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The 17th-century Alamgir Mosque, also called Beni Madhav Ka Darera, is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, on the banks of the Ganges River. It was built by Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, on the location of a Vishnu temple, after the temple had been destroyed. The mosque is renowned for its distinctive fusion of Islamic and Hindu architecture, symbolising Varanasi’s multifaith culture. Despite its contentious past, the mosque is a historical landmark and a representation of India’s diverse culture. It provides sweeping views of the sacred river and serves as a venue for religious events and the appreciation of Varanasi’s rich cultural legacy.
Location
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The Alamgir Mosque is located in Varanasi, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, next to Panchganga Ghat on the banks of the Ganges. There is a mosque known as Aurangzeb’s Mosque or Alamgir Mosque. The mosque is situated above the Panchaganga Ghat in a conspicuous location. Broad stairs descend to the Ganges from the ghat.
How To Reach
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By Air: Even though there aren’t many international flights that land in Varanasi, practically all local airlines have regular flights to and from the city thanks to its international airport.
By Rail: Almost every train that travels across northern India stops in Varanasi, a significant railway station. Trains from cities across India arrive at the Mughal Sarai Junction, another important station 18 km from the main city.
By Road: The road connections to Varanasi are convenient and well-maintained. It is possible to drive to neighbouring cities like Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Allahabad. The principal connecting route is National Highway 19.
Places To Visit Near Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi
1. Man Mandir Observatory
Photo: Nandanupadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed the astronomical wonder known as the Man Mandir Observatory in 1737 on the Man Singh Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This observatory provides evidence of the high calibre of astronomy scholarship in ancient India. To forecast the timing and motions of celestial bodies, it has several architectural astronomical devices. With a broad view of the city and the river, the observatory is located on the roof of the Man Mandir Palace, close to the banks of the sacred Ganges.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
2. Thai Temple
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The Thai Temple, a spiritual haven and architectural wonder in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, represents the close relationship between Thailand and India. With its traditional Thai designs and gilded embellishments, this temple is a stunning example of Thai craftsmanship and design. Given that Sarnath is significant as the location of Lord Buddha’s first discourse following enlightenment, this place of devotion, which is located in the serene surroundings of Sarnath, contributes to the spiritual atmosphere. The Thai Temple is distinguished by its unique roof form, which curves upward at the borders and has a majestic spire, known as the “Chedi” in Thai, that gracefully reaches the sky.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
3. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Photo: Jeff Hart / Wikimedia Commons
The expansive Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. It is among the most esteemed and ancient museums dedicated to Indian art and culture. It offers a thorough exploration of India’s rich cultural legacy with galleries devoted to literary history, Indian philately, and archaeological artefacts. Ancient sculptures, paintings, textiles, and historical pictures are only a few of the many artefacts in the museum that together illustrate India’s cultural diversity.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM and closed on Saturday
4. Chaukhandi Stupa
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
A historical landmark in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, close to Varanasi, is the Chaukhandi Stupa. As the site where Lord Buddha first met his disciples after achieving enlightenment, it is a highly respected Buddhist pilgrimage site. The stupa is a tall brick mound with an octagonal tower encircling its square structure. From an archaeological perspective, it resembles a terraced temple from the Gupta era (4th to 6th century CE), but it took on its current form during the Mughal era when Govardhan, the son of Raja Todarmal, gave it an octagonal tower to honour Humayun’s visit.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
5. Shivala Ghat
Shivala Ghat, one of the many ghats that border the banks of the holy Ganges River, is situated in the historic and religious city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Due to its religious significance, this ghat is a popular destination for pilgrims and devotees who come to carry out holy rites and seek blessings. Old homes and palaces constructed by royal families, some of which are architectural wonders with elaborate construction, are what define the ghat’s architecture. Boat cruises, religious ceremonies, and a tangible sense of the holy are all part of the experiences here.
Duration: Varies
Timings: 24*7
6. Ramnagar Fort
Photo: Cpsinghvns / Wikimedia Commons
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, Ramnagar Fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River, across from the Tulsi Ghat. It is the ancestral house of the Maharaja of Banaras and was constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Balwant Singh. The fort, primarily made of red sandstone, combines Islamic and Indian architectural elements. The fort has a museum on its premises that features a variety of items, including armoury, mediaeval costumes, vintage cars, royal palaces, and an astronomical clock. Additionally, it holds the yearly Dussehra festival, a major cultural occasion that draws tourists to Varanasi.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
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Ganpati Guest House is a reasonably priced guest house close to the mosque. Bhadra Kali Guest Home is a guest home that offers roomy accommodations with contemporary conveniences and is situated in the centre of Varanasi. Marigold Guest Home offers stunning views of the Ganges River and the surroundings. The Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi is a hotel with opulent rooms and top-notch services close to the mosque.
Where To Eat
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Varanasi is a foodie’s dream come true, with a wide range of delicacies available at the numerous eateries and food vendors close to the Alamgir Mosque. When visiting Varanasi, you should try chaat, which is made with potatoes, chickpeas and tamarind chutney. Lassi, made with yoghurt and sugar, and kachori served with chutney. A must-try dish of Varanasi is Malaiyo, a sweet dessert prepared with milk, sugar, and saffron.
Best Time To Visit
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The milder months of October through March are the best times to visit Varanasi’s Alamgir Mosque. Tourists may comfortably explore the city and see its historical sites during this time of year because of the excellent weather and little rainfall. Additionally, there are several religious and cultural festivals throughout these months, which might make the trip more enjoyable overall. However, if you want to see the mosque at its liveliest, you might want to schedule your visit around important Islamic holidays like Eid ul-Fitr or Eid ul-Adha.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- It is best to explore the ghats in the morning as you can observe a variety of rites and activities at the ghat.
- Do not miss Ganga Aarti which begins shortly after nightfall and lasts for almost forty-five minutes.
- You can have a sacred bath in the Ganga River for a spiritual retreat.
The Alamgir Mosque, which represents the complex past of this historic city, is a crucial component of Varanasi’s spiritual and cultural character. For visitors seeking a fulfilling and diverse travel experience in Varanasi, the future appears bright thanks to continuous efforts to enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure sustainably. For the perfect stay and travel contact TripXL and have a quaint getaway to the Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi.
Cover Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
