Varanasi is situated on the banks of holy river Ganga in Eastern Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. It is well connected by rail,road and air with flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and international flights to Thailand, Nepal. The prominent Stations are Varanasi Junction, Manduahdih (Within city limits) and Mughalsarai (DeenDayal Up)on the Delhi – Kolkata railway. It is also connected by old Grand Trunk Road & present national highway. It is a dream road drive from Varanasi to Kolkata or from Delhi to Varanasi (distance about 800 Km) , given the excellent condition of road. It also boasts of an International airport VNS (Lal Bahadur Shastri) which has been recently renovated.
It is believed that the ancient city flourished on the banks of Ganga in the stretch between Varuna river and Assi River from whence the name Varanasi is derived, which was twisted to Benares or Banaras during the British regime. In 1960′s it was renamed as Varanasi.
Given its association with ancient and recent historical significance in Hinduism and Buddhist folklore and situation in the heart of northern Plains it is filled with tourists from all over India and also abroad.
Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. It is pilgrimage place for Jains,and is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya established BHU supposed to be the biggest University in Asia.
Ayurveda is said to be originated here is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city.
Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days and remains a manufacturing hub for carpets, beads and fine silk with intricate designs and handwork.