Lalbazar St, 2nd Floor, Kol-l, Ph:22486055, at CK-34/42 LahoritoIIa;
UC Employees ' Unit HH, at Pandey Haweli, Kolkata Booking;
New India Insurance Cooperative Society Ltd, Metropolitan Building, 7, Chowringhee Road-13, Ph:22482779;
Bank of Baroda Employees 'Association, Rubi House, 1st Floor, 8 India Exchange Place-1, Ph: 22426692, at Bangalitolla;
SBI Employees' (Bengal Circle), 8 Old Post Office Street -1, Ph:22485075, at Ahaiyabari Ghat;
Canara Bank Staff Recreation Club, 2, Brabourne Road-1, Ph:22254966, at Gooriganj-Bhelupura;
Hong Kong Bank Employees' Union, near Dashaswamedh Ghat, Kolkata Booking : 8 NS Road, Kolkata - l, Ph: 22201833 Extension 2l3
Grindlays Bank Employees' Cooperative Credit Society Ltd, 6 Church Lane-1, at Rampura, Opposite Bireshwar Pareh Dharamshala;
Gardenreach Ship Builders & Engineers Staff Co-operative Society Holiday home, Opposite Kanaiya Cinema, Kolkata Booking : Ph: 24699100;
Andrew Yule Recreation Club, 8 Club Row-1, Ph: 22258210, at Godhulia;
Shibpur Cooperative Bank Ltd, 173 Shibpur Road, Howrah-2,Ph: 26602058, at D 47/96 Rampura;
Reserve Bank Workers Cooperative Credit Society, 15, N S Road-1, 3rd Floor, Ph: 22208331 Extension PDO, at Dashaswamedh Ghat;
In the same building RBI Supervisor Staff Cooperative Credit Society, RBI, 7th Floor, Ph: 22208331 Extension 167;
Tata Sports Club. 43 J N Road-71, Ph:22477051 Extension 2168, at Jangambari Math;
Bokaro Steel Employees Co-operative Credit Society Holiday Home, 13, Camac St-17, Ph: 22478351,
Opposite Jangambari Math - Central Bank Employees Cooperative Society, 10, Lindsay St-87,Ph: 22446789;
The Bank Employees' Co-operative Bank Holiday Home, at Karunamayee Bhawan, Jangambari, Kolkata Booking: 23-A, N S Road-1, Ph:22211710;
Allahabad Bank Workers' Union Holiday Home, at Godhulia, Kolkata Booking; 14 India Exchange Place (2nd Floor), Ph:22208375 Extension 123;
Allahabad Bank Employees' Recreation Society, 7, Red Cross Place-1, Ph:22482823, at Pandey Haweli and many others.

Dharamsalas at Varanasi

Varanasi has many Dharamshalas.
At Godawlia—-Bireswar Pandey Dharamshala, Ph: 2400862, Harasundari and Sindhe.
At Rampura—Tulsi Dharamshala, Beriwala Atithi Bhavan,
Adjacent to Saraswati Cinema, Sree Sree Purusluntama Bhagwan,
At Bulanala—Sree Krishna Dharamshala, Dudhwula, Sriklum Kunji Lucknowala, Chlotelal Kanoria.
On Luxa Road—Sree Ramakrishna Mission Atithishala, Karmal Sati Devi Dharamshala, Sree Annapurna Telwala.
At Dashaswamedh Ghat—Sant Tan pure, Maharastriya.
At Kabir Chaura—Kanpur. Sardur Ballavbhai Patel Memorial Guest House is at Andhra Bridge.
Near Kalbhairav—Parvatiya.
At Dalmandi— Muslim Musafirkhana, Jagdamba, Nepali, Dalmiya Guest House, Sree Beharilal Digambar Jain, Sree Maheswari, Rewa-Bai, Seth Anandaram Jaipuria Smriti Bhavan Dharamshala Ph: 2352674, Agarwala and Birtot
At Laxmanpura—Sree Tulsi Ram Laxmi Devi
On Kamakhya Road—Annapurna Telwala, Guru Nanak Gurdwara.
Besides above mentioned there are Anandamoyee Ma Ashram, Sree Ramakrishna Mission Guest House. On Vidyapith Road, at Sigra, near the Jain temple—Bharat Sevasram Sangha’s Guesthouse, Ph: 2221639.
A few names among above list need specially recommended are Bireswar Pandey Dharamshala, Harasundari Dharamshala, Sindhi Dharamshala, Annapurna Telwala, Purushottam, Beriwala Atithi Bhavan.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi

From Allahabad to Varanasi via Vindhyachal. Chunar and Ramgarh—it is an ideal tour program. Buses are quite frequent. The distance from Chunar is only 38.6 km. The connecting Railway stations are Varanasi City, Varanasi Junction and Kashi. But Varanasi Junction is the biggest link of the three.

Trains from Howrah : Howrah-Varanasi Express; 2381 Purva Express (Day 3 4 7); Himgiri Express (Day 2 5 6); Amritsar Mail; Amritsar Express; Sealdah-Varanasi Express; Sealdah-Amritsar Akal Takht Express(Day 3); Upasana Express (Day 2); Asansol-Amritsar Express (Day 7); Doon Express; Sealdah- Jammu Tawai Express. Varanasi is 678 km from Kolkata. It takes between 13 and 25 hours. The best trains are Purba Express (10 hrs), Amritsar Mail (l0 hrs) and Howrah-Varanasi Express (15 hrs). Most of the trains go via Mughalsarai. Mughalsarai is 15 km south of Varanasi and is connected by buses, autos, share taxis and DMU local trains.


Trains via Mughalsarai: Howrah-New Delhi
Rajdhani Express; Sealdah-Rajdhani Express; Purva Express; Kalka Mail; Udyan Ava Toofan; Howrah-Delhi Janata Express; Sealdah-Delhi Lai Quilla Express. Other trains to Varanasi Howrah-Jodhpur Express; Howrah-Gorakhpur Express; 3133 .

There are many trains to Delhi (767 km) takes 13 and 16 hrs.
The important ones: 4257 Kashi Vishwanath Express 14-10; 2559 Varanasi-New Delhi Shiva Ganga Express at 18-45. Besides, bi-weekly Bhubaneswar-Rajdhani Exp; bi-weekly Dibrugarh-Guwahati Rajdhani Express; Satbhavna Express 11 -45; 8475 Puri-New Delhi Nilachal Express (Day 136) at7-37; Patna-New Delhi Sramajibi Express 15-15; Muzaffarpur-New Delhi 5205 Lichhabi Express at 15-00.
Other trains for Varanasi
2053 Varanasi - Lucknow Jan Satabdi Express (except Sunday) leaves for Luc know (302 km) at 16-20.4227 Varanasai-Lucknow Varuna Express leaves at 4-55.4265 Varanasi-Dehra Dun Express leaves from Varanasi at 8-30, reaches Luc know at 19-30 and reaches Dehra Dun via Mardwar. There are also Kashi Vtswanath Express and Varanasi-New Delhi Express. There are also: New Delhi-Puri Express from Mughalsarai, Purushottam Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express (Day 2,4,6,7).
There are many other trains to and from Varanasi. Visit http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ fro more details.

Bus services from Varanasi:
Buses for various parts of the states and country is available from the state bus stand at cantonment.

Even the Nepal-bound passengers may take a bus straight to Bhainroa or, to Gorakhpur (67hrs) and change the bus. Sonauli from here takes about 1 hr. Cross the border on foot or by rickshaw. Take another bus from Bhainroa to Kathmandu or Pokhra. There are many buses. Most of them start at late afternoon and reaches Kathmandu the next day early in the morning. Private deluxe buses from Varanasi make trips to Kathmandu. But these buses are costlier and the journey is tedious. A change of bus at Sonauli is more preferable. Meter gauge trains on this route should be avoided.

Conducted Tour from Varanasi:

It is arranged by UPSRTC. The bus starts from UPTDC Tounst Bungalow, Parade Kothi. The places covered are: from 6 to 12 hrs. Ganga during winter, Viswanath Temple. Benaras Hindu University and the city. Sarnath and Ramnagar are shown from 14-00 to 18-00 hrs. UPSRTC bus makes a trip to Khajuraho at 7-00 hrs and comes back by 21-00 hrs. during tourist season. Cars may be hired at different rates from UPSTDC and ITDC. There are UP Government Tourist Offices at Tourist Bungalow and the Railway station. The Government of India Tourist Office is at 15B,The Mall,Cantonment, Varanasi. The ITDC Office is at Hotel Varanasi Ashok,The Mall.

Other Travel agents of Varanasi
Baba Loknath travels, Rampura at the entrance of Pandey Dharamshala, Ph: 2390541;
Opposite Ganga Travels, Ph: 2400488; a little ahead on your to Girzaghar, Adarsha Travels at D 48/126 Girzaghar, Ph:2351791;
Adjacent Varuna Travels, Ph:23907167 2454519 (R)

Packaged / Conducted tours available from Varanasi:
Varanasi-Sarnath-Ramnagar. Time :6-30—12-30and 12-30—19-00;
Vindhyachal-Chunar Time: 7-30—19-00;
Allahabad— Time: 7-00—20-00;
Sitamani— Time: 7-00—20-00;
Ganga Cruise — Time: 16-00—18-00.
3 day tours to Allahabad-Chitrakut and Gaya-Bodhgaya .
3 day package tours to Allahabad-Ayodhya,
4 day package tours to Khajuraho-Maihar-Chitrakut and
4 day package tours to Kathmandu.

They also conduct tours to visit the temple by tonga.

Cars may be hired from the travelling agents who also arrange Railway or Air tickets. Varuna Travels have their agencies in many Airlines. Their main office is at Varuna Travels, Pandey Haveli, Ph: 2393371 (O) 2454529 (R).

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Varanasi – A must visit sacred destination in India

“Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”—Mark Twain

History of Varanasi / Benaras / Kashi dham
The Ganga flows here in a half cresent formation with Varuna on one side and Asi on the other. Varanasi, the oldest living city in the world, is at the confluence of these three rivers. It is compared to Babylon (7th century BC) and Nineva in ancient world. It is mentioned in the Upanishads as the holiest of all the holy pilgrimages. One of the legendary seven cities, Varanasi is believed to have been founded by Kasya, the son of Suhotra, twelve hundred years ago. Kashi, another name of Varanasi seems to be derived from Kasya, the founder. There is another opinion about the name. Here the sky, during sunrise, looks deep saffron (Sanskrit Kashaya) and hence the name Kashi is popularized, The City of Lights. Much later Varna, the King of Kashi installed the idol of a goddess named Varanasi. Kashi became Varanasi henceforth. Bamana Puran gives another account two holy streams flowed from the legs of the absolute God who was born out of Vishnu. The compassionate Varuna was born out of the right leg and was flowing towards north and Asi came out of his left leg and headed toward south. Varuna and Asi joined together here and so the name Varanasi prevailed.


Kashi was under Kanauj for sometime in the medieval period. Later, in the 7th century, it went to the Pal Kings of Bengal. From them, it was gone under Muslim rulers. Many temples in Varanasi were destroyed by Muhammad Ghori (1033), Kutb-ud-din Ghori (1194), Alauddin Khilji (1294-1316) and Aurangzeb (17th century). Varanasi was renamed Muhammadabad for a short period in the 18th century. The British arrived in 1775 and made a separate state of Varanasi with Ramnagar as its district head quarter. Varanasi came to Uttar Pradesh in 1949.

What to see in varanasi
This is the second home of the Bengalees and the ultimate refuse of the traditional Hindu widows in their old age. Temples abound in the lanes and by-lanes. Some of them have worn out with age, while some are gorgeous and imposing. The streets and lanes are an utter maze. The traffic scene is completely chaotic. There are as many lanes as the people and shops. So much so that Kashi's lanes are known as “labyrinth of the east”. The countless cycles, auto-rickshaws and rickshaws jostle their way through the crowd, only to be impeded by the nonchalant bulls. The pandas are a pestering lot. The muddy water of Ganga is horribly polluted. Yet, despite all this, the bathing ghats invoke the feeling of a tradition that is as old as the Vedas. The chants during a sunrise change the whole atmosphere even today. The evening 7 pm arati is still now a spectacle.

The Viswanath Temple is a holy pilgrim place to the Hindus. Ganga here is one of the holiest of all the holy places in the three worlds, according to Hindu Purana. Staying here is believed to be a way to emancipation. Drinking a palmful of the water of Ganga is believed to deliver the effects of an Aswamedha Yajna. A sojourn here for three consecutive nights is believed to relieve one of the tortures of hell after death. Pilgrims, naturally enough, assemble here in great numbers. Varanasi is one of the fifty one Sati Pithas. According to Purana, the earring of Sati fell in Manikarnika Ghat.

Benaras Hindu University has a world-wide reputation. Sarnath and Ramnagar are two major attractions nearby. Buddhism as a religion developed and flourished in Sarnath which is the part of the Rajgir—Mathura tourist circuit. Varanasi has its own great place in the tourism map of India. It attracts a large number of tourists from across the world. Yahan banta hai Rasa (Here art is made)—that is why Benaras or Bane- ras. But the name was officially changed into Varanasi on May 24, 1956. The town stretches from Raj Ghat (near the bridge) to Asi Ghat (Hindu University) and Varanasi Junction is the new township.


When to visit Varanasi:
The summer is menacing (46.01°—32.02° C). The monsoon (June-Sept) is another trouble. Ganga swells up to a dangerous extent during the monsoon in July-August The best time for travelling is Oct-March. The average temperature during winter is 15.5°—5°C.

Other articles on Varanasi
Varanasi – A must visit place in India
Transport, Tours and Travel agents of Varanasi
Hotels and other accommodation at Varanasi
Choice of Food in Varanasi
Places to visit at Varanasi - Temples
Places to visit at Varanasi - Ghats
Shopping and other attractions of Varanasi




This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Koteshwar-Lakhpat-Narayan Sarovar - Mandvi - places to visit from Bhuj

From Bhuj, Koteshwar is 152 km by bus. It is the holiest Shiva Temple in Kutch, Koteshwar is famous for Kotilingeswar Mahadev Temple. The deity is on the dome-shaped main dais. Beside this there is Kalyaneswar Temple. Near to it there is a Kund. Pilgrims offer prayers for their fore-fathers with the holy water of Kund.

Down below flows the Arabian Sea, the beach is resplendent. On the way 2 km ahead at Narayan Sarovar is the walled up fort-like Temple Complex, which is highly decorated with Narayan, Gobardhannath, Dwarkadhish, Lakshmi-Narayan and other temples.

There are 4-holy Sarovars (lake) as mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagabat Gita : Manas, Bindu, Pampa and Narayan Sarovar. But due to change of Sindhu's course Narayan Sarovar was lost. The present one is beside the old Adi Narayan Temple.


There are also other deities. Although not in flocks but there are visitors at the sarovar. One can opt to stay at the Temple Guest House. During the festival of Kartick, the Bengali month, (November) pilgrims come from far and wide and participate in the festival.

Koteshwar is a military base and therefore military is active there. 2 km from Sarovar is the Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary where one can see reddish antilopes or Chinkara.

On the way, 80 km from Bhuj at Matanomodh there is the temple of Ashapura Devi or Devi Ambika, the boon-bestower.

From Koteshwar to Garuli is 34 km via Narayan Sarovar and 19 km from Garuli is the old port city and Sikh pilgrimage Lakhpat. Guru Nanak, on his way to Mecca, spent a night here. A Gurdwara has been set up to commemorate. There are various temples and mosques is Lakhpat too.

The Darga of Ghaus Muhammed, died in 1850, is an important place to visit.

The walled fort city of Lakhpat is situated on the coastal beach of the Kori gulf. The name is derived from Rao Lakha. Arguably, millionaires were abound in Lakhpat, hence the name. But during partition the helpless trader communities moved away to other areas in search of safety. The mute past stands amid sandy expanse.

Buses ply on this route. There are only a few shops but no hotels are available. One should hire a jeep/ambassador and make a day's trip to Koteshwar-Lakhpat-Narayan Sarovar - Mandvi and come back to Bhuj.

Mandvi
Mandvi is yet another important spot of Bhuj 60 km to the South West. Since Kandala, the latest modem port of Kutch came into existence, the walled up old port city of Mandvi has been converted to a beach resort. The knitted sarees of various prints and styles are available in Mandvi shops and sales counters.
8 km west of city on the sea beach stands Kutch Maharao's Summer Retreat—Vijay Vilas Palace. Recently, the Palace has converted into a hotel.
Hourly bus services are there from Bhuj to Mandvi take 1 ½ hours to reach. Share taxi is also available.
Hotels at Mandvi:
To the west of bus stand Sahara Hotel, Vinayak Guest House, Shital Guest House
2 km from the city, Government Guest House.
At Mandvi, GTDC's Toran Beach Resort, Jahajwada Rd, Ph: (+912834) 230516 is nice place to stay.


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Madhera and Mahesana and surroundings in North Gujarat

Madhera is the main attraction of North Gujarat.

Sun Temple of Madhera

Sun Temple of Madhera built by Solanki king Bhimdev-1 in the 8th century is a masterpiece. However, there is a second school of thought regarding the founders. Going past the wonderfully decorated entrance is the 15 sq meter wide podium for regal Assembly; on the left is the museum. At the end of the Assembly is the original Sun Temple. Between the main temple and kund is Ranga Mandap, with 4 sides 4 gates. At the entrance 50x20 meter rectangular kund, which has now dried up. In 1024, the invasion of Mahmood, the Sultan of Gazni and the 19th century tremor devastated the Sun Temple partly.

The Nagara Style 56x26 ft temple has such a geometric dimension that the rays of the rising sun used to fall straight on the temple deity, the Sun God. The original form of the deity is no more there. But, inside the palace, the alcoves house 12 images of the Sun God which symbolize changes in solar cycle in 12 months. The outer portion of the temple is well ornamented. Profiles of human beings in different poses, god and goddess, brutes and beasts, even erotica are there elaborately sculptured on the walls. On the right entrance, the images of a woman giving birth to her child are unique. The gate has caved in, but the pillars are still there. 15 sq meter Sabhamandap or pavilion is exquisitely sculpted. The pillars, arches, cornices, pyramid-shaped roof, high peak, everything is wrought with carvings. There are resemblances with the temple of Dilwara and Konark Sun Temple.


There are 108 tiny temples encircling the big square Suryakund in front of the temple. They are all the outstanding instances of architectural ornamentation. The gods are many and different. Puspabati river flows silently behind the temple. Enthusiasts may climb the hill and have a glimpse of the old fort nestled atop Madhera.

How to reach Madhera:

By Passenger train at 18-10 in 2 ½ hrs or by bus reach Mahesana (65 km) from Viramgam. Mahesana is situated on the Delhi-Ahmedabad Railway. From Mahesana trains ply towards various destinations. From Mahesana on two routes, buses ply regularly in 45 minutes for 26 km west Madhera. Passenger trains leaves at 6-15,6-50,15-10,20-25,23-15, at 6-05 and on Mondays,Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8-05,10-00,11-00,17-45,21-55,0-55 Express trains also reaching Madhera.

Madhera is 68 Km from Ahmedabad, South East to Mahesana. It is around a 2 hrs journey. Buses ply directly from Ahmedabad to Madhera via Mahesana. After reaching Mahesana you can hire jeep, auto rickshaws to reach Madhera. Buses are available from Mahesana to Abu Road, Ranakpur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat.

Gujarat Tourism arranges package tour for Adalaz, Madhera, Patan, Shanku Water Park from Ahmedabad on a day's tour between 7-00Hrs to 20-15 Hrs.


Where to stay at Madhera

For lodging, PWD Rest house, Panchayat Rest house and Dharamshalas are there. Food is available at TCGL's Toran Restaurant. But you don't need to stay at Madhera, you may view Madhera from 8-00 am to 6-00 pm and come back to Mahesana and can board a train or a bus to reach Abu Road 118 km from here and from Abu Road visit Abu hill. You may chose to go to Delhi or Ahmedabad to take a home-bound train; or may even chose to visit Taranga/Ambaji/Abu Road from Madhera by bus.

Places to see around Madhera

17 km from Madhera by bus is the legendary Becharaji Temple. Seven days are symbolised by seven images of Devi Durga in this temple. A farmer had found an image of Durga, and the deity became popular as Becharaji. Childless women come to the Goddess for a child. Locals believe that, the Goddess herself go out in the night to help her distressed devotees.

29 km from Madhera and 25 km North West of Mahesana is Anhilawada Patan, the ruins of the capital of Hindu kings of Gujarat in the 8th century, devastated in 1024 by the Sultan Mahmood of Gajni. 108 Jain Temples are still remaining there.

Rani Ki Vav founded for Solanki Queen Udaimati in 1050 has been renovated in 1980. You can see thousand Yotirlinga Temple in Patan. Patola silk saree of Sadviwada of Patan is famous. Wood-carving of the residential houses of Patan and their ornamentation is praise-worthy.

Places to stay in Mahesana and Patan

At Patan Bus Stand: Hotel Neeauv, Hotel Ashis, Hotel Sarvodaya, Hotel Navjiban
At Mahesana there is Water World Resort, Amipura Ph: (+912762) 245504, and TCGL's Toran Tourist Centre Ph (+912766) 221515.
For lodging there are other hotels in Mahesana

Hotel Apsara at Janata Super Market,
AVON GUEST HOUSE, Gujarat Lodging and Boarding House, Nataraj and Satya Vijay, and Govt accommodation facility Bishranti Griha, Mahesana and Railway Retiring Room.

Dharamshalas are also available in Mahesana.


Places you can visit by bus or car from Mahesana:

From Mahesana by bus you may go to 57 km east to Taranga and from Taranga by another bus on the hill track to 3 km ahead of Taranga hill, the hill hosts the 2nd Jain Tirthankar Ajitnath's Jain Temple built during the rule of the Solanki Dynasty. You can plan to visit the temple next day. The name Taranga Hill derives its name from Buddhist Goddess Tara Devi. Amidst the natural beauty, even more beautiful is the sculptured temple of white marble with the image of Ajitnath. Mithun image are also there. After visiting the temple you either can come back to Mahesana or, you may chose to stay in Taranga Hill at Digainbar Dharmashala.


Amusement Park in Mahesana is also an interesting visiting spot. Government Departments are now housed at the old Rajmahal Palace.

Stationing at Mahesana visit Madhera/Becharajj on the 1 st day, Taranga on the 2nd and from Taranga on 3rd day by bus visit Ambaji 45 km from here.
After visiting Ambaji, travel to Abu Road( 23 km). Direct bus from Ambaji to Abu hill is available.

However, enthusiasts can take the alternative route from Mahesana to Abu to see the ruined Jain Temples at Sidhpur, on the bank of the Saraswati, 43 km to the north. This 10th century this ruined temple was built by king Mulraj at a cost of Rs 14 crore. The Rudramal temple was built in Solanki style and is now site the example of destruction by Alauddin Khilji in 1297. On the premises of temple a masjid had been installed during the Mughal period. However, today both the temple and the masjid are closed. 4 pillars still bear testimony of the glorious past. Sidhpur is situated the bank of Saraswati, is believed to be the birth place of Kapil Muni, one of the seven spiritual sons of Brahma. Parasuram offered Pinda here for the salvation of the soul of his mother. Since then the Ashram of Kapil Muni here became the holiest centre of offering pinda for the salvation of mothers and offering of Tarpana, in the Harshabindu Sarovar.

At the riverside Tapobhuni there is a Ram Mandir.
Opium is grown now in Sidhpur.
That is no hotel here. But there are two dharamshalas— Manika and Panchal.
Ordinary Ambaji Guest House is near Railway station.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Dwarka – The Empire of Lord Krishna

Dwar stands for the door or gate and Ka stands for peace eternal—the whole Dwarka means door to transcend the terrestrial being and unity with Bramha or eternal truth. While in Dwarka, you may find the sense of Krishna conciousness at your heart. Dwarka is known more as Doarka to local people today. For better and effective communication with locals at Railway Station or bus stand, call it Doarka.

The ancient story is something like this: Pious Anarta incurred his father Saryati's wrath by protesting against his boasting. Anarta was driven out of the land and took refuge under the protective wing of Baikunthanath on the sea shore. In Satyayuga Brahma desired to measure his creation, the whole universe; but he was confused - where to start? In order to determine the starting point of measurement, he threw a kush towards the earth that dropped on the country ruled by Yadu, son of Yajati. Thus, the land became known as Kushasthali or Dwarabati. In Dwapara yuga, Sree Krishna,' being invited by Raibataka, the son of Anarta, founded the capital of Yadu Dynasty—Dwarkanagari here in Kushasthali.



Dwarka is the famous holy place of Hindus, one Puri of the famous Saptapuri (other six are: Baranasi, Hardwar, Ujjain, Mathura, Oudh and Kanchipuram). According to Mahabharata, killing Kangsa, Sree Krishna became the target of Jarasandha the dare devil King of Magadh. He was the father-in-law of Kangsa. However, suffering defeat successively for 18 times to Krishna, Jarasandha prepared to attack Krishna with help of Kalyabana. Despite being confident of his victory, Sree Krishna wanted to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, founded the city called Ananta city near Girnar. In course of time, he made friendship with the king of Kathiawad peninsula, Kushaditya and established the port city Kushasthali.


In 1960, an anchor of a ship weighing 250 kg from 1400 BC was found. Archaeologists found evidences of 120 ton ship's free movement to and from the port at that time. Archaeologists have even come to the conclusion that the porcelain pots found underground in 1979 to the north of Dwarka Temple belong to 1300 BC, i.e., Mahabharata era.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Sree Krishna renovated the old fort of 12 yojan area at the confluence of Gomoti and founded the new capital of Yadu dynasty. Sree Krishna also built up a huge dam and embankments around the fort to save it from the sea waves and created protection against flood. After Indraprastha, it flourished as the 2nd populated city in India during 36 years of reign of Sree Krishna. Being the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sree Krishna left many memories and signs of his superhuman power at Dwarka. However, after the death of Sree Krishna, Arjuna left Dwarka for Indraprastha with his courtiers and friends and the sea swallowed the legendary Yadav capital. The lost world of Sree Krishna's era is still believed to be under the fathomless water.

A project has been undertaken to arrest the sea by erecting dam and retrieve the Golden Dwarkapuri. But there was a difference of opinion regarding the exact location of original Dwarkapuri. Experts and popular belief marked 11 locations out of which 4 locations deserve attention.

These 4 are: (1) Present Dwarka, 2) Bishwara, 40 km away from present Dwarka, (3) Madhabpur-Ged region, 56 km to the South East of Porbandar and (4) Kodinar.

The present Dwarka city had been founded by the King Gaikwad in the 19th century. Religion is the root of Karmayoga in Dwarka. However, Dwarka has developed into an industrial city today. The ashes of Gandhiji were also immersed at Dwarka. In memorium to that event, Gandhighat at the coastal beach had been founded.

What to see in Dwarka:

2 km from Railway Station on the bank of Gomoti stands the main attraction of Dwarka - Dwarkadhish or Ranachhodji's Temple. A war weary Sree Krishna left the theatre of bloody clashes and came to Dwarka. Hence the presiding deity is named after him to mark the occasion. The costly touch stone, bejewelled image is seated on silver throne—with the Panchajanya Sankha (counch), Sudarshan wheel, Kaunmdaki club, and budding lotus in the 4-arms of the Lord Krishna, depicting the protector of mortals. The original image is now in Dakore, the 2nd image was stolen and is now in Vet Dwarka. This image is the third image of Dwarkadhish.

170 ft high with monolithic pillars, on 72 columns the 7-storeyed chariot-like Temple was built with granite and sand-stone. The temple consists of the following segments: Garbhamandir, Bimanmandap and Natyamandap. On the peak there is a golden pitcher. The founder of this temple was King Jagat Singh Rathore in the 11th century and since then it had been more known as Jagat Mandir.

Some the stories about the temple:

Bajranava, the great grandson of Sree Krishna and son of Aniruddha founded Harigriha Temple in 600 BC. Of late the Harigriha has been converted to Sree Krishna temple.

In the 16th century the whole temple had been completed from start to finish in a night.

Krishna's great devotee Meerabai left Chittor (1546) and came to Dwarka and merged in Sree Krishna.

The gods and goddesses of Hindu Purana are all present in the assembly of Gods in the temple. Enter the temple by Swargadwar (gate of heaven) and exit by Mokshadwar (gate of liberty of soul).

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Mother Debaki's idol is being worshipped in front of the original temple. At the outset of entrance above resides Siddhidata Ganesh. further on the right is Kushewar Shiva. On the left Pradyumna made of black stone, Satyanarayan, Ambaji, Purushottomji, Aniruddhaji, Sage Durbasha, Jambobati, Sree Radhika, Lakshmi-Narayan, Gopal, Snake Incarnation, Baladevji, Satyavama, Lakshmi or Rukmini are in their own respective temples. Centering the temple complex developed the market and establishments and the city. The temple is open only to Hindus.
Temple remain open from 6-00 to 12-30 & 17-00 to 21-30. At 7-00 in the morning the rituals of the temple starts with Mangalarati. The costume of the deity undergoes changes at regular interval. Janmasthami, Basanta Panchomi, Dol Purnima (full moon) festival are held in grandeur and with great fanfare. At noon and in the evening you will get blessed food offered to God (Annaprasad) at the temple. Receive your coupon for the purpose from Dwarkadhish food store.

There is one Krishna Temple in the island of encircled Gomoti river flowing down the Dwarkadhish Temple. Going out of the south gate down below 56 flights of steps you have to reach Gomoti Devi's Temple, Below this temple flows the Gomoti river. The Ganga came flowing down from the Heaven on the invitation of the great sages in the name of Gomoti. From here Gomoti meets Arabian Sea, the name of the holy confluence is Gomoti-Narayan Sangam.

On the right side of the confluence in the temple, made of wood is 4-armed wooden deity of Sangam Narayan. From Sangam 32 miles area along banks of the Gomoti on either sides are called Chakratirtha. The wheel marked white Porus-type stone, called Dwarabati Shila, is still available at Chakratirtha.

On 7 Jan, 1963, a 156 ft high light house was built there. Every afternoon the door of the light house remains open for visitors for one hour. Going past the light house to north is Sunset Point. On the other side is Panchanad Tirtha - 5 wells of drinking water in the name of five Pandavas. Every well differs in taste of its water from the others. A little towards the south yhere is Lakshmi-Narayan Temple

On way to Okha 2 km from Dwarkadhish is 12th century Rukmini Temple. Devi Rukmini, the darling of Krishna in white marble is worshipped in the temple. The pictures and paintings from the episodes of Puranas are beautiful. The sunset view from the decorated temple on Arabian Sea is a life time experience. From Rukmini Devi Temple, on your way back to city yon will see Bhadrakali Temple.

Dwarka is called as Vishnu Tirtha or, the holy pilgrim but Yadavs also worship the 4-armed Goddess Mahakali till date. It is one major Pith among the 51 holy Piths. Durga Puja is also held at the temple with great fanfare. The Temple of Siddheswar Mahadeva is also there.

As per legend, the Rishitirtha of Siddheswar or Gnankunda and the Shiva Linga had been founded by Brahma himself. There is Brahmakumari Iswariya Vishavidyalaya here; beside there is Kabir Ashrama.

One more attraction in Dwarka is its Ved Bhawan—with 1250 priceless ancient manuscripts; 9 of which said to be the Lord Vishwakarma's creation!

Bharakeswar is on the coast. The coastal shore is beautifully visible from here. Chandra-Mouliswar Shiva is the presiding deity at the core of the temple. The deity form was found at the confluence of Gomati, Ganga and Arabian Sea by the Acharya Jagatguru Sankaracharya himself. Later the deities of Sarada Saraswati and Sree Krishna's eight wives were installed by the Acharya. In addition, there are 1200 Salgramshilas, 1300 Shiva Lingas, metal forms of 75 Sankaracharyas. The stone image of Adi Sankaracharya is also there. Sarada Math in Dwarka is one of the four Maths founded by Jagatguru Sankaracharya (788-820 AD).

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

On the way to Okha from Dwarka ar a distance of 17 km, Nageswar Mahadev Tirtha (some says in Maharashtra), one of the 12 Jotirlingas is situated. A little ahead, a new temple has been founded by Gulshankumar Charitable Trust.

Further towards Okha is Gopi Talao. Gopinees from Vrindavan first reached here on their mission to visit Sree Krishna. Devotees collect holy soil of Talao, known as Gopi Chandan. The Temple of Meerabai is also worth visiting there. Mithapur, another worth seeing site, is also on this route. Mithapur is much known for its Tata Salt Factory. Tata has built a model township for their employees. Drinking water is supplied from Mithapur to Okha.

How to reach Dwarka:

Daily 9005 Saurashtra Mail leaves Mumbai Central at 20-25 to reach Ahmedabad at 5-20, Viramgam at 6-58, Rajkot at 10-40, Hapa at 12-55, Jamnagar at 13-05, Dwarka at 16-25, Okha at 17-15.

Every Sunday 9266 Uttaranchal Express leaves Dehradun at 6-00 reaches Okha on Monday at 18-00 via New Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Ahmedabad-Dwarka;

Sunday 8401 Puri-Okha Express leaves Puri at 8-45 runs via Vishakhapatnam/ Jalgaon/ Ahmedabad/ Dwarka;

On Wednesdays and Fridays, 6338 Ernakulam-Okha Express leaves Ernakulam at 18-20 reaches Okha on Fridays and Sundays at 18-00 via Margaon-Ahmedabad-Dwarka.

5636 Guwahati-Okha Express leaves Guwahati at 9-30 on Monday, reaches Okha at 6-35 on Thursday via NJP/ Katihar/Patna/Agra Fort/Godhra/Vadodara/Rajkot

5046 Express leaves Gorakhpur on Thursday at 4-00 reaches Okha at 6-35 on Saturday via FaijabauV Lucknow/Agra/Gwalior/Ahmedabad
Viramgam-Okha Fast Pass at 10-40, 14-25 from Viramgam reaches Dwarka at 23-45/4-05 and Okha at 0-45/5-05.

Dwarka is 2455 km from Kolkata, 1007 km from Mumbai. Nearest Airport is at Jamnagar.

From Somnath or Porbandar by bus go to Lord Krishna's kingdom Dwarka. The distance from Porbandar is 128 km, Somnath 250, Rajkot 217, Hapa 142, Jamnagar 137, Ahmedabad 365 km.

Buses come to Dwarka from different cities of the state and buses run from Dwarka to Ahmedabad at 7-00, 21-00; Dakore at 7-00; Mahesana (via Nathdwar) at 20-00; Somnath 6-15,7-00,10-15,13-30,15-45,22-00; Junagadh 8-00,11-00, 14-00; Porbandar 9-30, 14-15, 15-30 and hourly services to Okha.


Accommodation at Dwarka:

There is a shortage of drinking water at, Dwarka, rain water helps meet scarcity to some extent. Many hotels still make use of saline water. There are also dearth of western style hotels in Dwarka.


Dwarka Pin code: 361336, STD 02892,

Hotel Meera, Station Rd, Hotel Radhika, R2, Hotel Guru-Prerana, Ph: 234512, . Gokul Guest house, Holiday Managers Ph:22485829; Brishma Guest house, On way to temple around Teenbati there are a few ordinary hotels for lodging , Trimurti Guest house, Sri Vrindaban Guest house, Muralidluir Guest house, Chetna Guest house, Banshidlwr Lodge, Braja Bluiwan, Mahalaxmi Lodge, Janutna Lodge, Uiiam Guest house, Dwarapuri Guest house .

Railway retiring rooms are also good place to stay.
Hotel Gayatri Ph:234228, Hotel Sundar Palace Ph:234372Hotel Debang, Ph: 234071, Hotel Swastik, Hotel Rajdhani, Hotel Arti are other hotels here in Dwarka.

On the beach Panchayat Aram Griha, PWD Rest house-are good for staying. For Aram Griha Booking write to: District Development Officer, Jamnagar; for Rest house write to: Deputy Engineer, PWD, Khambalia, Jamnagar.

TCGL's Toran Ph: 234013

Dharamshalas at Dwarka:

On the beach there are Gayatri, Shaktipith, Atithi Niwas, Birla Dharamshala; near Gomoti—Bhadrakali Gelia, Rameram, Bikener, Vishwakarma, ShriRam, Patel Bhawan; near bus stand - Gokul Bluiwan, Janak Bluiwan, Vishwalia; near temple - Bangur Dharamshala, Rashbehari, Sugar Bhawan, Jairanachodji, Chandak; near Railway Station Toiadri Ashrama. Near Totadri, on the Station Road, Bharat Sevashram Sangha's Guest House Ph: 234157.


For your food at Dwarka:

Atithi Bhawan, Natraj, Tulsi, Guruprerana, Kanta Lodge, Lohana, Aradhana, Jamuna are decent.

Conducted Tour at Dwarka :

Dwarka, Bhet Dwarka, Nageswar and Gopitala are in the package of Nagar Panchayat bus from 8-00 to 13-00 & 14-00 to 19-00. Booking can be done from their office near Bangur Dharamshala on Bhadrakali Road.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel