Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is a city on the left bank of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, with a history that stretches back more than two millennia. The city is a major religious and cultural center for Hinduism and is also significant in Jainism and Buddhism.

Varanasi is renowned for its ghats along the Ganges, where pilgrims perform rituals and cremations take place at sites such as Manikarnika and Dashashwamedh. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of Hinduism’s holiest temples and lies at the heart of the city. The nearby site of Sarnath, about 10 kilometers away, marks the place where the historical Buddha delivered his first sermon and established the Buddhist sangha; it features the Dhamek Stupa and ancient monastic ruins.

Varanasi has long been a center of learning and the arts. It is famous for Banarasi silk textiles and sarees. The city hosts educational and cultural institutions, including Banaras Hindu University, established in 1916. Religious festivals, boat processions, and the Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat are notable attractions for visitors.

Transportation to and from Varanasi is well developed, with Varanasi Junction railway station serving as a major rail hub and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) near Babatpur connecting the city to domestic and some international destinations. The city’s bazaars, temples, and riverfront attract pilgrims, students, and tourists year-round.