Exploring Varanasi through Its Railway Stations
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is colorful with its culture, rich with its ancient traditions, and most important, has all kinds of reverence. Being one of the significant pilgrim sites with millions of people visiting this city every year, it also plays a major role in putting the railway network with travelers who facilitate visits to the city’s rich heritage. Varanasi Junction Railway Station (Station Code- BSB) is perhaps the most prominent station in this area since it is equipped with the best connectivity and a modern touch along with its ambience.
Varanasi Junction, or Station Code- BSB as it is known at present, forms the lifeline of the railway system in the town. Situated right in the center of the city, this wonderful station has made considerable modern improvements in the ticketing systems and passenger amenities, the modernization of its platforms and a cleaner, more orderly layout. However, it is this old-world ambience that gives this station its cultural character: the essence of tradition and at the same time the view of modernity that Varanasi represents.
As one of the busiest stations in railway India, Varanasi Junction is one of the main gateways and junctions for pilgrims, tourists, and business people. It is of strategic importance because it makes the most of creating critical junctions for major national routes such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Facilities Available at Varanasi City Railway Station
Offering some of these services, Varanasi Junction Railway Station serves as a complete facility to make travel comfortable for the passengers who travel through it:
- Waiting Room and Retiring Room: Waiting rooms and retiring rooms are spacious and extensive for all passengers who want to rest before and after travel. These are well maintained and offer the basic facilities which give a peaceful respite in the midst of busy and hallowed stations.
- Food Service: From local delicacies like kachori-sabzi to multi-cuisine meals, the station offers a range of food stalls and restaurants. Hygiene and cuisine variety is prioritized. It ensures that travelers have better access to quality meals at reasonable prices.
- Ticket Booking Facilities: Varanasi station has digitalized ticket counters and automatic ticket vending machines for easy booking. In addition to online booking kiosks and a helpdesk specifically present for the convenience of travellers.
- Luggage Services: Luggage cloakrooms and porters are available to help passengers with their effects. Secure facilities for baggage ensures worry-free city exploration before travel.
- Hospital Services: There is a first-aid room at Varanasi station, along with emergency medical attention that can be readily accessed by travelers needing such services.
Top 7 Railway Stations in Varanasi District
Varanasi is adorned by several key railway stations, each offering unique access to the city’s diverse attractions. The important railway stations connecting different locations of Varanasi are as follows. Each railway station has its own different way of reaching popular attractions scattered all over the city.
- Varanasi Junction (BSB)
The centre in the city is mainly laden with pilgrims who approach Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the floored Ganga Ghats.
- Manduadih Railway Station (MUV)
It is a new station which is cleaner and superior compared with Varanasi Junction. Today, nearly an increasing number of people come to Manduadih for its modernity and some of the real-time advantages it has.
- Mughalsarai Junction (MGS)
As the name suggests, this is a station outside the city and connects with long-distance routes. It is one of the very important junctions for traveling into a more popular city.
- Varanasi City Railway Station (BCY)
This is another small station catering to everyone interested in visiting the eastern part of the city with great access to the surrounding localities.It is also known as Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
- Bhadohi Railway Station (BOY)
This station is known to be close to the carpet weaving town of Bhadohi and is a major point for trade and local tourism.
- Kashi Railway Station (KEI)
It is a quieter station usually entertained by travelers to temples nearby, as well as to less populated areas of the city.
- Sarnath Railway Station (SRNT)
This beautiful station becomes a tourist’s delight for people whose interest is inclined in the likes of history, as well as being near a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site Sarnath.
Must-Visit Places Near Varanasi Railway Station
Varanasi’s charm lies in its proximity to iconic landmarks that reflect its spiritual and cultural essence:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Varanasi Junction.
- Ganga Ghats: Witness mesmerizing rituals at Dashashwamedh Ghat and the serene beauty of Assi Ghat.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Renowned for its academic excellence and sprawling campus.
- Sarnath: Explore the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
- Ramnagar Fort: A historic fort showcasing the royal legacy of Varanasi.
- Swarved Mahamandir Dham: A spiritual centre known for its serene ambiance and unique architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to plan a visit to Varanasi is from October to March. This weather has brought delight in enjoying the city, as well as in celebrating many festivals like Diwali and Dev Deepawali.
- Which is the closest airport to Varanasi?
The closest airport to Varanasi is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, also known as Varanasi International Airport (VNS). Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located about 26 km from Varanasi Junction.
3.How to reach Varanasi by bus?
Varanasi is very well connected by roads, with almost every major city linking by regular bus services. Some popular interstate bus stops include Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna. The main bus terminal is Varanasi Bus Stand, which is located very close to the city center.
- How to reach Varanasi by Train?
Varanasi is very well connected with most of the important places in India directly by a train. Important stations in this area are Varanasi Junction (BSB), Manduadih (MUV), and Mughalsarai Junction (MGS).
- What is the famous food of Varanasi?
The most famous thing about Varanasi is rather its street food, comprising kachori-sabzi, chena dahi vada, malaiyo, banarasi paan, lassi, and so on. One gets a very different taste of these in this town, primarily due to the magic of the locality.
Varanasi is a beautiful city, indeed. There is a railway network which stands up for millions of travelers through the heritage of modern Varanasi. This is for those pilgrims and history buffs too who wish to explore this wonderful city well through its well-connected stations. From the bustling Varanasi Junction (BSB) to the tranquil Sarnath Railway Station (SRNT), every stop takes one into the heartbeat of the city.