The city of Varanasi in India is also known as Benares (or Banaras) and to the devout as Kashi - the 'city of light' where Shiva once lived. Built on the bank of the Ganges River, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most sacred places in India for Hindus. It is believed that dying here allows release from the circle of rebirths and eternal peace for the soul To add to the city's charm, it is rich in tradition - be it arts and crafts, music or a centre of learning. The silk weaving industry is famous around the world and is well-known for the gorgeous Banarasi silk saris and silk brocades. In addition, Varanasi's silk creations have started adorning upholstery in modern times. The bed linen with a combination of silk and cotton, wall hangings and curtains created in new designs are just a few items besides the attire for women created out of the rich gold finished brocade. This ancient city retains its antique look but is fast feeling the impact of modern times. Commercial complexes, new markets are a big contrast to the lanes and by-lanes which are dotted with the art and craft of this holy place.
History
The city dates back to 8th and 7th Century B.C. The Archaeological evidence for this is from the excavations at Rajghat (near Varanasi). Varanasi has been even before the advance of Aryans along the river Ganga. The city remained the Capital of Kingdom of Kashi till the end of twelth century. It has been rightly said that almost everything connected with Hindu Culture and Learning spread out of this city, all around the world. Here goes the legend: Seven Hindu Saints, wandered in vain in search of salvation. They prayed to Lord Vishnu, who created a mysterious sound, mixed with dazzling light- that glittered over a zone of peace on this earth. This zone was none other than Kashi, now called as Banaras, Varanasi. Even before Rome and Greece had become known Varanasi had already risen to greatness.
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How to get there
Air
Varanasi is connected by air with major cities like Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhubaneshwar. The Babatpur airport at a distance of 22 kms from the city is linked by a shuttle bus service that takes passengers’ upto the Cantonment. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to take you into the city.
Rail
The main railway station is the junction station near the cantonment area. It is about 3 kms from the old city centre and can be accessed on autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws. The other major rail station is at Mughalsarai, 16 kms from Varanasi. Some of the major trains connecting to Calcutta, Guwahati and other places stop at Mughal Sarai. It is easy to find transportation from here to reach Varanasi. There are buses and taxis that ply to Varanasi.
Road
Most buses terminate a short distance from the junction station, and some at the cantonment bus station. Buses connect to Gorakhpur, Gaya, Allahabad, Lucknow, Delhi, Khajuraho and places in Nepal.
Best time to visit
The best season to visit Varanasi is between October and March. Some of the major festivals and cultural events also take place in this period.
Dining Out
 Best dining options in the city are limited to restaurants in the hotels. For a fine dining experience and more variety in Indian cuisine you can go to Hotel Clarks Varanasi and the Hotel Taj Ganges, Raddison hotel which are relatively expensive but have exclusive restaurants and bars and facilities for holding conferences.
A number of restaurants which serve a variety of cuisines - continental, Chinese, Indian and of course, the traditional Mughlai are:
Mandap, Taj Ganges, Nadesar
Shakuntala, Hotel Clarks, Cantonment
Konamey, Bansphatak
Kesari, Godowlia
Kwality, Lahurabir
Kerala Kafe, Bhelupura
Hotel Satkar, Near Nagar Nigam, Sigra
Darpan, Pallavi International
Sidhartha, Hotel Clarks, Cantonment
Nightlife
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Shopping
Varanasi is a shopper's Paradise. It has been known since time immemorial as a premier centre for handicrafts, especially silk weaving. Baranasi Sarees produced by the local craftsman are popular not only with local Indians, but are famous all over the world. In fact no Indian wedding celebration is complete without the addition of a Benarasi saree in the girl's trousseau. Other attractions include brassware, ivoryware, gold jewellery, glass bangles, woodcraft, clay toys, wall hangings and lamp shades, musical instruments, The hand-knotted Mirzapur and Bhadohi carpets and masks of various Hindu/Buddhist gods, goddesses and saints. Banaras is also famous for its 'Langda Aam', a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Betel leaves is also a speciality.
The main shopping areas are Chowk, Godowlia, Vishwanath Lane, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia, Dashswamedh Gail, Golghar and Dalmandi.
For silk, the best place is the Temple bazaar in Vishwanath gali. Qazi Sadullahpura, a Muslim neighbourhood is an important silk weaving centre. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to make judgements on price and quality.
For brassware, the best area is the Thatheri Bazaar, Gyanvapi and the Temple bazaars are also well known for their gold jewellery shops.
Tourist Offices
The tourist offices of both UP Tourism and the ITDC are very helpful, with useful maps, information and guide services. UP tourism’s office in the cantonment also has the facility of communication in Japanese.
UP Government Tourist Office, Parade Kothi, Cantonment (Ph: 0542 – 341162) – Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm.
UP Government Tourist Information Counter, Cantonment Railway Station, Enquiry Office, Main Hall (Ph: 0542 – 346370) – 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Government of India Tourist Office, 15 B The Mall, Cantonment (Ph: 0542 – 343744) – Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm. Guides are available at Rs. 300-460 for half day and Rs. 450-750 for full day, depending on group size.
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