Located on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi or Benaras as it is known, is the oldest cities of India. Varanasi is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively.

From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and consider one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage which is visited by millions of people every year. Since ancient time to this day Varanasi is considered to be the education capital of India. How can one forget the great old days of B.H.U, where student flocked from all parts of India and abroad for higher education.

For every visitor Varanasi has different experiences to offer. The shimmering red and golden water of the Ganges with the first rays of dawn falling on them, the high banks, the temples, the Ashrams, the pavilions all are an experience in themselves.

Varanasi is not only known for its temples, Ghats and Ganges but it has also produced many renowned exponents of art, music, literature and crafts. Why only the luminaries, Varanasi has also excelled in the art of silk weaving. The Banarasi silk saris and brocades are cherished as collector's items across the world.

The ghats dotted with temples, the maze of alleys along the ghats, what ever Varanasi has is enough to attract the visitor again and again.

Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi
One of the main ghats of Varanasi is the 'Dasashvamedh Ghat' or the 'ghat of ten sacrificed horses'. It is said that the sacrifices were made by Lord Brahma to pave path for the return of Shiva after the period of banishment.

The beauty of this ghat has remained unchanged, even after ages of harsh treatment it has undergone. The Ghat has remained unspoiled and provides the same view of the river front, which it has been showing for ages now.

Asi Ghat, Varanasi
Asi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in the sacred city, which is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Asi. Pilgrims consider it particularly holy to bathe here prior to worshipping at a huge lingam, under a peepal tree.

Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is popularly known as the 'Golden Temple' due to the gold plating done on its 15.5 meter high spire. For this one ton of gold was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The temple was destroyed by various invaders and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore.

St. Mary's Church, Varanasi
St. Mary's Church is located in the cantonment area of Benaras. It is adore for its designing. It has a low tower, spire and projecting poitico. Instead of windows tile, church has louvred doors to the sides and hooded ventilation slots beneath the cornice. The flank elevations have divided pilasters into seven bays. The two outer bays have blind door cases, enriched with blocked surrounds and Key stones in the manner of Gibbs.

Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi
This temple is dedicated to Mother India which is just one kilometer from the Varanasi station. The temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimension which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.

Bharat Kala Bhavan, Varanasi
Bharat Kala Bhavan was started in 1950, as a university museum. it is famous for its unique collection of paintings. It lies within the sprawling grounds of Banaras Hindu University. Its outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles began with the private collection of the enlightened Rai Krishnadasa.

It has a rich collection of Rajasthani paintings, 'pichhwais' and 'pahari' paintings. It also houses exquisite specimens of Nepalese and Tibetan 'thankas', company paintings as well as paintings of contemporary artists.

How To Get There to Varanasi
Road: The place is well connected by roads from all the corners of the country. Varanasi is on the national highway number 2 from Calcutta to Delhi.

Air: Varanasi has its own airport which is 22 Kms from the city. The Babatpur airport connects Varanasi with all the major cities in India.

Railway: Varanasi is well connected by rail network. The nearby Mughal Sarai railway junction is one of the major railway junction in the region with almost all the trains from the East, North East and some trains for South and Western region crossing the station.