Varanasi is a famous Hindu holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The airport is situated 22 km from the city. It is connected with regular flights from Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Kathmandu and Calcutta. It is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.
It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, dating back thousands of years and contemporaneous with the Summer civilisation. One of the oldest living cities of the world. It is known as the religious and cultural capital of India. Its known history dates back to about 3500 hundred years, during which it has continuously been populated. However, Hindus believe that the city is eternal. Varanasi has also been known as Kashi and Benares, but its present name is restoration of an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers the Varuna and Asi.
The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganga and the rivers religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in northern India for thousands of years.
Varanasi has been a great centre for learning and civilization and is sacred to the Hindus. It has an endearing universal mystique, which has to be experienced to be understood. Varanasis original name Kashi, is said to have been derived from the word Kasha meaning bright which defines Varanasi as the city of light, meaning spiritual luminance.
There are about 1500 temples, palaces, and shrines. The most famous Hindu temples are the Golden temple. One million religious pilgrims visit the city annually.
Varanasi is also famous for its silk brocades and brassware. The city is an educational centre, especially for Sanskrit studies Benares Hindu University in 1916.
Though celebrated all over India as a major Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri has a special attraction of its own at Varanasi. Especially worth mentioning is the marriage procession of Lord Shiva which is takes out beginning from the temple, Daranagar to Kashi Vishwanath temple.
During summers, weather can be as hot as 45. Torrential rains and high humidity accompanies the monsoons that usually come in late June or early July for about two months. Winters are pleasant and temperature dips down to about 7. The climatic conditions are most favourable for the tourists between Octobers to April.
