Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited towns in India, is a cultural and spiritual mecca. Locals and visitors alike can be seen milling about the city's many districts. Almost two thousand temples are open for you to explore, all stunning in their own right. Tourist Places to Visit in Varanasi include a wonderful mix of ancient history, modern art, and spiritual Varanasi all sites.
Tens of thousands flock to the Ganges each year to wash away their sins in its sacred waters. In addition, hotels in Varanasi offer the perfect opportunity for a restful vacation. Take advantage of the chance to see some of Varanasi's most famous landmarks, soaking up the city's cultural rituals and the ghats' ethereal atmosphere with Uttar Pradesh Trip.
The Ganges
One of India's holiest rivers, the Ganges, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ganga. The river flows southeast to the Gulf of Bengal from its northern source in the Himalayas. The Ganges River is used for everything from drinking water to bathing and cooking by 400 million to 600 million people daily.
Tourists worldwide visit Varanasi to bathe in the Ganges and participate in religious ceremonies at one of the city's many ghats. Tourists can use the river as a landmark to find their way around the city, and they'll likely spend a lot of time along the Ganges River itself, taking in the sights and people-watching.
During the late afternoon or early evening, visitors to Varanasi often purchase a miniature floating offering on which they place fresh flowers and a candle and then release it on the Ganges River. These offerings can be bought all around the city. This unforgettable and uplifting event will strengthen your ties to Hinduism and remain vivid in your memory for years.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Because of its lively atmosphere, the Dasaswamedh Ghat is one of the Best Tourist Places to Visit in Varanasi for anybody visiting Varanasi. Tourists can expect to see sadhus (holy men) with face paint, boat operators offering rides on the Ganges River, and flower vendors selling colorful blooms at this site. Daytime people-watching in this neighborhood is excellent.
Typically beginning at 7 o'clock, Hindu priests perform the Ganga Aarti each night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. Dressed in saffron robes, the priests blow a conch shell and place trays of flower petals and other offerings before them. During this 45-minute ceremony, thousands of tourists listen to the priests sing while they wave tiered platters of sandalwood-scented incense in complex patterns. It's a spectacular show and a must-see while in town.
To escape the crowd and get a good spot to watch the show, you should arrive at the ghat at least two hours before it begins.
Assi Ghat
Varanasi's most visited site is the city's southernmost principal ghat. Under a sacred fig tree stands a Shiva lingam, a phallic representation of the Hindu god Shiva. Hundreds of devotees visit daily to bathe in the Ganges and then pay homage to Lord Shiva.
Tired of feeling stiff from all your travels? Drop by Assi Ghat every morning at sunrise for yoga with dozens of other people and live music. Evening performances of the Ganga Aarti can be seen here as well.
Manikarnika Ghat
In Manikarnika Ghat, smoke curls up into billowing clouds. Not manufactured; rather, it's a byproduct of the ongoing cremations at this ghat. For Hindus, Manikarnika Ghat is a sacred place where the deceased can find moksha. Many cremations occur daily, and the funeral pyre at this ghat remains lit around the clock.
Tourists might expect priests or guides to provide tours of the interesting ghat but beware of their often forceful demands for money. Members of the dom caste, considered untouchable, may be seen dragging clothed bodies on stretchers and stacking firewood in preparation for a funeral pyre.
The option of witnessing a cremation may also be made available to you, albeit likely at a price. Although profound, this is not a place for the faint of heart or a typical tourist destination. You should use restraint and sensitivity by not snapping photographs at funerals or of the mourners or the deceased.
Passing past Manikarnika Ghat on a boat trip of the Ganges River is one of the Things to Do in Varanasi if you're curious about the ritual cremations but don't feel up to view them up close. Despite the distance, tourists know what's happening in this significant location.
Godowlia Market
Shopping is an essential part of every trip to Varanasi. So if you're a shopper, check out Godowlia Market. The market encompasses an area of nearly 3 kilometres around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Stroll along the crowded alley filled with sellers selling all manner of products.
At the Godowlia Market, you may buy everyday necessities for high-quality handicrafts like Zari work, wooden carvings, Bhadohi rugs, and even high-quality products at moderate prices. Gifts for friends and family back home can be found here among the many excellent handicrafts, home décor products, shoes, jewellery, shawls, beads, and bracelets.
Dhamek Stupa
While Hinduism dominates in Varanasi, Buddhism thrives in the neighbouring village of Sarnath, located a mere 12 kilometers away. The Dhamek Stupa, a gigantic monument made of stone and brick, can be found here. It is 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters across. The stupa replaced an earlier structure from 249 BCE, making its construction date almost 1,500 years ago.
According to Buddhist legend, he travelled to Dhamek Stupa once the Buddha attained enlightenment to deliver his first sermon, explaining the Eightfold Way. As you explore the stupa, keep your eyes peeled for the intricate carvings of humans, animals, and plants that adorn its walls.
As a day excursion from Varanasi with your travel agency Uttar Pradesh Trip, Sarnath offers visitors a wealth of additional attractions. The Chaukhandi Stupa, a Buddhist temple that has been around since the sixth century, may be seen by tourists. Afterwards, the Lion Capital of Ashoka can be visited by tourists at the Sarnath Museum. The artwork was originally installed on the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and designated India's national emblem in 1950. After exploring in and around Varanasi, wind off the day at the tranquil Tibetan Temple.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction train station and close to the Manikarnika Ghat is the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus. The temple's spire, covered in approximately 800 kg of pure gold, has helped it earn the moniker "The Golden Temple," despite being devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. This temple's unique style has influenced the construction of several similar structures throughout India.
Due to the complex's strict security procedures, tourists must leave cameras, phones, backpacks, and other items in a nearby rentable locker. To touch the 60-centimeter-tall Shiva lingam in a silver alter and receive forgiveness for their sins, visitors must first take off their shoes and wait in line with hundreds of other worshippers. It's challenging but ultimately worthwhile.
On Hindu holidays, the queue to enter the temple might last up to two days, so it's best to avoid visiting them.
Banaras Hindu University
Without any nearby hill stations, this 1,300-acre campus is your best bet for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Varanasi. Hundreds of large trees provide welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Banaras Ghats in this peaceful location.
See the New Vishwanath Temple, a landmark on campus completed after decades of work in 1966. This temple, one of the tallest in India at 77 metres, takes its design cues from the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located just next to it.
Bharat Kala Bhavan, the university's art museum, should also be noticed by guests. The museum has over a hundred thousand objects worldwide, including a remarkable collection of miniature paintings.
Ruchika Art Gallery
Want to take some of Varanasi with you? Off Ravindrapuri Road, you'll find the Ruchika Art Gallery. Ruchika Mehrotra, the gallery's namesake and proprietor, has made great strides in creating a welcoming and enjoyable space to showcase her colourful paintings that capture the spirit of Varanasi and its ghats.
Some paintings are too big to fit in luggage, but many would make great souvenirs. You can also buy some really cute postcards.
Ruchika Art Museum displays works created locally and hosts workshops where visitors can take a paintbrush and join the fun. If you want to know what you can expect to do in Varanasi, contact Ruchika.
Shri Durga Temple
The ghats aren't the only places around Varanasi where people can get their spiritual on. A major pilgrimage site for Hindus honouring the goddess Durga, the Shri Durga Temple may be reached in less than ten minutes on foot by heading west from Assi Ghat. The 300-year-old temple, painted red from top to bottom, can be noticed.
The temple's moniker, "Monkey Temple," hints at the ape-like primates who frequent its grounds. It's possible that the pool in front of the temple is also home to a couple of gorgeous swans.
Ramnagar Fort is located roughly 14 km away from the heart of the city. The sandstone palace and fort were built in the 18th century. Still, today they serve as a museum full of oddities like antique cars, ornate hookahs, weapons, sedan chairs encrusted with jewels, and a rare astronomical clock that dates back more than 150 years.
After having a great time on the museum's archaeological treasure hunt, you can visit the fort's temples, one of which is dedicated to Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and other important Hindu epics.
Darbhanga Ghat
Notice to all photographers: Darbhanga Ghat is your best bet for the most breathtaking pictures of Varanasi. Located at the top of the steps leading down to the riverfront is the ultra-luxurious BrijRama Palace, a former fort converted into a heritage hotel. Grecian pillars and rounded balconies give the property an air of elegance, perfect for photos.
A stunning sunrise over the Ganges River can be seen from here, so plan your arrival with Uttar Pradesh Trip early in the morning.
Shivala Ghat
If you're searching for a quieter stretch of the Ganges in Varanasi, you might enjoy a visit to Shivala Ghat with our travel agent at Uttar Pradesh Trip. Since fewer people are at the ghat early in the morning, it is easier to quietly observe the devotees taking their holy river baths and the families coming to pray and drink tea. As water buffalo are common visitors, you should expect to share the area with them. The palace of Nepalese king Sanjay Vikram Shah, constructed in the nineteenth century, is also open to visitors.
Dedicating a few hours to exploring the winding pathways that lead to Shivala Ghat is also recommended. This crowded area of Varanasi is a window into the lives of the city's regulars.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Those who wish to pay their respects to the Hindu god Hanuman by offering him sweets and flowers often visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple on the banks of the Assi River. The Hindu poet and saint Goswami Tulsidas is said to have had a vision of the monkey deity at this very location, and hence a temple was subsequently constructed there. Keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys seen scurrying around the temple on numerous occasions.
This Varanasi landmark is best experienced in April or May. The temple's annual "Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh" classical music and dance event occurs around this time.
Banaras Silk Emporium
Banarasi saris and high-quality silk are made in Varanasi and are famous across India. Take home some exquisitely woven silk sarees and fabrics from the Banaras Silk Emporium. Around 4.4 kilometres from the centre of Varanasi, you'll find the Emporium, a great place to stock up on original silk sarees for you and your loved ones.
The finest silk goods and materials are hand-tailored by experienced artisans using age-old methods. The Banarasi Silk Emporium is a must-see for any silk saree or fabric connoisseur.
Vishnu Tea Emporium
In India, you can't go more than a few feet down the street without passing a chaiwala (tea vendor) selling steaming mugs of masala chai, a spicy and creamy blend of black tea and spices.
Visit the Vishnu Tea Emporium to immerse yourself in this cultural practice. This cosy cafe is only a 4-minute stroll from Dasaswamedh Ghat. It features up-close demonstrations of making masala chai, from start to finish, using only the freshest spices and ingredients. For those who want to bring the traditional Indian beverage back to their hotels, it also sells a variety of delicious tea and spice blends. You're under no obligation to buy, but this is one keepsake you won't be sorry to have.
Chunar Fort
The small fort at the fork in the road between Varanasi and Prayagraj has played a pivotal role in India's history. Located on the banks of the Ganga, the fort is also known as Tilismi Quila, or Magical Fort, after its appearance in the novel Chandrakanta.
It has also served as the setting for some of the most successful films, including Gangs of Wasseypur. Several dynasties, including the Mauryans, the Gupta dynasty of the Mughals, etc., have left their mark on the Fort. Stones from the nearby Kaimur Hills, the only place known to produce high-quality stones, are traded at Chunar Fort, making it another well-known landmark.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple has a beautiful white facade that stands out against the temple's verdant gardens. This marble temple, built by the Thakur Surekha Das family in 1964, is well-known for its stunning design. The holy epic of Ramcharitmanas is said to have been composed at this temple, making it one of the most sacred sites in Varanasi.
Tulsi Manas Temple, located in Nepal, honours the heroic exploits of Rama and Sita, two deities central to Hinduism. The interior walls are covered in vibrant murals depicting scenes from the Ramayan and are adorned with intricate carvings. Stories from the Ramcharitmanas are retold through puppet shows by local performers during happy festivals.
Chowk & Vishwanath Gali
Vishwanath Gali, a bustling marketplace, is one of the Tourist Places to Visit in Varanasi for shoppers. This market is smaller than Godowlia Market, yet it offers many goods to please its clients. You can find anything, from custom clothing to ready-to-wear fabrics to wooden arts and crafts.
As you go down the street, taking in the brightly coloured fabrics on exhibit at the stalls, you'll notice that the air is filled with the irresistible scent of freshly cooked treats. Vishwanath Gali is a popular shopping district where tourists purchase Banarasi sarees, designer carpets, embroidered shawls, trendy jewellery, and traditional accessories. The local craftsmen's skill is on full display in the form of metal and wooden effigies of Hindu deities.
If you carefully plan for Best Tourist Places to Visit in Varanasi, you will have a wonderful time discovering all it offers. Having a stress-free and enjoyable trip requires some forethought and planning. Uttar Pradesh Trip is an all-in-one, user-friendly hub for booking flights, hotels, tours, and more. Booking your flights and lodgings through the site also qualifies you for various deals and special discounts.