places of tourist interest in Varanasi (Weekend Getaways from Varanasi)

Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, is a district of Uttar Pradesh. The city of Varanasi is based on the banks of the Holy River Ganges.  Tourist Places Near Varanasi and attractions around Varanasi and sightseeing can be done by auto or a Taxi.

Sarnath : Sarnath is 10 kms north of Varanasi. Sarnath is one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. Buddha delivered his first sermon from this place in 528 BC. There are many temples here, where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. Tibetans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Burmese and the Thai have set up centers of learning, monasteries and temples. The Ashokan Pillar here used to be crowned by a capital that had four lions with their backs to each other looking out in the four cardinal directions. You can get to Sarnath by bus, auto rickshaw or taxi, and can stay at hotels and the monasteries.

Chunar Fort (U.P):  Chunar,  40 kms from Varanasi is an ancient town located in Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh state, India.There is a old fort in this town. Chunar, is famed for its polished sandstone. It has a fort on the northern spur of the Kaimur Hills.  Chunar village is spread on the banks of the river and has shops, mainly dealing in the Chunar sandstone. Chunar is connected to Varanasi by a bus service.

Jaunpur, founded in 1360 by Feroz Shah Tughlaq is a dusty small town 58 kms from Varanasi. Its most distinguishing feature is the 16th century Akbari Bridge. A large sculpture of a lion and an elephant at one end of the bridge mark a milestone from which distances were measured. The Old Shahi Fort, north of the river, is a quadrangular complex which is now in ruins. Among the structures that remain is the oldest mosque of Jaunpur and a Turkish hammam. Just 400 metres away from the fort is the Atala Mosque built in 1408 on the ruins of the Atala Devi temple. About 5 kms from the Jami Masjid is the Lal Darwaza Masjid. It is a much smaller mosque, built probably as a private prayer chapel attached to a palace.

Allahabad(U.P): Allahabad, is one of the oldest and largest city of Uttar Pradesh’. Allahabad is a city with dimensions. In olden days it was known as Prayag Raj. Allahabad finds mention in the oldest Indian holy scriptures such as the Vedas, and also holy epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Rohtas in the state of Bihar is a Destination of Pride: The famous tourist places which are the charm of Rohtas also known as Sasaram include Rohtasgarh Fort, which is famous for Mughal architecture, Tarachandi, has a beautiful temple. Sasaram has a exquisite tomb of Sher Shah Suri.

Bodh Gaya(Bihar): Bodh Gaya is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar. It is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have obtained Enlightenment (Bodhimandala) under a tree which became famous and was known as the Bodhi Tree.

Patna Bihar(Bihar) - Formerly known as Patliputra, today famous as Patna was a city in ancient period and today is one of the busiest city. Patna is capital city of Bihar. Patna is famous for its historical glory and political fortunes. It is one of the oldest cities of the world and has a dominating position throughout the Indian history. Patna is also based on the southern banks of The Holy River Ganges.

Rajgir (Bihar):  Rajgir is a city in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. The city of Rajgir was once the capital of the kingdom of Magadha, also known as the Mauryan Empire. Its date of origin is unknown, although ceramics dating to about 1000 BC have been found in the city. This area is notable for Buddhism and Jainism. It is one of the favorite places for Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Visit at http://www.indiatripmaker.com/