Varanasi the "Eeternal City" is one of the major pilgrimage centre in India. Also known as Benares or Kashi, it is located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Over 2000 years Varanasi has been a center of learning. Apart from being a pilgrimage spot in India, Varanasi is also considered as an auspicious place to die, establishing an instant route to heaven.  The ancient city of Varanasi is located along the West bank of the river Ganges. 

Sarnath: Located 12 km from the holy city of Varanasi, Sarnath is the most important pilgrimage site for the Buddhist. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya.  Between the 3rd and 11th century AD several Buddhist structures were constructed in Sarnath that makes it the most expansive ruins amongst different places on the Buddhist trail. Some of the most eminent Buddhist monuments at Sarnath are the Dhamekha stupa and the Chaukhandi stupa.