Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India. Nothing quite prepares you for a visit to the city, now known as Benares, both in terms of the juxtaposition of bathing and burning ghats where current and past lives are celebrated and the riot of colour and overall spectacle that greets any visitor. Varanasi was, and remains, a centre for cultural, religious and artistic studies and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived inVaranasi. It's a must see on any India itinerary.