Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is also known as Banaras /Benares or Kashi. The eternal city is situated on the western banks of the holy Ganges. The present name ‘Varanasi has been oriented from two tiny rivers 'Varuna' and 'Assi'. The city is as primordial as the Hindu religion itself. Since the ancient time, immense number of pilgrims has assembled here every day for praying Lord Shiva, getting 'Moksha' or to get rid of all sins they have committed so far. All religious Hindus want to visit Banaras at least once in a life-time. It's believed that if someone dies in this city, he will be united with Lord Shiva forever. As per records, the city is more ancient than Nineveh, Babylon and Thebes.

The city is repeatedly looted by the foreign invaders which has caused the destruction of many historic monuments although it's must visit place for the tourists. This spiritual place is famous for its ‘Panda’ also. The pandas are your guide cum priest who will help you not only to worship in the Vishwanath Temple but also to plan a trip all around the city. The Kathak dance is one of the eminent art forms of the globe. Varanasi sari, produced here is world famous. The city is well connected with the famous tourist centers and the major cities of the country like Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai by rail, road and air.

These are the famous locations around Varanasi:

a) The River Front: The semi-circular river front with its enthralling Ghats is amazing. Religious Hindus from all part of the county come for burning the dead body of their near and dear ones to gravitate reincarnation. The river front looks spectacular during dawn and dusk. In the small hours of early morning pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga and offer prayer to the sun-god. In the evening lighted lamps and fragrant flowers brighten the water from as they are set afloat in leaf boat with the chanting of prayers and holy Mantras. The Ghat is stretched over five kms in length. One can see various amazing scenes on the Ghat. Some ash smeared sadhus are mediating, devout are reciting prayers and mantras, yogis are practicing hath yoga, dead bodies are burnt and multitude are taking bath in the sacred Ganga. These are some of the famous Ghats of Banaras: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat, Mata Anandamai Ghat, Munshi Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Ahilya Ghat, Chet Singh Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Lalita Ghat. Therefore, Varanasi is called the ‘City of Ghats’.

b) Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has been smashed and renovates a number of times in the history. Firstly by Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak and then by Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb threw the idol of the god into a nearby well, now famous as Gyan Vapi. Two domes of the temple are covered by gold. It is the holiest temple in the city Varanasi.

c) Bharat Mata Temple: The temple has a marble map of India instead of any customary deity. The temple is located on Vidya-peetha road. It is devoted to Mother India and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

d) BHU (Benaras Hindu University): It's commonly known as BHU. This is the largest residential university in Asia. It was founded by Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916. It was built up on an area of about two thousand acres. Inside the campus there is new Vishwanath Temple made up of marble.

e) Ganga Aarti at Banaras/Varanasi: Ganga Aarti is the splendid ceremony that takes place every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the bank of Ganga. It's a great attraction for all the tourist comes to Banaras. Ganga Aarti is a magnificent ceremony that takes place every day at the Dashashwamedh Ghat at the bank of the holy river Ganga.

f) Sarnath: Sarnath is a famous city located about 13 kilometers north-east of Varanasi where Lord Buddha first enlightened the people with his divine teachings more than two thousand five years back. There is the ‘Ashoka Stupa’ and the famous pillar crested with 4 Lions. Today India's national symbol is inspired by the structure of this pillar. There is an archaeological museum at Sarnath where Buddha statues, antique porcelain painting and engraving scan be seen. These are the greatest collection of the Gupta period.