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 Introduction

River Front (Ghats): The spectacular 4 Km sweep of the Ghats is a unique sight, best viewed at dawn, in that "soft first light" when the river and Ghats have a timeless appeal. Life in almost panoramic detail unfolds here from dawn to dusk as a steady stream of devotees swelling to thousands on auspicious days-perform rituals by the Ganga. The Ghats are best approached by Dashashwamedha Ghat, where boats are available on hire.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Also known as Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other

Gods, broke through the earth's crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varansi. It is open only to Hindus.

Gyanvapi Mosque: The Gyanvapi Mosque was raised by                Aurangzeb near the present Vishwanath Temple or the Golden Temple.

Durga Temple: Commonly called the 'Monkey temple', it was built in teh 18th century. Although it is one of the best-known temples, it is open only to Hindus. Beware of the monkeys here who are daring and menacing.

Tulsi Manas Temple: Constructed by a family of Varansi, this modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is situated at the place where Tulsidas, the great medieval seer, lived and wrote the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas", which narrates the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. Verses from Tulsidas's epic are inscribed on the walls.

Bharat Kala Bhawan (Banaras Hindu University): A short         rickshaw ride from the Durga temple is the Banaras Hindu University, on of the oldest educational centres in India. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of Indian art, culture, music and also for Sanskrit, it has developed into a modern academic centre of various disciplines. Within the campus is the Bharat Kala Bhawan, a museum that houses one of the finest collection of Mughal miniature paintings and brocade textiles. Open 10.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.

New Vishwanath Temple: Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University, a modern place of worship planned by Pandit Malviya and built in the Birlas. Open to all, irrespective of caste or creed.

Alamgir Mosque: An amalgamation of Hindu-Muslim religious sentiments, this mosque is also known as " Beni Madhav ka Darera". Curiously, the entire lower portion of the mosque is retained as a Hindu temple.

Ram Nagar Fort and Museum: A 17th-century fort, Ram Nagar is the home of the Maharaja of Banaras, who is revered as the representative of Shiva in the city. The museum's collection includes interesting vintage silver and brocade palanquins, howdahs, a replica of the royal bed and an armory of swords and guns. Ramnagar is also very famous for its Ram Lila.

Other places of interest at Varanasi include Bharat Mata Temple, Annapurna Temple, Manmandir, Sankat Mochan Temple etc.

Sarnath: 10 Km/6 mile from Varanasi is the site where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon "Maha-Dharma-Chakra Pravartan" after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka

Chunar: 40 Km/25 mile . Chunar has an immense fort overlooking the Ganga. This place has been the scene of battles since 1540, when Sher Shah took it from Humayun. Akbar recaptured it in 1575. In the mid-18th century it was appropriated by Awadh and subsequently, the British. The fort has a sun-dial and a huge well, and affords a splendid view of the Ganga.

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary: 70 Km/ 44 mile from Varanasi are the forests of Chandraprabha, within which are the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls. A beautiful secluded spot for picnic.

Vidhyachal: 75 Km / 46 mile. The famous temples of Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja Devi and Kalikhoh are the major attractions.

Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary: 130 km. Spread over an area of 500 sq. km, the sanctuary has a variety of wildlife. The Mukha waterfall is a tourist attraction.

Other excursions include Jaunpur ( 58 Km/36 mile ), Allahabad (128 Km/ 80 mile), and the Vindham and Chachai Falls