Know Varanasi :
Varanasi, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centres. "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together" said renowned Novelist Mark Twain for Varanasi. Situated on the bank of holy river Ganga, Varanasi derived its name from the amalgamation of the names of two mighty rivers, Varuna and Assi. Varanasi holds a civilization of over 2000 years and thus claims to be one of the oldest living cities.

Besides sightseeing, tourists can also shop silk brocades and beautiful silk saris, for which Varanasi is famous world over.

Attractions :
The five major bathing Ghats of Varanasi namely ­ Assi, Dasawamedha, Barnasangam, Panchganga, and Manikarnika. Other attractions are - Gyanvyapi Masjid with 71minarets, Golden Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bharat Mata temple, the Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Vinayaka Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kal Bhairav, Jateshwar Mahadeo, and Maha Mritunjaya Temple.

Getting There :
Varanasi is well connected by air, rail and road to several important cities in India. Varanasi has two railway stations--Kashi and Varanasi Junction, also called Cantonment Station. It has regular train services to various parts of the city.

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Know Rishikesh :
Just 24 km from Haridwar is the sacred city of Rishikesh located in the laps of lower Himalayas. Popularly known as the Mecca of Yoga & Meditation, Rishikesh is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham. Rishikesh is surrounded by picturesque beauty of the hills on three sides with holy river Ganga meandering through it. At Rishikesh, Ganga leaves the mountains and joins the plains for her long and gracious journey.

There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges, which are the main attraction of the city. The River side is dotted by the ashrams of Sadhus and sages.

Rishikesh is not only an attraction for pilgrims but it also a major crowd puller for being a major adventure tour destination. People who love rafting come here to conquer the rapids of Ganga. Rishikesh is also an ideal base camp for trekking in the nearby Himalayas.

Attractions :
Lakshman Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Swarga Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Mela, Nilkanth Mahadeo, Triveni Ghat.

Excursions :
Dehradun, White Water Rafting, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Chila, Kunjapuri, Valley of Flowers, Narendra Nagar, Auli, Devprayag.

Getting There :
Rishikesh does not have an airport of its own. But there are trains from all the major cities in the plains. The best transport for Rishikesh is by bus. Bus services are available from far and near places. Haridwar is the best option for a bus trip to Rishikesh.