Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend…” said renowned Novelist Mark Twain for Varanasi. Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is situated on the bank of holy Ganga. Also famous as Kashi or Banaras, the city derived its name from the amalgamation of the names of two mighty rivers, Varuna and Assi. Varanasi holds a civilization of over 2000 years and thus claims to be one of the oldest living cities. tourists can also shop silk brocades and beautiful silk saris, for which Varanasi is famous world over.

Places to see:

The famous ghats of Varanasi are the most pious and picturesque, where you can spot the activities of many religious rites from childbirth to marriage and dispersing of remains. There are five important ghats in Varanasi where the pilgrims flock to take the holy dip, namely—Assi, Dasawamedha, Barnasangam, Panchganga, and Manikarnika. The best time to visit the ghats is at the break of dawn, when pilgrims perform the Surya Pranam immersed waist deep in the waters of the holy Ganges. Other must-visit places in Varanasi are; Gyanvyapi Masjid with 71minarets, Golden Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bharat Mata temple, the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Vinayaka Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kal Bhairav, Jateshwar Mahadeo, and Maha Mritunjaya Temple.

How to reach:

• By Air: Varanasi is well connected by air to several important cities in India. It is on the daily tourist service route of Delhi-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi.
• By Rail: Varanasi has two railway stations--Kashi and Varanasi Junction, also called Cantonment Station. It has regular train services to various parts of the city.