Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banaras or Kashi, is a religious hub on the banks of the river Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, India, 320 kilometres (200 mi) south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism and played an important role in the development of Buddhism and Ravidassia. The nearest railway station is the Varanasi Junction railway station and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. It is well connected to all major city by road, rail as well as by air.

One of Asia's largest residential universities is Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is situated here. The city has long been an educational and musical centre and it was the place where the Benares Gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed.

The dry summer starts here in April and lasts until June, then the monsoon season from July to October. December to March is the best season to visit here.