Once you reach Varanasi (also known by various other names like Benaras and Kasi), you will discover that Mark Twain, the famous writer was absolutely right, when he remarked that "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together!" Yes, Varanasi is one of the oldest Indian cities, and one among the seven holiest cities of the Hindus; the place finds reference in many Hindu texts of great antiquity. The city is located on the bank of the Ganges River, considered the most sacred rivers of India; and the history, culture, and social life of the city virtually revolve round the river Ganges. From dusk to down, this city of around 1.2 million people is abuzz with religious and other activities, and this is more pronou