Welcome to Varanasi (Benares) !!

The antiquity of Varanasi is veiled in immortal time. An ‘eternal’ city, it abounds with a rich and vibrant past. Varanasi is another holy dot 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.

Varanasi has been a great centre for learning and civilization and in 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 ‘Kashi’. meaning bright which defines its significance as the ‘city of light’ or its spiritual luminance. The present name is believed to be a combination of Varuna and Asi, the two rivers on its northern and southern periphery. Banaras, as it is popularly known, is only a corruption of the name by an ever changing culture.

Situated on the west Bank of the Ganges, Varanasi extends back from the riverbank ghats to a winding maze of picturesque alleys overlooking tall houses alongside, dotted with temples. It is a fascinating area to wander around. Varanasi’s principal attraction is a long string of bathing ghats which line the river. Pilgrims of all castes and creeds make their sin cleansing dip in atonement.

The best time to visit the Ghats is at dawn, where pilgrims come for their early morning dip. The city comes alive with magical lights, the keen scent of spices, incence, aromatic oils and crushed flowers. The air reverberates with chanting of mantras and jangling bells alongwith cries of vendors.

Tourist Information :

Places to see
Getting there and around
Where to stay