Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Ganges. It is regarded as a holy city by Buddhists and Jains, and is the holiest place in the world in Hinduism (and center of earth in Hindu Cosmology). It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest of India.

The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years. The Benares Gharana form of Indian classical music developed in Varanasi. American writer Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

Sarnath

Ramnagar Fort

Durga Ghat

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Ganges

Ancient Varanasi

BHU Campus

Varanasi Ghats

Buddha Temple