The holy city of the Hindus - Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh is an important Hindu pilgrimage site, and a sacred place for Buddhists and Jains as well. Believed to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this city is steeped in tradition and mythological legacy and has always attracted scores of pilgrims and devotees from all corners of the world. An online tourist Guide in Varanasi would prove handy before you plan a tour to the city, so that you may be well equipped with all relevant information about Varanasi before embarking on the trip.

Mythology reins supreme in Varanasi, and the city offers an experience in itself to every visitor. To witness the early morning sun rays shimmering across the holy Ganges, the temples and shrines adorning the high banks drenched in a golden hue, the �Ganga Aarti� being performed on the Ghats, whereby hundreds of devotees sing to the holy waters; to feel the air filled with chants of soul-stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense; and to take a refreshing dip in the holy waters -- these multifarious soul stirring moments in Varanasi will remain etched on your mind forever.

Set along the western banks of the holy Ganges River, Varanasi is a major cultural and religious centre in northern India. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, English, Awadhi and a few local dialects.

An integral part of tourist guide in Varanasi is the local climate. Varanasi enjoys a pleasant winter, but a slightly harsh summer. Monsoon brings torrential rains to the city. However, the months of October-November and February-March are generally comfortable and sunny. The best season to visit Varanasi is between October and March. As for the ideal kind of clothing in Varanasi, you must carry cotton clothes in summers and light woolens for winters.

Winter season sees some of the main festivals in Varanasi being celebrated. Some of these are Bharat Milap, Buddha Purnima, Diwali, Hanuman Jayanti, Mahashivratri and Ram Leela.

The numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats constitute the main tourist attractions in Varanasi. Also prominent destinations worth visit are the several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. A melting pot of Indian civilization, Varanasi receives hordes of pilgrims and devotees every year, and as such, a healthy number of hotels, resorts and guest houses have sprung up here offering a wide range of tourist accommodation in Varanasi. Dining in Varanasi can be a great experience, with the local cuisine being a combination of the traditional Hindu style of cooking and the Awadhi cuisine. The tourist guide in Varanasi will also help you with relevant information on shopping options in Varanasi, whereby you can shop for the world-famous Banarasi Silk clothes and saris, which are famous for their exquisite designs and fine threadwork.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online tourist guide in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and tourist places in other parts of India.