Varanasi or Benares, the Oldest Living City of India
by TomBel on Jan.04, 2008, under art & architecture, city life, India, rivers & waterfalls, temples & monasteries, unique towns
Varanasi known to the devout Hindu as Kashi, is said to have been founded by Shiva, Lord of the Universe, and destructor of the Evil. Its one of the oldest living cities in the world, as also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Its principal attraction is the long string of ghats (riverside settlements) which line the west bank of the Ganges. Ghats are steps which lead down to the river where devout pilgrims take a dip every day in the morning on the river Ganges and offer their morning prayers. Whatever your passions, India offers an overwhelming variety of experiences and visiting the ancient cultures and temples of Varanasi are a memorable part of this historic land.
