Varanasi
Country: India
Region: Asia
Period: ~ 1000BCE-~ 600BCE
Location: 25.318889°N, 83.012778°E
Description
Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, located on the banks of the River Ganges. It has been a spiritual, cultural, and religious hub for thousands of years. The city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kashi and has long been associated with Hinduism, as a place of pilgrimage and learning.
Modern Remains
Varanasi boasts several iconic landmarks such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Ghats of Varanasi—steps leading to the Ganges—are central to religious rituals. The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, are notable modern sites, offering both spiritual and historical insights into the region's legacy.