Varanasi, also known as Benares and Kashi, is purported to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Legend has it that the city was founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe, making it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the city has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. Varanasi derives its present name from the two tributaries of the Ganga - Varuna and Asi - between which it is situated.
Varanasi’s principal attraction are the bathing ghats (steps), which line the west banks of the Ganges. An early morning river cruise is a must to see life awaken along these steps. There are about 80 ghats in Varanasi, each with its own significance. Most Indians believe that anyone dying on the banks of the river, in Varanasi, attains instant ‘moksha’ or enlightenment. The Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most significant ghat. The Manikarnika ghat is associated with Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. The five ghats where pilgrims are supposed to bathe in order, and on the same day, are Asi, Dasaswamedh, Barna Sangam, Panchganga, and finally, Manikarnika. Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats are the ghats used primarily for the cremation of the dead.
Varanasi is probably the holiest city in India and contains many temples. The most important temples include Vishwewara Temple or the Golden Temple, the main temple of the city dedicated to Lord Shiva, Durga Temple or the Monkey Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga and the Bharat Mata Temple
which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.