One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is a major cultural and religious centre in northern India. The city was named such because of its location on the delta between the rivers Varuna and Assi. Steeped in tradition and mythological legacy, Varanasi is a much-revered pilgrimage destination not only for Hindus, but for Buddhists and Jains as well. Touristplacesinindia offers relevant tourist information on Varanasi.

Situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges, Varanasi receives numerous pilgrims and devotees from around the globe, who come here to explore the religious places and other tourist attractions in Varanasi. Make yourself well equipped with tourist information on Varanasi before embarking on a tour to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

History of Varanasi:
One of the most important pilgrimage spots for Hindus since the days of yore, Varanasi is believed to have been the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who stood upon this land during the creation of time. The city has been a seat of learning and civilization for more than 3000 years. For centuries, Varanasi has witnessed the flourish of knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts. The holy Buddhist pilgrimage spot of Sarnath, where the Buddha had preached his first sermon lies just 10 kilometers away from Varanasi. The city is also believed to have been the birthplace of Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar.

How to reach Varanasi:
Varanasi can be easily accessed from the rest of the country through the major modes of transport, that is, air, rail and road. The nearest airport lies at Babatpur, 22 kilometers from Varanasi. Several domestic flights ply regularly to Varanasi from various cities in India. An important rail junction, Varanasi is also decently connected by rail to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and others. An excellent network of roadways facilitates road transportation from Varanasi to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.

Tourist Places in Varanasi:
An integral part of Varanasi tourist information is the numerous tourist attractions in Varanasi, which lure thousands of visitors to the City of Lord Shiva. The city being mainly associated with Hinduism, the numerous Hindu temples, ashrams and ghats are the main tourist attractions in Varanasi. However, there are several Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples worth visit as well in the city. One of the major tourist attractions in Varanasi are the Ganga Ghats which constitute the main center of rituals and religious activities.

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