Varanasi

Nestled on the bank of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi is one of India’s holiest pilgrimages. The city is probably the most ancient living center of learning and civilization, which has its roots back into the myths. From time immemorial, the city is being seen as the source of divine redemption, where millions of devotee flock every year for the ultimate purification of their souls and eventually get relief from the barriers of mundane life.

Every dawn the city dazzles with shimmering rays across the holy Ganges. The sight of the numerous temples and shrines by the river banks taking on a golden hue, and the soul stirring hymns coming out of these temples along with the fragrances of incense in the air is simply breathtaking. Apart from its divine significance, the city also exudes a rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education.

Being the primary center of learning and civilization since time immemorial, Vanarasi is home to some of the world-renowned universities and museums. The Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies is the only institute of its kind where you can find some rare collections of Buddhist Texts, Tibetan Manuscripts and other journals. The Bharat Kala Bhawan is again an important university museum famous for its unique paintings that include a collection of Rajasthani paintings, Pichhawai’s , Pahari paintings, Nepalese and Tibetan Thankas and company paintings as well as paintings of contemporary artists. Besides the Banaras Hindu University, Kashi Vidyapeeth, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Durga Temple, the Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, New Vishwanath temple, and Alamgir Mosque are among the most important attractions of the area.