Welcome to APSICON 2025

Varanasi is among the oldest living cities in the world and its antiquity finds place in ancient scriptures. Located along the Ganga it is a sacred place for all Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

  •    Area : 73.89 sq. km.
  •    Population : 3,676,841 (As per 2011 census)
  •    Altitude : 80.71 mtrs. above sea level
  •    Season : October - March
  •    Clothing (Summer) : Cottons
  •    Clothing (Winter) : Woollens
  •    Language : Hindi, English, Bhojpuri
  •    Rainfall : 111 cms annually(approx)
  •    Temperature : Summer 32º C-43º C;
           Winter 5º C-15.5º C

Amazing Varanasi

Just a Little Beyond the Arc

Varanasi : Hub of Adventure and Water sports (Assi Ghat)

Varanasi is not only the city of temples and Ghats but the city also attracts adventure and water sports lovers. These activities like: Speed Boat, Para Motor, Bummpy Ride, Desert Bike, Jetski, Para Sailing, Banana Ride and many more have thumped the banks of the holy river Ganga.

Banaras Darshan : with Cruise Boat.

If you come to Varanasi and do not take boat ride, then Varanasi Darshan remain incomplete. With the common boats can take rite with Cruise Boats also

Ganga Mahotsava

The five day festival, with all its rituals and customs, traditional music and dance shows portrays the cultural heritage of Varanasi.

Dev Deepawali

The most, picturesque festival, Dev Deepawali is celebrated every year fifteen days after the traditional Deepawali by the banks of the river Ganga. The Ghats come alive with lights, chants and prayers. The mighty Ganga is lit up with endless floating lamps. It's an infinitely divine experience. People and Gods together celebrate deepawali the stream of Ganga looks like the holy pathway connecting from heavens to land. The high spirits of the festival and the waves of joy round the city, create an inimitable scene to be experienced.

This is the only reason, why millions of people from the entire country and all over the world gather in the holy grounds of Varanasi and celebrate the jubilant carnival of Gods and Humans. Illuminating diyas are decorated on the steps of Ghats and the Ganga can bee seen under shimmering lamps floating alongwith the lights from hundreds of boats.

Sarnath

Excavation sites of Sarnath.

The archaeological remains of sarnath started attracting the scholars since the 19th century. In the recent past, the Sarnath Circle of Archeaological Survey of India has been taking care of the excavation work in Sarnath. The Archaeological site showcases the grandeur of the ancient times. An open exhibition of structures like Mulagandha Kuti Vihar remains, Dharmrajika Stupa remains, Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Column, monuments, relics, monasteries from the Mauryan period are showcased here.

  • Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi, is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. It is believed that after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan.
  • The great Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time.
  • The Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples.
  • The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar.
  • The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India's National Emblem.

Man Mahal

Man Mahal a beautiful example of Mughal Rajput architecture with stone balconied windows and painted ceiling, is famous for its observatory. Built in sand stone, in around 1600 A.D., by Man Singh, the Raja of Amber and a celebrated general of the great Mughal, the Man-Mahal is situated on the western bank of river Ganga near the famous Dashashvamedh ghat of Varanasi. The observatory was built in Man-Mahal. Varanasi, in around 1734 A.D. by Sawai Jai Singh, Some of the instruments which still exist are the Samrat Yantra, Nadivalaya Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Digansh Yantra, Dakshiontrrabhitti Yantra.

Virtual Experiential Museum at Man-Mahal: A new attraction for Tourist

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Sri Narendra Modi inaugurated newly established Virtual Experiential Museum (VEM) on 19th February 2019 in a Centrally Protected Monument under Archeological Survey of India, Man-Mahal,

Virtual Experiential Museum show the glimpse of various cultural aspects, tangible and intangible, of Varanasi through modern and sophisticate scientific equipments. Visiting of VEM will be a unique experience for a visitor where they will experience to holy ghat, classical music, weaving of sari, writer/author, Ram Leela, 3D view of monuments, narrow lanes and betel shop etc. of Varanasi in very interesting way by using curved T.V. screen, paintings, touch screens and projectors. The story of descending of Ganga on earth is also shown to the visitors made in a very interesting way.

Entry ticket for this museum with monument in Rs. 25/- for indian and visitor from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries while for others foreigner Rs. 300/- will be charged and it is open from sun rise to 9 PM. The entry of children below 15 years in free.

Vindhyachal

This area, which is in the proximity of the long Vindhya Mountain range, enjoys nature's beauty in the form of historical forts-buildings, murals, art, rock shelters, waterfalls.

Ashtabhuja and Kalikhoh temple along with Maa Vindhyavasini Devi temple in its lap is the center of faith for devotees.

There is a following to walk around the triangle of Vindhyavasini temple, Ashtabhuja temple and Kalikhoh temple.

On the occasion of Basantik and Shardiya Navratri, there is more movement of devotees.

Apart from this, Budhenath Temple, Tarakeswar Temple, Rameshwar Mahadev Temple, Taradevi Temple, Vaman Devi Temple, Badevaranath, Shivdham Khaira Shivdham, Kantit Sharif etc. are places of interest..

Sonbhadra

  • sonebhadra is known for its vast culture, history, nature, mineral, forest with rich flora fauna, rock carving, rock paintings etc.These are special features of sonebhadra.
  • This region has a great potential of adventurous activities like mountaineering,trekking, bungy jumping, river rafting etc
  • Vijay Garh Fort, Agori Garh Fort, Shiv Dwar, Mukkha Fall, Mahuariya kaimoor wild life Sanctuary, kauwakhoh Rock Shelter, Lekhaniya Rock Shelter, Panchmukhi Hill Rock Shelter Rhihand Dam,Sone eco point are major tourist attractions of Sonebhadra.

Chunar

  • The name of Chunar, situated on the banks of river Ganga, at a distance of about 40 km from Varanasi and 35 km from Mirzapur, is mentioned in the literature by the names of Charanadri, Nainagarh etc.
  • It is mentioned that King Vikramaditya had built the fort for his brother Bhatrihari.
  • Apart from this, there are other tourist destinations like the Samadhi of King Bhatrihari, Dari of Siddhanath, Durgakhoh etc.

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirling

Vishwanath Jyotirling is located in Kashi. On the north side of Kashi city is Omkarkhand, in the south is Kedarkhand and in the middle is Vishweshwarkhand. The famous Vishwanath-Jyotirlinga is situated in this area. According to the details received in Shivpuran, Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is recognized in the twelve Jyotirlingas.

There are details of temple demolishion by various invaders. Aarti is performed daily, five times in the temple. For all the facilities related to temple darshan etc., people can visit the website (https://www.shrikashivishwanath.org/) of the temple. Live Darshan has also been arranged by the temple administration.

Manmandir Observatory and Virtual Experiental Museum

This observatory was built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur at Manmandir Ghat near Dashashwamedh Ghat in which one can see the devices to know call count of that time.

Virtual Experiential showcases the glimpse of various aspects, tangible and intangible, of Varanasi through modern and sophisticated scientific equipments. Visiting of VEM will be a unique experience for a visitor where they will experience to holy ghat, classical music, weaving of sari, writer/author, Ram Leela, 3D view of monuments narrow lanes and betel shop etc of Varanasi in very interesring was by using curved. TV Screen,painting, touch scheens and projectors. The story of descending of Ganga on the earth is also shown to the visitors made in a very interesting way.

Overview of   Varanasi

Varanasi

Ghats of Kashi

Sarnath

List of Buddhist Temples and Monasteries in Sarnath

Varanasi

By Air

The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport at Babatpur, 22 km from Varanasi and 30 Km from Sarnath. Direct flights for Varanasi are available from Delhi, Agra, Khajurao, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhuvaneshwar and Kathmandu ( Nepal).

By Rail

Varanasi Cantt and Mughal Sarai (one of the main railway stations of Varanasi) are the important rail junctions, that link Varanasi with all major cities of India.

By Road

Varanasi is on NH 2 from Kolkata to Delhi, NH 7 to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur, is well connected with the rest of the country by good motorable roads. Some of the major road distances are: Agra - 565 km, Prayagraj - 128 km, Bhopal - 791 km, Bodhgaya - 240 km, Kanpur - 330 km, Khajuraho - 405 km, Lucknow - 286, Patna - 246 km, Sarnath - 10 Km.

Varanasi Station

Varanasi

Various restaurants in Varanasi serve a variety of cuisines like continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai.
Some of the prominent restaurants in Varanasi are:

  • Shyamal Vatika, Lanka.
  • Kerala Cafe, Bhelupur Chauraha.
  • Mandarin Restaurant, Lahurabir.
  • Shahi Restaurant, near Rathyatra Crossing.
  • Yelchico Bar & Restaurant, Sigra.
  • Amrapali, Hotel Clarks, The mall, Varanasi
  • Ashiyana Restaurant, Varuna Bridge, Clark Roadr.
  • Mc Donald; IP Mall Sigra JHV Mall, Cantt.
  • Haveli Restaurant, The Mall, Cantt.
  • Berger King, Nadesar, Varanasi.

Hospitals

Various restaurants in Varanasi serve a variety of cuisines like continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai.
Some of the prominent restaurants in Varanasi are:

  • Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital, Kabir Chaura, Ph. No.- (0542) 2214723, 2214720.
  • Sir Sundar Lal Hospital B.H.U, Ph. No.- (0542) 2369169.
  • Rajkiya Hospital, Shivpur .
  • Hindu Seva Sadan, Chowk, Ph. No.- (0542) 2400356, 2400988, 2400355.
  • Mata Anand Mai Hospital, Bhadaini, Ph. No.- (0542) 2310186, 2310230.
  • Ram Krishna Mission Hospital, Luxa, Ph. No.- (0542) 2451727.
  • Marwari Hospital , Godoulia, Ph. No.- (0542) 2392611.
  • Cancer Institute, N.E. Railway Lahartara. Ph. No.- (0542) 2220348.
  • Heritage Hospital , Lanka, Ph. No.- (0542) 2369991-5.
  • Apollo clinic , Mehmoorganj, Ph. No.- (0542) 2360682.

Crafts of Varanasi & Vindhyachal Division

Banarasi Saree

Banarasi Saree are elegant brocaded silk sarees. These are known to be the finest sarees of the country and has been popular for its golden and silver zari work it is the most preferred bridal attire for every indian woman The weavers can be seen in hundreds of small workshop in peelikothi area where they are working day and night creating wonderful crafts with threads zaries and passion in loms

Crafts of Varanasi & Wooden lacquerware & Toys

The varanasi lacquerware is the producer toys that are crafted in detail and coloured. All the toy are beaing manufactured with eucalyptus. Goolar and coraiya woods and are carvad and coloured with hands. The colouring is don with lac by processing heating mixing and cooling.

Subah-e-Banaras

Varanasi or Kashi the”City of Spiritual Light” is considered to be one of the oldest living cities in the world.
The glorious traditions and mythological legacy of this shining city are virtually unrivalled. It offers a breathtaking experience to every visitor. A morning at the Ganga ghat is a memorable experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganga, the high banks, the temples and shrines, soul steering hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air, a refreshing dip in the holy water and a rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and literature… truly this is the city where experience and discovery reach the ultimate bliss.

Ganga Mahotsav

Ganga Mahotsav the only festival of its kind. It adds to the attraction of this city of temples, Ghats and traditions.
As classical music fills the atmosphere, a mystique seems to envelop the environs creating a mood both celestial and soulful. The classical music rendered by maestros indeed imparts an unforgettable flavour. The attraction of the five-day-long Ganga Mahotsav is its message of faith and culture, which is enhanced by the daily Shilp Mela and the unique Dev Deepawali. Innumerable ‘Diyas’ or earthen lamps in chain, lit by devotees float down the river on the full moon night of Kartik, creating a spectacle both mystical and heart warning.

Boudh Mahotsav

One of the greatest spiritual teachers of mankind which India has produced is undoubtedly, Buddha. Edwin Arnold has fittingly called him the "Light of Asia". Buddha's message has travelled far and wide and captured the hearts and minds of billions of people outside India also.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha with traditional religious fervour. A large fair is held at Sarnath and the relics of Buddha are taken out for public display in a procession on this day in the month of May. The beauty of this event is amplified by millions of earthen lamps or "Diyas" placed in a pattern in Mulgandh Kuti Vihar.