varanasi visit images

Varanasi Photography: 21 Pictures That Will Inspire You (+ Tips)

When it comes to photography, Varanasi is one of the most interesting places to visit in India. It’s unlike any other city I’ve ever been to and a place I keep returning to.

Varanasi is home to plenty of ghats (steps leading to the river), small alleys and photogenic locals. Like many places in India, it’s incredibly colourful, culturally rich and full of wonderful photo opportunities.

Varanasi photography: Inspiring pictures and tips

This guide includes everything you need to know about photography in Varanasi. From what to expect of the sadhus and whether it’s okay to take pictures at the cremation ghats to the best time to take pictures and more.

An introduction to Varanasi

Also called Benares or Kashi, Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is the holiest city in Hinduism . It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and it’s located on the banks of the holy Ganges River , which is seen as the personification of the Goddess Ganga.

Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi every day to wash away their sins by bathing in the river. But people also come here to cremate a loved one or to die. It’s believed that if you die in Varanasi, you will be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.

Varanasi is a magical place where life and death collide. Similarly to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, cremations take place by the river on a daily basis here.

If you’d like to learn more about the Hindu culture and take some amazing pictures while doing so, then Varanasi is a place you should definitely add to your Indian travel bucket list !

Varanasi photography tips

So, now that you know what Kashi is all about and why this place is so interesting, let’s dive into the things you should know if you’re planning on doing photography in Varanasi.

I visited Varanasi twice so far and stayed here for almost a month in total. During this time, I’ve learned quite some things about this city and looked for the best photography opportunities too.

But without further ado, here are my best photography tips for Varanasi.

>> Read: 19 Reasons Why You Should Travel to India

Get up early and go to the ghats

The ghats of Varanasi are some of India’s most famous landmarks , and they’re incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise.

At this time of the day, the light will be absolutely perfect, there will be fewer crowds and, if the sky is clear, you will see the sunrise over the Ganges.

When I visited Varanasi in March, I made sure to be at the ghats at 6 a.m., and the light was at its best between 6:30 and 7 a.m. The sun will rise earlier in the Summer, though, so it’s better to leave 1 hour earlier if you’re visiting Varanasi at this time of the year.

So get up early and take advantage of the golden hour, I can assure you that it’s worth it!

>> Read: Holi in Varanasi: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Know what to expect when taking pictures of the “Sadhus”

Unfortunately, most of the Sadhus roaming around Varanasi are fake .

Sadhus are holy Hindu men who gave up their earthly attachments and material possessions to pursue a spiritual path. You won’t find many of the real ones in touristy places like the ghats of Varanasi, though, as they tend to avoid tourists.

The majority of the “Sadhus” that you will find in Varanasi are men dressed up as Sadhus. They do this so that they can ask for money for pictures from tourists.

Some of them even ask for 100 to 500 INR, but you shouldn’t give more than 10 or 20 INR and remind yourself that if you were asking money for every selfie in India, you’d probably be rich by now.

Nevertheless, many of the – fake – Sadhus roaming around the ghats of Varanasi are incredibly photogenic. I just think it’s important to be aware of the fact that if they ask for money, they’re not real Sadhus.

Try different perspectives

One of the must-do experiences in Varanasi is to take a boat ride on the holy Ganges River . This will allow you to see and take pictures of the ghats from another perspective.

You can either opt for a private boat tour or a shared boat tour. The private boats are the nicest. They’re small and motorless, and you can also ask your boatman to stop whenever you want. Expect to pay anything between 800 and 2500 INR for a 2-hour private boat ride, depending on your boatman and your bargaining skills.

The shared boats are cheaper and a better option if you’re on a tight budget. These only cost 100 INR per person and take about 40 minutes.

You will find plenty of boats, both private as well as shared ones at Assi Ghat. The best time of the day for a boat ride is in the early morning.

Attend the Ganga Aarti

India is famous for its numerous traditions and rituals, and the Ganga Aarti is one of them.

The Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual in which the holy Ganges is worshipped. During this ceremony, holy mantras are chanted and ceremonial brass lamps are lit up. This creates a nice effect with the smoke.

The Aarti takes place along the ghats every evening at 7 p.m. during the Winter and at 6:30 p.m. in the Summer. It takes about 45 minutes and you will have some great photo opportunities here!

Explore the little streets too

There’s more to Varanasi than ghats alone. You will find a maze of little streets and alleys in front of the ghats (or behind them, depending on how you see it).

Here, you will find plenty of small temples and shrines, colourful murals and tiny shops. Getting lost in these alleys is one of my favourite things to do in Varanasi although I have to admit that some of them are extremely dirty (I’m sorry, Varanasi, but it is true).

The most interesting ones are located Northeast of Manikarnika Ghat, while the more touristy ones with guesthouses and little restaurants are Southwest of this ghat.

Tip: Take a break at the Blue Lassi Shop . This small shop is famous for its delicious lassi that comes in dozens of flavours.

Take photos of the details

There are so many beautiful details in Varanasi and it’s easy to forget about them when looking at the bigger picture.

Take the small statues in the temples, for example, or all the colourful flowers – these make for excellent photo opportunities.

If you’re making a series about a certain topic or place, adding pictures of the details is a great way of mixing it up a little and making it more varied too.

Don’t take pictures at the cremation ghats

There are two burning ghats in Varanasi – Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat. Here, cremations take place on a daily basis.

The cremation ghats are not the right place to take pictures. Chances are that when you arrive here, people will ask you not to take pictures, as this is the place where people are cremated while their families watch.

Another thing you should know is that there are many tourist scams at these ghats. These range from people asking you for money for wood to cremate a loved one to people offering to take you to a place where people come to die. These stories aren’t true but a way to get money from tourists.

Visit Varanasi at the right time

Don’t do as I did the first time that I visited Varanasi and come at the right time of the year. Believe me, it’s a completely different experience.

I visited Varanasi for the first time in late September/early October and it was flooded . You couldn’t access the ghats because they were underwater, at times, the streets were flooded too and the Ganga Aarti wasn’t the same either. On top of all that, it was also extremely hot and humid. You get the picture: not an ideal time to visit this city.

The best time to visit Varanasi is during Winter – between the months of November and March. The weather is perfect at this time of the year and this is when you will get the most out of your pictures too.

The second time I visited Varanasi was in March, and it felt like a totally different city. I didn’t like Varanasi very much when I visited it in September/October, but I fell in love with this city during my second visit!

Don’t forget to savour the moment

This is a reminder for myself too.

In photogenic places like Varanasi, it’s not difficult for me to get so caught up in taking pictures that I forget to be present and enjoy the place. Taking pictures is one of my favourite things to do but at the same time, I want to experience places too.

Maybe this sounds familiar to you. If it does, then don’t forget to put your camera down from time to time and enjoy the moment. Varanasi is a very special place with so many things to experience.

>> Read next: 15 Tips for Visiting the Taj Mahal (+ Photography)

Varanasi photography – Final thoughts

Varanasi is one of my favourite cities in India, I simply can’t get enough of this place and am planning on heading back soon!

With all its rites and rituals, beautiful colours and interesting places, Varanasi is a photographer’s dream. This is one of my favourite places to get lost and capture everything that’s going on (and there’s a lot going on in Varanasi).

I hope you found what you were looking for in this post and that it inspired you to visit Varanasi, India’s holiest city.

Have you been to Varanasi? What was your impression? Let me know in the comments!

Read more about Varanasi:

• Varanasi Burning Ghats: What to Expect
• A Boat Ride in Varanasi: 5 Things You Should Know
• Ganga Aarti, Varanasi: 7 Things You Should Know
• Is Varanasi worth visiting? 11 Reasons to Visit Varanasi
• Holi in Varanasi: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Pin it for later: Did you enjoy this post on photography in Varanasi? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Hi Laura, thanks for this description and the lovely photos. My wife and I are visiting Varanasi in February next year and I’m equally excited/terrified! My main focus is on the photography, so I hope I’ll be able to capture some nice shots before and during sunrise when, hopefully, the crowds are a little lighter. I’m still trying to decide between taking a day/fast train from Delhi, an overnight sleeper, or just flying. The rail options would certainly be an ‘experience’, but it’s a long old trip to endure if it’s not comfortable – even in the EC/AC1 classes.

Hi Darryl, thank you for the nice comment! February is a great time to visit Varanasi. I’m sure you will be able to take amazing pictures, the sunrise is truly amazing there.

Taking the train in India is definitely memorable! 😀 But make sure to book your tickets in advance if you decide to go by train because they get fully booked pretty quickly.

If there are no more seats on the train, there’s also an overnight bus from Delhi to Varanasi, I took it the other way around and it was surprisingly comfortable (it depends on the bus company, though)!

I hope you’ll have a great time there!

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14 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 20, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The best places to visit in Varanasi give you the chance to experience the spirituality of India at its most vibrant. Head to the Banaras ghats to watch Hindu devotees wash away their sins in the Ganges River each morning and return for fire-fueled prayer ceremonies as the sun sets.

You can see perpetually burning funeral pyres at the Manikarnika Ghat, a holy cremation ground for Hindus. Feeling inspired? You can deepen your connection with this side of Indian culture by releasing your own floating offering, available from vendors along the ghats.

More than a spiritual center, Varanasi also has a strong artistic side . Visit the museum at Banaras Hindu University to see a fantastic collection of miniature paintings or try creating your own masterpiece in a hands-on workshop at Ruchika Art Gallery. When you need a pick-me-up, make your way to Vishnu Tea Emporium for a cup of the best chai in India (along with tea souvenirs to bring home).

Discover more of this ancient city with our list of the best places to visit in Varanasi.

1. Ganges River

2. dasaswamedh ghat, 3. assi ghat, 4. manikarnika ghat, 5. dhamek stupa, 6. shri kashi vishwanath temple, 7. banaras hindu university, 8. ruchika art gallery, 9. shri durga temple, 10. ramnagar fort, 11. darbhanga ghat, 12. shivala ghat, 13. sankat mochan hanuman temple, 14. vishnu tea emporium, map of places to visit in varanasi.

Named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges River is one of the most revered natural sites in India. The river extends southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. Between 400 million and 600 million people rely on the Ganges River to provide water for daily bathing and drinking.

Hindus come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy Ganges water and perform rituals along the dozens of ghats along the river . For tourists, the river helps provide a fixed point of orientation for navigating around the labyrinthine city, and you'll no doubt spend lots of time sightseeing and watching life happen around the Ganges.

Consider waking up early and taking a sunrise cruise along the river — negotiate with one of the countless boatmen hanging out along the ghats.

In the afternoon or early evening, one of the top things to do in Varanasi is to purchase a small floating offering filled with fresh flowers and a candle , and release it onto the Ganges River. The blissful experience will connect you more deeply with Hindu culture and stay in your mind for years to come.

Read More: Best Things to Do in India

The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. You can spend hours people-watching in this area during the day.

Hindu priests put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, starting at around 7pm. Donning saffron-hued robes, the priests spread out plates of flower petals and other offerings and blow a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual ceremony.

Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and wave tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense in intricate patterns for about 45 minutes. It's an extravagant sight and one of the top things to do here.

Hot tip: Get to the ghat at least a couple of hours early if you want to beat the crowds and score a great spot for the show. You can also get incredible views from boats along the river or from shop balconies above the ghat.

Address: Dasaswamedh Ghat Road, Bangali Tola, Varanasi

When it comes to famous places to visit in Varanasi, the city's southernmost main ghat regularly tops the list. Assi Ghat's star attraction is a Shiva lingam (phallic representation of the Hindu deity) beneath a sacred fig tree. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come to worship Lord Shiva after rinsing in the Ganges River.

Feeling a little stiff from traveling? Swing by Assi Ghat at sunrise, when you can get your downward-facing dog on with dozens of others during free morning yoga classes accompanied by live music every day. Tourists can also see another Ganga Aarti performance here in the evening, which is slightly smaller and more intimate than the one at Dasaswamedh Ghat. It typically starts around 6:30pm.

Plumes of smoke swirl toward the sky at Manikarnika Ghat. No, it's not from a factory — it's from the perpetual cremations that happen on this ghat. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). The funeral pyre at this ghat burns 24/7, and the flame that feeds it is believed to have been lit for centuries. Roughly 100 cremations take place at this site every day.

Priests or guides frequently offer to lead tourists through the fascinating ghat; however, some can be aggressive in their demands for money. You may see doms (members of an untouchable caste) carrying cloth-wrapped bodies on makeshift stretchers, along with piles of firewood stacked up, ready to feed the pyre.

You may also be offered the chance to see a cremation up close — for a fee, of course. While profound, the experience is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. Know your limits; be respectful; and avoid taking photos of the funerals, mourners, and the departed.

Hot tip: If you're interested in the ritualistic cremations, but can't stomach the idea of seeing them up close, consider passing by Manikarnika Ghat on a boat tour along the Ganges River . The distance dampens the effect while still giving tourists a sense of what's happening in this important place.

Hinduism certainly has a stronghold on Varanasi, but Buddhism has a major presence less than 12 kilometers away in the village of Sarnath . Here, you'll find the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone and brick structure that's 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters in diameter. The stupa was built more than 1,500 years ago as a replacement for a structure that dated back to 249 BCE.

The devout believe that the Buddha came to Dhamek Stupa to give his first sermon, which revealed the Eightfold Path after he achieved enlightenment. Take a look at the elegant carvings of birds, people, and flowers that cover the walls of the stupa as you wander around the attraction.

Sarnath also has plenty of other tourist places that make it a worthwhile day trip destination from Varanasi. Check out the Chaukhandi Stupa (a Buddhist shrine that dates back to at least the 6th century), then make your way to the Sarnath Museum to see the Lion Capital of Ashoka , a sculpture that used to sit atop the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and became the National Emblem of India in 1950.

Round out the day with sightseeing at the peaceful Tibetan Temple, located near the main market, before making your way back to Varanasi.

Address: Dharmapala Road, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi

Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike travel for thousands of miles to reach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple , a sacred attraction around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near the Manikarnika Ghat .

The impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned the nickname "The Golden Temple" for its striking spire — plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. The distinctive design of this temple has gone on to inspire the architecture of hundreds of other temples across India.

Strict security measures around the complex require that tourists stash their cameras, phones, bags, and other belongings in a rentable locker nearby. Foreigners will also need to get their passports and visas verified at the Darshan Booking Desk. Expect to ditch your shoes and wait in line with hundreds of other visitors, all eager to touch the 60-centimeter-tall, sin-absolving Shiva lingam in a silver alter . It's an intense, yet rewarding experience

Hot tip: Skip this attraction on Hindu holidays, when devotees wait in line for up to two full days to enter the temple.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi

Banaras Hindu University has been a central part of Varanasi's identity since its inception in 1916. The well-respected public university is home to more than 25,000 students, making it one of Asia's largest residential universities.

There are no hill stations near Varanasi, so if you're looking for an escape from the crowds and busy city, come to this lush 1,300-acre campus. The serene area is shaded by hundreds of tall trees and offers a breath of fresh air from the hectic atmosphere at the Banaras Ghats.

While on campus, swing by the New Vishwanath Temple, a famous temple that finally finished its decades-long construction in 1966. Standing 77 meters high, the temple is one of the tallest in India and draws architectural inspiration from the nearby Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Visitors to the university should also make a point to explore the on-campus museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan . The cultural institution features a spectacular collection of miniature paintings , along with over 100,000 other artifacts of archeological and artistic importance.

Want to take a piece of Varanasi home with you? Look no further than the Ruchika Art Gallery , just off Ravindrapuri Road . The gallery's namesake owner, Ruchika Mehrotra, has created a warm, delightful shop to display a vibrant collection of paintings that capture the energy of Varanasi and the ghats in a rainbow of colors.

While there are some larger works that would require shipping, many of the paintings are small enough to pack in a suitcase as souvenirs. There are also charming postcards available for purchase.

In addition to showcasing locally made creative works, Ruchika Art Gallery also invites tourists to pick up a paintbrush during artistic workshops . Get in touch with Ruchika to see what's on the calendar during your trip to Varanasi.

Address: 1 Ground floor, Shwetabh Building, near Sankat Mochan Mandir and Lanka Post Office, Lanka Road, Varanasi

Spiritual activities around Varanasi aren't solely confined to the ghats. Just a five-minute walk west of Assi Ghat , the Shri Durga Temple is a popular attraction for Hindus who wish to pay tribute to the goddess Durga. You can't miss the 300-year-old temple — it's painted bright red from top to bottom.

The temple's nickname, "Monkey Temple," gives you a clue about the creatures you might find swinging about in this area. You may also see a couple of graceful swans floating on the pool of water outside the temple.

Address: 27, Durgakund Road, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi

There are few destinations in India without a fort, and Varanasi is no exception. About 14 kilometers from the city center, you'll find Ramnagar Fort.

The 18th-century sandstone fort and palace is no longer used as a defensive structure but instead houses a quirky museum brimming with vintage automobiles, elaborate hookahs, antique weapons, sedan chairs decked out in jewels, and a one-of-a-kind astronomical clock that's more than 150 years old.

After enjoying an archeological treasure hunt at the museum, check out the fort's temples, one of which honors Veda Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and other important Hindu epics.

Address: Mirzapur - Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar

Photographers, take note: Darbhanga Ghat offers the best opportunity to get amazing shots of Varanasi. The stairs leading down to the riverbank are crowned by the ultra-luxurious BrijRama Palace , an old fort that has since been converted into a heritage hotel. The property's Greek pillars and rounded balconies give the area (and your photographs) a regal backdrop.

Plan to get here around dawn to capture unobstructed views of the incredible sunrise over the horizon of the Ganges River.

Location: Near Ahilyabai Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi

While not as active as other riverfront spots in Varanasi, Shivala Ghat is a pleasant place to visit if you're looking for some peace and quiet along the Ganges.

The lack of crowds at the ghat makes it easier to respectfully observe the devout doing their ritualistic dips in the holy river and families gathering for prayers and tea in the morning. Don't be surprised if you wind up sharing the space with water buffalo, which are known to hang about in the area. You can also see a palace built by Nepalese king Sanjay Vikram Shah in the 19th century.

It's also worth devoting a few hours to wander the maze-like alleyways leading to Shivala Ghat. The densely packed neighborhood offers a glimpse at what everyday life is like for locals in Varanasi.

Situated on the banks of the Assi River, the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple draws thousands of visitors a day, all eager to make an offering of sweets and flowers to the Hindu god Hanuman.

Legend has it that this temple was constructed exactly where Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas had a vision of the monkey god. Speaking of monkeys, keep your eye out for the mischievous creatures who are regularly spotted bouncing around the temple.

Hot tip: April or May can be a particularly great time to visit this Varanasi attraction. That's when the temple hosts its annual "Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh," a festival of classical music and dance recitals held over a series of five to six days. Performers come from all over the world to take part in the nearly 100-year-old event.

Address: Sankat Mochan Road, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur, Varanasi

Tea is practically a way of life in India — you're almost never more than a few steps away from a chaiwala (tea seller) whipping up spicy, creamy masala chai from roadside stands.

Take a deep dive into this culinary ritual with a visit to the Vishnu Tea Emporium. Just a four-minute walk from Dasaswamedh Ghat, this casual shop offers up-close demonstrations of how to make masala chai from spices and fresh ingredients.

It also offers a curated selection of tasty tea and spice blends for tourists to recreate the classic Indian drink at home. There's no pressure to make a purchase, but this is one souvenir you won't regret buying.

Address: D 15/51 Manmandir, Dasashwamedh Road, Varanasi

More on India

15 Best Places To Visit In Varanasi For The Best Of Culture, History, Religion Experience!

Varanasi , one of the Hindus’ seven holy cities, is a sight to behold. It is an overwhelming, empowering as well as unhampered experience; all at once.

In Varanasi, the monumental temples, ghats and also other popular places to visit in Varanasi attract millions of visitors each year. It is not only a favourite destination among Indian travellers but it is also loved by foreigners.

Although the city is famous for its ghats, temples as well as for music. There are many other tourist places in Varanasi  that will thrill everyone.

Perfect Time To Visi Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is October through March. Each year in November, people celebrate a five-day festival famous as Ganga Mahotsav is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi.

Hence, winter is the best season to visit Varanasi. During this time, you’ll be able to see the city’s best! 

15 Most Popular Places To Visit In Varanasi

Varanasi, a town situated on the banks of Ganga, is home to many ghats and temples. Here are some of the town’s most famous ghat as well as temples.

Moreover, if you attend the Arti at these ghats it will be one of the things for an enigmatic experiences to do in Varanasi. Let’s know more about these.

1: Assi Ghat-For spirituality seekers

This is also one of the main places to visit in Varanasi ! Situated far south, Assi Ghat is where visitors make devotion to Lord Shiva by praying a large lingam under a peepal tree.

This ghat is a vibrant area rippling in excitement as well as sound one that covers Kashi’s antiquity beautifully. Also, Assi Ghat is among the most religious famous tourist places in Varanasi . Here’s attractive arti sight makes Varanasi one of India’s most beautiful cities.    

Location:   Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh,   Assi Ghat, Timings:  Anytime Popular For:  Festivals and Recreation 

Also Read : 15 Places To Visit  In Haridwar That Will Perfect Religious Experience!

2: Dashashwamedh Ghat-Town’s Most Lively Ghat

DashashwamedhGhat is a showy place also renowned for its spiritual transcendence, the largest ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River. It is common knowledge that here, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a yajna, and therefore the name.

Dashashwamedh Ghat tops the list of best places to visit in Varanasi at  night , it is also a valid space to walk in this small town. Be here, as it is popularly called, for the Agni Pooja or Ganga aarti. 

Note Each Tuesday and at religious festivals, special aartis are held. Location:  Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: Open 24 hours Popular For: Culture, Heritage, Temples 3, 

Also Read : 15 Tourist Places In Jaipur To Visit For A Never Before Experience

3: Manikarnika Ghat-The Ghat of Prime Cremation

Manikarnika Ghat is called an important religious place to be cremated as well as is one of the main places to visit in Varanasi . This ghat is in itself an exasperating and also surprising experience as literally nothing here is sacrilegious.

The rising sun as well as the flaming pyres, along with candlelit flower bowls floating down the religious Ganga River, make Manikarnika Ghat a sight to see. Try this ghat while finding the famous tourist places to visit in Varanasi . 

Location:  ItsClose Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: Open 24 hours Popular For: Sacred riverfronts, Cremation grounds 

4: Shivala Ghat-The Past Reflection  

Shivala Ghat is yet another finest tourist place in Varanasi that focuses on the past of the region. A popular attraction to see here is the Shiva Temple, constructed far back by a Nepalese king in the 19th century.

Undoubtedly the magnificent architecture here is something that will take you by surprise and so will the temple’s craftsmanship. If you want to take a bath in the holy water, this is also one place to visit in Varanasi.  

Location:  Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings: Historical Timings: Open 24 hours Popular For:  Religious reason. 

Also Read : Top 15 Most Famous Temples In India

5: Ahilyabai Ghat-It’s Name Is Renowned

Recognised earlier as Kevalgiri ghat , this place is popular for becoming the first of its kind to have been named after an individual, like Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

Though you can visit this ghat anytime, the best time is in the morning when you can see Hindu worshippers taking a dip believing it will purify their sin and see the ghat’s beauty at its finest. 

Location:  Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:   open 24 hours Famous For:  Religious bathing rituals 

Also Read : 15 Best Places To Visit In Goa For Magnificent Vacations!

6: Rana Mahal Ghat- For The Real Explorers

For memorable Varanasi sightseeing, these locations will certainly be part of our itinerary. However, founded by Raja Rana Jagat Singh at the time he came as a pilgrim to the area, this ghat invites many tourists day in and out.

It is located right next to a palace that is believed to be the Maharaja’s residence during its pilgrimage era.

If architecture is something that tickles your imagination, there is plenty here to see and appreciate. Also, it is among the places to visit in Varanasi with family.

Location: Varanasi ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010 Timings:   Open 24 hours. Famous For:  Heritage Tour 

Also Read : Top 20 Tourist Places In Bangalore

7: Panchganga Ghat- Merger Point Five Rivers  

There is no question that Varanasi is full of countless ghats but certainly, the Panchganga Ghat stands out. Believed to be the legendary merging place for five sacred rivers, this place holds photos of the five goddesses namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa as well as Kirana.

Moreover, lots of tourists come by here to receive blessings and absorb some of the place’s calm vibes. Also, one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.  

Location:  7/111, Sonarpura Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:   Open 24 hours Popular For:  Spiritual Bathing, Prayers, Festivals 

Also Read : 15 Best Tourist Places In Agra: Enjoy the City Beyond the Taj Mahal

8: Chousatti Ghat-The Shelter Of The Famous Sanskrit Scholar

There are numerous reasons for finding this ghat also one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This ghat is popular for being the shelter of the popular Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati, and also for its palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran, Bihar.

This also houses a temple complex featuring pictures of Goddess Kali. And on occasions like Holi and Chaitra’s 12th Dark Half, this place also welcomes visitors in an enormous amount. 

Location:  Varanasi ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:  24 hours.  open Famous For:  Temples 

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9: Kedar Ghat-Holy Place of Bathing

Kedar Ghat is popular for the best for holy bathing, also it’s also one of the oldest ghats in the town of Varanasi. Numerous tourists visit the Kedareshwar Temple here, and give prayers to Lord Shiva.

This ghat’s incredibly beautiful surroundings and heartwarming sensations make it one of the best sightseeing places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days where one can spend quality time! 

Location:  Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 24 Hours Open Popular For:  Spiritual Bathing, Prayers, Kedareshwar Temple 

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10: Manmandir Ghat-Marvel At River Ganga Views

Established by Maharaja Mann Singh in the early 17th century, this ghat is famous for its palace as well as for an observatory. However, the palace was built by the maharaja, and also the observatory was built by Savai Jaisingh 2 in the Year 1710.

From a stone balcony on the north side of the ghat, you will wonder at the views of the Ganga River. Moreover, It’s one of the famous places to visit in Varanasi.

Location:  Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:  NA Famous For:  Visit the Palace, Observatory, Sunset Views on the Ganga River 

Prominent Temples In Varanasi

Being one of India’s most holy cities and having religious significance, it boasts many temples, each distinctive in its architecture as well as the variety of deities housed in each temple.

A place of adoration and also spiritual retreat, check out the best temples in Varanasi to visit. 

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11: Temple of Kashi Vishwanath- Only Jyotirlinga of UP

For good experience include the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which will complete the list of places to visit in Varanasi . Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and was also mentioned in the Sacred scriptures.

As it stands today, the temple layout consists of a number of smaller shrines in the Vishwanath Galli. Also, one of the best tourist places in and around Varanasi.

Location:  Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:  3 a.m. – 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., & 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

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12: Temple of Tulsi Manas-Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written

It is also one of the many sightseeing sites in Varanasi is the Tulsi Manas Temple, the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in the Hindi language Awadhi accent.

Also, the temple was financed by the Birla family and was built in 1964 in white marble. Also, on the walls of the mandir are engraved verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas. 

Location:  Close to   Jalan Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, Varanasi, 221005 Timings:  5 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

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13: Durga Temple-The Story of the Fabled Old World

This mandir, also called the monkey temple, is among the legendary places to visit in Varanas i. The temple was founded by a Bengali Maharani in the 18th century and also is painted red with ochre.

Moreover, it’s claimed Goddess Durga’s idol wasn’t established in the temple, it came on its own. it is one of the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days , this is one attraction that you can not skip. Also, One of the places to visit in Varanasi for couples, friends, and family.

Location:  27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, UP 221005 Timings:  5 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

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14: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple-Well-known Since The 1900s

Built on the banks of the Assi River, this temple is also one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi . Not only is this temple famous for its religion, but it is also famous for its historicity throughout the region.

Established in the 1900s by famed freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, this temple is visited by both Hanuman worshippers and Lord Rama. 

Location:  Bhogabeer Colony, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, UP 221005 Timings:  8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

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15: Nepali Temple – Sense Lord Shiva’s Spirit

This temple is one of the oldest in Varanasi Holy City and is also devoted to the mighty Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 19th century’s best wonders in the region.

It was built by the King of Nepal, reflecting the Temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu City. Moreover, aside from the religious aspects, this temple’s architecture attracts visitors in large numbers, making it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi .

Location: C lose Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings:   Open 24 Hours Popular For: One of Shiva’s oldest temples

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FAQ’s About Places To Visit In Varanasi

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What are the places to visit in Varanasi?” answer-0=” 1. Assi Ghat 2. Dashashwamedh Ghat 3. Manikarnika Ghat 4. Shivala Ghat 5. Ahilyabai Ghat 6. Rana Mahal Ghat 7. Panchganga Ghat 8. Chousatti Ghat Sanskrit Scholar 9. Kedar Ghat 10. Manmandir Ghat 11. Temple of Kashi Vishwanath 12. Temple of Tulsi Manas 13. Durga Temple 14. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple 15. Nepali Temple” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”Which are the best outdoor activities in Varanasi?” answer-1=” 1. Sachan Walking Tours 2. Varanasi Ganga Tour – Day Tours 3. Groovy Tours 4. Visit Ganga river 5. Varanasi Behind Day Tours” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”What are the best day trips from Varanasi?” answer-2=” 1. Benaras Hindu University or BHU. 2. Sarnath. 3. Ramnagar Fort 4. River Excursions 5. Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary 6. Kaushambi” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=” What is famous in Varanasi?” answer-3=”Varanasi is India’s oldest city and its streets and there’s something to explore in every place. There are different kinds of food and other specialities making this town unique. And alongside that there are some ancient ghats that still carry the history of the oldest heritage in the nation” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=” What can I buy in Varanasi?” answer-4=”Below things are very good in Varanasi 1. The Holy Water of Ganga. 2. Banarasi Silk Saris. 3. Crystal and Stone Shivalinga. 4. Gulabi Minakari. 5. Glass Beads. 6. Rudraksha Mala. 7. Wooden Toys. 8. Flutes.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h3″ question-5=” How many days visit Varanasi?” answer-5=”You need 2 full days, so when you reach in Varanasi, if you arrive on the overnight train and arrive about 6 am, it will be enough for 2 nights, the same if you leave on a train overnight.” image-5=”” count=”6″ html=”true” css_class=””]

Which location on the list of the top attractions in Varanasi is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

 

Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Varanasi Guide: Planning Your Trip

This Ancient Holy City is not for the Faint of Heart!

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Varanasi is another sacred city in India with a very old history. It could possibly be the world's oldest inhabited city. Known as the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction, it's believed that anyone who dies in Varanasi will be liberated from the cycle of reincarnation. Even a wash in the Ganges River is said to cleanse away all sins.

Varanasi was originally called Kashi during Vedic times. It was officially named Varanasi in 1956, although it was known as Benaras before that (said to be a variant of Varanasi). The name is derived from the meeting of the Varuna and Assi rivers.

The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly to along the many riverside ghats , which are used for everything from bathing to burning the bodies of the dead. Yoga, blessings, massages, shaves, and games of cricket are among the other activities you'll find performed by the river's edge.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Varanasi. This is when the weather is at its coolest. Winters are refreshing and pleasant, albeit chilly at night. The temperature gets uncomfortably hot from April onward, easily reaching 35 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This is followed by monsoon rain from July to September.
• Language: Hindi and English.
• Currency: Indian rupee.
• Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. India does not have daylight saving time.
• Getting Around: Streets are very narrow in the old part of the city along the ghats , so walking is the only option in many places. It's possible to hire a bicycle at Assi Ghat. Further out, auto rickshaws and Ola cabs (the Indian version of Uber. Uber is yet to start operating in Varanasi) are convenient ways of getting around. There are prepaid booths for auto rickshaws and taxis directly outside Varanasi Junction railway station.
• Travel Tips: If you're not familiar with Varanasi and think you might be overwhelmed, or you want to gain deeper insight into the city, taking a tour is highly recommended. Keep in mind that taxis and auto rickshaws can't reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat area between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. because of the crowds. You'll be dropped at Godaulia Crossing, where auto rickshaws line up.

Getting There

Varanasi is in Uttar Pradesh, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) southeast of capital Lucknow. The city has an airport and is connected by direct flight from major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Khajuraho.

Many people choose to travel to Varanasi by train. It takes a minimum of eight hours from Kolkata, 10 to 12 hours from Delhi, and around 30 hours from Mumbai. Most trains run overnight. The main railway station in Varanasi is called Varanasi Junction or Varanasi Cantt (the code is BSB). However, there are two other railway stations in the vicinity of the city -- Manduadih (MUV) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya/Mughal Sarai Junction (MGS). This is important to note if all trains to Varanasi Junction are booked up. Manduadih is within the city, while Deen Dayal Upadhyaya/Mughal Sarai Junction is about 20 kilometers away. Mughal Sarai is a large station that receives a lot of trains, so you may be able to get one with availability. It was officially renamed Pandit Deen Deen Dayal Upadhyaya in 2018.

Bus services to Varanasi tend to be very slow and uncomfortable, and are generally avoidable unless you're on a super strict budget.

Things to Do

People visit Varanasi for a brush with the divine. One of the best things to do is to simply soak up the atmosphere and observe what's going on. The most interesting part of the city is its ghats (steps leading down to the river). Take a walk beside the river and watch life flow by.

A quintessential Varanasi experiences is a boat trip along the river at sunrise or dusk. It's worth going twice, at both times, because the atmosphere is different and you'll see different things. If you don't fancy hiring a simple row boat, the new luxury Alaknanda cruise operates twice a day (morning and evening) between in the south Assi Ghat and Raj Ghat in the north. The cost is 750 rupees per person.

The spectacular Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) takes place every evening at Dasaswamedh Ghat. You can either be part of the audience or watch it from the river. There's also an early morning sunrise Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat. It's not as formal and provides a less touristy experience.

A look at the cremation ghats, where dead bodies are openly burned on funeral pyres, is eye-opening. It's best that you don't try and go there yourself, due to the prevalence of scams and touts (see below). Instead, take this Learning and Burning walking tour offered by Heritage Walk Varanasi or Death and Rebirth in Banaras walking tour offered by Varanasi Walks.

The magnificent Vishwanath Temple, built in 1776, is an important Hindu holy place of worship in Varanasi.

Varanasi is an excellent place to shop for silk (including saris ). However, be sure to check the quality as many items are actually made of fake silk or silk blend. Musical instruments are also a good buy in Varanasi.

Varanasi is well-known for classical dance and music, and yoga as well.

Varanasi Tours

Want to see immerse yourself in Varanasi or see it without the hassle? Experience Varanasi , Varanasi Magic , and Varanasi Walks conduct informative experiential and offbeat tours around the city.

Manjeet is an outstanding personal guide who provides customized heritage walks of Varanasi.

GoStops Hostel offers inexpensive walking tours and activities in Varanasi.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism's early morning heritage walk of Varanasi covers the ghats and famous temples.

If you take a walking tour, you'll be able to explore the bazaars and unusual attractions, such as the flower market and Ayurvedic herb market. You can also visit artisans, a community of boatmen, and Juna Akhara where an unusual sect of naked sadhus live.

Festivals and Events

The biggest festival of the year in Varanasi is Dev Deepavali (or Dev Diwali). Not to be confused with Diwali, this festival happens 15 days later, on Kartik Purnima (in October or November). The gods are believed to come to earth to bathe in the Ganges River on this day, and the ghats are decorated with rows and rows of lamps. Their glow creates an evocative spectacle. A five-day Ganga Mahotsav festival is also held in Varanasi at the same time. The focus is on live classical music and dance.

The world's oldest Ramlila performance, which narrates the life story of Lord Ram, takes place at Ramnagar near Varanasi for a month in the lead-up to Dussehra.

Other important occasions in Varanasi include Maha Shivratri and Buddha Purnima (Buddha's birthday). The five-day Dhrupad Mela music festival happens at Tulsi Ghat, usually in March after Maha Shivratri. It's organized by the Sankat Mochan Foundation.

Maha Shivratri is also an extraordinary time to visit Varanasi to see the many sects of sadhus, who come to celebrate the great festival of Lord Shiva in the city.

It's worth setting aside a day to take a side trip to Sarnath , about 30 minutes away. This is where the Buddha gave his first discourse. In contrast to the craziness of Varanasi, it's a peaceful place where you can wander around the grassy gardens and ruins of Buddhist stupas .

If you're interested in handicrafts, you may like to visit the weaver villages around Varanasi. These include Sarai Mohana (supported by the Taj Hotel Group), Kotwa and Ayodhyapur. Tours are conducted by Holy Voyages and Walks of Varanasi.

What to Eat and Drink

Those who want a break from Indian food will find it at Assi Ghat. Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe and Aum Cafe are very popular. The Open Hand Cafe and Shop serves great coffee and yummy light meals and retails their quality ethically-made products.

Head to the Dosa Cafe or Niyati Cafe, in the lane behind Man Mandir Ghat, for simple yet tasty Indian fare.

Blue Lassi is famous for its traditional fruit-flavored lassi yoghurt drinks (some say they're the best in India). This hole-in-the-wall shop has been in business since 1925 enroute to Manikarnika Ghat.

It's wise to avoid trying the street food in Varanasi, due to hit-and-miss hygiene.

As Varanasi is a holy city, alcohol isn't permitted around the ghats and temples. Many rooftop restaurants do discreetly serve beer to tourists though. You'll only find bars in mid-range and luxury hotels away from the ghats.

Where to Stay

Ideally, stay in a hotel that faces the Ganges River so you can watch all the goings-on along the ghats . However, do be aware that most of these hotels are only accessible on foot. Be sure to factor this in if you have a lot of luggage. Here's the pick of hotels in Varanasi for all budgets.

Culture and Customs

Varanasi is a challenging destination for inexperienced travelers. There are many scams to watch out for. The most common one involves touts who will take you to see Manikarnika Ghat (the main cremation ghat) and ask you to donate wood for the funeral pyre -- you'll be paying at least 10 times more than what the wood's worth. If you offer a small amount, it will be declined. Either say you don't have any money or don't feel comfortable giving so much.

Although the government has noticeably cleaned up Varanasi in recent years, it's still very polluted and dirty. Most tourists find it to be an intense city that confronting and off-putting, yet intriguing. This is a place that will really overwhelm your senses, and not always in a good way. So, do be ready for it! It's not wise to take a dip in the Ganges River due to the pollution. If you go on a boat ride, avoid getting wet.

When taking photos, do be discrete and considerate of people who are performing rituals. Especially avoid photographing the cremation ghats.

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Plan Your trip

33 best places to visit in varanasi, uttar pradesh.

The heart of the city of lights or Kashi Varanasi has been beating for 3000 years and its lifeline is its scenic spiritual legacy. It is believed that Lord Shiva founded the holy city of Varanasi.  It is the most popular Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. It is truly a representation of authentic India. Varanasi is a center of Hindu renaissance, Sanskrit, Yoga, spiritual and religious heritage. Today, Varanasi is a busy hub, where all winding roads look similar, Ghats are always crowded and the fragrance of incense and the smell of burnt firewood dissolve in the air.

The aartis and the floating of earthen lamps over the water of River Ganga in the evening is also an important element of the identity of Varanasi. It is also an auspicious place for death. It is said that people who die here will be free from the cycle of birth and death. Apart from that the beautiful architectural wonders of the kings of Bengal and Maharajas of Rajasthan makes Varanasi a colorful palette of artistic wonders, faith and rich cultural heritage.

Quick Information and Facts on Varanasi Tourism

Let’s embark on a journey of the holy city of Varanasi and show you some of the best places to see.

Best Religious Places to Visit in Varanasi

• New Vishwanath Temple
• Kathwala Temple
• Kashi Vishwanath/ Golden Temple
• Tulsi Manas Temple
• Monkey Temple
• Bharat Mata Temple
• Alamgir Mosque
• Parshvanath Jain Temple
• Kalbhairav Temple

Popular Ghats to Visit in Varanasi

Dasaswamedh Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat

• Manmandir Ghat

Shivala Ghat

Harishchandra Ghat

Dharbhanga Ghat

Scindia Ghat

Ahilyabai Ghat

Lalita Ghat

Rana Mahal Ghat

Chausatthi Ghat

Panchganga Ghat

Must Visit Historical Sites in Varanasi

Gyan Vapi Well

Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum

Ramnagar Fort

Top Destinations to Visit Nearby Varanasi

Betla National Park

Recommended Tour Packages

• 2 Nights 3 Days Varanasi Sightseeing Tour
• 1 Night 2 Days Varanasi Pilgrimage Tour
• 15 Nights 16 Days Hindu Pilgrimage Tour

Must Visit Temples in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

New Vishwanath Temple- Peace Land

Situated in the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), New Vishwanath Temple is definitely a must visit pilgrimage destination in Varanasi. The temple was constructed by the famed Birla family and hence is also known as Birla Temple. In fact, it is a temple complex which consists of 7 temples.

The Shiva temple is situated on the ground floor, whereas Durga temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple are located on the first floor. The architecture of the temple is inspired by the old Vishwanath Temple and the structure is made of white marbles. The walls of the temple are adorned with the text of Gita, which certainly catches the eyes of the visitors here.

Kathwala Temple – Unique and surreal

Kathwala Temple is one of the most popular religious places to see in Varanasi. It is also known as Nepali Temple as it was built by the king of Nepal – Rana Bahadur Shah in the 19th century. It is a brilliant example of exquisite Nepali architecture and wood work called Kath in Nepalese language. Hence, it is known as Kathwali temple. It resembles Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu. The most interesting thing to see in this temple is its unique Khajuraho style sculptures. It is situated in the Lalita Ghat and catches the attention of many visitors in Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath/ Golden Temple – Dipped in spirituality

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular pilgrimage place to explore in Varanasi. The history of this sacred shrine can be traced back to 3500 years. The temple is one of the 12 th Jyotirlingas . It is the first place where the fiery light of Lord Shiva in the form of Jyotirlinga manifested from heaven to the earth.  These are considered the holiest Shiva temples. The Linga is the presiding deity here and the temple is a quadrangle, surrounded by temples of other gods. The temple once had a golden spire and domes; hence it was also called the Golden Temple. It was constructed in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It is situated in Kashi Vishwanath Gali, also famous for its shops.

• Temple Timings for Sugam darshan – 6:00am to 6:00pm
• Also visit Annapurna Temple, Dundiraj Vinayak and Gyanvapi which are located near Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Tulsi Manas Temple – Reviving the old Bhakti Poet

Your spiritual holidays in Varanasi will be blissful if you visit Tulsi Manas Temple of Varanasi . This temple was built in the honour of the great Indian Bhakti poet Goswami Tulsidas. It was constructed in 1964 with white marble. The architecture of Tulsi Manas Temple will blow your heart away as in its walls the scenes and verses from Ramcharitmanas are engraved. It is believed that the temple is located at a place where Tulsi Das wrote this famous Indian epic. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and it is located near another famed shrine called Durga Temple.

Temple Timings: 5:00am -12:00pm and 3:00pm to 9:00pm

Monkey Temple – Epitome of Peace

Monkey is one of the most popular religious tourist attractions in Varanasi. It is dedicated to goddess Durga but is recognized as a Monkey Temple, due to the excessive population of monkeys around it. It also houses a Kund which is believed to be connected with the holy river of Ganga and thus have therapeutic properties. Devotees from all over India visit this temple to seek divine blessings and hear Bhajans and prayers to seek spiritual grace. It is believed the presiding deity was not man-made but appeared on its own. The temple is built by a Bengali Maharani in a Nagara style of architecture. Non-Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the shrine but not the inner sanctum.

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Bharat Mata Temple – I Love My India

This temple is one of its kinds as instead of being dedicated to any god or goddess, the temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata or India (assumed as Mother). The temple is situated in Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, the temple was an inspiration for those who were fighting the war of independence. The statue in the shrine denotes mountain, plain and ocean and the major highlight of the temple is the relief map of India carved on a marble. The idol of Bharat Mata symbolizes the entire India which makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. The temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. Travelling to Varanasi would be amazing if you visit its peaceful shore.

Temple Timings – 9:30 am to 8:00pm

Alamgir Mosque – Timeless Mosque

Located near Panchganga Ghat, Alamgir Mosque stands still in pride to bless the devotees.  The mosque is situated on the edge of River Ganga and enjoys a picturesque scene. Said to be built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who is believed to have demolished the old Kashivishwanath Temple and constructed this mosque in its place; Alamgir mosque is a fine piece of architecture. The mosque is also known as Gyanvapi mosque due to the well of the same name situated close to it. One can notice the influence of North Indian or Hindu architecture in this mosque; however, most of the mosque is done in Islam architecture. This mosque is also known as Dharhara Mosque.

Parshvanath Jain Temple – Sooth your eyes with Serenity

Parshvanath Jain Temple is a must visit religious tourist attraction in Varanasi. The temple is one of its kind. It is dedicated to the 23rd tirthankara (saint) of the Jain religion, Parshavnath. It is the most important pilgrimage destination for the Jain community. The temple is managed by Digambara sect of Jainism. It is said that this is the place where the swayamvar of the daughter of the king of Kashi was held. The temple has beautiful lattice work which will delight the eyes of the devotees.

Kalbhairav Temple – Seek Holy Blessings

Kalbhairav Temple is the most sought-after religious attraction in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Kalabhairava decides who stays in Varanasi. This is the reason why people first visit this temple and seek holy blessings.  People who leave Varanasi also stop here to take the Lord’s permission. Devotees offer Sesame oil and flowers to the deity. The back entrance of the inner sanctum can only be accessed by the priest. God Kalbhairav is said to be the protector of Sati Pind and no one can touch the Sati Pind without his permission.

Temple Timings – 5:00 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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Must Popular Ghats of Varanasi

Reckoned to be the oldest ghat in Varanasi, Dasaswamendha Ghat is where all the action takes place. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Varanasi. The ghat is situated near the Vishwanath temple and is famous for its evening aarti. Often crowded with sadhus, sanayasis, beggars and devotees, this ghat is an important landmark of Varanasi city. During the evening aarti, devotees leave earthen lamps in the water to float creating a beautiful scene which is unmatched.

• The most sacred Ghat of Dasaswamedh is famous for its Ganga Aarti. The priest worships the holy river of Ganga which is the lifeline of Varanasi.
• The duration of Aarti is 45 minutes and one must visit this place to experience the divine aura of Banaras. Your holidays in Varanasi would remain incomplete without experiencing the holiness of
• Smaller Diyas are floated by devotees in a leaf platter in the honor of holy river Ganga.
• It is a place where the creator of the universe Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses.
• The ghat was constructed by Queen of Indore – Ahilyabai Holkar in 1774.

This sacred Ghat is situated on the confluence of the River Ganga and Assi. The devotees bathe here prior to paying homage to a huge Shiva Lingam placed under a tree in close proximity to this ghat. It is a must visit tourist attraction in Varanasi. The ghat is situated at the south of the city and therefore is less crowded. However, it doesn’t by any means indicate that the ghat holds any less importance than other ghats.

• It is a meeting point of River Ganga and Assi River.
• There is an idol of Lord Shiva which is kept beneath the Peepal tree and it is worshipped by the devotees from all over the world.
• The evening Aarti of Assi Ghat is the center of attraction for devotees. Every evening, priests chant mantras and honor the holy river Ganga.
• The sight of the evening Aarti will blow your heart away. It looks ethereal.
• It is said that Goddess Durga killed the demon called Shumbha- Nishumbha and after killing them she threw her sword in the Assi River.

Manikarnika is the main cremation Ghat and is also reckoned to be one of the oldest Ghats in Varanasi. It is also known by the name of Burning Ghat as the dead bodies are burnt here regularly. According to Hindu mythology, Manikarnika Ghat is believed to be the place where the ornament worn by Sati on her ear fell down when Lord Shiva was carrying her to the Himalaya. It is a popular belief here that those who are cremated here get Moksha. It is one of the best places for Sightseeing in Varanasi.

• Located between Dasaswamedh Ghat and Scindia Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most important places for cremation.
• It is believed that the pond near Manikarnika Ghat was built by Lord Vishnu for Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti to bathe. There is a footprint of Lord Vishnu near the pond.
• It is said that Goddess Shakti dropped her earring in Manikarnika well. It is here Lord Shiva dug a whole to find the earring, the depression of which was filled with his sweat. This is the reason why Manikarnika well was constructed.

Man Mandir Ghat

Manmandir Ghat is situated north of Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi. The Ghat is reckoned to have been built in the 1600s by Maharaja Man Singh. To the northern corner of the ghat is a fine stone balcony. There are a few famous temples such as Sthuladanta Vinayaka, Rameshwara and Someshwara temples located near this Ghat.

• Manmandir Ghat is also known as Someshwara Ghat as the sacred lingam of Lord Someshwar was found here.
• This Ghat is decked with numerous Hindu Deities which makes it the best place to visit in Varanasi for spiritual wisdom seekers.
• From the stone Balcony the mesmerizing views of River Ganga will seduce your senses.

Shivala Ghat is amongst the finest Ghats in Varanasi that very well reflects the historic era. The Ghat is famed for its Shiva Temple that was built in the 19th century by a Nepalese King called Sanjay Vikram Shah. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and fine craftsmanship. The Ghat is quite popular amidst the devotees who come here to take a dip in the holy water.

• Shivala Ghat in Varanasi is one of the offbeat Ghats to visit in Varanasi. It is less crowded and the center of the attraction of this Ghat is its Colony- Shivala Colony.
• It got its name from the guardian deity of Kashi – Lord Shiva.
• Shiva Temple, Brahmendra Math and numerous other Lord Mahadeva Temples, fortress of Oudh Nawab and 19th-century exquisite mansion of Nepali royal, King Sanjay Vikram Singh are the major tourist attractions to see in and around Shivala Ghat.
• Shivratri is the best time to visit Shivala Ghat.
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This ghat is named after the mythological character Raja Harishchandra, who once worked at this ghat. Now, this king is believed to be righteous and truthful and gods were pleased with his humble behavior and thus retrieved his lost kingdom and his dead son. Harishchandra Ghat is one of the two ghats used for cremation in Varanasi and it is reckoned that whoever is cremated here attains Moksha or Salvation.

• Harishchandra Ghat is one of the most prominent Ghats of Varanasi for cremation.
• It is said that King Harishchandra worked in this Ghat for the establishment of truth and charity.
• This Ghat houses an electric crematorium.

This Ghat is named after the great poet Tulsidas, who is believed to be the author of the Hindu epic Ramcharitramanas. It is believed Tulsidas sat on this ghat of the river and wrote a large part of Ramcharitramanas here. There is a big temple here that is dedicated to Lord Rama on this ghat. At Tulsi Ghat many cultural activities also take place and the most popular one is the Krishnalila that takes place in the month of Kartika (Oct/Nov).

• It is the place where the great Epic poet Tulsi Das composed Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi.
• It is in Tulsi Ghat where the theatrical performance of Lord Rama’s life was first staged in India.
• Lolark Kund situated here cures people from diseases and blesses the native with long life and progeny.
• There is a small house at the Ghat where Poet Tulsidas used to live. It contains several artifacts of the poet like wooden clogs and an idol of Lord Hanuman.

Situated within close proximity of Dasaswamedh Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat is used for performing the rites and rituals that are related to the demise of a loved one. The ghat has a grand building from where one can see the rituals being performed here.

• Located between Chausatthi and Babua Pandey Ghat, it is one of the most serene and popular tourist destinations to visit in Varanasi.
• It holds great religious and spiritual value for tourists. It serves as an open crematorium.
• It is very famous for its sacred Shiva Temple at Nilkantha area and the shrine of Kukkuteswara.
• It is named after the royal family of Darbhanga and they also built a magnificent palace with sandstone from Chunar.

Scindia Ghat , which is also known as Shinde ghat in Varanasi, is famed for the large number of places of worship found here. The Shiva temple at the ghat is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi due to its partial submergence in the water. According to Hindu mythology, this ghat is known as the place from where Agni (Fire) originated. Thus, it is revered as a holy place and many devotees like to visit here.

• Scindia Ghat is very popular for its partially submerged Lord Shiva Temple named- Ratneshwar Shiva Temple. It is said that the temple is unable to bear the weight of the Ghat. The temple has a very interesting story behind its submergence.
• According to a tale, a boy named Man singh built a temple of Lord Shiva to pay all the debts he owed to his mother as his mother was in a relationship with a man but the boy disapproved of this relationship. He thought by building a temple he would be able to cut all the ties with his mother.
• His mother was unable to end the relationship with that man so she told his son to cut all ties from her if he is able to do that by paying her debts. Upon visiting the temple his mother was angry and said that One Can never pay off the debts of a mother.
• She cursed this temple and thus this temple remained submerged in water. During Summer the water of the holy river Ganga subside and the sanctum sanctorum of the temple remains visible which makes this temple one of the best tourist destinations to visit in Varanasi.

Ahilyabai Ghat was earlier known as Kevalgiri Ghat but in 1778, the famous Queen Ahilyabai Holkar ordered its renovation and converted it into a ghat that was made of concrete. The Ghat is famous for the fact that it is believed to be the first Ghat in Varanasi that has been named after a person. The best time of the day to visit here is in the morning hours, when the Hindu devotees throng the ghat to take a dip to get cleansed from their sin.

• Most of the dead bodies are cremated in Ahilyabai Ghat. It is also known as Burning Ghat.
• Morning is the best time to visit Ahilyabai Ghat for a holy dip into the sacred waters of the Ghat and wash away their sins for salvation.
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One of the most venerated Ghats in Varanasi, Lalita Ghat is known for its wooden temple of Keshava. The temple was built by the King of Nepal in typical Nepalese architecture. The carvings on the wall depict sceneries and often attract the art lovers. The Ghat is dedicated to Lalita Devi who is reckoned to be the personification of Goddess Durga. Devotees who come to this ghat believe that bathing at this ghat will earn them the blessing of the Goddess and prosperity will seep into their lives.

• Lalita Ghat was built by the king of Nepal Rana Bahadur Shah in the 19th century.
• Nepali Temple and Lalita Gauri Temple are the center of attraction of this Ghat.
• The ghat got its name from Goddess Lalita who is the highest form of Goddess Adi Shakti.
• Photography and boating are some of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate your soul in Lalita Ghat.

This ghat was constructed by Raja Rana Jagat Singh, who came to Varanasi as a pilgrim. There is a palace near the ghat, which is believed to be the place where the Maharaja stayed during his pilgrimage. The palace boasts of its rich Rajputana architecture and attracts lots of tourists.

• Rana Mahal Ghat is located in the south of Dasaswamedh Ghat.
• The magnificent palace on the Ghat is an excellent example of Rajput art and architecture which will blow your heart away.
• It is one of the Ghats under the ‘Revitalization of Varanasi’ Project launched by the regional tourism department for renovation and resurrection.

Chausatthi Ghat is known for its beautiful palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran, Bihar. The ghat is also known as the shelter of famous Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati. There is a temple complex at the ghat as well, where old images of Kali, folk goddesses, Shiva, Ganesha, and Kartikeya can be seen. On the 12th dark-half of Chaitra (March-April) many pilgrims pay a visit to the Yogini temple and take ritual baths at this ghat. Another occasion of attraction is Holi, on the eve of the festival devotees come to pay homage and perform rituals at the ghat.

• The ghat is dedicated to goddess Chausatthi, a form of goddess Kali.
• It is an abode of a sanskrit scholar Madhusudan saraswati who wrote Vedanta Kalpa Latika which is a commentary on Bhagavad Gita.

This Ghat is reckoned to be the mythical meeting place of five sacred rivers. There are numerous images of the five river goddesses, namely, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa and Kirana. Many devotees throng this ghat in hopes of attaining blessings from these five goddesses. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Varanasi. There are five idols presiding here and each is of black stone. From the Ghat one can see the Alamgir Mosque, which is believed to have been constructed by Aurangzeb.

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Popular Historical Sites to Visit in Varanasi

Adjacent to the Vishwanath Temple lies the ancient GyanVapi Well (Well of Wisdom). It is believed that the water of this well contains the linga from the original Vishwanath Temple, which was vandalized by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The GyanVapi mosque was built by Aurangzeb in the place where this temple was situated.

To the south of the Vishwanath Temple is Banaras Hindu University, which was founded by Sanskrit scholar, Madan Mohan Malviya. Within the campus of the university is the famed Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum , which is renowned for its rich collection of Indian paintings. The paintings date back to between the 11th century and 20th century and are about 12000 in number. The Mughal miniatures, the sculpture of marriage of Shiva and Parvati and the 11th century statue of Vishnu and the Gandhara sculpture are the major attractions here.

Ramnagar Fort is situated across the river beyond the Assi Ghat. Built in the 17th century, this fort has been the home to royals of Varanasi for over 400 years. Although almost in ruins today, the palace still retains its charm. One can still witness the ornamented swords, photographs of tiger shoots and visits by the King and Queen of Belgium can be seen decorated on the wall. The Durbar Hall of the fort is converted into a museum, where several objects like palanquins and elephant howdahs are on display. Visiting Varanasi would be incomplete if you haven’t seen the grandeur of Ramnagar Fort Yet.

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Other Best Places to Visit Nearby Varanasi

Sarnath is to Buddhists what Varanasi is to Hindus. This city was once the greatest learning center in India and had also been visited by Chinese travelers Fa-Hien and Huien Tsang. The Deer Park is a major attraction in Sarnath; it is believed it is the place where Buddha visited in 528 BC to preach Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law (his first major sermon after gaining enlightenment). It is one of the most popular tourist attractions to see in Varanasi.

Deer Park is a complex now and the central monument here is Dhamekh Stupa, which is believed to be erected at the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples. There is another stupa that catches the attention and it is called Dharmarajika Stupa (built by emperor Ashoka). The complex is dotted with small monasteries and temples.

The Bodhi Tree was also planted here in the year 1931. In Sarnath, one can also visit the Archaeological Museum that displays a wonderful collection of Buddhist artifacts. The major attraction here is the Ashokan Lion Capital in polished sandstone.

The sacred location at the confluence of three rivers is what makes Prayagraj (Allahabad) a special place near Varanasi. The confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati River has offered Prayagraj cultural and political importance for nearly 3000 years now. Prayagraj, also known as Prayag, became a major centre of the Independence Movement. Today, Prayagraj is a prosperous province and its tree-line avenues and the congested old city offers a commendable contrast.

There are a number of places that catch the attention of visitors in Prayagraj. Prayagraj Fort built in 1583 has a famed Ashokan pillar that was brought from Kaushambi. The eastern side of the fort is famed for the ‘Undying Banyan Tree’ called Akshaivata. Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan (ancestral home of India’s premier political dynasty, the Nehru-Gandhi family), Prayagraj Museum, All Saints Cathedral and the Kumbh Mela are the major highlights of Prayagraj.

Situated about 63kms from Prayagraj, Kaushambi is a place that takes one back in history. According to local legends, the city was built by the Pandavas from Mahabharata. However, excavation revealed that the Buddhist community flourished here between 600BC and 600 AD. At Kaushambi, one can see paved brick roads, small houses, ceramic drains, and the stump of an Ashokan Pillar (3rd century BC). The city is surrounded by green fields and has a river in the background. It is indeed an ideal place nearby to visit from Varanasi.

Located on the bank of Sarayu River, Ayodhya is reckoned to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. At Ayodhya, one can find a large number of temples that commemorate the birth of Rama. This sacred town remains inextricably linked to the legend of Rama and thus holds a lot of importance.

After the Babri Masjid incident, a makeshift temple has been built, which attracts a large number of devotees especially on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima. Hanuman Garhi is yet another temple that is of utmost importance in Ayodhya. At a short distance from Ayodhya is a city called Faizabad, which is also known as the twin city. Here one has the opportunity to visit Jama Masjid, tomb of Bahu Begum (wife of Shuja-ud-Daula) and a rose garden.

Situated at a distance of about 290kms from Varanasi, Betla National Park is situated on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. Boasting of a rich variety of flora and fauna, this national park was initially known as Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Park is dotted with bamboo and sal groves; towering mahua (local alcohol is prepared from the flowers of this tree) also covers a major part of the forest. Betla is home to elephants, leopards, tigers and several species of birds.

There are many watch towers and hides that are meticulously deployed around the water holes for offering better opportunity to spot animals here. The Park also has two 16th century forts, a few hot springs and tribal villages inside its premises.

The most sacred site for Buddhists, Bodhgaya is situated about 255kms from Varanasi. It is reckoned to be the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple is the major attraction of Bodhgaya; this temple is recognized by its soaring pyramidal spire.

In the temple, the image of Bodhi Tree can also be seen. The tree is believed to be the one under which Buddha meditated before attaining enlightenment. In Bodhgaya, there are a number of temples and monasteries that are worth seeing; the Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Bhutanese and Tibetan Monasteries are established here by devotees from China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Bhutan and Nepal. The Archaeological Museum in Bodhgaya is also worth seeing. The museum has beautiful 3rd century BC temple railings, bronze and stone images that date back to the 8th-12th century.

Nalanda was once reckoned to be the most prestigious center of learning in India. Situated at a distance of 355kms from Varanasi, Nalanda in Bihar definitely deserves a visit. The Buddhist University established here in Nalanda is believed to have been established around 5th century AD and had 5000 students both domestic and foreign. There were over nine million manuscripts in its library.

It is also believed that Buddha visited and stayed here in Nalanda quite often. Despite its vandalization by Turkish invader Bakhtiar Khalji, this university still conveys a distinct impression of the serene and disciplined life of contemplation and learning that once prevailed here. Nalanda’s temple; Votive Stupas (they have several images of standing Bodhisattvas and seated Buddha); Monk’s cells, monasteries and Dado panel from Temple 2 are the major attractions here.

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Varanasi has been an important pilgrimage center in India. If you are planning to visit any spiritual destination in India then Varanasi is a perfect place to be in. Be it food, culture and religious heritage – It gives ethereal vibes. We hope this blog helps you in planning a wonderful spiritual and enjoyable holiday in Varanasi. If you have any query, you can ask in the comment section.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what are some useful tips to follow to enjoy the tourism in varanasi.

• Dress decently while you are at religious places and Ghats.
• You can arrange shopping and boat tours in advance because there are so many places for shopping and numerous Ghats. These might overwhelm you.
• Beware of bulls while walking down in alleyways and streets.
• If you are trying Bhang Lassi, purchase it from a government approved shop.
• Keep your belongings safe, Varanasi is a crowded place.
• Do not take pictures of the cremation Ghats.
• Boat tours are very costly, you need to negotiate a little to enjoy the tour.

Q. Is Varanasi safe for solo women travelers?

Yes, Varanasi is absolutely safe for solo women travelers but one needs to take precaution at night. At night Varanasi hawkers might overwhelm you as the place is too crowded. If you are planning a trip for evening then team up with someone or a licensed tour guide. Also, keep your belongings safe.

Q. What are the top pilgrimage tourist destinations to visit in Varanasi?

Top Pilgrimage tourist destinations to visit in Varanasi are -

• Ganga Ghats
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Gyan Vapi Kup
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Batuk Bhairav Mandir
• Nepali Temple
• Chinese Temple
• St Mary’s Church
• Durga Temple

Q. What are the best places for shopping in Varanasi?

Best places for shopping in Varanasi are:

• Thatheri Bazaar
• Vishwanath Lane
• Godowlia Market
• Dal Mandi Market
• Rajan Silk Market
• Chowk and Urban Hatt
• Banaras Art Gallery

Q. Where to stay in Varanasi?

There is no dearth of places to stay in Varanasi, depending on your budget and choice there are plenty of places available which will delight your wanderer soul and enable you to enjoy the best of Varanasi Tourism.

Published: 01 Sep, 2021 | Last Updated:  05 Feb, 2024

About the author

Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter , Facebook & Instagram .

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Varanasi, India: Ultimate Guide to India’s Holiest City

Located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the northern Indian city of Varanasi is one of the country’s most important and interesting cities. Drawing flocks of Hindu travelers from near and far as an important religious site and travelers from around the world looking to learn first-hand about these traditions , it’s a beloved destination offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In this ultimate travel guide to Varanasi, India, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit to this enchanting and mystifying destination. Check out all the best things to do in Varanasi, where to stay, the best places to eat, and simple travel tips to make for a smooth journey.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s oldest and holiest cities. This ancient city on the banks of the Ganges river has been a spiritual center for Hindus for countless generations . Devotees come here to bathe in its sacred waters and perform rituals for their departed ancestors.

Despite being a bustling and crowded city, the array of interesting temples, unique events, great food, and beautiful accommodations make it a highlight for travelers exploring India. It’s a beautiful backdrop for cultural experiences you won’t have anywhere else. Looking for a particularly interesting time to visit Varanasi? Come during diwali in late October or November to celebrate the particularly impressive festival of lights!

Though not a part of India’s Golden Triangle – a typical traveler route including Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra – Varanasi is relatively close to these northern India highlights and a popular addition to this famous travel itinerary. Just over an hour’s flight from Delhi, or accessible from Agra and Jaipur by overnight train, it’s no wonder Varanasi is a favorite destination for foreign and national travelers alike.

What is Varanasi India Known For?

Varanasi, India is known for its spiritual atmosphere and important places of worship, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. More than perhaps anywhere else in India, visitors will get to see some of the most important rituals and traditions of the Hindu religion .

From sunrise boat rides along its ghats (steps) to exploring its winding alleyways filled with colorful markets, Varanasi offers visitors an unforgettable experience steeped in culture and religious tradition . Visit and explore this historical city and its unique culture; Varanasi will not disappoint!

Why is Varanasi Called the City of Death?

With its enviable spot along the holy Ganges River, Varanasi is considered the holiest city in the Hindu religion. Scriptures say that dying in Varanasi and being cremated along the banks of the river means that a soul is able to break the cycle of rebirth and reincarnation and finally attain salvation. Elderly and sick believers often travel to Varanasi to die here.

Along the ghats – steps – leading from the center of Varanasi to the Ganges, you’ll see family members spreading the ashes of the deceased and believers bathing in the river, which is believed to have waters that will wash away sins. It’s a reverent and somber atmosphere that visitors should approach with the utmost respect.

Things To Do in Varanasi

Take a sunrise boat ride along the ghats.

One of the best things you can do in Varanasi is to take a sunrise boat ride along its ghats . Varanasi’s famous ghats – a series of steps leading down to the river – are found along the length of the river, though the most famous one in Varanasi is Dashashwamedh Ghat.

This ghat has been around since ancient times and offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Ganges river. You can hire a boat , whether on a private tour or a small group excursion, and watch as devotees perform holy rituals on the banks of the river – praying, washing, meditating, and chanting mantras. You will also see temples, shrines, and other religious structures along the way.

Don’t be surprised to see cremation rituals taking place on the ghats – this is a symbolic gesture for Hindus and an essential part of their spiritual practice. Do your bit to respect the locals and avoid taking photos of this sensitive activity.

Explore the Winding Alleyways of Varanasi

The winding alleyways of Varanasi are a must-see for visitors. These narrow streets are full of vibrant colors, sounds, and smells – from street vendors selling everything from food to jewelry to souvenirs. You’ll find a variety of shops here that sell handmade goods like carpets and silks.

Explore the markets and stalls along these alleyways, especially in the area near the ghats along the riverbanks – where you’ll find the best deals and souvenirs. The people here are friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions or practice your bargaining skills.

Apart from shops, you’ll also find plenty of food stalls here. Try the local delicacies – from samosas and chaat to lassis and pani puri. While you’re here, you may see a procession marching to the river for a funeral; keep your distance and show respect.

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Experience the Evening Aarti

Every evening, witness a magnificent event that is the Ganga Aarti. The Ceremony of Light is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and Lord Shiva. Devotees light oil lamps, and Hindu priests wave them before the deities while chanting sacred prayers.

The ceremony is held around sunset, starts at 6:45 pm, and lasts 90 minutes. If you want a good spot to watch the ceremony, ensure you arrive at least an hour before it starts. Find a spot on the stairs or a boat to watch the festivities.

If you’d like to enjoy the experience with a guide, even better. Small group or private experiences with guides help put the ceremony into context, and often start or end with a local walking tour or food tour.

Watching the Aarti from a boat in the middle of the river is another incredible option as the river comes alive with hundreds of lamps illuminating its surface. The accompanying songs, drums, and bells also highlight the event.

Take a Guided Tour of Varanasi

For an insightful and comprehensive exploration of Varanasi, take a guided walking tour . Professional guides can help you explore the history and culture of the city in depth through visits to local temples and cultural sites.

You can also opt for a walking tour to get up close and personal with the locals as you explore historic buildings, markets, and alleyways. Opt for an evening tour, as most of Varanasi’s awesomeness comes alive after sunset.

As much as the locals are friendly and welcoming, there are a few precautions to take when exploring the city. Dress modestly, and don’t take photos of religious activities or ceremonies without permission. Also, keep a close eye on your belongings – though streets are mostly quite safe, pickpocketing can occur in more crowded areas.

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most celebrated shrine in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and has been mentioned in Hindu texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Last year, the temple received 7.35 crore (73.5 million devotees).

The temple complex, built by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, covers six acres of land and features a multitude of shrines, gilded domes, and spires. It is open daily from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm , but be prepared to wait in line as it gets very crowded.

During your visit, you can also explore other temples in the complex, like Annapurna Devi Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Shri Dhandapani Temple.

Cameras, cellphones, and other electronic items are strictly prohibited inside the temple, and you’ll need to leave your footwear at the entrance. Don’t wear a belt with a metal buckle, and keep cigarettes away. Police officers and security personnel at various checkpoints will check before granting you entry.

Learn About Indian Art and Culture at the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum

Located inside the Banaras Hindu University, the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum is a great place to learn about India’s art and culture. It houses an impressive collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, terracotta figures, Mughal miniatures, and ancient manuscripts.

The museum also features statues of gods and goddesses from various religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It has an expansive art gallery that houses paintings of renowned Indian artists like Rabindranath Tagore and Jamini Roy, among others.

After seeing the massive collection here (containing over 104,000 objects), Mahatma Gandhi inscribed “संग्रह बहुत अच्छा है” (“the collection is very good”). If he says so, it must be true! So, try to visit the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum in Varanasi. 

The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Sundays and public holidays. The entry charge for Indians is 20 INR, but foreigners have to pay more, 250 INR. Cameras are not allowed inside the museum, but you can buy images from the in-house photographer.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Thatheri Bazaar or Godowlia Market

Varanasi is a great place to shop for souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and traditional clothes . Thatheri Bazaar and Godowlia Market are two popular shopping destinations in the city. Stop by these bustling markets to buy sarees, salwar kameez, and traditional jewelry.

Thatheri Bazaar has been around for a long time and offers an eclectic mix of everyday items, antiques, brass items, and fabrics. It’s also a great place to pick up sarees and salwar kameez (traditional Indian garments).

Godowlia Market is one of the oldest local bazaars in the city, and local vendors here sell groceries, shoes, shawls, beads, jewelry, and many handcrafted items. The market is mainly known for its silk embroidery, so if you’re looking for gorgeous outfits and accessories, this is your spot! 

Before starting your shopping spree, remember that bargaining is an essential part of the shopping culture in India. Don’t be shy to haggle and get the best deal possible. It’s an experience in itself!

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Attend Cultural Events Like Sankat Mochan Music Festival

When in Varanasi, take full advantage of the local cultural events. The Sankat Mochan Music Festival is one of the most popular ones that takes place annually at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Renowned musicians and performers from India come together to perform some of their best works. 

The five to six-day festival celebrates Hindu mythology through music concerts, dance performances, and cultural activities. During the festival, thousands of devotees and music lovers flock to the temple to pay tribute to Lord Hanuman.

The entire town gets decked out in festive colors and comes alive with traditional music, devotional songs, and the aroma of incense sticks. This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the local culture and traditions.

The festival begins at 6:30 pm and continues till sunrise the following day. Entry to the temple during the festival is free, so financial constraints should not stop you from having a great time.

Wander Through Ramnagar Fort and Museum

Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges and opposite Tulsi Ghat, Ramnagar Fort and Museum is another must-visit destination in Varanasi. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, it’s one of the oldest forts in the city. During Dussehra, a Hindu festival, decorations, and lights transform the fort into a grand palace. 

The fort complex houses a magnificent palace that showcases some of India’s finest architecture. Its walls are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, while its courtyards feature lush gardens. The museum inside the complex is another highlight of this place. It displays an extensive collection of weapons, royal costumes, old Maharaja cars, jewel-encrusted knives , and other artifacts from the past.

The fort is open to tourists daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and there’s an entry fee, so have enough cash on you when visiting.

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Accommodation options in Varanasi range from luxurious five-star hotels to budget hostels and homestays. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a hotel in the city center or near popular attractions like the ghats. 

These are some of the best picks in the city, located within a short walking distance of the ghats and other major attractions you’ll want to see in Varanasi.

Wander Station Varanasi

You will find only rave reviews about Wander Station Varanasi , one of the city’s most popular hostels. With its close proximity to some of the city’s best attractions , and tons of room options, from roomy dorms to comfortable private rooms, it’s easy to see why. The hotel offers rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, housekeeping, dry cleaning services, and the best of all: balconies with views of the Ganges.

There’s an onsite library, café, and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the views. Boat rides and bonfires can be arranged upon request.

Rose Heritage Home

How would you like to stay at a hotel over 100 years old? Rose Heritage Home is a beautiful heritage hotel located near the ghats. It has rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, and access to a garden with a terrace, plus all the charm you’d expect from a historic haveli property.

Make sure to ask for a room a balcony with views of the river Ganges when you book your stay. Prepare to enjoy Indian, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines at the onsite restaurants.

BrijRama Palace Varanasi

BrijRama Palace Varanasi is an ideal place for luxury seekers, and is among the best hotels in Varanasi. This historic property is one of the oldest structures in Varanasi, and the ornate architecture reflects its centuries of history. Expect premium royal treatment in stylish and comfortable rooms that come with all modern amenities.

Their facilities include Kashi Wellness Spa, exquisite dining options, a fitness center, free WiFi, and everything you might expect from a luxury stay. BrijRama Palace Varanasi also offers yoga classes to help you unwind and relax during your stay, as well as an array of activities to make the most of your trip to Varanasi.

Getting to Varanasi

While Varanasi might be a bit more off the beaten path than other northern India destinations like Jaipur and Agra, you’ll have your pick of transportation options that makes getting to and from Varanasi a breeze.

The closest airport is Varanasi Airport, which receives domestic and international flights. When you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach your destination in the main city. Some hotels offer their guests free pick-up/drop-off services, so check with them before arrival. The journey should take at most 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Varanasi has multiple railway stations, including the Kashi Junction, Mughal Sarai Junction, and Manduadih Station. You can get a train from most parts of India, including Agra, Delhi, and Mumbai. Arriving by train is a cost-effective way to get to Varanasi, and it’s an experience in itself. You can see stunning countryside views as you pass through villages and cities.

If you’re driving, Varanasi is connected to other cities (including Kanpur and Alipur) in Uttar Pradesh via a network of highways. You can also hire a private taxi to take you to Varanasi – definitely the best option for foreign travelers not used to India’s frenetic driving.

Visit Varanasi and Discover its Many Wonders

Varanasi is a city filled with culture and religious significance, and you will not be disappointed when you visit. Take in the sights and sounds of this holy city, visit the ghats, take boat rides on the Ganges, wear colorful sarees, sample some of the delicious street food unique to Varanasi , and enjoy the hospitality that greets you everywhere.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Complete List of Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

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This post is a Varanasi travel guide listing a suggested Varanasi itinerary that contains all the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 Days. Let me know what you think of it in the comment section below!

Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi is an ancient holy city in India. Set beside the mighty holy Ganges, Varanasi is an ancient city with a modern side to it as well. You must visit Varanasi if you wish to gain a deeper insight into Hindu customs, mythology and beliefs. Whether it's watching the famous prayer at a Varanasi ghat, going to one of the many Varanasi temples or enjoying the street food of Varanasi, there are lots of things to do and places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days or even more.

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Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days: Varanasi Itinerary

Varanasi got its name from tributaries of the river Ganga on two ends of the city - Varuna and Assi. In present-day Varanasi city, Varuna is a Ganga tributary whereas Assi is a ghat located on one end of Varanasi. While most Indians who visit Varanasi come here for a pilgrimage, there's a lot more to do in Varanasi than to just explore the many temples. This Varanasi travel guide contains a list of all the best places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days - giving you a suggested Varanasi itinerary along with lots of travel info to help you plan your Varanasi trip.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

• Spring (March - April) : Varanasi can get either too hot or too cold. Thus the spring months of March and April are one of the best times to visit Varanasi .
• Summer (April - June) : The summer months can get extremely hot in Varanasi. The heat can get too overbearing to handle. It's best to avoid visiting Varanasi during summer.
• Monsoon (July - September) : While it doesn't rain a whole lot in Varanasi compared to the tropical regions of India, the combination of humidity and heat is terrible.
• Fall (October - November) : This is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Varanasi . The weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The days are pleasant. Whats more, the famous Dev Diwali festival is celebrated in November in Varanasi. Read more on that below.
• Winter (December - February) : The cold winter months are the best season to visit Varanasi if you like to avoid the crowds.

How to Reach Varanasi

1. by flight.

The Lal Bahadur Shashtri airport in Varanasi is well connected to the major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The airport is located roughly an hour's drive from the city. Upon exiting the airport, one can book a cab ride to the city centre using a ride booking app such as Ola.

2. By Train

The Varanasi junction railway station as well as Manduadih railway station are both located right in the middle of the city. In fact, both these railway stations are huge landmark in themselves. You will find trains to Varanasi from cities all over India.

In case you want to make a budget trip to Varanasi, you can get around using the Uttar Pradesh state transport buses. Not just that, you will even find private air conditioned buses to Varanasi from nearby major cities.

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Delhi to Varanasi

There are numerous ways to cover the 846 km distance between Delhi and Varanasi. You can get direct flights from Delhi to Varanasi and vice versa. Similarly, there are many trains running between Delhi and Varanasi. You can also get a night sleeper bus to reach Varanasi from Delhi. In case you are also planning a trip to Delhi, then you might find this Delhi travel guide useful.

Best Hotels in Varanasi - Near Ghats

If you're looking to enjoy all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days then it's advisable to stay near the Varanasi ghats since that gives you easy access to all the sightseeing places in Varanasi. Here you will find the best hotels in Varanasi as well as budget hotels and even hostels. It's advisable to stay close to Dashashwamedha ghat since it's the location of the famous Ganga aarti and it has a popular shopping market nearby plus lots of good restaurants and cafes.

Find hotels in Varanasi on Booking.com

Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days: A Suggested Varanasi Itinerary for 2 Days

Apart from a plethora of ghats and temples, there are lots of places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. You can take a boat ride to view all the ghats, go temple hopping, shop for Banarasi silk clothing and sample the local street food among other things to do in Varanasi. Take a look at some of the top Varanasi sightseeing places, below, complied in the form of a suggested Varanasi itinerary.

DAY 1 OF VARANASI ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

1. kashi vishwanath temple.

Kashi Vishwanath temple is the most popular Varanasi temple which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva . There are two temples of the same name in Varanasi. One of them is the old Kashi Vishwanath temple (pictured above) located near Dashashwamedha ghat whereas the new one is located inside the Banaras Hindu University(BHU). The old temple was the target of a terror attack back in 2010 due to which there is heavy security and no electronic devices are allowed inside. The queue to get inside the temple can be hours long so it is recommended to book a VIP tour of the temple that costs Rs 300 per person and lets you visit by skipping the queue. It's a wildly popular pilgrimage site. On the other hand, the new temple inside BHU is a lot quieter.

2. Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort is an old fort on the outskirts of Varanasi located approximately 15-20 km from the city. This Mughal style fort was built back in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. Parts of the fort have been turned into a museum that holds artefacts and relics from the time that the Kashi Naresh lived in this sandstone palace. The magnificent fort looks over the river Ganga. It's a good place to spend the evening in Varanasi.

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3. Dashashwamedh Ghat for Evening Ganga Aarti

If you had to visit just one place or ghat in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh ghat would be it. This is the ghat where the very famous Ganga aarti is performed. Every evening, just after sunset, a group of local priests gather to perform a grand evening prayer at the ghat. The sight is nothing short of spectacular! While you're at the ghat, be sure to take some time out to talk to a local priest about the legends and myths associated with the formation of the ghat.

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DAY 2 OF VARANASI ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

1. assi ghat.

Assi is a ghat which is located at one end of all the ghats in Varanasi. This is the place where all the nice river-side restaurants and trendy cafes are located. I suggest making your way to Assi ghat, renting a boat here to cruise along the ghats then return back and try local food at one of the many restaurants and cafes here. While you're at this ghat, do try the local masala chai. It's a unique chai that's exclusive to the Varanasi ghats.

2. Varanasi Ghats

Among all the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, the ghats occupy the top spot among all the sightseeing places. Ghat is a term for a riverside spot that has steps leading down to the river. Varanasi is world famous for it's many ghats. A trip to Varanasi is futile if you haven't done a boat ride along the Varanasi ghats . Personally, I found the best way to experience the Varanasi ghats was to take a one-way boat ride from Assi ghat to Dashashwamedha ghat and then walk back along the ghats back to where I started.

3. Kabir Math

Did you know that Varanasi is also termed as a music city? Some of the most renowned musicians, artists and poets in India are born in Varanasi. Among all these artists, Kabir Das , a 15th century saint , is the most famous poet to be born in Varanasi. He was found floating in a lake as a baby by a local couple in Lahartara, Varanasi. Today, his remains have been kept near the very same lake. In-fact, his final resting place has been turned into a mansion cum temple.

Sarnath is another one of the top places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. While technically it is not within Varanasi city, it is located at a mere distance of 10 km from the city, making it a perfect day trip from Varanasi. Sarnath is believed to be one of the 4 pilgrimage sites that a dutiful Gautam Buddha follower must visit. This religiously-significant place has been known by many names such as Mrigadeva, Migadāya, Rishipattana, and Isipatana. Among the things to see in modern day Sarnath, you'll find various stupas , an archaeological museum , the Ashoka pillar , many ruins, and a Buddha statue .

Shopping for Banarasi Silk Clothing

The famous but crowded Godowlia market for shopping in Varanasi

Anyone planning a Varanasi itinerary for 2 days or even just 1 day can't leave without shopping some traditional banarasi silk clothing items. Varanasi or Banaras is famous for the Banarasi silk weave. For this reason, one can easily find lots of Banarasi silk clothing items are various shops across the city. However, Godowlia market is the most famous Varanasi shopping spot. Here one can very easily step find Banarasi dupattas , salwar kameez , sarees and fabric in various prints, colours and in any budget. Moreover, the market is located right near the Dashashwamedha ghat and even has a good local food scene going on.

Celebrating Dev Deepavali in Varanasi

Dev Deepavali or Dev Diwali is a festival celebrated with huge fervor in Varanasi. This festival takes place on the day of Kartik Purnima in accordance with the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, all Gods came together and defeated the demons Tripurasura and thus celebrated Dev Diwali i.e. Diwali of the Gods . On the occasion of Dev Deepavali in Varanasi, there are diyas (lamps) lit up on all ghats. Scores of people flock to the Dashashwamedha ghat to see the evening aarti and to take a boat ride to see the ghats.

The best way to enjoy Dev Diwali in Varanasi is to get to Assi ghat well before sunset and grab a good seat on a boat. Make sure you tell your boatman to stop at Dashashwamedha ghat during the evening Ganga aarti. It's the best way to beat the crowds and celebrate a hassle-free Dev Deepavali festival.

Places to Eat in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for the plethora of street food items. You just cannot skip out on trying the scrumptious food here while you're making your way through the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days. Some of the must-try food in Varanasi is kachori , chole samosa , chaat , paan and baati chokha . You can find these food items almost everywhere. Kashi Bhandar located in Godowlia market is the go-to place for chaat items. Read about all the street food to try in Varanasi . On the other hand, if you're looking for western food, Assi ghat has many restaurants and cafes that specialise in both Indian and Western fare.

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Did you Enjoy this Varanasi Itinerary listing all the Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days?

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What a great guide! Thanks for sharing it.

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The food is expensive and the taste is average but it’s recommended for its ambience. Also, this is perhaps one of the few places around the ghats where you can get non-vegetarian food.

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• 39 Places To Visit In Varanasi In 2024 For The Best Of Culture, History, And Spirituality

23 Mar 2023

One of the seven holy cities for Hindus, Varanasi is a sight to behold. It is an exhausting, liberating, and uninhibited experience; all at the same time. The colossal temples & ghats and the other popular places to visit in Varanasi attract millions of tourists year after year. Not only is it a popular destination among Indian travelers, foreigners love it too. Although the city is known for its ghats, temples, and music (yes, the music too), there are many other famous places in Varanasi that must be seen and experienced on your trip.

Varanasi is the oldest city in India and so contains the old-world charm within its surroundings. The city is full of culture and the the holiest cities in India. Renowned Indian writers like Tulsidas wrote Ram Charit Manas here. The city is known for its gold and silver thread work, wooden toys, carpet weaving, glass bangles, perfumes, a variety of handicrafts and artistic brass ware.

Top 39 Places To Visit In Varanasi

There is clearly no dearth of places to visit in Varanasi . Here’s a list of all the famous places to visit in Varanasi that you can explore, capture memories, dine, shop, and do everything with your loved ones. Take a look at these places and do not miss out on any on your trip to the holy land.

• Assi Ghat – For Those Seeking Spirituality
• Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Most Vibrant Ghat In Town
• Manikarnika Ghat – The Prime Cremation Ghat In Varanasi
• Shivala Ghat – The Reflection Of The Past
• Ahilyabai Ghat – Famed For Its Name
• Rana Mahal Ghat – For The True Explorers
• Panchganga Ghat – Where The Five Rivers Met
• Causatthi Ghat – The Shelter Of The Famous Sanskrit Scholar
• Kedar Ghat – Sacred Bathing Place
• Manmandir Ghat – Marvel At Views Of River Ganga
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh
• Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written
• Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Famous Since The 1900s
• Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva
• Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha
• Sita Samahit Sthal – Must Visit In Varanasi
• Tibetan Temple – Marvel At The Tibetan Architecture
• Batuk Bhairav Mandir – Temple With Healing Powers
• Bharat Mata Mandir – Worship Mother India
• Gyan Vapi Well – The Well Of Knowledge
• Ramnagar Fort & Museum – The Mughal Era Fortification
• Chunar Fort – A Spooky Little Rampart
• Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruin
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – The Hub Of Art And Culture
• Man Mandir Observatory – The Varanasi Heritage
• Alamgir Mosque – Reminiscent Of The Mughal Era
• Ramnagar Ramlila – Witness The Oldest Ramlila
• Aqua World – A Summer Paradise
• Varanasi Fun City – For Thrilling Roller Coaster Rides
• St Mary’s Church – Oldest Church In Varanasi
• Banaras Hindu University – The Biggest Residential University
• Brown Bread Bakery – The First Organic Bakery In Varanasi
• Lotus Lounge – The Most Famous Terrace Lounge
• Open Hand Shop & Cafe – A Lively Modern Space
• Godowlia Market – The Busiest Shopping Junction In Town
• Chowk & Vishwanath Gali – Real Essence Of The City Lies Here
• The Banaras Silk Emporium – For The Love Of Banarasi Silk
• Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar – For Natural Products

10 Famous Ghats In Varanasi

A city set on the banks of Ganga, Varanasi is home to several ghat. Here are some of the most popular ghat in the city. Witnessing an Aarti at these ghats is considered to be one of the best things to do in Varanasi for an enigmatic experience. Let’s find out more about them.

1. Assi Ghat – For Those Seeking Spirituality

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Varanasi with family. Located far south, Assi Ghat is where pilgrims pay homage to Lord Shiva by worshipping a huge lingam situated under a peepal tree. This ghat is a lively space, rippling in chaos and commotion and one that vividly captures the ancientness of Kashi. Among the most famous religious places in Varanasi, Assi Ghat is a must visit. The alluring sight of the arti here makes Varanasi one of the most beautiful cities in India .

Address : Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings : Anytime Famous For : Recreation and festivals Built In : 1988 Built By : Uttar Pradesh Government

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2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Most Vibrant Ghat In Town

The main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges river, Dashashwamedh Ghat is a flamboyant place known for its spiritual transcendence. It is common knowledge that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yajna here, and thus the name. Dashashwamedh Ghat tops the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi at night as it is a compelling space to dawdle in this small town. Be here for the Agni Pooja or Ganga aarti, as it is popularly called.

Note: Special aartis are held every Tuesday and on religious festivals.

Address : Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Culture, Heritage, Temples Built In : 1748 Built By : Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao

3. Manikarnika Ghat – The Prime Cremation Ghat

Considered to be an auspicious place to be cremated, Manikarnika Ghat is among the pivotal places of interest in Varanasi. This ghat is an exasperating and startling experience in itself as absolutely nothing is considered sacrilegious here. The setting sun and the glowing pyres along with candle-lit flower bowls floating down the holy river Ganga make Manikarnika Ghat a sight to behold. When looking for the best tourist places in Varanasi , consider visiting this ghat.

Address : Near Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Sacred riverfronts, Cremation grounds Built In : 1730 Built By : Bajirao Peshva

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4. Shivala Ghat – The Reflection Of The Past

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Shivala Ghat is one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi that reflects upon the city’s history. A famous attraction to see here is the Shiva Temple that was built way back in the 19th century by a Nepalese king. The splendid architecture here is surely something that’ll take you by surprise and so will the craftsmanship of the temple. If you wish to take a dip in the holy water, this is one place you must visit.

Address : Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Religious purpose, Historical Built In : 1600 Built By : King Sanjay Vikram Shah

5. Ahilyabai Ghat – Famed For Its Name

Known as Kevalgiri ghat earlier, this place is famous for being the first one of its kind that got named after the person, like in this case, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. This is one of the best p laces to visit in Varanasi as  you can visit this ghat at any time, the best hour is in the morning when you can see Hindu devotees taking a dip with a belief that it’ll cleanse their sin and witness the beauty of the ghat at its best.

Address : Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Religious bathing rituals Built In : 1785 Built By : Queen Ahilyabai Holkar

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6. Rana Mahal Ghat – For The True Explorers

These places should definitely be a part of our itinerary for a memorable Varanasi sightseeing . Built by Raja Rana Jagat Singh at the time when he came to the city as a pilgrim, this ghat attracts a lot of tourists day in and out. It is situated right next to a palace which is believed to be the residence of the Maharaja during the period of his pilgrimage. If architecture is something that tickles your fancy, then there’s a lot to see and admire here.

Address : Ghats of Varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Heritage tour Built In : 1670 Built By : King Rana Jagatsingh

7. Panchganga Ghat – Where The Five Rivers Met

No doubt Varanasi is full of the innumerable ghats, but the Panchganga Ghat surely stands out. Believed to be the mythical meeting place of five sacred rivers, this place has images of the five goddesses namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa, and Kirana. A lot of travelers stop by here to seek blessings and soak up some peaceful vibes of the place.

Address : 7/111, Sonarpura Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Spiritual bathing, Prayers, Festivals Built In : 1580 Built By : Maratha Empire

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8. Chousatti Ghat – Famous Sanskrit Scholar’s Shelter

There are various reasons that this ghat is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Banaras . Famed for being the shelter of the famous Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati and for its palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran, Bihar, this ghat is one of its kind. It also houses a temple complex that features images of Goddess Kali. And on occasions like Holi and 12th dark-half of Chaitra, this place welcomes tourists in a huge number.

Address : Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Temples Built In : NA Built By : NA

9. Kedar Ghat – Sacred Bathing Place

Counted as one of the oldest ghats in the town of Varanasi and one of the best places to explore in Varanasi, Kedar Ghat is considered the best for holy bathing. The Kedareshwar Temple here is visited by various tourists who offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and heartwarming vibes of this ghat make it one of the best Varanasi sightseeing places where one can spend quality time!

Address : Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Spiritual bathing, Prayers, Kedareshwar Temple Built In : NA Built By : NA

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10. Manmandir Ghat – Marvel At Views Of River Ganga

Built in the early 17th century by Maharaja Mann Singh, this ghat is famous for its palace and observatory. The palace was built by the maharaja and the observatory was built in 1710 by Savai Jaisingh II. You can marvel at the views of the River Ganga from a stone balcony situated on the northern side of the ghat.

Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: NA Famous For: Palace visit, Observatory, Views of the sunset on River Ganga Built In : 1600 Built By : Maharaja Man Singh

10 Popular Temples In Varanasi

Being one of the holiest cities in India and with religious importance, it boasts several temples that are each distinctive in its architecture and the variety of deities each temples houses. A place of worship and spiritual retreat, check out the best temples to visit in Varanasi.

11. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh

The list of places to visit in Varanasi would be incomplete without including the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has also been referred to in the holy scriptures. The temple structure as it stands today consists of a series of smaller shrines located in the Vishwanath Galli.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 3 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 08 pm, & 09 pm – 11 pm Famous For : One of the twelve Jyotrilingas Built In : 1777 Built By : Rani Ahilyabai Holkar

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12. Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written

Among the many sightseeing places in Varanasi is the Tulsi Manas Temple, the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in an Awadhi dialect of the Hindi language. The temple was funded by the Birla family and constructed in white marble in 1964. Verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas are engraved on the mandir walls.

Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, Near Jalan, Varanasi, 221005 Timings: 5 am – 12 pm & 04 pm – 09 pm Famous For :  The ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas Built In : 1964 Built By : Sureka Family of Howrah

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13. Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend

Also called the monkey temple, this mandir is among the mythical places to see in Varanasi. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, the temple is painted red with ochre. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Durga in the temple was not constructed, it appeared on its own. If you’re looking for places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, this is one attraction you can’t miss.

Address : 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings : 5 am – 11 pm Famous For : Dedicated to Maa Durga Built In : 18th century Built By : Rani Bhabani of Natore

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14. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Famous Since The 1900s

Located at the banks of River Assi, this temple is one of the most-visited Varanasi tourist attractions . This temple is not only known for its spirituality but is also popular across the town for its historicity. Built by the well-known freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the 1900s, this temple is visited by the devotees of Hanuman as well as Lord Rama.

Address : B41/140-B-1-P, Bhogabeer Colony, behind Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings : 8 am – 7 pm Famous For : Situated on the banks of Assi River Built In : 18th century Built By : NA

15. Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva

This temple is amongst the oldest ones in the holy town of Varanasi. Dedicated to the powerful Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the best marvels in the city from the 19th century. Founded by the King of Nepal, it resembles Pashupatinath temple in the city of Kathmandu. Apart from the religious aspects, it is the architecture of this temple that attracts the tourists in huge numbers, making it one of the best Varanasi attractions .

Address : near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : One of the oldest Shiva temples Built In : 1843 Built By : Rana Bahadur Shah & Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Deva

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16. Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha

Chinese Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is built in the Chinese architectural style and is mainly done in different shades of two colors – red and yellow. The exterior is simple but the interior is elaborately and beautifully decorated. The meditation hall is spacious and peaceful, surrounding you with a spiritual vibe. It is one of the best places to go in Varanasi to seek calmness.  

Address : Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007 Timings : 8 am – 6 pm Famous For : Dedicated to Lord Buddha Built In : 1939 Built By : Chinese devotees

17. Sita Samahit Sthal – Must Visit In Varanasi

Sita Samahit Sthal is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi with friends. The site where this Hindu temple stands is believed to be a very significant site related to the epic, Ramayana. This is said to be the place where Goddess Sita spent her days in exile. This is also the spot where she  descended into the earth after Lord Rama found out about their children.

Address : Jangiganj Dhantulsi Marg, Bankat Uparwar N. Barpur, Uttar Pradesh 221309 Timings : NA Famous For : It is believed that at this place Mother  Sita  had absorbed herself in the earth. Built In : Sri Prakash Narayan Punj Built By : 1990

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18. Tibetan Temple – Marvel At The Tibetan Architecture

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A stunning temple with a Tibetan architecture, this temple is where Lord Buddha taught his disciples the four truths of life. Visit the temple and marvel at the Buddhist paintings that nicely adorn the walls of the temple. The temple has another distinctive feature which is the prayer wheel that releases strips of paper with chants written on them if rotated clockwise. 

Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007 Timings: NA Famous For: Soothing ambience, Religious purpose, Spiritual Built In : NA Built By : Tibetan Monks

19. Batuk Bhairav Mandir – Temple With Healing Powers

This temple is a place of worship for Aghoris and Tantriks, it is a place of profound energy, good vibes and of utmost religious importance. Dedicated to Batuk Bhairav who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a unique feature that is the lamp which is said to have healing powers. 

Address: Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, Near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010 Timings: 4 am – 10:00 pm Famous For: Religious activities Built In : 17th century Built By : NA

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20. Bharat Mata Mandir – Worship Mother India

It’s a unique shrine that is dedicated to our country, Mother India as the name suggests. This temple is very different from others as it’s not dedicated to any specific deity or a lord. The temple features a relief map of India carved in marble. The temple was the brainchild of Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter. 

Address: Vidyapeeth Road, Cantt Road Lalapura, Chanuwasatti Chandua Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 7 am – 5:30 pm Famous For: A huge map of undivided India carved in marble Built In : 1936 Built By : Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta

4 Sightseeing Places In And Around Varanasi

While there are plenty of places to visit in Varanasi, here’s a list of places that you can visit around Varanasi for a day outing or a short trip.

21. Gyan Vapi Well – The Well Of Knowledge

The Gyan Vapi well is located within the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was constructed by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, on the site of the demolished Kashi Vishwanath Temple. During the British regime, the well was considered to be holier than the Ganges and was among the important and best places to visit in Varanasi as it contains the Shiva lingam.

Address : 31-24, Gyanvapi Main Road, Lahori Tola, Gyanvapi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : Open 24 hours Famous For : Religious purpose, Spiritual Built In : 1664 Built By : Aurangzeb

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22. Ramnagar Fort & Museum – The Mughal Era Fort

Located opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, the Ramnagar Fort is an 18th-century crumbling ruin in dire need of restoration. However, the crimson sunset as viewed from inside this enclosure is reason enough to give Ramnagar Fort a spot on the list of places to visit in Varanasi. This old rampart is also home to a vintage museum that is famous for its rare collection of old American cars, ivory works, medieval costumes, and a huge astronomical clock. When gong for Varanasi sightseeing , this place should definitely be considered!

Address: Ram nagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221008 Timings: 10 am – 05:30 pm Famous For : Sightseeing, Photography Built In : 1750 Built By : Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh

23. Chunar Fort – A Spooky Little Rampart

Situated in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, the Chunar Fort is located approximately 23 km southwest of Varanasi and certainly one of the best Varanasi sightseeing experiences. The earliest recorded history in Chunar is from the 16th century, traced to a garrison of the Mughal emperor, Babar. The tombs of some of his soldiers are still venerated here. The fort is believed to be divinely blessed and is among the popular places to visit in and around Varanasi in one day.

Address : Tammanpatti, Uttar Pradesh 231304 Timings : 8 am – 5 pm Famous For : Historic, Sightseeing, Phootgraphy Built In : 1029 Built By : King Sahadeo

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24. Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruins

Located 13 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is among the famous Buddhist pilgrimages in India that will give you the best Varanasi sightseeing experience. It is a popular place to visit around Varanasi for those seeking peace and solitude after jostling their way through the frazzled ghats and gullies of Kashi. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath seeking his former companions and thus gave his first sermon here. Sarnath is known to be one of the best places to visit in Banaras . Popular sightseeing places in Sarnath include the Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Archaeological Museum, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Chinese & Thai Temple and Monastery.

Address : Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007 Timings : Always open Famous For : Historical ruins, Sightseeing, Photography Built In : 300 BC Built By : Emperor Ashoka

8 Other Places Of Interest In Varanasi

Apart from temples and ghats, Varanasi is a cultural and heritage site that travelers love to explore. Check out some other places of interest that you can unravel on your trip to this divine city!

25. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – Art And Culture Hub

A distinctly classical sound, characteristic of an endless stream of madness rings through Varanasi. And the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located within the prestigious Banaras Hindu University bears testament to this rippling clangor. The museum was set up in 1920 with Rabindranath Tagore as its honorary chairman and is among the foremost Banaras tourist places today. The museum showcases miniature paintings, sculptures, and local history displays. It also has an art gallery dedicated to the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich.

Address : Banaras Hindu University, Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings : 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Famous For : Museum, Art, Culture Built In : 1920 Built By : NA

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26. Man Mandir Observatory – The Varanasi Heritage

Located on the Man Mandir Ghat, this masonry observatory is established atop the Man Singh Palace. It was built in 1737 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur city. The observatory consists of 4 main astronomical instruments and is among the heritage places to see in Varanasi. The Man Mandir Observatory is now under the Archaeological Survey of India and needs to be refurbished.

Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: Sunrise – sunset Fanous for : It showcases and preserves the ancient heritage of Varanasi Built In : 1737 Built By : Maharaja Jai Singh II

27. Alamgir Mosque – Reminiscent Of The Mughal Era

Built on the site of a desecrated Vishnu temple in the 17th century, the Alamgir Mosque is among the famous Varanasi tourist places. The mosque as it stands today, dominating Panchganga Ghat is proof of the ludicrous methods adopted by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque. Needless to say, this is one of the top places to visit in Varanasi.

Address : Panchganga Ghat, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings : NA Famous For : Religious purpose, architecture Built In : 17th century Built By : Aurangzeb

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28. Ramnagar Ramlila  – Witness The Oldest Ramlila

A tradition that is being performed as a set of plays to tell the story of Lord Ram and Lord Laxman’s journey as told by the Ramayana. The Ramlila act played at Ramnagar is said to be the oldest and the best Ramlila in the world. It goes on for 31 days as the audience anticipated to witness the story of the Lord unfold in front of their eyes. If you are looking for things to do in Varanasi, head to Ramnagar and witness this beautiful enactment.

Address: Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh Dates: 29 September – 8 October Famous For: Ramlila Play Built In : NA Built By : NA

29. Aqua World – A Summer Paradise

Aqua World is a popular theme park located on the Varanasi-Allahabad highway. This is a small water park but a good place to enjoy in the water. There are several slides connected to a huge main pool. The colourful slides and rides make Aqua World an interesting place to visit with your friends and family.

Address: NH 2, Mohan Sarai Bypass, Panditpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221011 Timings: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Famous For : Water rides, Theme park Built In : NA Built By : Uttar Pradesh Government

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30. Varanasi Fun City – For Thrilling Roller Coaster Rides

Varanasi Fun City another highly popular water park in Varanasi. The place has several fun rides and activities. The thrilling Roller Coaster is one of the highlights of this park. This is one of the best places to spend your holiday with your family and friends. Varanasi Fun City also has a food court where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks with your loved ones.

Address: Pandeypur Panchkoshi Road, In Front of St. Mary Convent School Daniyalpur, Sona Talab, Uttar Pradesh 221007 Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Famous For : Amusement Park, Roller Coaster Rides Built In : NA Built By : Uttar Pradesh Government

31. St Mary’s Church – Oldest Church In Varanasi

One of the famous Varanasi tourist places, St Mary’s Church is an amazing historically relevant building structure in Varanasi. This oldest church in the city has existed for over 200 years now. It was built by Reverend George Weatly in 1810. The church used to serve as a place of worship for the European and British community living in Varanasi. It is also South Asia’s oldest remaining garrison church.  

Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007 Timings: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Famous For : Religious Purpose, Architecture Built In : 1946 Built By : NA

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32. Banaras Hindu University – The Biggest Residential University

The Banaras Hindu University is one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi. Situated across a 5.3 square kilometre campus, the university is home to 30,000 students who study and reside within. This makes the university the largest residential university in Asia. The university has Indo-Gothic architecture while the sprawling lawns add to its immense beauty.

Address: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Famous For : Religious Purpose, Architecture Built In : 1916 Built By : Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

3 Best Cafes In Varanasi

To take a break from the exhausting sightseeing and exploring the town, you can head out to these amazing cafes in Varanasi that offer lip-smacking delicacies to gorge on while witnessing surreal views of the ghats of Varanasi.

33. Brown Bread Bakery – City’s First Organic Bakery

Situated near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Brown Bread Bakery is a rooftop restaurant known for its European Breakfast buffet. The organic shop at this cafe includes palatable cheese, cookies, and cakes; making it one of the most popular Varanasi tourist places. It is thronged by Indians and foreigners alike.

Address: D 25/42 Ganga Mahal, Bangali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Timings: 7 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 500

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34. Lotus Lounge – The Most Famous Terrace Lounge

Among the ultimate Varanasi tourist places, the Lotus Lounge is a comfortable, relaxing space perched right over Mansarovar Ghat. Replete with lounge cushions and tatami mats, their terrace makes for a lovely place to destress after spending an entire day soaking in the atmosphere of Banaras. Sit here contemplating eternity while sipping on your Hot Chocolate.

Address: Sonarpura Rd Below Lotus Lounge Restaurant, Manasarowar Ghat, Manasarowar, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 600

35. Open Hand Shop & Cafe – A Lively Modern Space

Located near Assi Ghat, the Open Hand Shop & Cafe is among the famous tourist places in Varanasi. The best part about this cafe is its remodeled space and furnishings that make it a perfect chilling spot. Selling captivating handicrafts made by the local community, Open Hand Shop & Cafe is mostly thronged by foreign tourists.

Address: B1/128-3 Assi ghat Road Opp Sparrow Cafe Dumraun, Assi – Lanka Rd, Bagh Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005 Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm Average cost for two: INR 450

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Shopping In Varanasi: 4 Amazing Markets

Go on the best experience of shopping in Varanasi that boasts a variety of items you can buy as souvenirs and take home with you.

36. Godowlia Market – The Busiest Shopping Junction In Town

The biggest and the busiest market in town, Godowlia is among the popular tourist places in Varanasi. It sells everything from daily household items to glass bangles and trinkets. The smell of camphor that wafts out of every second shop in this market will surely get you drunk on the divine. So, make sure you do not skip this place at all as it is one the famous places to visit in Banaras.

Address : Dashaswmedh Road, Ramapura Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001 Famous For : Household items, accessories, jewelry

37. Chowk & Vishwanath Gali – Real Essence Of The City Lies Here

Two of the most popular street markets in town, Chowk and Vishwanath Gali are the quintessential places to visit in Varanasi. Famous for their silk items and ornate jewelry, these markets are always full of life, whether it is in the sweltering summer or the foggy winter. Head here to experience the real Banarasi mizaaj.

Address : Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Famous For : Silk items, Ornate jewelry Tip: Don’t forget to binge on the street food.

38. The Banaras Silk Emporium – For The Love Of Banarasi Silk

one of the most famous places to visit in Banaras, The Banaras Silk Emporium is a leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and exporter of traditional silk sarees, stoles, and bed covers offering reasonable prices and impeccable quality. Situated on the Cantonment Road, this place is a must visit for everyone looking to splurge on Banarasi silk, especially as it is counted as one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for couples .

Address : Cantonment Rd, Near JVH Mall, Cantonment, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010 Famous For : Banarasi silk

39. Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar – For Natural And Organic Products

The Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar is situated on the Sankat Mochan Road. Selling saris, kurta pajamas, shirts, and head scarves, this place should be visited by all the fans of the homespun fabric. Some of the authentic work can be cought from here and taken back as souvenirs.

Address : Shop No. B2/138, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road, Assi Road, Bhadaini, Near Mata Anandamai Hospital, Anandbagh, Dumraon Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 Famous For: Apparel, homespun fabric

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Best Time To Visit Varanasi

October to March is the ideal time to visit Varanasi. A five-day festival called Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated in November every year and is a star attraction in Varanasi. Therefore, the best season to visit Varanasi is considered to be winter. The tourist places in Varanasi during this time that you’ll get to witness the best of the city!

Where To Stay

Here is the list of the best luxury and budget hotels in Varanasi where you can stay and have a relaxing vacation. Take a look!

1. Luxury Hotels

Some of the finest luxury hotels in Varanasi are Hotel Clarks, Radisson Hotel, and Ramada Plaza JHV. You can also go through some guest houses in Varanasi to enjoy a calm and serene stay.

2. Budget Hotels

You can pick from a range of budget hotels such as Hotel Park Inn, Hotel Alka, and Hotel City Inn. Alternatively, you can also stay in guesthouses and ashrams.

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How To Reach

• By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is well connected to other Indian cities
• By Rail: The Varanasi Junction railway station is connected to all major cities in India
• By Road: Buses are available from Delhi and adjoining cities in Uttar Pradesh

Wonder how many times we value what we have or what we get. If you too, are looking for answers or just seeking some new experiences in life, Varanasi is where you should be headed. To make the most of it, make sure you add the above-listed places to visit in Varanasi in your itinerary. Just plan your trip to Varanasi and head out for a blissful experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Varanasi

Which are some of the safest places to visit in Varanasi for families with kids?

Most of the places in Varanasi are safe to visit for families with kids as Varanasi is a city that has a very simple lifestyle that makes it quite safe to roam around the city even at night. If you want specific names then you can head to Assi Ghat, Vishwanath Gali, and Dhashwamedha Ghat.

Which are some of the must-visit places in Varanasi?

Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Dashwamedha Ghat are some of the must-visit places n Varanasi that one must tour to enjoy a vibrant Ganga aarti and also the serene beauty of the calm river bank.

What is famous in Varanasi?

Varanasi is the oldest city in India and its streets and every place have something to explore. There are various kinds of food and other specialities which makes this city a unique one. And alongside that, there are some ancient ghats that still hold the history of the oldest heritage of the country.

What to wear in Varanasi?

Varanasi is a spiritual place and it is closely linked to the Indian culture thus it is advised to wear decent clothes here. If the travellers wear modest clothes it might attract fewer stares from the locals. If someone plans to visit the Kashi Vishwanath, then there is a strict dress code of wearing a saree for women.

What are the famous shopping spots in Varanasi?

Varanasi is famous for its silk sarees which are an indispensable part of the bride’s trousseau. This is one of the major things which people come to buy from here and some of the famous shopping spots are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, and Dashwamedh Gali.

Why is Assi Ghat famous in Varanasi?

Assi Ghat is one of the famous ghats to visit in Varanasi where thousands of pilgrims visit on a daily basis. This ancient ghat allows the pilgrims to offer water to the Shiva lingam which is placed under the peepal tree.

What street foods are popular in Varanasi?

There are several street foods in Varanasi including Kachori Sabzi, Chena Dahi Vada, Malaiyyo, Choora Matar, and Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe. When in Varanasi do not forget to try the popular street foods.

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VARANASI-The top 15 things to do/visit IN 2 DAYS

T op 15 things to do/visit in Banaras (Varanasi or Kashi ) which should be on every person visiting the place is as follows (for a more detailed perspective, please read my post on Banaras

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – A beautiful and mystical temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a deeply spiritual and religious environment and is crowded at most of the times. The temple is situated on the banks of the river Ganges. It has been destroyed and reconstructed many times and the present structure was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1780.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat – The ghat is very close to the Vishwanath Temple and is a must visit. It is one of the oldest ghats and is very lively at all times.

• Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – Not to be missed, this spectacular Aarti or puja with flaming lamps is performed in the evening around dusk. The ghat comes alive at this time, and the atmosphere becomes beautiful, the air heavy with the intoxicating smell of sandalwood and chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Ganga Ma’. The priests perform the puja, draped in saffron robes, with bhajans, mantras, flaming lamps and dance. The atmosphere is electric and you feel you have become one with God. You can view the aarti either from a boat or you can reach a bit early and take your place on the ghat.

• Shop for Banarasi Sarees – Banaras has been a hub of weavers since the Mughal era, when craftsmen migrated here from Persia. Today, its many thousands of weavers weave beautiful sarges from golden threads and create beautiful motifs on silk. Do shop for them, not from the hundreds of shops selling them for cheap but the proper gaddidar s, the wholesale operators who have a family tradition of weav­ing.
• Assi Ghat – Assi Ghat  is a relatively peaceful and serene ghat and also one of the most  famous Ghats  in Varanasi. Many piligrims visit it to offer the water on the lingam of Lord Shiva which is located under a Banyan Tree. The morning aarti performed near sunrise is a beautiful one and if possible one should try to see it.

• Manikarnika Ghat -The ghat is used for cremation of dead bodies by Hindus, by burning the body on a funeral pyre. It is said that the ghat is very sacred and people created there receive liberation from the cycle of re-birth and death. The ghat is known as the gateway to heaven. One can view the cremation process but one should not take pictures or videos the ceremony to respect the dead.

• Sankat Mochan Temple -This serene  and holy Temple is dedicated to the Monkey God or Lord Hanuman. One can see a lot of monkeys inside the temple premises. Sankat Mochan means relief from all the problems (Sankat means problem and Mochan means relief giver). It is said that the temple was built from the time when the great saint Goswami Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitamanas had a vision of the Hanuman.

The Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh (classical music and dance concert celebration) is organised every year in April, where celebrated musicians and performers from all across India come to take part and is a good opportunity to visit and listen to the super performers.

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) -BHU is an University established in 1916 by  Madan Mohan Malaviya , with co-operation from  Annie Besant . It is the largest  residential university  in Asia and has over 30,000 students residing in its campus. The main campus is spread over 1,300 acres and is very clean and green and definitely worth a visit.
• New Vishwanath Temple -This temple is inside the BHU campus and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of this beautiful temple commenced in the year 1931 and was completed in the year 1966 taking a long time of 35 years. It is also known as the Birla Temple. The height of the temple is 250 feet.

• A stroll along the ghats of Varanasi to experience the local culture – This can be done easily as almost the entire old city is built on Ghats. It is the best way to know the place and its culture.

• Kashi Chaat Bhandar – Have their awesome ‘Tamatar ki chat’ .
• Deena Chat Bhandar – Have their Golgappas, Aloo Tikki, Paalak chat
• Blue Lassi – Has also been featured in Lonely Planet. Though I didn’t find anything so great, it serves a variety of lassis and is on top of the list of the tourists visiting the city
• Ram Bhandar – Try their amazing Kachauri-Sabzi and jalebi. Remember to go early since their food gets sold very fast.
• Day trip to Sarnath – Just half an hour from Banaras, Sarnath is a place located north-east of Varanasi city. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. There is a great museum .

Good to know… G\

Good to know…

• Banaras is reasonable and you can have a whole day of food and travel under Rs. 200.
• E-rickshaws, autos and rickshaws are the main and convenient modes of transport in the congested city. You can travel from any point to any point, most of the times, from Rs. 10 to Rs. 100
• All kinds of hotels are available in the city, from cheap to luxury. Many people prefer living on or near the ghats so that they can explore the old city easily. You can find the type of accommodation you need at  https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Hotels-g297685-Varanasi_Varanasi_District_Uttar_Pradesh-Hotels.html

The luxury ones which come highly recom mended are :

Brijrama Palace – https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Hotel_Review-g297685-d8871544-Reviews-Brijrama_Palace-Varanasi_Varanasi_District_Uttar_Pradesh.html

Taj Nadesar Palace – https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Hotel_Review-g297685-d1235764-Reviews-Taj_Nadesar_Palace_Varanasi-Varanasi_Varanasi_District_Uttar_Pradesh.html

The above is a list of places / things which I consider as being important. You may have questions and I will be more than happy to answer them in the comments section.

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Things to do in Varanasi, Kashi or Benaras – what’s in a name?

Uttar Pradesh

Last Updated on: Jan 26, 2019  

Within hours Kashi ,  Varanasi or Benaras grew on us. As we roamed aimlessly around the ghats of Varanasi, we could connect with this ancient city. The first impression of Varanasi can be quite overwhelming. The city, that is said to be even older than history is chaotic, confusing and in a state of pandemonium. We were greeted by a cacophony of various sounds and for a moment we rolled our eyes and thought, “why another crowded place”. Didn’t we have had enough of them. But we found that there are so many things to do in Varanasi and gradually, we fell in love with the ‘chaotic, crowded, dirty’, but an endearing Kashi.

The first impression that I have of the city was when I visited Varanasi during my childhood. We lovingly called the place Benaras. My memory fails when I try to recollect those experiences. Then I read ‘ Joy Baba Felunath ’ by Satyajit Ray and I wanted to come back to Benaras again to trace the path the iconic detective character had taken! (For the uninitiated, I am talking about Feluda, the suave Bengali detective who holds a dear place in almost all Bengali’s hearts).

So we traced the narrow alleys of Vishwanath Gali , we totally embraced the colour, sound and odour of the place. As we watched the corpse being burnt on funeral pyres, we could understand how ephemeral life could be. As we watched the many people performing the last rites of their loved ones at the ghats, little boys getting their head shaved for the first time, we realized that faith is unquestioning belief. We are happy that we experienced the city of light, not just visited it! And so we decided to write a comprehensive Varanasi Travel Guide that might help you with your visit to this ancient city.

Kashi, Varanasi or Benaras – what’s in a name?

According to Shakespeare, what’s in a name? In whatever name we call Varanasi, the place will remain as spiritual and charming as it is. Interestingly, the city has got all the three names and each has its own significance. So what do the names represent?

Kashi or Kāśi

It is of no surprise that Mark Twain had said Benaras or Varanasi to be older than history, older than legend . The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi has been referred to as Kashi (Kāśi) in Rig Veda , one of the most ancient Hindu sacred texts. Kashi is derived from the words Kaś that means ‘to shine’ . Kashi is thus also known as the ‘city of light’ . Perhaps, the city was the spiritual guide, the beacon to lost souls looking for enlightenment. Kashi was also known as Avimuktaka (never forsaken by Shiva), Rudravasa (the place where Shiva resides), Anandakanana, Mahasmasana, Surandhana, Brahma Vardha, Sudarsana and Ramya in various religious texts.

The name Varanasi came from the two river tributaries of Ganga that border the city. Varuna flows in the northern part and Assi flows in the southern part near the Assi Ghat.

Benaras or Banaras

Benaras is probably the modified or corrupted version of Varanasi. Some blame it on the colonizers who had changed the name to suit their accent.

Kashi is believed to be the ‘original ground’ created by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

And there are many more legends, myths and stories spun around the city of light. Varanasi is the microcosm of Hinduism, the holiest pilgrimage sanctified by the religious scriptures. That is why perhaps Hindus want to visit Kashi once in their lifetime. But, religion apart, Kashi does have the ability to change you spiritually.

History of Varanasi (Kashi)

Varanasi has found mention time and again in Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as Buddhists Jataka tales. Varanasi was the seat of Aryan civilization during the 2 nd millennium BCE and was an important centre for trade and commerce. Varanasi was the capital of the kingdom of Kashi during 6 th century BCE. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon at Sarnath, merely 10 km from Varanasi. The famous Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited Varanasi during 635 BCE, substantiated the glory and prosperity of Varanasi.

The prosperity of Varanasi declined during the Mughal rule, but was again revived by the Marathas. Under the British rule, it remained as a religious and commercial centre. The eventful history of the city can be seen at the various ghats of Varanasi.

What are the things to do in Varanasi?

If I have already bored you with too much history, let us travel back to the present. We stayed for 3 days in Varanasi and completely fell in love with the city. We explored the narrow lanes and alleys, enjoyed the kaleidoscope of colours, savoured the gastronomical trails and sought spirituality in the ghats of Varanasi. Here is our list of things to do in Varanasi. I am sure there are many and you can also discover your own delights.

Visit the Ghats of Varanasi

There are more than 70 ghats in Varanasi! The Ghats are the riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganga. But Varanasi ghats are not just any other ghats. They are history in itself. The huge structures by the ghats tell you a lot about the story of the place.

The Dasaswamedh Ghat is the most important and famous one at Varanasi. Obviously, it is the busiest and you will always see a lot of people there taking a holy dip, shaving off their head or doing some puja. The evening Arti is also one of the major attractions of this Ghat.

The Assi Ghat at the southernmost end is comparatively less crowded, but an equally important Ghat. This place is mostly visited and inhabited by long-term students, researchers and foreign students. The morning Arti at Assi Ghat is a spectacle to watch.

Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are the two places where cremations take place. You will see the pyre burning at any time of the day here. These two ghats are a bit dirty and do have a peculiar smell.

Pro Tip: Walk through the ghats. The numbers sound daunting, but the ghats are near each other. We walked from the Manikarnika Ghat (almost the middle point) to Assi Ghat, and then returned by auto to our hostel near Dasaswamedh Ghat.

Take a boat ride on the Ganges

Boat ride at the Ganges is a surreal experience, especially so if you do it early in the morning during the sunrise. There are two types of boats – the motorized one and the hand-rowed one. The motorized one will take a certain number of passengers, while you can hire a hand-rowed boat for yourself. You can talk to the boatman and fix a certain rate for a fixed amount of time on the boat. The ghats look quite beautiful from the river. A hand rowed boat would take between INR 500 – 700 for one-hour boat ride.

Pro Tip: Seeing the sunrise from the boat is a unique experience, but if you want to take some great pictures of the ghat from the boat, then take a boat ride later in the day.

Attend the Ganga Arti

Ganga Arti is one of the most spectacular things to watch at Varanasi. We had earlier seen the Arti at Haridwar. The evening Ganga Arti takes place at Dasaswamedh ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat. Morning Arti takes place at Assi Ghat. The evening arti starts at around 6:30 PM and lasts for 45 minutes. The morning Arti starts at about 5:45 AM.

You can see the Arti by booking special seats or by riding a boat. Even if you don’t do so, you will be able to see the Arti from the ghat. Believe us, the Ganga Arti is quite impressive.

Pro Tip: Try to attend the morning Arti at Assi Ghat. It is less crowded and you can watch the Arti in peace and take some great photographs.

Visit the temples of Varanasi

Kashi is known for its temples. The Kashi Viswanath Temple is the most revered temple and is considered one of the most sacred places of worship by the Hindus. You can hire an auto and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairav temple, Durga Kund Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Maa Annapurna Temple among others.

Pro Tip: Be careful while you visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. There are a lot of touts there. Especially beware of the shopkeepers who ask you to keep your belongings at their locker for free (You are not allowed to take anything inside the temple). Well, nothing in this world is free.

Go on a culinary trail at Varanasi

Varanasi can be a gastronomical delight. And the place is an absolute delight for vegetarians. The Chaats of Varanasi are quite famous and it will be a sin not to try the famous Benaras Chaats. Have Kachori and Jalebi, numerous chaats and then the mouth-watering desserts. Try the Lassi, Rabri and the other sweets here. And after you are full, definitely try the famous Benaras Paan (betel leaf).

Pro tip: Street food is just awesome. Just stop in front of any shop and eat to your heart’s content. In winter, definitely try Malaiyo, another frothy dessert that tastes like heaven. And yes, do visit Blue Lassi.

What is Varanasi without the Galis (lanes and alleys)

Roam around the alleys of Varanasi. They are narrow, crowded and maybe even filled with cow dung. But you can see the real Varanasi at these alleys. There is a chance that you may get lost in the alleys as we did. We could not find our way to the main road. But in the process, we saw some very beautiful buildings, old temples and lots of subject for photography.

Visit the Flower Market , Kite Market , Kachori Gali and Daal Mandi . Well, Kachori Gali does not really sell Kachoris all the way. There are only a few shops there. We were very eager to have kachoris (a mouth-watering Indian dish) in the morning and headed straight towards the Kachori Gali, only to find most of the shops closed there. The Kachori shops are only a few that too at one end.

Daal Mandi is the big market place of Benaras. Some people asked us not to visit there. We understood later why they stopped us. It is a huge marketplace with so many alleys and bye-lanes that we simply lost our way through the mazes of shops. It was anyways interesting to see the hawkers shouting to market their goods and the colourful merchandise in the stores. After walking around for about 30 minutes through the puzzling lanes of Daal Mandi, we could find our way out to the main road! Phew! So do this at your own risk.

Take a day tour to Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort

Sarnath is just 10 km away and Ramnagar Fort is 10 km but in an opposite direction. You can hire an auto and make a day trip to both these places on a day. Negotiate with the auto driver about the rate. They usually charge less if you do both the trips together.

At Sarnath, we had hired a guide who took us around the attractions. After visiting 2-3 places, he took us to a saree shop. When we did not buy anything from there, he abruptly ended the trip there, saying there is nothing more to see. We could smell a rat and checked on the net and found that there are many more things at Sarnath. By that time the guide had left after taking the charge. We had to literally argue with our auto driver to take us to those places. Sarnath is basically a small place. You can see all the attractions by walking from one place to the other.

Pro Tip: At Sarnath, if you are hiring a guide, talk to them about the places you want to see and the rate. Negotiate the price with the auto driver if you are seeing the Ramnagar Fort also.

Visit Chunar Fort and Vindyachal if you have an extra day

I had wanted to visit the Chunar Fort as it had appeared in the Hindi novel ‘Chandrakanta’. It was known as ‘Tilismi Qila’ or the ‘Magical Fort’ in the novel. But as time did not permit, we could not visit the place. Located near Mirzapur on the Vindyachal ranges, the fort is quite an interesting place. You can make a day trip to Chunar Fort and Vindyachal.

3 days Varanasi Itinerary

There is so much to see, do and experience at Varanasi, that it might sound a bit overwhelming. So here we suggest a tentative 3 days itinerary of Benaras. This is what we did.

• Arrive at Varanasi.
• Visit the Temples of Varanasi in the afternoon.
• Watch the Ganga Arti at Dasaswamedh Ghat in the evening
• Take a boat ride in the morning and watch the sunrise.
• Have a breakfast of Kachori and Jalebi.
• Make a day trip to Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort (If you start by 10 AM, you will be back by 2 PM).
• Roam about the Varanasi alleys.
• In the evening go for a culinary trail.
• Visit Assi Ghat to see the morning Arti.
• Walk through the Ghats of Varanasi and immerse in the experience.
• Visit the markets in the afternoon.
• Leave Varanasi at night.

Where should I stay at Varanasi (Benaras)?

Varanasi has a number of hotels of various budget and categories. Ther are a number of guest houses, Dharamshalas (motels), hostels and hotels of various range.  Decide where you want to stay. If you want the stay around the buzz and crowd, stay at any place near the Dasaswamedh Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat . If you are looking for peace, then stay somewhere near the Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat or nearby.

Many of the buildings overlooking the ghats have been converted to heritage hotels. We stayed at Zostel which was about a km from the Dasaswamedh Ghat.

Best Time to visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi will be during any festival. The ghats will be lit up with numerous earthen lamps and it would be wonderful to watch. But also, there will be a lot of crowd. Otherwise, winters are the best time to visit Varanasi.

Visit Varanasi during Dev Deepavali on Kartik Poornima usually held in November. The entire ghat is lit with earthen lamps. We heard that the evening Ganga Arti is performed by 21 priests during the Dev Deepavali. But again, there will be a lot of people visiting Varanasi then.

Best Places to eat in Varanasi

For Chaats , we would suggest Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chat Bhandar near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The street shops are just as good.

For Kachoris , visit Gyanchand Kachori near Assi Ghat or any other shops near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

There are many roadside shops selling Rabri, Lassi and Malayio (only during winter). All are superb.

If you want to visit the cafes, the good ones are Kerala Café near Bhelupur, Vaatika Pizzeria at Assi Ghat, Dosa café and Brown Bread Bakery near Dasaswamedh Ghat. Bati Chokha is a veg restaurant serving some great food. But it is 3 km away from Dasaswamedh Ghat. For the meat lovers, El Parador near Maldahiya should be the place to head for.

How to avoid Scams in Varanasi – must read!

Now that we have spoken all the beautiful things about Varanasi, we also need to say a few words about the problems you might face there.  No doubt the place is chaotic, crowded and unrelentingly indiscreet. Benaras is simply unapologetic. Benaras holds the reputation of having some ingenious scammers and you will be showered with constant attention from the touts. Of the many sadhus that you encounter at Varanasi, it is difficult to tell how many of them are real, and how many frauds. First timers and especially foreign tourists are the target of the scams. Here are a few of the known scams that you can avoid at Varanasi. 

Cremation Wood Scam

This has been mentioned and told in a lot of places. Even Lonely Planet mentions it. This targets mainly the foreign tourists visiting the Ghats of Varanasi. Manikarnika Ghat is the place where the cremation takes place. While you are there, you might be approached by some well-spoken person who will probably tell you some story about the cremation process. He would then ask you for a donation to buy wood for some poor family. You might shell out a few bucks but the amount never goes to any poor. Simply ignore these people.

Over friendly historians

Again at the Ghats, someone who looks like a Sadhu or Pundit might approach you. He will start telling you about the history of the Ghat and Benaras. And then he would ask for money. It is better to ignore these people at the beginning. If you really want to know about Benaras, take part in the heritage walks in Benaras. You will spend some amount, but will not be cheated. Search online, look at Trip Advisor and then select your guide.

Hotel shut down

This happens mostly to first-time visitors to Varanasi. Once you are at the airport or railway station, you will be approached by auto and cab drivers. If you do not know about the location of the hotel, the driver will take you near the location of the hotel and then ask some shopkeeper about the location. That person (who is probably an accomplice) will tell that the hotel is shut down. Then they will take you to another hotel and quote a higher price.

It may also happen that the auto driver takes you to a different place and try to pass it off as that particular hotel.

The best thing you can do in this case is confirming from the hotel itself and ask for a pickup. If you are taking a pre-paid taxi, then do not hand over the receipt to the driver until you reach your destination.

At the ghats, you will get various rates of boats. It is better to see a few boats and then decide. Also, bargain a lot.

Free Lockers

Near Kashi Viswanath Temple, you will see a lot of shopkeepers will ask you to avail free lockers at their shop to keep your belonging. Try to refrain from these shops. Most of these are scammers and will try to extract money from you by selling you stuff.

Guides at Sarnath

If you are taking an auto from Varanasi to Sarnath, the auto driver will take you to a guide. The guide will tell you politely to pay whatever you want and he will show a couple of places. And then he takes you to a Saree shop. You are expected to buy something from the shop so that he gets his cut money. We did not buy anything and so our tour ended abruptly. We had already paid him and later found out many other places to visit in Sarnath. When we confronted our auto driver, he asked for extra money.  So before you start your tour, research the places to see and talk beforehand with the auto driver about the attractions and rate.

And then you will be approached by many Sadhus, frauds dressed as sadhus, beggars and many people asking for money. It is better to ignore all these people.

We felt that Varanasi is much like our hometown Kolkata. There are so much to know and so many things to do at Varanasi. It takes little time to get acquainted with it. But once you know the place, it is hard not to fall in love with the city. You have to see the soul of Varanasi, it is simply bewitching.  Otherwise, it is just another dirty Indian city!

Here are a few more pictures of Varanasi!

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Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

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63 Comments

Superb article A & A. Just what I wanted, as am planning a solo trip to Benares. Kudos and keep up the great work.

Thank you so much for the appreciation. 🙂

I am visiting Varanasi soon. This guide is superbly helpful. I had no clue about the morning aarti, I guess I have to wake up early and check it out one of the days 🙂

Thank you Antarik. Do check out the morning Arti. It is not that crowded and perfect for taking pics.

Great post Amrita! I’m planning to visit Varanasi for Holi, shall definitely bookmark your post 🙂

Great Avantika!, I am sure you will love Varanasi. 🙂

One of the best informative articles I have read on Varanasi. Your photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Jane!

I visited Varanasi last year and this is something I would call a lifetime experience! I agree with you when you say that the first impression might be overwhelming. I think no other places in the world touched me as deep as Varanasi did. Your post brought me back very intense memories. I knew the city had a few names but I didn’t know the meaning of them. Thank you for the details! Personally I’ve always called it Varanasi. At that time I didn’t know there were scams around and unfortunately we got scammed by a guy who asked money for the wood to the poor people, exactly how you described it. We didn’t know then. It’s so sad that people take advantage of tourists in such a holy place. I hope this will change one day. Amazing post!

Thank you so much. I am glad that we could rekindle your memories. We too hope that someday, these scams are put to an end.

Thanks for putting all of this info together. It’s always great to have so much background on a place!

Thank you Caitlin!

Good post. To many westerners who have not visited India, the country is a bit mysterious and confusing. Although I’ve spent a little time in India but this post really opened my eyes. Thanks for the good info, also.

Thank you Jim. India can be totally confusing and chaotic. But also beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful time here when you visit next.

What spectacular photos you have shared. I feel like I am in Varanasi myself. I love the guide about how to both enjoy the ghats and the cremations, but also, how to avoid the scams. I found it a little strange to be talking about watching a cremation one minute, and then, talking about how we should eat all the street food around! LOL! I don’t know if I would have an appetite after watching someone get cremated. Excellent post with fantastic suggestions.

Thank you Nicole! I can understand your apprehensions about watching a cremation and then having street food. But that is a part of Varanasi. We too enjoyed the street food later. 🙂

Very colourful and vivid pictures! I was really drawn to them , and the posts were so detailed.

Thank you Adele. I am glad that you like the post.

Wow! This is such a thorough and informative post on Varanasi! I really like how you keep it real and don’t hide the negative aspects like the scams of the area. They are everywhere – so it’s good to be prepared if you go somewhere. Excellent information!

Thank you so much. Tourist traps and scams are a part of any popular destination. It is better to know about them before a visit.

Thank you for this interesting history about the name of the city. I visited a couple of years back and was mind-blown by this beautiful city in which time appears to have paused 🙂

Thank you Daniel. Varanasi is indeed a beautiful city!

I love everything about Varanasi, I visited a few years back and going to visit again in a couple of months. Your detailed post does justice to this ancient city. So glad you visit Blue Lassi 🙂

Thank you Suman. Since you had suggested about Blue Lassi, I made it a point to visit the place. 🙂

I appreciate that you included some tips about the possible scams in the world. It’s interesting how different countries and regions each have their own varieties. All scams aside, it seems like there is a lot of things to do in the city. I like the idea of taking a boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise.

Thank you Elizabeth. Like all popular tourist destinations, it is also prey to the tourist scams. But, Varanasi is a fascinating city.

Good read. Loved the description 🙂

Thank you Sonal!

Honestly, I have not heard a ton about KASHI, VARANASI OR BENARAS although after reading your itinerary, this is definitely somewhere I would like to visit!

I will be watching out for these scams you refer to, as well!

Great post!

Thanks, Emily! Yes, if you ever visit Varanasi, you should keep your eyes opened for these scams.

I had known only of two of the names, Varanasi and Benares, I didn’t realise Kashi was yet another name for this place. I appreciate your sharing some more of the history of the place, as well as so many lovely photographs showing both the stunning architecture and setting, as well as the people. I would love to visit the flower market and kite market next time we go.

Thank you Kavita! Kashi is the old name of Varanasi.

Interesting read. I guess ‘chaotic, crowded and dirty’ is something that applies to many places in India, yet there is no other country that will grab your heart faster. From what I understand 3 days would be enough to visit Varanasi at length. I’d absolutely love to go there someday. Your pictures are so evocative!

Thank you Anda! Its true that ‘chaotic, crowded and dirty’ can be applied to many Indian cities and it is also true that India captures your heart like no place else.

I have lready bookmarked your article for my upcoming trip to Varanasi and shall remember all insider tips that you have mentioned out here. What a lovely post

Thanks Debjani! Enjoy your trip at Varanasi.

Varanasi has been in our bucketlist for sometime now. Your post and pictures make me want to rush there right now. Beautiful captures!

Thank you Pujarini! Varanasi is truly magical.

I was born and brought up in India and had the chance to visit Banaras twice when I was a child. I must say this post got back loads of memories. It is a mesmerising place to visit and I would love to go back one day . The ghats have so much to offer from prayers to the piers that never stop burning. Love the colours and the food of the city as well. Thanks for sharing

Thank you Amar. Surely, Banaras is truly mesmerising.

I prefer call it Kashi. I love the ancient name, Kashi is truly magical. I hardly spent a day there and I fell in love with this city so much. I must plan again. The best part of kashi is the morning aarti and the boat ride. It is a surreal experience.

I know, Kashi is truly magical. Thank you Parnashree!

Nice Blog! Varanasi is the most attractive place to visit. Very nicely written and information provided is quite helpful.

Benaras is so vibrant and magical. I absolutely love this place, it is the mix of everything. I hope I get to travel again soon here. BTW loved your blog, thanks for giving me new ideas for my next trip.

Thank you so much Shunhangi! Benaras is indeed stunning.

Good description about Kashi. Thanks to Satyajeet Ray ji. Two important things / monument needs to be appended in the text is the ‘Bharat Mata Mandir’. One might say.. oh-no.. another one. Well, Kashi is city of Temples and Ghats but this temple is unique. What makes the religious place so unique is that there are no statues of Gods and Goddess, but the temple features the map of an ‘undivided’ India as its prime deity and personifies ‘Mother India.’ It is a must see place. Secondly there should be a mention of Geographic Identification product in Kashi or Banaras. There are seven GI’ products by name Banaras. Wooden Toys, Gulabi meenakari… Etc

Thank you so much Sonal for stating these. Yes, we missed Bharat Mata Mandir on our visit to Varanasi last time. We intend to visit there the next time we are in Kashi. Thanks again.

I enjoy reading the aforementioned blog since it is both interesting and effective, and it clearly explains everything. Thank you for your time and consideration, and best of luck with your future articles. Thank you for providing such valuable information. It was quite helpful to me. I’m always looking for interesting things to read, and I finally found it in your article. Continue on!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Keep reading our blogs. Thanks again!

Very informative content. Varanasi has all the flavors of old times and new age. You can find ancient way of people worshipping and traditional way of dealing things specially around ganga. And new age things like Cruze on river, new NAMO ghat, new convection center Rudrach etc. Varanasi is a magical feeling which one can only feel when he or she is in varanasi.

hank you for the comment. Yes, Varanasi is a wonderful place that has something to offer to everyone.

so I read some of the other blogs before this but they are not that engaging , because they don’t use that many photos, and those who use images seem like very abstract but your blog is much better than that keep going

Thank you so much for youy kind words!

Nice post. As an resident of varanasi i can say that u have mentioned all info on it. Keep up the good work. All the best

Thank you So much

So Impressed by your TRIP details and Tips. Good Job.

Wow its a Wonderful Described about Kashi/ Varanasi. After reading I too lost in your words streets. Later seems to me as you are a real Mystic or Sadhu. Wish someday I meet you to listen your journeys of Enlightenment.

Thank you for your kind comment!

beautiful information bros

beautiful and useful information bro

Thank you so much!

Thank you for sharing your incredible travel experiences and creating a virtual space that allows us to escape, dream, and wanderlust along with you. Your blog is an invaluable resource for travel enthusiasts like myself, and I eagerly await each new post, eagerly anticipating where your next adventure will take us.

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Varanasi travel blog — the fullest varanasi travel guide for first-timers.

Do you know a place in India that writer Mark Twain once said is more ancient than history, tradition, and legend? Where still preserve intact the rituals, customs and sacred culture of the Indians? What place is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists? That is the city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. So, is Varanasi worth visiting, how to visit Varanasi, what to do in Varanasi and how to plan a budget trip to Varanasi for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Varanasi travel blog (Varanasi blog) with the fullest Varanasi travel guide (guide to Varanasi, Varanasi tourist guide, Varanasi city guide, Varanasi guide) from how to get to Varanasi, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Varanasi to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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Located on the banks of the legendary Ganges River, this holy city appears with splendid, mysterious beauty but also very peaceful and friendly. This is also the place where you can learn more about the origins of thousands of years of culture in this incredible country of India.

Vārāṇasī, also known as Benares, Banaras, or Benaras, or Kashi or Kasi, is a sacred city and center for thousands of years of Hinduism located on the banks of the Ganges River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The ancient city of Varanasi is always the boldest and most impressive feature, because that ancient city is compared to more ancient than history, where the cremation fire by the sacred Ganges River from more than 3,500 years ago has not been extinguished, where the rituals of Hindus has been taking place regularly every day for thousands of years and has not changed. The new day in the ancient city begins with the ceremony to welcome the sun god (Surya) rising on the east bank of the Ganges River, and ends with the ceremony of worshiping the fire god (Aarti) at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

And take a boat ride on the Ganges River to learn about the rituals, customs, culture… of the  Indians or just to watch the sunrise here… will also be a memorable thing for you when visiting India!

It is no coincidence that Varanasi is described as the “the India of your imagination”. Everyone wears traditional clothes, orange and yellow everywhere. People go to the river to pray at any hour of the day. They have bathed in gurgling streams for many years as a way of purifying their bodies.

Overview of Varanasi (#varanasi travel blog)

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating back to the 11th century B.C. Considered the spiritual capital of India, the city attracts Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River and perform funeral rites. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple” dedicated to the Hindu god of Shiva.

The city of Varanasi is one of the holiest sites of the Hindu faith, where locals believe that souls will be sent straight to heaven, to the abode of the gods. Some of the hotels here exist only to accommodate elderly people awaiting impending death.

The city of Varanasi (ancient name Benares, Banares, Kashi) is located on the banks of India’s most sacred river – the Ganges. This great ancient city is known by many names such as “City of Academics”, “City of Philosophers”, “City of Light”. Varanasi is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

In the Hindu mind, going to Varanasi is a blessing, but being cremated by the river in this city is truly a great grace. As for Buddhists, Varanasi is a must-visit place at least once in a lifetime, because it also houses the relic of Sarnath (Deer Park), where the Buddha gave his first sermon.

Along with Haridwar, Varanasi is one of the holiest cities for Hindus. The place where every Hindu wants to at least once bathe in the sacred Ganges River here. And when they die, their wish in life is to be cremated and scatter their ashes into the Ganges from here. If you are not a Hindu, Varanasi is well worth a visit because it is the oldest city that has been inhabited for more than 5000 years. And Varanasi is also a sacred land of Buddhists, is one of The Four Holy Places of Buddhism with Sarnath Deer Park where Shakyamuni Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

If New Delhi is easily annoyed by the noise, hustle and bustle, mixed with dust, are the uncertainties of life in scammers, from tricycle, taxi, ticket, trains, hotels… always make you feel insecure in a foreign country. Arga overwhelmed people with the symbol of love and romance Taj Mahal, when coming to Varanasi, the “life” feature of a prosperous royal citadel in the past, it is still enough to find in it many strange features from street food with the famous Naan bread – a daily dish of Indians, to the crispy Samosa pillow cake with delicious curry flavor, a cup of fermented goat’s milk (Lassi)… delectable and surprisingly cheap.

It is said that, coming to Varanasi there are two types of people: either to enjoy life, or to wait for death. Unlike other tourist places in India, here there is a breath of religion, belief and atmosphere that really makes a difference. People come here to die, but this is not a city of the dead, there are thousands of stories being told every day, through every street corner, every smoke of prayer.

Many tourists don’t come here to shop, they come to see what a real funeral is like. Cremation and all stages are public. Unlike other cultures, death here is not a taboo, gods, demons, etc. are always stories mentioned with unending passion.

When to come? (#varanasi travel blog)

Best time to visit Varanasi is in winter from October to March. The weather is cool during this period, the weather is not so hot and it is dry and the temperature even falls down to 5 degrees Celsius and the cold wind blowing from Himalayan mountains make the weather even colder.

How to get to Varanasi? (#varanasi travel guide)

Varanasi is located about 1 hour by flight from the capital New Delhi or if you want to take the train it will take about 10 hours. You can easily reach Varanasi in several ways:

Airplane (#varanasi travel blog)

Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (also known as Babatpur Airport or Varanasi Airport) is 18 km northwest of the city center. Domestic airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Jet Airways and Vistara connect Varanasi with other cities in India. In 2005, the airport was recognized for international standards and served routes to Sharjah, Kathmandu, Colombo, Bangkok. Air India Express, Buddha Air, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways, and Thai AirAsia are the international airlines operating at the airport. However, in winter, flights can be delayed or canceled at the last minute due to dense fog in the city.

To hunt cheap airfares or best routes you can go to Google Flights , Skyscanner or Kayak .

Varanasi is connected to Kolkata, Agra, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore… through National Highway No. 2, 7, 29 and 56.

Varanasi Junction (also known as Varanasi Cant.) is the city’s largest station, serving nearly 360,000 passengers daily. There are 240 trains connecting Varanasi with major cities such as Surat, New Delhi, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kolkata…

Getting around Varanasi

In Varanasi, there is no subway (metro), buses are also limited, so the popular means of transportation is auto rickshaw. Definitely you need to bargain. The price is about 15 rupees/km. You should check the distance between the origin and destination in advance to calculate the appropriate price. If you go many points during the day, you can completely negotiate a full-day package price and only pay after the end of the day.

When exploring the old town of Varanasi, you should walk to see more clearly the cultural colors. A little tip if you get lost in the small winding alleys here: all roads lead to the Ganges!

In addition, sailing on the Ganges at dawn or dusk is also an experience worth trying. If you want to go in the morning, you must book the night before. Price is about 150 rupees/small boat 4 people/hour.

Where to stay? (#varanasi blog)

You should choose a hotel in the Assi Ghat area, one of the cleanest ghats in Varanasi. From Assi Ghat, it is also very convenient to walk to other ghats.

Our group stayed at Stay Inn Hostel ( Agoda , Booking ), Address: B 1/128 c – 5 Plot no. 5 Dumrao Bagh Colony Assi, Varanasi. The price is about $3/person in the dorm room. The hostel is 400 meters from Assi Ghat, close to the main road, restaurants and markets so it is very convenient. You can borrow the hotel’s kitchen to cook. The dorm room is cool and clean, however, there is only a ceiling fan without air conditioning and there are many mosquitoes at night.

If you require higher room quality, you can refer to Rahul Guesthouse ( Agoda , Booking ), price $15/room for 2 people/night, $45/room for 3 people/night. Address: N1/15-D10 Gangotri Vihar, Nagwa, Lanka, Varanasi.

Room rates are higher than the average in India, so the quality is also better. The bedroom is spacious, clean and has air conditioning. The bathroom is clean and very spacious, even with a ceiling fan inside. There is a restaurant on the rooftop with room service.

The biggest downside is the location. Actually, it’s not too far from the hotel to the ghats (stepped water wharf) (more than 15 minutes on foot), but the road leading there is littered with garbage, waste, and all kinds of junk, which is horrible. If you want to catch a rickshaw, you have to walk about 5 minutes to the main road, but there is no rickshaw in front of the door like other places. In addition, wifi is only available in the rooftop restaurant, other areas of the house are not available, however, the wifi speed is very slow.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Taj Ganges, Varanasi ( Agoda , Booking )
• Stay Banaras ( Agoda , Booking )
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi, Cantonment ( Agoda , Booking )
• BrijRama Palace ( Agoda , Booking )
• Ramada by Wyndham Varanasi Katesar ( Agoda , Booking )
• Ganpati Guest House ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Four Element ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Temple on Ganges ( Agoda , Booking )
• Radisson Hotel Varanasi ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Surya Kaiser Palace ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Varanasi on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Where to go and what to do in Varanasi? (#varanasi guide)

Spreading along the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, there are about 87 water wharfs (called ghats). Most of them were built after 1700 AD, when the city was under the rule of the Maratha empire. Most ghats are used for bathing, a few are used for funeral rites such as the Manikarnika Ghat.

• Location: Located at the southernmost end of the Varanasi river wharf, at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers. Location on google map.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Opening hours: Every day of the week.
• Note: Take this ghat as the first point to navigate other ghats on the map.

Located on the south side of the Ganges River, Assi Ghat is one of the ghats chosen by many tourists to explore and participate in attractive festivals in Varanasi. This is also the residence of a large number of students, researchers, tourists in the city to study at Barana Hindu University and some other famous institutions.

When coming to Assi Ghat, you will admire the temple of Sankat Mochan Hanuman or pray at a sacred Shiva Linga placed under a peepal tree. You can also take a scenic boat ride around or hop on a hot air balloon to enjoy the stunning views of Assi Ghat from above, indulge in art shows in the evening, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. shops or cafes in the area near this ghat.

This is a sacred ghat dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god who created Varanasi. Temples at this and other places in Varanasi often take the form of Mount Kailash or Meru Parvat in the Himalayas, the birthplace of Lord Shiva.

Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat)

• Location: About 2.2 km from Assi Ghat, next to Kashi Viswanath Temple.

One of the most famous and oldest Ghats in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is also the place associated with 2 interesting Hindu legends about the formation of this ghat. First, Dashashwamedh Ghat was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. Another legend holds that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses during the performance of Dasa Ashwamedha yajna.

Dashashwamedh means “God Brahma sacrificed 10 horses here”. This is the ghat located in the center and also the busiest one. You will witness a world where all the opposites come together: fun, colorful, whirling, chaotic, divine, mundane. The living go hand in hand with the dead. Cows, goats, and dogs roam the streets of the market, jostling with people. From luxurious regal to low-class, beggars, pickpockets, thieves. From prayerful devotees to false ascetics, deceiving pilgrims. From flamboyant brocade to ascetic, naked, messy hair, a life without combing or cutting.

At 7pm every day, it celebrates Ganga aarti, which pays homage and gratitude to the goddess Ganges (Hindu’s Mother River). Five altars were established with five young priests as their representatives, the ritual began with a resounding chant, then, five priests used horns and urged them in long stanzas. Thousands of people crammed together at the riverbank to pray respectfully, the ceremony was ended with lanterns lighting candles, attaching flowers to a section of the Ganges.

Ganga Aarti is a ritual performed by some priests carrying Deepams, lamps and moving rhythmically to the tune of bhajans dedicated to the goddess Ganga. These rituals are conducted twice a day at dusk and dawn. Especially in the evening, devotees drop lanterns on the water, creating a shimmering, fanciful scene that is unmatched.

Manikarnika Ghat (Burning Ghat)

• Location: About 2.7 km from Assi Ghat, between Dashashwamedh Ghat and Scindia Ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat is the oldest and holiest ghat in Varanasi. According to legend, when Raja Daksh Prajapati, a son of Brahma, insulted Shiva, goddess Mata Sati set herself on fire in protest. Taking pity on Sati, Shiva took her burned body back to the Himalayas. Unfortunately, on the way, body parts fell to earth. At the places where her body fell, Shiva established temples called Shakti Peeth. There are 51 Shakti Peeth corresponding to 51 Sanskrit letters. Manikarnika Ghat is where Sati’s earring fell (in Sanskrit, Manikarnika means “earring”).

This is a place that you should not miss when you want to discover the unique customs of India. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in the city of Varanasi. Most cremation rites in Varanasi are conducted at this ghat. Visitors can watch the cremation rites with guides or take a boat ride from afar. However, they will not be allowed to use cameras and must show respect for the ceremony.

At this Manikarnika ghat there is a well of the same name, which is said to have been dug by the god Vishnu for Shiva and his wife Parvati to bathe in order to hope that Shiva would “lower fire” and not destroy the earth. Between the well and the ghat is a Charanpaduka stone pedestal bearing the footprints of Vishnu.

Visiting Manikarnika Ghat, you can also witness the cremation ceremony of the Indians. Hindus believe that being incarnated in the fire and returning to the mother river will help wash away all sins, free the soul from the body, and bring them to nirvana.

For more than 2,000 years, the fire that burned bodies at Manikarnika Ghat has never cooled down. It is estimated that every day 200 bodies are burned and the ashes are scattered into the sacred river. Poor families who could not afford the cremation had to simply wrap the dead body, and so let it be released into the river. In addition, children, saints, pregnant women, and people bitten by cobras are not allowed to be cremated, but only tied to rocks and drowned in the river.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple)

• Location: Located on the west bank of the Ganges River, Vishwanath Gali is the easiest way to reach the temple.
• Opening hours: 3PM to 11PM on weekdays.
• Note: Do not bring bags, phones, pens into the temple.

One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The word “Kashi” in the name of the temple is the old name of the city of Varanasi. The temple has been destroyed and restored many times in its history. In 1669, Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, demolished the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque instead. In 1780, Ahliyabai Holkar restored the temple at a nearby location.

This is one of the holiest and most famous temples in Varanasi. This temple is located on the west bank of the Ganges and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the holiest place of the Shiva temple. This temple attracts a large number of tourists every year, but they are only viewed from the outside because followers of other religions are not allowed to enter the temple.

Known as the Golden Temple, because the entire tower and dome of this temple is made of 800kg of gold donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835. This is a place dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, therefore when the followers of this religion believe that before entering the temple, one must wash thoroughly to be given more strength.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple receives about 3,000 visitors every day. This number can increase to 1 million visitors or more on festive occasions. The temple is easily recognized by its three 15.5 m high golden domes, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835.

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple is located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth precinct in Varanasi. This is the only temple dedicated to Mother India, built in 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. At the temple there is a marble statue of Bharat Mata that symbolizes undivided India.

The temple currently has eight floors, each with a different theme, paying homage to the gods, warriors and leaders who played an important role in the formation and development of the country. The special thing at the temple is the relief map of India carved in marble depicting the mountains, plains and oceans in extremely precise scale. The temple is open to welcome all domestic and foreign tourists regardless of religion or belief to admire a unique and unique work in the world.

Holy River Ganga Ceremony

Varanasi is also famous for the Holy River Ganga Ceremony that takes place at dawn and dusk every day over the Ghats. In this Varanasia there are dozens of Ghats – Places where the kings and rich people of centuries ago built for themselves as a way to access and easily pray every day on the sacred river. There are many Holy River Ganga Ceremony taking place every day at the Ghats, but the most famous and the most crowded Hindu devotees are at Dasawamedh Ghat.

I also spent my two evenings in Varanasi watching the ceremony at Dasawamedh Ghat partly perhaps because it was here that I learned and observed most easily the ceremony atmosphere, the spirit of the Hindus and probably also a no small part because the 7 priests were so handsome, more outstanding than the monks in the rest of the Ghats with shaggy beards and big belly typical of Indians.

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Address: Banaras Hindu University, Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India

This is an art and archeology museum located on the campus of Banara Hindu University. Bharat Kala Bhavan is the oldest museum in India attracting many visitors every year. It keeps a lot of art sculptures, statues and historical artifacts through the ages.

At the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, there are currently more than 100,000 collections of artifacts in many different fields. When coming to this museum, you will admire the jewelry from primitive times or the pottery and textiles of the indigenous tribes are extremely appealing. Do not forget to visit the gallery with miniature paintings of the Mughal period, religious sculptures, etc.

Vindam Falls

Address: 2JJ6+529, Windom Fall Rd, Gortutwa, Uttar Pradesh 231001, India Hours: 6 AM–6 PM

Vindham waterfall is a tourist destination with unspoiled beauty that attracts many tourists to visit and picnic with family and friends when coming to the ancient city of Varanasi. From this waterfall you can admire the majestic natural landscape, the vast forest surrounding, the wild animals everywhere. In addition, you can also visit the Tanda fountain, caves, and temples in the surrounding area. In particular, you should come to this waterfall in the fall when the forest changes leaves, the weather is cool, suitable for outdoor picnics.

Ramnagar Fort

• Address: Varanasi Rd, Ram nagar, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008, India
• Location: 14 km from the center of Varanasi, located on the east bank of the Ganges River, opposite Tulsi Ghat. If taking a boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the fort, it takes about an hour.
• Entrance fee: 200 rupees/adult, 100 rupees/child from 5 to 12 years old.
• Opening hours: 10AM to 5PM every day of the week.

Built by Maharaja Balwant Singh in 1750, the sandstone fortress has features of Mughal architecture. Today, Maharaja Anant Narayan Singh still resides in the fort, so only part of the structure is open to visitors (Although the title Maharaja was abolished since 1971, the fort’s owner still referred to by this title). Ramnagar Fort Museum was established in 1964, including five subdivisions displaying palanquins, costumes, weapons, watches, vintage cars, ivory artefacts… In addition, there is a shrine temple. Ved Vyasa, author of the legendary epic Mahabharata.

This is one of the 17th century royal-style marvels located in the southeast of Varanasi. Here you will admire the majestic beauty of the fortress, explore the antique collections and watch the ravishing sunset over the Ganges. This fort is a harmonious combination of Indian and Islamic architectural styles creating a monumental work chosen by many royal families as a residence.

Once stepping inside, you will see a large courtyard surrounded by walls with unique domes, balconies, roofs and towers. Moreover, there is also a museum area with a huge collection with many historical artifacts such as weapons, antique cars, musical instruments, jewelry, etc. In particular, you can go to this fortress on October to experience the Dussehra festival, which represents the victory of good over evil.

New Vishwanath Temple

The new Shri Vishwanath Temple was built in 1960, which is a simulation of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple located right in the middle of the campus of Banaras Hindu University. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a place where you can admire interesting statues and artworks and enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation in the green garden surrounding the temple.

Unlike other temples, Vishwanath is always open to all visitors regardless of their religion. When coming to this temple, you will see the balconies, dome roofs and pyramids designed very nicely, the sculptures of animals are extremely lively. When you go upstairs you can see a statue of Shiva in a marble room. You can go to Vishwanath temple at any time because it is open daily and there is no entrance fee, however visitors will not be able to bring cameras inside the temple.

Durga Temple

Address: C14/160-36-A, Naipokhari, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India

This is one of the very famous sacred temples in Varanasi, known for its striking red color of religious symbols. Coming to this temple, you will be mixed with pilgrims and watch them make offerings at temples, experience vibrant Hindu festivals and ancient rituals. This temple worships the god Durga, the embodiment of female personality. However, indigenous people often call this place Monkey Temple because there are always monkeys running around in and around the temple grounds.

Behind Durga temple is Durga Kund pond, where you can admire the unique beauty with a new perspective towards the red painted facade. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple grounds, but you can stand outside and watch devotees ring bells, pray and make offerings at the god statue. You can also observe the mischievous monkeys running around and should be careful with your belongings because they can steal things when you are not careful.

Sarnath (Garden Park)

• Address: Sarnath Station Rd, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221007. It is 13 km northeast of Varanasi center.
• Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Sarnath Archaeological Museum for foreigners is 5 rupees. Other monuments charge a fee of 250 rupees.
• Opening hours: 9AM to 5PM weekdays. However, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum is closed on Fridays.

One of the four relics associated with the life of Buddha Shakyamuni (four Buddhist Holy And Sacred Places). This is the place where the Buddha taught the Dharma for the first time and also the place where the first group of bhikkhus was established after the five brothers Kaundinya became enlightened.

Relic of the Deer Park, where the Buddha preached the Dharma for the first time today, most of the ancient buildings and structures in Sarnath have been damaged or destroyed:

• The majestic Dhamek Stupa with a height of 39 m and a width of 28 m.
• Dharmarajika Stupa was built by King Ashoka. In the 18th century, most of the stupa was demolished for construction materials, so now only the foundation remains.
• Chaukhandi Stupa is where the Buddha met his disciples for the first time. In recent years, the tower has been restored.
• Ruins of Mulagandha Kuti (old) vihara (Mulagandha Kuti Vihar), where the Buddha resided during the rainy season.
• Mulagandha Kuti Vihara (new) was built in 1930 with beautiful murals. Behind the vihara is a deer garden.
• The Ashoka Pillar and the Sarnath Archeological Museum. In addition, there is a Bodhi tree branched from the tree in Bodhgaya.

What and where to eat?

Food in Varanasi is quite cheap: egg rolls: 10 rupees/piece, 15 rupees/two pieces; plain dosa: 10 rupees/piece; masala dosa cake: 15 rupees/piece; ice cream: 5 rupees/stick; lassi: 7 – 15 rupees/cup. However, according to my observations, the food sold along the riverbank is usually more expensive than the food in the main street.

These restaurants are highly rated by travelers:

• Lotus Lounge: Address: D14/27 Mansarowar Ghat, Varanasi. The food is good and safe, there are nice seats overlooking the river and the ghats.
• Shiva Café and German Bakery: Address: D26/4 Narad Ghat, Himalaya Lodge, Raja Ghat, Varanasi. The menu here is very rich, from European, Indian, Nepali to Thai and even Chinese dishes. A meal for two costs about 500 rupees.
• Mona Lisa Café: Address: Bangali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi. Serving Italian, Indian, Asian dishes, delicious and cheap.
• Baba Lassi: Address: D21/27 Munshi Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi. The lassi at the restaurant is delicious and full. You should taste pomegranate lassi, strawberry lassi, and especially blue lassi, Varanasi’s specialty.

Some useful tips before you go

• The temperature drops at night and early in the morning, so you need to prepare enough warm clothes.
• Like other Indian cities, there are frequent power outages in Varanasi. If you go out in the evening, remember to bring a flashlight. It’s dangerous to rummage in the dark here!
• Every day, many tourists flock to the ghats to pay their respects. Be careful with your belongings in these places.
• Be wary of people claiming to be volunteers. This is actually just a local person impersonating you, guiding you around to ask for a tip.
• In the ghats, you can easily see images of strangely dressed Hindu hermits (sadhu). If you want to take pictures with them, you may have to pay, usually 10 rupees. However, a true sadhu never asks for money outright.
• Absolutely do not take pictures of the cremation scene. Hindus believe that this act disrespects the deceased and hinders them from escaping. If you are caught taking pictures, you may have to pay a lot of money.
• In Varanasi, especially the old town, there are a lot of monkeys. Therefore, if you eat outside, it will be easy to attract their attention and easily be robbed of food.
• According to the Hindu beliefs, cows are sacred animals and Indians do not eat beef. In Varanasi, cows roam freely on the street, obstructing traffic. People here, when encountering cows, also avoid to one side, at most, honking beep beep (!!)

Varanasi left me with a lot of feelings about the safe city, although there are still a few scammers, beggars, fake Naga Sadhu… but they are not too troublesome for me. The river is also clean and clear with no trash like previous rumors that I have heard… Along with Amritsar, Varanasi is one of the destinations that left the most impression on me in terms of culture, spirit and Indian people.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Varanasi you can refer to

• Varanasi Private Day Tour
• Varanasi Heritage City Tour
• Varanasi Village Tour
• Street Food Crawl in Varanasi
• 2D1N Varanasi Private Sightseeing Tour

Rear more India guide here .

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Rishikesh vs Varanasi: which of these two riverside Indian cities should you visit?

May 27, 2024 • 7 min read

We asked two travel writers to go head-to-head over which is better, Rishikesh or Varanasi © Getty Images; iStock

Two Indian cities along the Ganges each have claims to fame. 

Dubbed the “yoga capital of the world” for its numerous ashrams and yoga teacher training courses, Rishikesh  is particularly popular among spiritual seekers (as well as those who are just in need of a good stretch). Follow the Ganges south and you'll find  Varanasi , one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and a place that has drawn pilgrims for thousands of years.

In case you're not able to visit both, we asked two travel writers to go head-to-head, giving the case for the city closest to their hearts.

Rishikesh welcomes all to its ashrams and temples

During her six-year stint living in India, travel journalist Margot Bigg visited Rishikesh countless times, and once spent an entire month studying yoga in the city. Rishikesh remains one of her favorite weekend destinations from Delhi to this day.

The holy city of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges River — and its proximity to Uttarakhand’s four famous pilgrimage temples, collectively known as the Char Dham — has drawn in a steady flow of Indian travelers for many generations, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that Western visitors began coming here in great numbers.

Although the hippie trail has come and gone, one relic of the flower-power era remains: the ruins of the  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram , nicknamed the “Beatles Ashram” in honor of the time that the Fab Four spent here studying Transcendental Meditation under the tutelage of the Maharishi himself. While you used to be able to slip a few rupees to a watchperson and explore the once-ramshackle grounds on your own, the ashram has since been taken over by the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Today it operates as a proper tourist attraction, complete with signage, well-maintained passageways, a photo gallery and a small cafe.

The Beatles Ashram aside, most of Rishikesh’s historic ashrams and temples are active, thriving, and welcoming to all — including foreigners — unlike Varanasi, where temples either charge hefty fees for overseas visitors or simply ban them from entry altogether. Rishikesh is a friendly, welcoming place for seekers (and the spiritually curious), irrespective of their origin. Foreign visitors can hike up to the  Neelkanth Mahadev Temple , study the teachings of Swami Sivananda — who wrote all his tomes in English — at the Divine Life Society or join the masses at the evening aarti ceremony (the auspicious lighting of lamps or candles) on the banks of the Ganges in front of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, all without having to worry about being treated as unwelcome or inferior.

If you’re super into yoga, there’s no better place to be in India than Rishikesh. Here you’ll find all sorts of places to practice your asanas, from small schools teaching beginner-friendly classes in Hatha, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga to challenging teacher training courses certified by the Yoga Alliance. And while some of the yoga courses in Rishikesh are undoubtedly hardcore, what’s not too intense — at least when you compare Rishikesh to more hectic spots such as Varanasi — is the experience of taking a stroll down the road. Sure, Rishikesh gets some big crowds, especially during particularly auspicious times of the year, but most stick to the main drags, meaning it’s easy to slip away and find a quiet spot to be alone with your thoughts. Plus, even in the main commercial parts of town, many of Rishikesh’s lanes and thoroughfares are only wide enough to accommodate motorbikes and pedestrians. Goodbye, incessant din of honking horns.

Rishikesh is only a couple of hundred kilometres from the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the sacred Ganges River. While there are some settlements between Rishikesh and the mouth of the river, most of the major industrial polluters are further downstream, meaning Rishikesh is considerably cleaner. In fact, the section of the river that runs through Rishikesh is clean enough to safely bathe or swim in — which definitely isn’t the case in Varanasi. It’s also a great place for whitewater rafting, and countless operators offer trips of varying lengths on the river, most of which are beginner-friendly. And while rafting is undoubtedly Rishikesh’s biggest draw for outdoorsy travelers, its location in the forest-fringed foothills of the Himalayas means that you’re never far from an opportunity for adventure, be it an invigorating forest hike or an adrenaline-filled bungee jumping experience. You certainly won’t find any of that in Varanasi.

Varanasi is a deeply spiritual sacred city

Traveling India to research Lonely Planet’s latest India guidebook, Monique Choy  saw many amazing places. But there’s no place on earth that can match Varanasi’s concentrated connection with life’s mysteries.

Varanasi at dawn: in the milky light pilgrims make their way down the steps of the ghats. They weave between chai-wallas (tea vendors), yogis, sadhus and flower sellers, and quietly enter the sacred waters to perform puja (prayers), heads bowed in private communion with Mother Ganga. This is no spray-on spirituality, and Varanasi is no tourist town designed to cater to curious Westerners. Entering the sacred river in Hinduism’s most scared city is a deeply personal and spiritual moment, and one that’s drawn pilgrims here for thousands of years. People travel to Varanasi (aka Banares) from across India to wash away their sins, cremate their loved ones, deepen their spiritual knowledge, and also to die here, hoping for moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

According to Mark Twain, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." While almost everyone who visits Varanasi falls in love with the city, most agree it is not for the faint-hearted. Intimate rituals of life and death take place in public, and the sights, sounds and smells of the mazelike old town can be intense.

Most of Varanasi’s 84 ghats are used for bathing, but there are also several "burning ghats" where bodies are cremated.  Manikarnika Ghat , the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. The open pyres on the ghat burn day and night, cremating up to 200 people each day. Dead bodies are handled by a caste-based community of cremation workers called doms , and are carried through the tangled alleyways of the old town to the holy Ganges on a bamboo stretcher, swathed in cloth. The corpse is doused in the river prior to cremation and the ashes are scattered in the water afterwards.

Confronting the reality and ritual of death and cremation is a powerfully moving experience, as is strolling the ghats with pilgrims at a high point on their spiritual quest, or watching the nightly  ganga aarti , the moving river-worship ceremony performed by priests.

Spend a little time in Varanasi and you may take home more intangible benefits. The city is a center of education, as one local put it, it’s all about "burning and learning". The shaded campus of the  Benares Hindu University is here, and the city is a great place to learn a new skill, you can take courses in Hindu mythology, Indian astrology and photography. You can learn how to speak Hindi, how to play the sitar, or how to make a three-course Indian feast. There are also many yoga schools, including some like DarkLotus, that take yoga out of the studio and onto the ghats.

From Varanasi, you can visit the nearby city of Sarnath on a day trip – another sacred center, this one hallowed by Buddhists. It was in Sarnath that Buddha gave his first sermon in a deer park after gaining enlightenment, known as the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Once a bustling monastic center, it was sacked by Muslim invaders in the 12th century and fell through the cracks of history. The amazing  Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins were uncovered again by British archaeologists in 1835 and now Sarnath is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from across the world.

Varanasi is the India of your imagination. While you won’t find exclusive wellness retreats, bungee-jumping or Beatlemania here, you may connect with something far more precious – few people leave Varanasi feeling unaffected by the experience.

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Varanasi Travel Tips: How To Experience The City Like A Local?

Varanasi city is one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich cultural heritage, tradition and spiritualism at its best. Scroll down to learn travel tips that will help you make the most out of your Varanasi visit.

• Anukriti Srivastava
• Updated - 2024-05-30, 14:39 IST

Varanasi Travel Tips For Tourists

Best time to travel.

Consider Accommodation Near Ghats

Immerse in ganga aarti at dashashwamedh ghat.

Try Local Street Food

Indulge In Local Shopping

Image Courtsey: Freepik/Unsplash

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