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 Introduction

Varanasi (also known as Banaras) is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city, is to attain instant salvation. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, Varanasi is the tract of Holy Land lying between the rivers Varuna and Assi. which flow into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light, since of the twelve "Jyotirlinga" is installed here. Mark Twain, the American writer who visited the city, wrote: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Varanasi has been a great cultural centre, especially in the fields of music, learning and the craft of silk weaving. Some of the most renowned exponents of music have drawn their inspiration from Varanasi. Banaras brocades are treasured textiles and considered collector' items.

The eminent novelist Prem Chand belonged to this city and so did Tulsi Das, the famous poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas also lived here for many years. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro is another of Varanasi's illustrious sons.

General Information:

Area: 73.89 sq.km. , Altitude: 80.71 mtrs. Above sea level.

Season: October-March, Clothing: Summer-Cottons, Winter-Woolens.

Language: Hindi, English.

Festivals: Shivratri, Dussehra, Ganga Festival, Bharat Milap, Dhrupad Mela, Hanuman Jayanti, Nakkatyya-Chetganj, Nag Nathaiya, Panch Kroshi Parikrama.

Local Transport: Buses/Cycle-rickshaws/Auto-rickshaws.

STD Code: 0542