Varanasi is the oldest inhabited city in the world, where the reigning Hindu deity,Lord Shiva is revered in numerous temples and shrines. The city has a timeless eternal appeal of it's own. A city that should be visited at least once by everyone. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of streets, the city attracts a large number of tourists. The religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is the world's most ancient city and was previously called Kashi - the city that illuminates. The present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a distance of 12 kms from Varanasi is Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after Enlightenment. Here he revealed the eight fold path to Nirvana.

Varanasi can be reached by road, train or air with equal ease. 765 Kms from Delhi, Varanasi is connected to all major cities by road.

What To See

The Ghats

The bathing Ghats that line the holy city of Varanasi are best visited by boats that offer a regular service. The most famous among these Ghats are Dasaswamedh, Kedar and Manikarnika.

Vishwanath Temple

This temple, erected by Rani Ahalyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776, is the centre of devotion of the city. The domes of this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are lined with gold.

Uttar Pradesh, the state which combines the traditional with the modern, Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer to tourists. From hill stations to pilgrimages, UP has it all. The most populous state in India, it is one of the most preffered tourist destinations. A rich cultural heritage and nature's bliss is what one finds in this beautiful state.

How To Reach

Regular bus services and trains connect Varanasi to Delhi and all the major towns. Varanasi is situated at the junction of three national highways - NH2 from Kolkatta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanyakumari and NH29 to Gorakhpur. Some important distances are

Agra - 606 kms

Allahabad - 125 kms

Lucknow - 320 kms

Patna - 210 kms

Bodhgaya - 234 kms

Kanpur - 320 kms

Khajuraho -n 406 kms

Lumbini Nepal - 386 kms

Delhi - 756 kms

Kolkatta - 677 kms. Sarnath is just 8 kms away.

Ram Nagar Fort

This fort was the 17th century home of the Raja of Benaras. Now converted into an interesting museum, this fort houses the royal possessions.

Gyanvapi Mosque

Emperor Aurangzeb, in the 17th century destroyed the Vishweswara Temple and built this mosque over it's ruins.

Banaras Hindu University

This university is housed in an area of nearly 2000 acres. Perhaps the largest residential university in Asia.

Other Temples

Other important temples worth visiting are the Tulsi Manas, Durga Kund, Bharat Mata and New Vishwanath Temple.

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Shopping

Apart from visiting these famous places, you can shop for brocades, brassware, ivory-ware, carpets and gold jewellery. Main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Lane, Gyanvapi, Thatheri Bazaar and Lahurabir.

Cusine

Varanasi has some mouth watering spread of sweets. One should definitely try the "Kachauri" and the vegetarian breakfast. And, of course, don't forget the "Banarasi paan" (Betel leaf).

Fesitvals

The important festivals are Buddha Purnima, Chetganj Nakkataiya and Ganga Dussehra.