The religious capital of Hinduism since times immemorial. It is probably the oldest living city in India, and one of the world's most ancient . It was previously known as Kashi - the city that illuminates. As a place of devotion and worship, with hundreds of temple dotting the city, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims.

The present name is probably derived from the fact that the city is situated at the confluence of the rivers Varuna and Asi. At a distance of 12km from Varanasi lies Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment. Here he revealed the eight fold path, the Buddhist doctrine . and also here, at some distance, are centers of Buddhist pilgrimage such as Patna, Gaya and Bodhgaya. Though Varanasi unmistakably retains its ancient heritage, the city is also slowly but moving on the fast track. New markets, commercial complexes and developing hotels make it a melting pot of both the ancient and the modern. The marble Vishwanatha Temple is a recent addition but the campus is also home to one of India's great museums. The Bharat Kala Bhavan has excellent sculpture from Mathura, Sarnath, Etah and Khajuraho as well as Varanasi. There is also a fine collection of paintings and manuscripts.

The Vishwanath Temple has been an important Shiva shrine for over a 1000 years. The other prominent places are Kashi-Vishwanath Temple, The Bharat mata mandir, The Gyanvapi Mosque, The Ramnagar Fort, Tulsi Manas Mandir, the Vinayaka Temple and the famous Benares Hindu University. The fort of Chunar situated in Mirzapur district is famous for its association with Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri.