An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It's considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it's widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats - stone steps leading to the river - some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centered on them.

Things To Do:

River Front (Ghats) Assi Ghat Dashashwamedha Ghat Man Mandir Ghat to Lalita Ghat Manikarnika Ghat Harishchandra Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Jantar Mantar, The Ramnagar fort, Sankat Mochan Temple.

Sarnath
Dhamek StupaChaukhandi Stupa Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Sarnath Museum Modern Reception CentreThe Garden of Spiritual Wisdom.

Places To See:

Banaras Ghats, Ramnagar Fort

Places To Eat:

Mandarin Restaurant, Lahurabir, Varanasi, Amrapali, Hotel Clarks,

Places To Shop:

Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving, and Banarasi silks are a part of every girls wedding trousseau. Varanasi brocades are prized the world over. Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery are some of the other craft the city is famous for.

The hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Varanasi is also famous for its 'Langda Aam', a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Paan or the betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk, Vishwanath lane, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godowlia, Dashswamedh lane and Golghar.