Varanasi (aka Benares or Banaras)

Spent last weekend in Varanasi -- fascinating and overwhelming! I'm really glad I went for a visit -- equally glad that I only went for 2 days.

Varanasi is a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest of India.
According to legend, the city was founded by the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, around 5,000 years ago -- making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. It is one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Varanasi is generally believed to be about 3,000 years old. It was a commercial and industrial center famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculptures. During the time of Buddha (born circa 567 BCE), Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi (more on Buddha later).

Mark Twain wrote: "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."