India’s national carrier Air India will begin direct flights from Varanasi to Colombo, Indian Premier Narendra Modi said in Colombo today. 

“India is the land of Buddha. From August this year, Air India will operate a direct flight between Colombo and Varanasi. This will ease travel to the land of Buddha", Modi said.

“Through this flight service, my Tamil brothers and sisters here will also be able to visit Varanasi, the land of Kashi-Vishwanath,” he added.