Varanasi, or Benaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled.

Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, 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".

One of the earliest descriptions of Varanasi is found in the Buddhist scriptures as also in the epic, 'Mahabharat'. The 'Pali' version of  Varanasi was 'Baranasi'  which ultimately gave birth to the name 'Banaras'. According to the 'Vamana Purana', the Varuna and Assi rivers originate from the body of the primordial person at the beginning of time itself. The tract of land lying between them is believed to be the holiest of all pilgrimages. The holy land between these two rivers is 'Varanasi'. Varanasi, also famous as Kashi (Derived from the root 'Kas' - to shine) is called the city of spiritual light.


Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, a city of traditional classical culture. Glorified by myth and legend and sanctified by religion, it has always attracted a large number of pilgrims and worshippers from times immemorial.
To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself… and experience in Self discovery … an ethereal oneness of the body and soul.

To every visitor, Varanasi offers a breathtaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges… the high -banks, the temples and shrines, the ashrams and pavilions along the banks bathed in a golden hue… soul -stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air… and, the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats….



Ghat of Varanasi



Peoples bathing at Ghat


Varanasi is famous for it silk weaving, and Banarsi silk are a part of every girl's trousseau. Banaras brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, Copperware, Wooden ,Clay toys and Exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other crafts the city is famous for. The hand-knotted carpets Mirzapur and Bhadohi and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is also famous for its ‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel life is also a speciality. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gail, Golghar and Dalmandi.




Khujraho Temples



Annapurna Temples



Kalabhairava Shrine


Varanasi is easily accessible from all parts of the country. Very well connected by road, rail and air, the City of. offers convenient and comfortable traveling options to and from other cities of India.

 AIR
Indian Airlines flies to Babatpur airport which is 22 km. from Varanasi and 30 km. from Sarnath There is a. direct, daily flight connection between Varanasi and New Delhi. It also connects Varanasi to Delhi, Agra,. Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar.

 RAIL
Varanasi is an important and major rail junction. The city is served by trains from all metros and major cities across the country. New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Gwalior, Meerut, Indore, Guwahati, Allahabad, Lucknow, Dehradun  the city has direct rail connections.

 ROAD
Varanasi, on (National Highway) NH2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NH7 to Kanya Kumari and NH29 to GoraKhpur is connected literally to the rest of the country by good motorable, all – weather roads. Some important road distances are: Agra 565 km., Allahabad 128 km., Bhopal 791 km., Bodhgaya 240 km., Kanpur 330 km., Khajuraho 405 km., Lucknow 286 km., Patna 246 km., Sarnath 10 km., Lumbini (Napal) 386 km., Kushi Nagar 250 km. (via Gorkhpur), UPSRTC Bus Stand, Sher Shah Suri Marg, Golgadda Bus Stand.

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