^{To the Hindus, Varanasi, sprawling along the left bank of the river Ganga, is the holiest city. With its array of shrines, temples and palaces rising in several tiers from the water’s edge, Varanasi is one of the most fascinating cities in the east. It is also a city of fairs and festivals, celebrating about four hundred of them during the year. Since time immemorial, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and the tradition is kept alive today by the Banaras Hindu University founded in 1916. Sightseeing of Varanasi includes visiting Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple (Monkey Temple - because of the presence of a myraid monkeys), Emperor Aurangzeb’s Mosque, the Sacred Bull, the well of knowledge, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple since its spires are covered with gold), visit Banaras Hindu University with its marble Shiva Temple, brocade and saree shops and drive through the bazars.}

^{SARNATH : Eight kms. (5 miles) north of Varanasi is Sarnath, where, in the Deer Park, Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after he became the ‘Enlightened One’. The ruins of monasteries, built more than 2000 years ago, the Dhamok Stupa, the Dharmaraji Ka Stupa and the main shrine draw Buddhist pilgrims yearly to Sarnath. The Mahabodhi Society of India have recently built a modern Vihara, the interior of frescoes of which have been executed by a Japanese artist. At Sarnath stands the famous Ashoka Pillar of polished sandstone whose lion capital has been adopted by the Republic of India as its state emblem. The museum (closed on Fridays) designed like a Buddhist monastery, contains many superb specimens of ancient art.}

^{GANGES BOAT RIDE :Drive through the city to the sacred River Ganges and visit by boat the Bathing Ghats, Observatory, Nepalese Temple (Temple of Love). Cremation Ghats and Aurangzeb’s Mosque. Return to Desasswamedh Ghat and thence back to the hotel.}