Varanasi

Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares, Banaras (Banāras ) or Kashi (Kāśī ), is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres (200 mi) southeast of the state capital Lucknow. It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus and Jains, and holiest of the seven most sacred Hindu cities (Sapta Puri), of its ancient historic, cultural and religious heritage. Hindus believe that death at Varanasi can bring salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in India.