The holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers. Also known as Kashi or Benaras, derived its name from the two mighty rivers Varuna and Assi. It is situated on the bank of holy Ganga, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi holds a civilization of over 2000 years and thus claims to be one of the oldest living cities. Renowned Novelist Mark Twain said for Varanasi, "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend…"

Varanasi has long been identified as a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Swaddled in the aura of ancient India history, religion, and age-old tradition, Varanasi has remarkably preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Due to the sacred belief that having a holy dip in River Ganga washes off all the sins of the mortal and brings in peace in life which ultimately takes the soul to salvation, makes thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit Varanasi, each month. They come from distant lands to Varanasi in search of divine blessings. It is also said that dying here brings moksha to the soul, which frees it from the eternal circle of life and death.

The famous ghats of Varanasi are the most pious and picturesque one where you can spot all kind of religious rites from childbirth to marriage and dispersing of remains. There are five important ghats in Varanasi where the pilgrims flock to take the holy dip, namely--the Assi, Dasawamedha, Barnasangam, Panchganga, and Manikarnika. Each ghat has its own history and its own following of rites and rituals. Many of the ghats were built and owned by the royal families of India.

The numerous ghats along the bank of the Ganges reveal a varied scene from dawn to dusk. A ghat is a form of well-paved stairs that lead to the river. The ghats in Varanasi usually have small temples built into its side. These ghats, which are more than a hundred in number, with their entourage of temples, form the axis on which the city developed. Everyday at dawn, thousands of pilgrims can be seen offering salutations to the Sun God standing in waist-deep water, secure in their perception that the muddy waters of the Ganges will wash away all the accumulated sins of their life. The oil lamps (diyas) and flowers set afloat on the river at dusk make a fascinating sight. The best time to visit the ghats is at the break of dawn, when pilgrims perform the Surya Pranam immersed waist deep in the waters of the holy Ganges.

Other must-visit places in your Tour Point India tour to Varanasi will include; Gyanvyapi Masjid with 71minarets, Golden Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bharat Mata temple, the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Vinayaka Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kal Bhairav, Jateshwar Mahadeo, and Maha Mritunjaya Temple. You can also shop silk brocades and beautiful silk saris, for which Benaras is famous world over.