Known formerly as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city set on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi gets its name from the two tributaries of the Ganga, Varuna and Assi, between which it is situated. This enchanting city is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva.

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Varanasi  as the legand goes was created by Shiva, the cosmic lord. Varanasi original name Kashi, is said to be derived from the word 'kasha' meaning bright which define it's significance as the 'city of light' as it's spiritual luminance. The present name is believed to be a combination of Varuna & Ashi, two rivers on it's Northern & Southern periphery Banaras, as it is Popularly known, is only a corruption of the name by an ever changing culture. Varanasi has been a great centre for learning & civilization & is sacred to the Hindus

As in any tourist resort, Varanasi can boast of a large of cuisines, specially in hotel-restaurants. But there is no cuisine specially linked with the city, through the state's specialities are of course, available. Through a Hindu Pilgrimage non - vegetarian food is available and alcohol is served in restaurants.

Varanasi has been a centre of handicrafts, specially silk weaving. Other  attractions include brassware, ivoryware, gold jewellery, wood crafts, wall hangings and lampshades, Carpets and masks of various Hindu/ Buddhist gods , goddesses and saints.The main Shopping areas are chowk, Godowila, Vishwanath Lane and Thatheri Bazar.
Varanasi , besides being famous as an attractive tourism spot , is also known for it's silk saris, which are Popular both within the Country and Abroad.

Themost important facet of Varanasi is the Ganges and Ghats lining it's Southern bank in the city.  Virtually the eaison de etre, from dawn to dusk the ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, or ' Nirvana'. One of the ways to assimilate this life on the ghats is to mingle with the crowds and let all of one's senses experience. But this mode has limitations,too. Especially, if one has limited time or if one desires a panoramic view of the activity. Alternative? just cruise along the ghats on a country boat. Hire one from those moored along the ghats. Charges are generally negotiable, though RS. 50 for a small boat for a cruise will be a good bargaining peg.

HISTORY

Almost midway in its long journey from the slopes of the mighty Himalayas to the inflamed shore of Bay of Bengal, the muddy waters of the Ganges flow by a city that is five centuries older than Christ. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was already an old city when Rome was founded, and was a flourishing center of trade when Buddha came to Sarnath, some 10 km away, to preach his first sermon in 500 bc. It is a city of temples and for more than 2,500 years, it has attracted pilgrims from near and far. According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
Down the ages, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Swathed in an aura of history, religion, and tradition, Varanasi preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. From a time stretching beyond human memory, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings. 

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