How To Reach Varanasi

Copious temples and spiritual sites dotted along the lanes of cityscape makes Varanasi the spiritual paradise of India. Doused in culture and tradition, Varanasi ranks high as the most sought after pilgrimage destination in the country. If you wish to experience the best of the spiritual world, then a trip to this sanctified city is highly recommended. Apart from its noted shrines, the place is also admired for its crowded streets and scenic ghats that always teem with monks and devotees. The charm of the city, however, is not limited to its religious sites alone. Varanasi has served as cultural hub of the country from the ancient times. Come to Varanasi and lose yourself in the sheer bliss of the aartis, religious offerings, deafening hymns and chants and take back home a divine feeling. If you are planning a trip to Varanasi and are worried about how to reach the city, then this write-up would provide you with all the necessary information on ways to reach to this mystical land.

Traveling To Varanasi

By Air
The Babatpur airport, located at a distance of 18 km from Varanasi, is well-connected to most of the major cities of India. Many public and private airlines operate from Babatpur to the cities of Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar. International travelers can reach Varanasi via Delhi, which is situated only 810 km from the capital. With the availability of direct flights, tourists from Nepal can reach Varanasi from Katmandu. Although the state owned Indian Airlines acts as the major air transportation network of the city, there are several other flights operating to and fro from Varanasi like Air India, Go Air, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Red, Kingfisher, SpiceJet and Indigo.

By Rail
Being the major pilgrimage center of Hindus, Varanasi is well-connected to all the major railway stations in the country. The two major railway stations of the city are the Kashi junction and the Varanasi Junction. These stations provide connectivity to all the major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Meerut, Indore, Allahabad and Lucknow. Some of the important trains providing service from Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Express (Varanasi-Delhi), Saryu-Yamuna Express (Muzzafarpur-Varanasi-Delhi), Sabermati Express (Varanasi-Ahmedabad), Marudhar Express (Varanasi / Agra /Jaipur) and Shramjivi Express (Patna- Varanasi-Delhi). Apart from Varanasi railway stations, you can catch trains from Mughalsarai station, which is located at a distance of 10 km from Varanasi.

By Road
Situated in the flat Gangetic plains, Varanasi has very good network of roads, which connects all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and neighboring metropolitan cities to Varanasi. Several routes connect Varanasi to other cities. The national highway NH 2 links this holy land to all the places lying in the Kolkata-Delhi route. Another major highway, NH 7 connects the city to Kanyakumari and NH 29 connects it to Gorakhpur and its neighboring states. To roam within the city you can opt for auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, tempos and taxis, which are readily available for your service.