Location from major metros
Situated in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the imperative Hindu pilgrimages of India. This prehistoric city is positioned on the banks of the blessed river, Ganga. Varanasi also recognized as Kashi or Banaras because of the two tributaries of River Ganges: Varuna and Assi. Varanasi is one of the most ancient cities of India; with the development of over 2000 years. According to legendary Novelist Mark Twain, the city is older than traditions, history and epics. Varanasi is located at the latitude of 25° 19' 60 North and the longitude of 83° 0' 0 East. 

Famous For
Banarasi Silk, Banarasi Zari, Wooden Toys and Carpets

Climate
It has an extreme form of climate. The maximum temperature during summer is 46oCelsius and the minimum temperature is 32oCelsius. Whereas, in winter season maximum temperature goes to 15oCelsius and minimum temperature drops down to 5oCelsius.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March. 

The City
Varanasi has a distinctive culture, relatively different from other places in the region. The whole Varanasi society revolves around the river Ganga that is the soul of the city. Varanasi has its own style of music in classical Indian form. Varanasi has shaped many musicians, philosophers, poets, writers that Indian history. To name few of them: Kabir, Munshi Premchand, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan are from here only. It even has its own language, which is different from other dialects of the region. It has been a seat of comprehension from about 700 BC. The universities here, attracts students from all over the world.

Major Attractions in the city

Banaras Hindu University : The University was established in the year 1916 widely identified as BHU. Today it is listed amongst the leading and the most esteemed universities of India.

Barat Kala Bhawan, B.H.U : Created as a university museum in 1950, it has a major tourist attraction for its exceptional collection of miniature paintings. It has an affluent assortment of Rajasthani, Pichhawai's, pahari, Nepalese & Tibetan paintings. Also paintings of modern artists, illustrating Mrigavati, Kalpa Sutra, some pages of Humza-nama are the proud assets of the museum.

Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Museum, Ramnager : The antique fort of Ramnager was initially built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in between 1740 to1770 AD. This marvelous fort has this Museum that possess an exceptional collection consisting textiles, decorative items, arms & armours, utilitarian objects, old carts, palkis, furniture and manuscripts.the place speaks of its own about the craftsman ship.

Kashi Vidya Peeth : it was found by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta in 1920; provide an alternate learning structure against the Bruisers education system. With Hindi as the medium of language, the organization became popular and soon became as the centre of national education. 

River Front (Ghats) : It is a thrilling scene, best viewed at sunrise, in the calm first sunlight when the river and Ghats has an enduring request. Devotees assemble here daily to offer prayers to the blessed river Ganga. 

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir : Known as the Golden temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Along with the Ghats and river Ganga, Shivaling is installed inside the temple. People of Varanasi often visit here to worship their god.

Other places of interest

Ramnagar : Situated at a distance of 14 kms, Ramnager has a museum displaying the imperial collection of vintage Cars, Royal palkies, an armoury of swords and old guns, ivory work and antiques. Visit Durga Temple and Chhinnamastika Temple also.

Vindhyachal : It is one of the main shakitipeeths where Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Ashtabhuja and Kalikhoh are the major cause of attraction. Vindhyachal is located at a distance of 80 km from Varanasi.

Sarnath : It is the place where Lord Buddha preached his first lecture "Maha- Dharma-Chakra Pravartan". Sarnath is one of the richest in Buddhist antiquities ranging in date from the times of Ashoka down to the 12th century A.D. The emperor Ashoka constructed Dharmarajika Stupa here in the surrounding area on which stands a pillar surmounted by the splendid capital of four adorsed Lions, which now are the national emblem of India. Among the more imposing ones is the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings in the lower part, the Chaukhandi Stupa and Mahabodhi Society's Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. Sarnath has also got an array of collection of Buddhist sculptures consisting of numerous of images at Archaeological Museum here.

Chunar Fort : The Chunar fort is just 40 kms away from Varanasi, where Saint Bhartrihari took Samadhi in front of everyone. This historical fort is attributed to one of the greatest warrior rulers, Sher Shah Suri. This outstanding fort consist Sonwa Mandap, Sun clock and a huge well. The fort also showcases a wonderful sight of the river Ganga. For, an overnight, the visitors can stay at PWD Rest House.

Kaushambi : This prehistoric place is attributed to the Pandav brother of the epic Mahabharata; situated at a distance of 185 kms from Varanasi. The city holds within its confines an old gigantic fort which is testimony to the city's antiquity. Lord Buddha visited here in the 6th and the 9th year after the enlightenment that gave numerous sermons and discourses. Thus, it is also prominent as the centre of Buddhism.

Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary : it is the dense and remote forests of Chandraprabha that nestle within the Rajdari and Devdari waterfalls. Located at a distance of 70 kms from Varanasi; this thrilling forest has become a serene picnic spot.

How to reach

By Air : Varanasi airport is 22 Kms away from the city that links with main cities of India. 

By Rail : The major railway junction is cant railway station of Varanasi that connects the city with all the major places in India. The nearby Mughal Sarai railway station is one of the major junctions of the region with trains from all the directions crossing it.

By Road : This place is situated on the NH 2, which runs from Calcutta to Delhi. Varanasi has a good network of roads that connects it to the other places of India. Varanasi is 780 km from Delhi, 250 km from Gaya, 408 km from Dhanbad, 511km Jhansi, 320 km from Kanpur and 300 km from Lucknow.