Varanasi is an ancient city in India with a rich history and culture. Known as the spiritual capital of India, it attracts visitors from around the world eager to experience its numerous places to visit in Varanasi. From ornate temples to vibrant markets to the iconic ghats along the Ganges River, Varanasi offers sights that make it one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
With so many options, planning an itinerary can seem daunting. This blog post covers the top 7 attractions and places to visit in Varanasi that should not be missed.
Read on for the ultimate Varanasi sightseeing guide, whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or more extended stay in this holy city. We’ll explore must-see spots like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and more.
1. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Famous places to visit in Varanasi)
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Varanasi. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has ancient origins and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history. The current structure has three domes covered in gold and the inside is filled with thousands of idols depicting gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the main Shiva lingam draws devotees from around India seeking blessings. Non-Hindus cannot enter the inner sanctum but can peek inside from a side view. During festivals like Shivaratri, huge crowds cram inside and outside the temple complex for ‘darshan’ of Lord Shiva.
- Address: Lalita Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
- Timings: Temple opens daily at 2:30 am and closes at 11 pm. Best time to visit is early morning.
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat (Famous place to visit in Varanasi)
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the main ghats in Varanasi located along the Ganges River. ‘Ghat’ means a series of steps leading down to the river. Of all the ghats, Dashashwamedh is the most popular for tourists and visitors. In the mornings, crowds gather at Dashashwamedh to view the daily Ganga aarti ceremony. Priests perform the elaborate ritual on a stage facing the river while bells ring and lamps are waved. Tourists can also take a boat ride from here to witness the hundreds of bathers and laundresses who use the steps throughout the day or walk along the riverfront to encounter funeral pyres and people practising yoga as part of the Varanasi culture. The best way to soak in the intense energy of Dashashwamedh is to sit on the ghat steps and observe life in the holy city unfolding along the sacred river.
- Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Road, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
3. Assi Ghat (Famous place to visit in Varanasi)
Assi Ghat is the southernmost ghat in Varanasi, marking the confluence of the Ganges River and Assi River. With its relaxed pace compared to other busy ghats, Assi draws tourists who wish to experience the holy city at a quieter pace. A major aspect of Varanasi culture can be witnessed at Assi – scholars and students under trees studying sacred Hindu texts and elderly priests sitting beneath umbrellas conducting pujas and rituals for assorted pilgrims. For the best views, arrive before dawn and witness parishioners immersing themselves in the Ganges during morning bathing rituals. The welcoming and photogenic places to visit in Varanasi like Assi Ghat capture the devotion of the city’s residents who come daily to pay homage to Mother Ganga.
- Address: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
4. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, located along the main Ganges River. It is the chief cremation ghat in Varanasi where funeral pyres burn constantly. Visitors can witness the cremation ceremonies from a terrace or steps overlooking the area but need to remain quiet and respectful. Many Hindus believe cremation along the Ganges offers moksha or freedom for the soul. While it can seem shocking at first, seeing the rituals at Manikarnika provides insight into the cycle of death and rebirth that is part of core Hindu beliefs. Despite its solemn function, many include Manikarnika Ghat among Varanasi’s important tourist places to visit in Varanasi given its cultural significance in the holy city.
- Address: Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: Open 24 hrs
- Time Needed: 1-2 hrs
5. Sarnath
Located only 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It’s where Gautama Buddha first taught Dharma after achieving enlightenment. Today ruins and remnants of ancient monasteries, temples, and stupas can be explored. The highlight is the iconic Dhamekh Stupa dating back to 500 CE along with an impressive column built by Emperor Ashoka. The Archeological Museum houses a well-curated collection of Buddha sculptures. Sarnath provides a tranquil escape from Varanasi’s chaos while offering insight into Buddhism’s origins and remains. For visitors keen to experience Buddhist history and architecture, as well as peaceful gardens ideal for reflection, Sarnath should top the list of places to visit in Varanasi.
- Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Time Needed – 2-3 hours
6. Ramnagar Fort
The imposing Ramnagar Fort overlooks the Ganges River across from the ghats. Built in the 18th century in the iconic Mughal style of red sandstone, the still-inhabited fortress now houses a museum displaying vintage automobiles from the royal collection, ornate horse-drawn carriages for festivals, intricate costumes, and more. Visitors not only tour these well-preserved treasures but frequently come for the daily sound and light shows dramatising episodes from Hindu epics. Given the combination of impressive architecture, interesting royal artefacts, and a location granting unique vistas of Varanasi’s tourist places to visit in Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort stands out among the city’s historical attractions.
- Address: Raja Bazaar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
- Time Needed: 1-2 hours
7. Sankat Mochan Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, the vibrant Sankat Mochan Temple was founded in the early 1900s by freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya. The brightly painted South Indian-style temple stands out amid Varanasi’s stone architecture while constant bhajans praising Lord Hanuman waft through its halls. One meaning behind its name “reliever of troubles” seems apparent in the ebullient energy permeating its grounds. The temple holds packed holy events like aartis, but non-Hindus can visit daily to respectfully admire the elaborate shrines consecrated to Hanuman depicted in scenes from the Ramayana epic. For its festive atmosphere and tolerant welcoming of outsiders, Sankat Mochan has become a famous tourist place to visit in Varanasi.
- Address: Sankat Mochan Road, Varanasi
- Timings: 5 AM to 10 PM
- Time Needed: 1 hour
Conclusion
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