Introduction to Varanasi : Formerly known as Benares, the holy city of Hindus on the banks of the sacred, purifying river Ganga. 10 kilometers away is Sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermon of enlightenment, 25 centuries ago. Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrim sites in India.

An 'eternal' city, it abounds with a rich and vibrant past. Varanasi is another holy spot on the life giving Mother Ganges. As a religious centre, it is beyond compare. It is one of the foremost 'tirthas' (place of pilgrimage). Varanasi, as the legend goes was created by Shiva, the cosmic lord. It figures prominently in the epic Mahabharat. Puranic Literature dates its existence to at least three millennia.

Varanasi has been a great centre for learning and civilization and is sacred to the Hindus. It has an endearing universal mystique, which has to be experienced to be understood. Varanasi's original name Kashi, is said to have been derived from the word 'Kasha' meaning bright which defines Varanasi as the 'city of light', meaning spiritual luminance.The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, ”Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Right from the ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.
Situated on the West Bank of the Ganges, it extends from the riverbank ghats to a winding maze of picturesque alleys overlooking tall houses alongside, dotted with temples.

Summers can be quite harsh in Varanasi with the temperatures going up to 45°C. The monsoon season, which starts by late June or early July, brings in the torrential rains and high humidity. Winters are quite pleasant with temperatures remaining at around 20°C in the day. However, the early part of the day can remain enveloped in the fog.

Sightseeing:  Temples form the major source of attraction in this ancient city. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Some of the other interesting places to visit around the city are Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanat Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Archaeological Museum.

Excursions: Excursions around Varanasi get you further acquainted with the mystic religion of Hinduism besides presenting an insight into the Buddhism. A visit to Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Kushinagar puts you on the trail of Buddha from the period of his attaining enlightenment to his passing away. Allahabad and Ramnagar Fort are the other places around Varanasi that are worth a visit.