| Varanasi is a famous Hindu holy city situated on the | | | | experienced to be understood. Varanasis original |
| banks of the river Ganges in the Indian state of | | | | name Kashi, is said to have been derived from the |
| Uttar Pradesh. The airport is situated 22 km from the | | | | word Kasha meaning bright which defines Varanasi as |
| city. It is connected with regular flights from Delhi, | | | | the city of light, meaning spiritual luminance. |
| Agra, Khajuraho, Kathmandu and Calcutta. It is very | | | | There are about 1500 temples, palaces, and shrines. |
| well connected by a network of roads and road | | | | The most famous Hindu temples are the Golden |
| transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and | | | | temple. One million religious pilgrims visit the city |
| surrounding areas. | | | | annually. |
| It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in | | | | Varanasi is also famous for its silk brocades and |
| the world, dating back thousands of years and | | | | brassware. The city is an educational centre, |
| contemporaneous with the Summer civilisation. One | | | | especially for Sanskrit studies Benares Hindu |
| of the oldest living cities of the world. It is known as | | | | University in 1916. |
| the religious and cultural capital of India. Its known | | | | Though celebrated all over India as a major Hindu |
| history dates back to about 3500 hundred years, | | | | festivals, Mahashivratri has a special attraction of its |
| during which it has continuously been populated. | | | | own at Varanasi. Especially worth mentioning is the |
| However, Hindus believe that the city is eternal. | | | | marriage procession of Lord Shiva which is takes out |
| Varanasi has also been known as Kashi and Benares, | | | | beginning from the temple, Daranagar to Kashi |
| but its present name is restoration of an ancient | | | | Vishwanath temple. |
| name meaning the city between two rivers the | | | | During summers, weather can be as hot as 45. |
| Varuna and Asi. | | | | Torrential rains and high humidity accompanies the |
| The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the | | | | monsoons that usually come in late June or early July |
| river Ganga and the rivers religious importance. The | | | | for about two months. Winters are pleasant and |
| city has been a cultural and religious centre in | | | | temperature dips down to about 7. The climatic |
| northern India for thousands of years. | | | | conditions are most favourable for the tourists |
| Varanasi has been a great centre for learning and | | | | between Octobers to April. |
| civilization and is sacred to the Hindus. It has an | | | | Come and see for yourself. |
| endearing universal mystique, which has to be | | | | |