Varanasi
Excursions
Sarnath
10 km. from Varanasi is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon
"Maha- Dharma-Chakra Pravartan" (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turned
the wheel of the law’) after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the richest
in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka downto the
12th century A.D Ashoka built here the Dharmarajika Stupa and near it erected
a pillar surmounted by the magnificent capital of four adorsed Lions, which
today forms the national emblem of India.
Among other structures at Sarnath are the ruins of the brick temple representing
the Mula- gandha kuti, ruins of stupas and monasteries. Among the more imposing
ones is the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings in the lower
part, the Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society’s Mulgandha Kuti Vihar
Temple. Sarnath has also yielded an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures
comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images which can be seen at Archaeological
Museum, Sarnath.
Ramnager
14 km. from Varanasi .The fortat Ramnager houses a museum displaying the Royal
collection which includes vintage Cars, Royal palkies, an armoury of swords
and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. The Durga Temple and Chhinnamastika
Temple are also Located at Ramnegar.
Vindhyachal
80 km. One of the shakitipeeths, Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Ashtabhuja and Kalikhoh
are the major attraction.
Chunar Fort
The Chunar fort is situated 40 km. from Varanasi. Saint Bhartrihari took live
Samadhi inside the fort. The historical fort at Chunar is ascribed to one of
the greatest warrior – rulers, sher shah suri. Sonwa Mandap, Sun clock
and a huge well are some of the attractions inside the fort. The fort offers
a splendid view of the river Ganga. There is a PWD Rest House for overnight
stay.
Kaushambi
185 km. from Varanasi. This anicent city is ascribed to the Pandav brother of
Mahabharat. The ruin of an old gigantic fort are testimony to the city’s
antiquity. Lord Buddha visited Kaushambi in the 6th and 9th year after his enlightenment,
giving several sermons and discourses and elevating it to a great centre of
Buddhism
Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
70 km, Varanasi are the forests of Chandrapha. These forests nestle within them
the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls. A beautiful secluded place for a relaxed
outing or a picnic.
Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary
130 km. from Varanasi. Spread over an area of 500 sq. km., the Sanctuary has
a veriety of wildlife. The Mukha waterfall is a tourist attraction.
Jaunpur
Jaunpur has the pride of being the capital of the independent Sharqi State,
the rulers of which were great patrons of art and architecture. The city still
boasts of its rich cultural past. Important monuments worth visiting are the
Atala mosque built in 1408, Jama Masjid, the Lal Darwaza Masjid, Khalis Mukhlis
Ki Masjid, the Shahi Bridge and the tombs of Sharqui Sultans. The ancient temple
of Shitla Chowkiya Dham, Trilochan Mahadev temple and the Yamadagni Ashram are
also much revered places for Hindu pilgrims.
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