Varanasi

Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. The name Varanasi has its origin from the names of the two rivers Varuna and Assi. In the words of Mark Twain, American humorist, “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. It is believed that those who are graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance and the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. A great center of learning for ages, Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors. A crossing place between the physical and spiritual worlds, this overwhelming city captivates many visitors from across the world. A boat ride on the river or a walk along the ghats is one of India’s most absorbing experiences.