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Varanasi
The City
 Varanasi, the eternal city, is one of the most important pilgrim sites in India and also a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. It was at Sarnath, only 10 kms away, that the Buddha first preached his message of enlightenment, 25centuries ago. Also known as Kashi and Benares, Varanasi's present name has been derived as combination of the names of the two rivers - the Varuna and Assi. For the pious Hindu, if he dies in this city, it is his instant route to heavens. It is also a symbol of Hindu renaissance and has played a special role in the promotion of the Hindi language. The eminent novelist Prem Chand belonged to this city and so did Tulsi Das, the famous poet who wropte Ram Charit Manas also lived here for many years. Ravi shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro is another of Varanasi's illustrious sons.
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