Hotel Booking Information of Agra

Jay pee Palace Hotel And Convention Centre (5 Star Deluxe)
Fatehabad Road, Ph.: 0562-2330800 jaypeeag@sanchamet.netln

Welcome Hotel Mughal Sheraton (5 Star Deluxe)
Tajganj Ph.:0562-2331701 To 2331728 mughal.sheraton@welcomgroup.com

Hotel Agra Ashok (5 Star)
6-B, Mall Road Ph.:0562-2361223-32 moonagra@yahoo.com

Hotel Claries Shiraz (5 Star)
54, Taj Road Ph.:0562-2226121-32 darkraz@sanchamet.in

Taj View Hotel (5 Star)
Fatehabad Road, Taj Ganj Ph.: 0562-2232400 To 2232418 tajview.agra@tajhotels.com

Trident Hilton Agra (5 Star)
Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2331817/18 agra@trident-hilton.com

Holiday Inn (4 Star)
16/2/8, Sanjay Place, M.G Road Ph.: 0562-2523460 To 75 hinnagra@sanchamet.in, stay@sar)chametm

Deedar-E-Taj (3 Star)
Vip Road To Tajmahal-Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2334301,2230681,3090267/68 deth@sanchamet.in

Hotel Amar (3 Star)
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2331884-89 amaragra@sanchamet.in

Hotel Atrthi (3 Star)
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2330878,2330880,2230040 hotelatithi@hotmail.com

Mansingh Palace (3 Star)
181/2, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2331771(8 Lines) mansingh.agra@mailcity.com

Joshi Tourist Complex, Joshl Resort (2 Star)
21 Km Stone Nh-11, Agra-Jaipur Highway, Wrawali Agra Ph.: 05613-244556 joshi1@sanchamet. in

Amar Yatri Niwas
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2233030-34 amaragra@sanchamet.in

Grand Hotel
137, Station Road, Agra Cantt., Ph.: 0562-2227511/12/13/14 grand jK>tel@sanchamet.in

Hotel Ganga Ratan
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2232660-63.2330234 info@hotelgangaratan.com

Hotel Savoy
Tourist Complex Area, 10 Bansai Nagar Ph.: 0562-2330225,9319102268 neeplicc@sancharnet.in, hotelsavoyagra@rediffmail. com

Hotel Sunrise
Sector-1, vibhav Nagar, Ph.: 0562-2330602-04 amitjaggi@sancharnet.in

Lauries Hotel
Mahathma Gandhi Road, Ph.: 0562-2364536 laurieshotel@hotmail.com

Mayur Tourist Complex
Fatehabad Road, Ph.: 0562-2332302,2332310 bibhab@nde.vsnl netin

Nuova Hotel
S-23, Shoe Market, Sanjay Palace Ph.: 0562-3090292,2521153

Ranjit Hotel
263, Station Road, Agra Cantt, Ph.. 0562-2364446,2228320 grand_hotel@sanchamet.in

Hotel Kant
Tourist Complex Area, Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2331332,2333806,2333807 kantagra@nde.vsnl.netin

Hotel Zee Bar & Restaurant Agra
Fatehabad Road Ph.: 0562-2333808,2333809,


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

Yamunotri – The Origin Of Yamuna River

One of the Char - Dhams, Yamunotri is nestled in the lap of Banadarpunch range of Himalayas at 3322 Meters surrounded by lofty mountains. Around the temple there are three hot springs. The most important among them is Suryakund. A religious stone "Divya Sila" is there near Suryakund. Before offering puja to the Yamuna mata, devotees take bath in Suryakund and offer puja to the Divya sila.

The Prasad of Yamuna Mata is boiled rice in the hot water of the hot spring. You can get the parboiled rice from the stalls around the temple.

How to reach Yamunotri:

To reach Yamunotri you have to reach Janakibai Choti from Haridwar, or Rishikesh by hired car, or share taxi or by bus. The distance of janakibai Choti from Rishikesh is 280 Km and Haridwar 300 Km.

Previously car used to come up to Hanuman Choti, 13 Km from Yamunotri. Now after renovation of the road you can drive up to Janakibai Choti, 8 Km from the Yamunotri. From here you can trek 8 km through the exquisitely beautiful trek route. If, by chance you don't want or, unable to walk take the help of pony, doli, or kandi. See the details and photos at Kedarnath Page, porters and guides.

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Where to stay at Yamunotri:

GMVN Rest House Yamunotri: Dormitory available @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Hanuman Choti: Ph: +91 1375 223371 DB @ INR 600; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Janaki Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 700; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Sayan Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 300

Other than these there are plenty ordinary hotels and dharamashalas in Yamunotri for staying are always available. You need not to book beforehand.

Photo attribution:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenchik/

Gomukh – Origin Of The Holy River Ganges

The snout of Gangotri Glacier is Gomukh, the origin of the holy river Ganges. Gomukh is at 4255 meters 14 km from the Gangotri temple.

The exquisite natural beauty is waiting for you along a thin walk able serpentine trek route from Gangotri to Gomukh. The first destination on your trek route is Chirbasa 7 km from Gangotri. Up to Chirbasa dense green vegetation of Himalayas including pine, rhododendrons, deodar, birch will sooth your eyes. Restless Ganges will accompany you throughout your trek. Small waterfalls will wash your route time to time. Refreshing cool breeze will wash away all your tiredness of walking. At Chirbasa, there are shops and at tourist bungalow you will find food and stay if you wish. Take rest a while, here at Chirbasa, have some snacks and start walking to your next destination, Bhujbasa.

Drastic change of nature you will observe while you move towards Bhujbasa. The vegetations will be sparse as you move forward. The yellowish mighty Himalayas on your left and silvery Ganges down below will be your accompaniment in this route. This part of trekking is little more tiring than the earlier trek up to Chirbasa. The tiny luggage which you will be carrying will be heavier. The strong cool breeze here will add to your discomfort. But I can assure you, you will forget everything after reaching the destination Bhujbasa. The place is called Bhujbasa, because of the abundant Birch trees (Bhuj), which used to be available here earlier. Now the place is barren and like a ground with magnificent view of Himalayan peaks, and the flowing Ganges and a glimpse of Gomukh. A GMVN tourist bungalow comprising of only dormitory accommodation is available here for staying. You can choose to stay in tents for a change.

Start next day for Gomukh, your final destination, 4 km from Bhujbasa. There is no definite walk able route in this part of your journey, rather you have to find your way through and over the boulders carefully. On the boulders the direction of Gomukh is nicely marked with the white chalk. You will walk alongside the Ganges. Different sizes of slabs of ice you will see floating in the holy river in this region. The beautiful Shivling Peak is so near in front of you, as if you can touch it! Deep blue sky, mighty snow peaks, marvelous Ganges will relieve the stress of your tiring trek. Slowly you will reach Gomukh, a huge cave, having similarity with a mouth of cow. Muddy water of furious Ganges roaring out through this cave and chunks of ice are falling on the stream, breaking from the wall of the cave. A view you will remember for your life time.

Gomukh is at an altitude of 4255 Meters. Surrounding Gomukh there are beautiful snow peaks like Bhagirathi, Bhrigupath, Meruparvat, Chaturangi, Shatpath, Kalindi, Basuki, Shivling and so on.

Where to stay at Gomukh:

Unfortunately you cannot stay in this divine place in a hotel or, resthouse. If you can manage permission then tenting is allowed. You have to stay at Bhujbasa 4 km from here.

GMVN Tourist Bungalow: Only dormitory available @ INR 250

Other than this you can be accommodated at Lal Baba Ashram @INR 140 with food per person.

Contact:

Baba Lal Bihari Das.

Lal Baba Dharmarth Trust,

Bhujbasa Ashram, Gomukh

Post: Gangotri,

Dist: Uttarkashi,

Pin 249137.

You can also choose to stay at Harshil, where a GMVN Tourist Rest House is available DB @ INR 700

Few Important Points to Note:

Recently the regulations has become stricter due to different reasons. The new regulations are following:

• Only 150 tourists will be given permission to enter this area, Gangotri national Park daily. These tourists include tourists for Gomukh, Trekkers of Nandan Kanan, Tapovan and Kalindi pass and glacier, porters and guides.
  
• Permission will be given by Chief Wild Life Warden, 5, Chandravani, Mohabbewala, Dehradun Ph: +91 135 2644691. Or, DFO, Uttarkashi Ph: +91 1374 222444 Fax: +91 1374 222964. Permissions are give on first come first serve basis.
  
• Fees to enter the park: Indian Nationals INR 25 per day. Foreign Nationals: INR 175 per day
  
• Ponies and horses are not allowed on this route.
  
• You have to see Gomukh from a distance of 500 Meters.
  
• You will be returned from the check post if you don't have permission. It is impossible to get permission after reaching Gangotri. Collect it before hand either from Uttarkashi or, Dehradun as mentioned above.

Dear Reader,
If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Photo attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maneeshks/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thaddeus/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/niranjansrinivas/

Gangotri – One of The Four Dhams (Char Dham)

You don't have to walk to reach Gangotri. Your vehicle will reach near the temple. 300 km from Haridwar, though can be travelled in one day by car, but it is better to halt at Uttarkashi (200 km) at night. Drive 100 km next day to reach this divine place at 3140 meters, surrounded by gorgeous Himalayan peaks.

This temple was built in early eighteenth century by Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. The main deity in the temple is Ganga Mata. Other than her, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhagirath and Sankarachaya idols are also present there.

Gangotri is a small place comprising of few shops, hotels and dharamashalas scattered along both the banks of Ganges. Two iron bridges on Ganges connect the two banks. Ashrams of saints here and there add divine touch to the natural beauty of Gangotri. Suraj kund is a place, where fierce Ganges is jumping down below between the boulders.

Dear Reader,
If you are reading this article in any website other than in "TRAVEL INDIA" or, INDIA STUDY CHANNEL", then you are reading a copied and stolen content. Enjoy the original site here http://ourtravelindia.blogspot.com

Where to stay at Gangotri:

STD code of Gangotri: +91 1372

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph 22221 DB @ INR 300 – 700; Family suite @ INR 1000; Dormitory @INR 100

Other than this there are PWD and Forest department's rest house and very affordable hotels and dharamashalas e.g Kalikamli, Punjab Sindh, Birla Mangal, Dandibaba etc.

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/huggy47/

Uttarkashi – Garhwal (Uttarakhand) Your Halt Before Gangotri And Gomukh

148 Km from Rishikesh at 1150 Meters on the bank of Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is a major township on your way to Gangotri. You can reach here from Haridwar or, Rishikesh in 6 – 7 hours. 28 km from Uttarkashi, at Dharasu one road is going to Yamunotri. Gangotri is 100 Km and Yamunotri is 128 Km from Uttarkashi.

Being fairly large township in respect to other places in Garhwal, you will find hotels of different budgets and restaurants and even some non vegetarian foods, which is very rare to find in Garhwal.

Places to see in Uttarkashi:

The most important place in Uttarakhand is Nehru Mountaineering Institute or NIM. This the famous mountaineering training institute in India. Trekkers and mountaineers can hire the different mountaineering gadgets and accessories from NIM for their adventure. Other than NIM, you can also see Ujali, Vishwakarma Temple, Gyaneshwar Temple, Bhairavi Temple etc.

How to reach Uttarkashi:

You can get bus, share taxi or jeep or, you can hire the full car @INR 1800 – 2000 from both Haridwar and Rishikesh. It will take 6 – 7 hours to reach Uttarkashi from these places.

Where to stay at Uttarkashi:

STD code of Uttarkashi: +91 1374

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph: 222271, 222222 DB @ INR 500 – 1000; Dormitory: @INR 125

There are many private small hotels; those are trekkers favorite DB starts from @ INR 250

• Bhandari hotel
  
• Neelkant hotel
  
• Amba hotel
  
• Hansalok Hotel
  
• Meghdoot hotel
  
• Shekhar hotel etc.
  

You can choose to stay at few dharmashalas, like Kalikamli, Punjab Sindh, Birla's etc,

which are available at a very nominal cost .

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nishita/

Visit Auli In Winter

You cannot reach Auli through the usual winding mountainous 14 km road which takes you Joshimath to Auli. The whole route and the surroundings remain covered with few feet of snow from January to March. The only means by which you can reach Auli is the cable car or rope way. The 5 km, possibly longest in Asia , ropeway ride in the winter is really an amazing experience you will cherish for long. You will cross slopes of ices one after another and witness the bird's eye view of the colorful skiers. Each coach carry 25 passengers at a time @ INR 200 for one way travel. Cable car runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Winter Game Federation Of India organize National Ski Championship during February and March each year. The temperature of Auli at winter is usually minus 4 – 5 degree Celsius. Heavy woolens and other winter accessories including the sunglasses are absolutely required. At GMVN and Cliff Top Resort you can get the latest gadgets for skiing. You can learn ski also by different courses available here.

It is wonderful to see the skiers with their vibrant colorful dresses skiing from one end to the other of the ice field; kids and elders are enjoying playing with the ice.

How to reach Auli in winter:

To reach Auli, reach Haridwar first. From Haridwar reach Rishikesh (25 km) by auto rickshaw. From Rishikesh you will get bus for Joshimath (250 Km). To cover such a long distance by bus you must start your journey very early in the morning. You can hire a car to reach Joshimath directly from Haridwar. If such a long journey is tiring for you, halt at Rudraprayag and travel next day to Joshimath.

The cable car or the ropeway is the only means of transportation to reach Auli at winter. You can reach up to Garsan Top by cable car. From here to the GMVN bungalow, chair lift is available. The tariff and running time of the ropeway I have mentioned earlier in this article.

Where to stay at Auli:

Cliff Top Club Resort, Auli.

Description : Welcome to "CLIFF TOP CLUB, AULI", a luxurious ski resort, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of the northern Indian state of Uttaranchal. At more than 10,000 ft. above mean sea level we are literally at the top of the world, [being the second highest located resort in the world] and the only skiing resort in Asia which is located right on the ski slope.

Visit their website for booking and other details http://www.clifftopclubauli.com

The Other options are:

GMVN Tourist Rest House: Ph: +91 1389 223208/ 223305

Auli is costly if you want to stay there. It is possible to visit and come back to Joshimath for night stay, a cheaper option.

Where to stay at Joshimath:

GMVN Tourist Rest House (old) Ph: +91 1389 222118 DB @ INR 400 – 1200 and dormitory @ INR 100.

GMVN Tourist Rest House (new) Ph: +91 1389 222226 DB @ INR 500 – 600 and dormitory @ INR 100.

Kedar – Badri Temple Committee Dharamashala Ph: +91 1389 222083

There are many other private hotels in Badrinath @ INR 500 + for DB rooms.

Kedarnath Temple- A Splendor

Kedarnath being one of the 12 Jyotirlingam is a famous pilgrim site for Hindus in India. Located at a height of 3590 meters of Garhwal Himalayas, the huge temple made of granite stone with mighty Kedar range of Himalayas in the background will make you spellbound at first sight.

Inside the temple, a stone looking like hump of an ox is Mahadev, Kedarnath. Many other idols of God are engraved on the wall of the temple inside. In front of the main gate of the temple a black statue of Nandi, the ox of Mahadev is guarding the temple.

Best time to visit Kedarnath: Plan your trip between May and October, otherwise you cannot reach, it will be a snow covered.

Reaching Kedarnath:

Apart from the temple itself, reaching Kedarnath is an adventure. Throughout your journey to the temple you will be amazed frequently by the natural beauty of the nature.

You have to reach Gourikund, the last motor able road before Kedarnath. Gourikund is 233 km from Haridwar and 200 km from Rishikesh. It will take 10 – 11 hours to reach Gourikund from these places, so You have to start your journey very early in the morning. It is very tiring too. So it is better to halt somewhere in between. The place I will suggest is Rudraprayag or, Chandrapuri.

You have to stay in Gourikund for a night before starting your journey to the temple. There are many cheap hotels in Gourikund. The best option is GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1364 269202 DB @ INR 500 – 700 and dormitory @ INR 100 per bed.

From Gourikund it is a continuous uphill trek of 14 km to Kedarnath. The scenic beauty throughout your trek is mind-blowing. Mandakini River throughout the journey will accompany you sometimes jumping from a cliff and sometimes hiding in a gorge. The natural beauty will alleviate all your exhaustion of climbing. Walk slowly and take rest in between. Buy a walking stick and polythene sheet to cover you in case of drizzle, which is quite common. Take care of your camera and don't forget a polythene bag for it exclusively. You can buy these on the route of your trek. Stalls for snack and tea are also available at few places on the route, where you can rest a while. If you don't want to walk at a stretch there is a option to halt at Ramwara for a night at either at Kalikamli Dharmashala or GMVN rest house.

Though nature can be enjoyed most if you walk, it may not be possible for everyone to trek due to physical reasons. Pony, dandi or, doli (a chair carried by four persons), Pithhu ( a basket carried by single person mainly for kids, light weight people, and goods) are available for them. The rate depend on the weight of the person but whatever they take, I think it is less for the kind of labor they give! Please don't bargain with them. They are extremely poor and earn for few months with their hard labor and run their family throughout the year.

By the way don't throw away your walking stick while coming down, the mistake done by me! The stick is more required while coming down.

Reach Kedarnath by helicopter:

Pawan Hans conduct a helicopter service from Agyastamuni helipad 17 km from Rudraprayag

5 passengers are carried at a time. The flight starts at 6.30 am , 8.10 am, 9.40 am, and 11.10 am. It takes 20 minutes to reach Kedarnath. Time allotted to visit temple is 1 ½ hour. The fare for round trip per person at present @ INR 8500 and one way fly to Kedarnath @INR 5000 and return from there @ INR 4000. Round trip cost include the temple visit fee. Children below 2 years are charged 10% of the fare, while age over 2 has to pay the full fare.

Contact:

• Agastyamuni Helipad Ph: +91 1364 256825
  
• Delhi Office at Safdarjang Airport Ph: +91 11 24651248, 24632273, 24610465
  
• Monal Resort Rudraprayag Ph: +91 1364 233901/ 02
  
• GMVN Dehradun Ph: +91 135 2746817
  
• GMVN Haridwar Ph: +91 1334 224240
  
• GMVN Rishikesh Ph: +91 135 2435174

Where to stay at Kedarnath:

GMVN Tourist Rest House Ph: +91 1364 263218/ 263228 DB @ INR 350 – 1000. Dormitory @ INR 100 per bed.

Dharmashala of Kedarnath Temple Committee: +91 1364 263231

Other Dharmashalas of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Madras Bhawan, Gujarat Bhawan etc.

Trekking from Kedarnath:

For the enthusiasts, there are something more in store at Kedarnath. A astonishing short trek to Chorabalital (Gandhi Sarovar) at 4275 meters is 4 km uphill trek from Kedarnath. En route you will see Mandakini Glacier, from where Mandakini river originated. More enthusiasts should walk 4 km more up to Basuki tal (4328 meters) If you plan to go up to Basuki tal carry food and take the help of a guide.

Triyugi Narayan from Gourikund:

While coming back from Gourikund either to Haridwar or, Badrinath you can visit Triyugi Narayan Temple 12 km from Gourikund. It is said that the wedding of Shiva and Parvati was held here.