The sanctity of Varanasi remains inviolate even today. Unending streams of
pilgrims pour into the city. They come to bathe in the sacred waters, to wash
away their sins, to die here, perhaps and become one with absolution.
(Distance from the Airport 25 Kms, Approx. time 45 Mins.)
Places of Interest
Ghats - The Ghats are used in the morning for ablutions and salutation to the
sun. The riverfront is one of the most fascinating aspects of life in Varanasi.
Benaras Hindu University - Probably the largest residential university in
Asia.
Gyan Vapi Mosque- constructed by Emperor Aurangazeb on the ruins of a temple.
Kashi - Vishwanath temple - The most sacred shrine of Shiva in India - Also
the patron deity of Varanasi. Reconstructed in the 18th century, its gold
plating on the 'Shikharas' was a gift of the one eyed Sikh King.
Sarnath - About 10 kms from the city is the place where the Buddha preached
his first sermon after he had attained enlightenment. A lot has changed since
then, but the ruins and gardens of those early years can still be seen here.
The museum in Sarnath has the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian Lions that
has been used as independent India's national emblem.
