Varanasi is a land in the state of Uttar Pradesh which is steeped in immense spirituality and incomprehensible wonderment. From the moment you arrive here the atmosphere of unparalleled devotion surrounds you which will be kind of overwhelming but remain etched in your heart forever. This one of the oldest living cities in the world, where people are believed to directly achieve salvation if they take their final breath here, holds a lot of importance in the lives of devout Hindus from all over the world. From the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple to the colorfully teeming Ghats that line the entire Ganga river, this holy land or one of the prime sacred places in India which should at least be explored once in a lifetime.
If you have planned or are still on the planning stages for this spiritual capital of the world, then here are some places to visit in Varanasi that will make you feel more thrilled to explore it:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Adorning the banks of the holy river of Ganga this holy and ancient Jyotirlinga holds a very high accord not only to the followers of Shaivism but also to the Hindu population in general. Believed to be the place where the Shiva Linga had established itself by emerging from the ground, the golden topped temple remains thronged with tourists throughout the year. The temple is dedicated to the lord Shiva form of ‘the ruler of the universe’, and the number of pilgrims here only increases during the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Timing – 3 am to 11 pm
How to Reach – 2 km from Varanasi city station and 6 km away from Varanasi junction
Best Time to Visit – October to April
Things to Do – Offer prayer to lord Shiva; visit the Ghat located in close proximity, shop for some religious souvenirs in the nearby local market places etc.
Tulsi Manas Mandir
As the name suggests this holy, stunning white temple is named after the great poet and sage Tulsi das – the writer of Ramcharitmanas. The temple complex is entirely covered in different inscriptions from the Manas and engraved on the walls. The main deity of worship within the temple is lord Ram – an incarnation of lord Vishnu who is worshipped throughout the subcontinent.
Timing – 5:30 am to 12 noon / 4 pm to 9 pm
How to Reach – 2 km from Banaras Hindu university and 7 km away from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – September to March
Things to Do – Offer your prayer to the deity, indulge in cultural walks around the temple, try some delicious local delicacies.
Varanasi Government Museum
This is deemed for being one of the primary museums in Varanasi which displays a wonderful selection of unique and antique items ranging from the time period of 3rd to 12th century. Some of the main attractions here include various paintings, clay toys, terracotta bowls, pottery works etc. which is visited by people from all over the world.
Timing – 9:30 am to 6 pm
How to Reach – around 9 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to April
Things to Do – Take a look around various galleries of the museum, spend some peaceful time inside the museum compound etc.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
This has to be the landmark Ghat of Varanasi which is believed to be the most sacred and the holiest sites in Varanasi. It is the focal point of various religious activities in India and the Ganga Aarti that takes place in the evening here is world renowned. The fact that lord brahma had performed the das Ashwamedha Yagna here has helped in making it one of the most religiously active destinations in India and probably in the world.
Timing – open 24 hours
How to Reach – 4 km from railway station of Varanasi
Best Time to Visit – anytime of the year
Things to Do – Go for Ganga Snan, be a part of the Ganga Aarti in the evening, take a stroll by the river etc.
New Vishwanath Temple in BHU
This newly constructed temple of Vishwanath or lord Shiva is located within the heart of the cultural capital of India in Varanasi whose divinity is further magnified due to the presence of the holy river ganga in its close proximity. The temple offers a surprisingly peaceful and calm vibes although it is located amidst the bustle of the city. One can make it a part of their sightseeing expeditions in Varanasi.
Timing – 4 am to 11 am / 12 noon to 7 pm
How to Reach – 9 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Offer your prayer in the temple, take a stroll around the BHU campus, relax in one of the lawns here etc.
Sankat Mochan Temple
Situated right next to the grand and majestic Assi Ghat by the Ganga River this ancient temple which is dedicated to lord hanuman and ram is probably one of the most significant places of worship for the devotees. Built during the 1900s by the great freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, and has only added to the spiritual value of the place.
Timing – 4 am to 9 pm
How to Reach – 6 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – September to March
Things to Do – Take a look around the gorgeous temple, walk around the Ghats around here, shop for various items, handicrafts and locally made items etc.
Tibetan Temple
This stunning, intricate and well maintained temple is another one of the most important tourist places in India which is primarily due to the fact that Lord Buddha had taught his followers the 4 truths of life. Within the temple walls is seated a glorious, bright and colorful statue of Buddha seated in a meditative pose. The temple is named so since the entire architecture is done using the Tibetan styles, designs and patterns.
Timing – 5 am 12 noon
How to Reach – almost 10 km away from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to April
Things to Do – Offer prayer to the Buddha statue relax in the lush green lawns, take in the serene environment etc.
Bharat Mata Mandir
We all know that temples are the place where people go to worship the deity, however this temple shrine is extremely unique and one of a kind probably in the world. Built in the year 1936 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi this particular temple is dedicated to mother India where one can see a complete undivided map of India carved entirely out in marble.
Timing – 6 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 7 pm
How to Reach – 5 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – September to May
Things to Do – check out the amazingly and intricately carved out map of a complete India, go around the complex and discover some other interesting elements here etc.
Manikarnika Ghat
Although Varanasi consists of innumerable Ghats for one to explore, this particular Ghat holds a lot of importance for people who are looking to perform the various rituals related to after the burning of the mortal remains of people. This particular place remains burning no matter what time of the day or year you visit since it is also considered that after passing away people will only be granted the freedom from the karmic cycle of birth and rebirth.
Timing – Open 24 hours
How to Reach – 7 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Visit it as a part of the Ghat visit, go on cultural walks, learn about life and death from the pundits here, perform Pind Daan Pooja ritual for the departed souls etc.
Ramnagar Fort
Built by Raja Balwant Singh in the year 1750 and seated majestically on the eastern banks of the holy river of Ganga this fort represents one of the peak times of Mughal architecture in India. This stunning monument is still inhabited by Raja Pelu Bhiru Singh although the feudal system is long gone. The fort is the best location to take a look back in the historical era of Varanasi.
Timing – 10 am to 12 noon / 2 pm to 4:30 pm
How to Reach – 12 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to February
Things to Do – Take a wonderful walk within the Ramnagar fort complex, Visit Tulsi Ghat which is situated close to the fort, know more about the history of Varanasi etc.
Alamgir Mosque
Built by the great Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and dating back to 17th century this mosque is one of the most stunning structures in Varanasi. Constructed by utilizing the Indo Islamic style of architecture and consisting of small minarets, high domes and finely intricate engravings and carvings this place is a must visit especially for history lovers and people with an architectural bent of mind.
Timing – 7 am to 7 pm
How to Reach – 7 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Take a stroll around the whole area, do some photography, check out all the corners of the complex etc.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
This archaeological and art museum in Varanasi holds a lot of importance for displaying a wonderful collection of various things that will paint a picture of what it was like during the olden era. You will be able to check out some of the most iconic pieces of importance like paintings, pottery, Jewellery, textiles etc all of which dates back to as early as 1st to the 15th century.
Timing – 11 am to 4 pm
How to Reach – 10 km from railway station in Varanasi
Best Time to Visit – September to April
Things to do – check out the rare collections which is the prime focus, take a trip to the past, learn a bit more about Indian culture etc.
Chinese Temple
Built by the Chinese Buddhist devotees from china and mainly thronged by the followers of Buddhism this place is a way of honoring the contributions made by Lord Buddha to the world. The outlook of the temple is very simple and humble but the relevance of this place is extremely huge and the peaceful vibes can be felt during your visit here. The best part is that this is one of those places that is devoid of daily visitors.
Timing – 8 am to 6 pm
How to Reach – Almost 10 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – November to May
Things to Do – Perform meditation, take a peaceful walk around the whole place, offer prayer to the statue of Lord Buddha inside the temple etc.
Durga Mandir
This has to be one of the most spiritually important places in Varanasi which is also referred to as the monkey temple. The red temple structure stands out and can be seen from a distance which was built in the year 18th century by a maharani of Bengal. The idol of the presiding deity inside is that of goddess Durga which is said to have appeared on its own hence making it an important Shakti Peeth India.
Timing – 4 am to 12 am
How to Reach – 6 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to February
Things to Do – Enjoy the serene surrounding, offer your prayer to the goddess, spend some peaceful time etc.
Assi Ghat
This is the place where the Assi River meets with the holy river of Ganga to create one of the most idyllic and spiritually active Ghats in Varanasi. One of the prime elements of attractions here is the structure of a shiv Linga which is situated underneath a Peepal tree. This place has found its mention in various Purana as well and some people even feel that your visit of Varanasi remains incomplete without a visit to this incredible Ghat.
Timing – Open 24 hours
How to Reach – 9 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Take a holy dip in the Ganga River, walk down the colorful Ghats in the surroundings, offer prayer at the shiv Linga etc.
Causatthi Ghat
Built by the great King Digbatiya of Champaran in Bihar this Ghat is extremely famous among the visitors since the great and famous scholar Madhusudana Saraswati is said to have resided here for a while. This Ghat is referred to being one of a kind along with several other elements that represents peace and serenity here especially during the time of Holi or the auspicious occasion of Chaitra.
Timing – open 24 hours
How to Reach – 4.6 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to do – spend some peaceful time here, attend the holy ganga aarti, shop for some religious souvenirs etc.
Chaukhandi Stupa
Evolving from the burial mounds and declared as a monument of national importance this stupa is known for its unique structure. This place was excavated by the archaeological survey of India and is worshipped as one of the major relics of importance by the Buddhist followers. Built during the Gupta rule in Varanasi this place has seen a huge turnout from people and Buddhism believers from all over the world.
Timing – 6 am to 9 pm
How to Reach – 8 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – November to April
Things to Do – Explore the Stupa, offer your prayer, pay a visit some nearby attractions as well, meditation activity etc.
Chunar Fort
Located at some distance from Varanasi Chunar Fort stands gracefully falling apart and in a rampart condition. This fort is said to have been utilized by the Mughal emperor Babar as a garrison for his army dating back to the 16th century. The complex of this fort is extremely huge complete with the presence of several tombs dedicated to the soldiers of the army making it a must visit for history buffs and people looking for an offbeat experience in Varanasi.
Timing – 8 am to 5 pm
How to Reach – 32 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Check out the whole complex include it in your one day of sightseeing in Varanasi etc.
Gyan Vapi Well
Also referred to as the well of knowledge and situated within the confines of the Gyan Vapi mosque. This place was also constructed by the great Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and at one time its religious authenticity was so unique that it was considered to be one of the holiest polaces of visit in Varanasi.
Timing – 8 am to 6 pm
How to Reach – 6.7 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – September to March
Things to Do – Check out the ancient well, know more about the history of this place in detail, check out some nearby places of attractions.
Nepali Temple
This 19th century temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and as the name suggests it was established by the king of Nepal. One of the most striking features of this temple is that it resembles the famous Pashupatinath temple of Nepal, hence the name. Constructed using only wood and stone this place is entirely adorned with terracotta carvings and engravings which beautifies the place further.
Timing – 4 am to 12 noon / 1 pm to 9 pm
How to Reach – Almost 5 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – September to May
Things to Do – Observe the peaceful surroundings rejuvenate your mind, perform meditation etc.
Batuk Bhairav Mandir
This is the place where you will get to witness a huge throng of Tantriks and Aghoris performing their rituals in an elaborate manner. This place is held at a very high accord in the life of these Aghoris who visit here as a part of their beliefs. As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to the Batuk Bhairav incarnation of lord Shiva and the Akhand deep here marks its existence ever since ages.
Timing – 4 am to 12:30 pm / 2 pm to 10 pm
How to Reach – 4.6 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to May
Things to Do – Offer your prayer here, interact with the Aghoris, do some unique photography etc.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Established in the year 1916by Madan Mohan Malaviya and panning out over an area of 5.3 sq. km. this grand institute is one of the major tourist places in Varanasi. The sprawling lawns and the indo gothic styled architecture accompanied with an ever present atmosphere of serenity, peace and solitude is what makes a visit here worth it.
Timing – 10 am to 6 pm
How to Reach – 9 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – November to March
Things to Do – Walk around the campus, talk to the students, visit the places here open for tourists etc.
Shivala Ghat
Known all over India for its historical and mythological relevance the structure present on this Ghat had served as a mansion for the king of Nepal – King Sanjay Vikram which can be seen even today. The view of the Ganga River flowing by is something different when observed from this particular Ghat. Not just this there are several places which can be visited if you are planning to spend a day around this Ghat.
Timing – open 24 hours
How to Reach – 5.8 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Take a stroll by the Ghat, spend some peaceful time, be a part of the ganga Aarti, visit nearby places of interest etc.
Man Mandir Ghat
Built during the early 17th century by Maharaja Mann Singh this Ghat had served as a major observatory during its prime time. The balcony which adorns the northern end of the Ghat allows the visitor to have a complete and a mesmerizing view of the Ganga River flowing by as far as the eyes can see. The peace and serenity here remains unmatched to anywhere else and is considered to be one of the most low key Ghats here.
Timing – Open 24 hours
How to Reach – 4.4 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – throughout the year
Things to Do – Take a holy dip in Ganga, do some photography, spend some time meditating, early morning boat ride in ganga etc.
ISKCON Varanasi
Established by the Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with an aim of promoting the Krishna consciousness and the teachings of lord Krishna according to the Bhagwad Gita, this place offers a sense of peace among all the other famous tourist places located in Varanasi. Although there are several ISKCON temples around India but this one is considered to be one of the main ones here.
Timing – 6 am to 8 pm
How to Reach – almost 6 km from Varanasi railway station
Best Time to Visit – October to March
Things to Do – Perform meditation take a rejuvenating stroll, listen to the couplets being sung etc.
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