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he world for centuries. The diversity of the Indian sub-continent is what makes it a tourist hot-spot even today. From the metropolitan city of Delhi to the beaches of Goa there is everything for the traveller's soul in this country.
When talking of India one must not forget its biggest occupation – religion. In the land of mystics the centre stage is held by Varanasi. Varanasi, is known most commonly as Benaras and also as Kashi meaning – The Luminous. For this reason it has often been christened as ‘The City Of Light'. This holy city forms the centre of all Hindu life as it is believed to have been founded by the Hindu God – Lord Shiva. The city is over 3000 years old and is the oldest city in the country. Situated on the western bank of the sacred River Ganges it is a popular tourist spot for devotees. Very little can compare to the splendour of Varanasi when seen from the river at dawn. There are over 70 bathing banks along the river Ganges which according to mythology is believed to have ‘fallen from heaven to earth'. A rinse in this holy river is the first act that the pilgrim must perform.
However Varanasi is not only a place of pilgrimage. Banarasi silk which is one of the most exquisite and popular silks sold in the country is found exclusively in this city. The most famous landmark of Varanasi and a must visit place is the Benaras Hindu University(BHU) which was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is the largest residential university in Asia and has over 12,000 students living on campus. Another tourist spot is the Ramnagar Fort which is located about 14 kilometers from Varanasi and lies on the opposite banks of the river Ganges. It has been the home of the Benaras Royal Family for several centuries. In recent times the popular Bengali movie ‘Choker Bali' was shot here. Apart from these there is also the Jantar Mantar which is an observatory built by the Maharaja Of Jaipur, Jai Singh, in 1737. It has been built in accordance with the observatories at Delhi, Jaipur, Mathra and Ujjain.
This ancient city gives an old world feel even today and can never tell which century they are while walking along the narrow streets of Benaras. The city has gathered the cumilitative Hindu tradition even to it's present form. It is a city that carries forward it's ageless culture into an era of wavering beliefs and faith. One must truly visit this holy city to be reminded of the serenity of the ancient past of a land as old as time.
So, let there be no further delay as you pack your bags and research the various Varanasi tours options available and book one to plan your holiday right away!
Thanks To : carmonitorlcd
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