All Top 10 best places to visit in Varanasi are situated near the banks of the sacred Ganga River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, province of India. This City also popularly known as Kashi, is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. These best places to visit in Varanasi finding is like plucked pearls from the deep ocean. It’s also known as the capital city of spirituality. Varanasi is a center for Hindu pilgrimage and a cultural hub. The city has numerous Ghats (The bank of river), Temples, Ancient Monuments etc. Each with its unique aura, where pilgrims engage in ritualistic bathing, prayers & visiting. World-famous, The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat are iconic landmarks of the city. Varanasi is also renowned for its winding pathways, vibrant markets, and the timeless tradition of silk weaving. The city, with its rich history and cultural heritage, remains a super exiting destination for seekers of spiritual enlightenment and cultural enthusiasts alike.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple holds a pride to be one of the most popular & ancient temple of India. The present temple structure was built in 1780 by the Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It’s considered that the old structure was built in 11th century. This temple has seen many phases of destruction and reconstruction. The most damage to this temple was caused by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. But It’s 15.5 meter high & 300 kilograms adorable three domes was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in the 19th century.
This adorable temple is located near the world famous the Dashashwamedh Ghat and the homeland of Hindu Gods, Varanasi (Banaras). The Temple Kashi Vishwanath is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Jyotirlingas are considered to be the eternal form of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. This adorable temple is an unique example of incredible architecture capability of India. And now to avoid inconvenience to the numerous devotees, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Development Program has been started.
- Location : Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Distance From Railway Station : Around 4.5 Kilometre
- Distance From Airport : Around 22 Kilometre
- Time to Visit : 2:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Main Attraction : Shivaratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi
- Required to Visit : 2 to 3 hours
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat holds pride in being one of the most popular & ancient ghats in India. According to mythological beliefs, seeing the glory of this ghat, Lord Brahma himself had performed Dashashwamedh yajna and donated 10 horses, hence this ghat was named Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is said that once Mughal Emperor Akbar came here to visit, he was so fascinated by this place that he ordered for beautification of this ghat. And he also ordered to make a beautiful balcony and that balcony is preserved even today.
All around this ghat, you will find ancient traditions, beautiful culture and divine power. The world-famous Ganga Aarti is the pride of this ghat which has been happening every evening for a long time.
Devotees and visitors participate in the ancient bathing rituals in the holy river Ganga. This is an age-old tradition which must be followed by every person who comes here. It’s a strong belief that bathing in the holy river to purify the body and soul. You can feel the cultural beauty of this place in the crowd of countless people while pilgrims seek the divine blessings of the Ganga’s.
- Location : Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Kashi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Time to Visit : Anytime
- Arti Time : 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM (Summers) & During Winters, 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
- Main Attractions : Culture, Heritage monuments & Temples
- Time Required to Visit : 3 to 4 hours
3. Sarnath
Sarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Buddhism. This wonderful place is located at a distance of just 8 miles from the main city of Varanasi and provides you with countless joys to visit and experience. It is the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, Emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka Pillar and countless monasteries taught the lessons of love, peace & prosperity.
Due to the beautiful architectural construction here, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage. If you are a lover of architecture, interested in Buddhism and someone who feels close to the ancient heritage, then this place is like heaven for you. You can be amazed to see Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Japanese Temple, Thai Monastery & Ashoka’s Pillar etc. Overall you are going to have a great experience by reaching here.
- Location : Around 13 kilometres northeast of the city of Varanasi, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India
- Ticket Price : Rs200
- Opening Time : All day
- Transportation : By auto rickshaw or cab
- Time required to visit : 3-4hours
4. Manikaranika Ghat
Manikaranika Ghat on the banks of the holy river Ganga in Varanasi stands as an iconic symbol of life, death, and spiritual assumptions. This Ghat has witnessed the passing of time and the rise and fall of several empires. The sacred well, Manikarnika Kund, is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu during his cosmic dance when his earring (Manikarnika) of the goddess fell into it, hence lending the ghat its name.
Cremation actives 24 hours continuously at Manikarnika Ghat, It’s symbolizing the unending cycle of life and death. The belief in the power of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) achieved at Manikarnika Ghat attracts people from all over India to perform the last rites of their loved ones here.
There are a lot of things to explore like Amazing views of Ghat & the wave of Holy river Ganga, Sunset Views, Dattatreya Temple, Manikarnika Kund and a spiritual aura, intensified by the continuous chanting of mantras, the ringing of bells, and the fragrance of incense etc.
- Location: Near Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221001
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Time Required to Visit: 2 to 3 hours
5. Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat, one of the other sacred and popular ghats located to the south of Varanasi city, is a great holy place with panoramic views. According to Hindu mythology, Tis ghat is named on the Assi River, an ancient river that is believed to have once flowed into the Ganges. The relevancy of this ghat is mention in several ancient scriptures, adding to its mythological importance.
Assi Ghat is known as a hub of cultural activities, hosting music and dance performances, art exhibitions and religious events. It’s also a popular destination for meditation and yoga practitioners. Spiritual Aura of this ghat along with Morning Aarti, Ancient temples, Ritual bathing etc. attracts the visitors most.
- Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Time to Visit: Anytime
- Required Time to Visit: 1 to 2 hours
- Transportation: By auto rickshaw or cab
6. Sri Durga Temple (Monkey Temple)
Located in the heart of Kashi (Varanasi) Sri Durga Temple is One of the most visited site among all temples in Varanasi. The temple is situated just near of Assi ghat and It was built by the Queen of Bengal as a centre of spirit & devotion during the 18th century. The temple’s architecture is a great example of North Indian and Nagara styles, adorned by intense carvings, great design and an awesome view. Mainly this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, The goddess of power in Hinduism. You can easily find the presence of numerous sculptures and statues dedicated to various gods & goddess, including Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu inside the temple. The Bhagwati Yatra, an annual ritual of a short journey is a grand celebration that starts from the Sri Durga Temple. Due to presence of numerous monkeys around the temple, people also called it Monkey Temple.
- Location : Durgakund Road, Anandbagh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221005
- Time to Visit : 5 am – 11 pm & 4 pm – 9 pm
- Time Required : 2 to 3 hours
7. Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges in Varanasi, is an ancient historical place. It was Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Balwant Singh, it serves as the ancestral house of the Maharaja of Varanasi. The fort showcases incredible mixture of Mughal and Rajput architecture, housing a museum with vintage cars, royal antiques and an amazing collection of manuscripts. Beside the Ganga’s, Ramnagar Fort provides a glimpse into the rich history of Varanasi and stands as a witness to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Adorable carvings can be seen on the walls of the entire palace.
Visitors can enjoy the amazing sunset view that can be seen from within the fort as well as visit the fort’s temple.
- Location: Mirzapur – Varanasi Road, Purana Ramnagar, Varanasi, India
- Time to Visit: 10 am to 5 pm
- Main Attractions: Temples, museums and sightseeing
- Required to Visit: 2 to 3 hours
8. Banaras Hindu University
One of the oldest & great University of India. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) founded in Varanasi is a renowned educational institution founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916. Spread across 1300 acres of a large campus, BHU is celebrated for its feature of traditional and modern education. The campus is home of the iconic New Vishwanath Temple, showcasing amazing architecture. The university offers a vast range of courses and has numerous departments, colleges, and research centres. Bharat Kala Bhavan, the intense museum within BHU campus, preserves a rich collection of art and antiques. The university’s cultural events, academic excellence and its commitment to nurturing holistic development make it a hub of learning, attracting students and scholars from across the country even the world.
- Location: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221005
- Time of Visit: 9 am to 7 pm
- Main Attractions: Architecture and Museum
- Required Time to Visit: 3 to 4 hours
9. Bharat Mata Temple
The Bharat Mata Temple in Varanasi famous as a unique patriotic symbol, dedicated to Mother India. The temple is located in the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus. This patriotic temple Constructed before the freedom of India by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The temple is a symbol of the unity in diversity of the nation. The central statue is a marble made map of undivided India, showcasing its mountains, plains and oceans. Each corner is adorned with symbolic representations of various religious statues, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths in the country. This patriotic temple serves as a reminder of India’s cultural and spiritual diversity richness, nurturing a sense of national pride and unity among its visitors. Who come to pay homage to the sacred concept of Bharat Mata, the Motherland.
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221005.
- Time of Visiting: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Required Time to Visit: 1 to 1:30 hrs
- Transportation: You can easily reach here by Auto Rikshaw or cab from Railway station or Airport.
10. Tulsi Manas Temple
The Tulsi Manas Temple is located in the centre of spirituality city of India Varanasi, is dedicated to a cultural and spiritual gem & Hindu god Lord Rama. It was built in 1964, the temple constructed on the spot where the renowned Hindu poet-saint Tulsidas is believed to have written the world-famous epic Ramcharitmanas. The temple’s white marble structure, adorned with intense cravings describing scenes of the epic Ramayana, gives an amazing experience of spirituality.
Devotees gather to pay homage & seek bless to Lord Rama and gains inspiration from the teachings of Tulsidas. You will be amazed by the beautiful sculptures of the Gods in the central prayer hall of the temple and the beautiful carvings of episodes from the holy scripture Ramcharitmanas all around the temple premises. This temple is a glorious symbol of Indian tradition, rich culture & vibrant spiritual beliefs.
- Location: Tulsi Manas Mandir Road, Naria, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 221006.
- Time of Visiting: As common as other temples
- Required Time to Visit: 1:00 to 1:30 hrs
- Transportation: You can easily reach here by Auto Rikshaw or cab facility from Railway station or Airport.
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