Varanasi, which was created by Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India and home to the most famous ghats (steps leading down to the river) in the country. Worshippers flock to these ghats every day to bathe in the holy River Ganges and then worship at the many temples lining the riverbank. Huge crowds of pilgrims gather to take part in this ancient ritual which involves making offerings (puja) to the rising sun and is often watched by tourists who come to photograph this incredible sight.

India Tourism, 15B The Mall, Cantt, Varanasi 221002, Uttar Pradesh, India
Tel: (0542) 43744
Website: www.incredibleindia.org

Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Babatpur Airport. Rail: Train: Varanasi Station. Road: Bus: Main bus stop in Varanasi City Centre. Car: NH2 to Delhi, then NH7 to Kanya and NH29 to Gorakhpur (from Calcutta).

India Tourism
88 Janpath, New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: (011) 332 0342 or 332 0005 or 332 0008. Fax: (011) 332 0109.
E-mail: goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in
Website: www.tourismofindia.com
India Tourism
7 Cork Street, London W15 3LH, UK
Tel: (020) 7437 3677 or (0870) 010 2183 (brochure request line). Fax: (020) 7494 1048.
E-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org
Website: www.indiatouristoffice.org

India