Varanasi is an important tourist attraction for foreigners coming in search of religious India.  But thankfully, tour operators say their season is ending so yesterday's blasts would not have much of an impact on tourism. What they are more concerned about is the domestic circuit, as Varanasi is also a favourite of tourists from South India and their season begins in April.

"After Taj, Varanasi is the most favourite destination of foreign tourists. And their season is from October to March. Since the season is tapering off, the blasts would have only a temporary effect," says Subhash Goyal, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators.

2 blasts rock Varanasi

"After the Delhi blasts, things were back to normal the second day. Terrorism has become a part of life... tourism would definitely be affected, but only for a few days perhaps," says Goyal.

Agrees Mohan Chander, manager, Panicker Travels, "If there is communal tension in the area following the blasts, cancellations would certainly be there. It is a very popular destination among tourists from South India... we have to wait and see."

"When fear factor is there, it certainly affects tourism, says Chander. Meanwhile, Monis Khan of Hina Tours says "the foreign tourists who are already in India and were planning to go to Varanasi are now thinking of other destinations."

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