VARANASI
Varanasi, the holiest city in Hindu mythology, played a vital role in the development of Buddhism. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". To be in Varanasi is an experience in itself, an experience to self–discover an eternal oneness of the body and soul. It offers a breathetaking experience. The rays of the dawn shimmering across the Ganges, the high-banks, the temples and shrines along the banks bathed in a golden hue soul stirring hymns and mantras along with the fragrance of incense filling the air along with pilgrims light candles and the refreshing dip in the holy waters gently splashing at the Ghats. Varanasi abounds in the art of silk weaving, an exotic work of art which manifests itself in precious Banarasi Silk Sarees and Silk brocades which are cherished as collector’s items across the world today.