Varanasi District Map

Varanasi is located in the Gangetic plain of Uttar Pradesh. It is the oldest existing city in the world. At present it covers an area of 112,265 sq.km. It had a population of 1,371,749 in 2001. It is the most important pilgrimage center of the Hindus. This holy city is also known as Kashi (the city of light). Varanasi is famous for its handwoven silk saris and shawls, which have a huge international market.

The places of interest in Varanasi are the numerous Hindu temples and the ghats of river Ganges. The Vishwanath temple is considered as the eternal abode of Lord Shiva on earth. Another place to be visited is Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site.