P.S. Why Varanasi is rightly called Holy City? It is the pillar place for two biggest world religions - Hinduism and Buddhism.
For Hindu people Varanasi is one of 7 Holy Places and the most prised one. Lord Shiva exctracted Universe from Manikarnika Well in the centre of the Old Varanasi. And, when in future he will be tired of our world, he will burn the Universe and put the ashes back to the well.
To be cremated at Manikarnika Ghat and have your ash to be in River Ganga is the holiest procedure for every Hindu. It is so popular, that Air India introduce free luggage allowance for corpses on their flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Varanasi.
For Buddhists Varanasi (Sarnath to be exact, this place is few kilometers from Manikarnika) is the second holiest place after Bodhgaya. This is the place where Buddha gave his first teaching.
Varanasi one of the most interesting places in the world I have ever been. The energies of the place are so intent that many people (I have witnessed it myself) can not stay in Varanasi and are ought to leave.
If you my personal recommendations what to see in India (where I have been 10+ times) - Varanasi is a must.
