People also call Varanasi Kashi or Benares; it happens to be one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Because it lies along the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi is the best Places to see in India. It is considered India’s centre for spiritual life and is home to a rich mixture of culture, history, religion and tradition.
If religion, tradition or beautiful sights bring you joy, Varanasi will give you experiences you’ll treasure. Here is your complete list of the best places to check out in Varanasi.
1. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Main Temple in Varanasi
A main Jyotirlinga holy place, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most respected temple in Varanasi. Prayer seekers and those hoping for blessings come from all over to visit.
Covered in gold spires, the temple is a fine example of religious architecture with huge religious importance. If you’d like to skip the crowds, the early hours are the best time for a visit. Don’t skip the holy dip in the Ganga before you go inside. Just adjacent, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has been made to make travelling easier and provide a calmer atmosphere.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat: Seeing the Nighttime Aarti
The most impressive among the 80+ ghats in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat becomes very popular each evening for its Ganga Aarti ceremony. Led by their priests, followers use lamps, songs and chants to bring many people to Diwali no matter where in the world they are.
Arriving a little ahead of time helps find a good place to view the Aarti or you can enjoy the ceremony from the water on a boat. Rituals, ceremonies and spiritual events take place most often at this ghat. In the morning, they stick to spiritual practices that are simple but equally touching.
3. Assi Ghat Brings Together Peace and Ancient Practises
Assi Ghat sits at the point where the Ganges and Assi Rivers meet and each morning, locals and tourists here join in group yoga, music and meditation. Many students, artists and spiritual seekers are fond of mindfulness.
Join the Subah-e-Banaras program which brings musical and spiritual programs to life each morning. You’ll also find cafes and bookshops close by at Assi Ghat for a quiet atmosphere. Ayurveda and meditation workshops are available, as are opportunities to work closely with spiritual teachers.
4. Sarnath is where Buddha Spoke His First Sermon
Sarnath is only 10 kilometres from Varanasi, where Lord Buddha spoke his first sermon after enlightenment. The four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites worldwide include here.
You can also see the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and Sarnath Museum, containing both relics and Buddhist sculptures. Because of its peaceful surroundings and historical background, Sarnath is well worth seeing. Culture from around the world is seen in the Tibetan and Thai temples, adding extra value to a visit there.
5. Manikarnika Ghat: An Unending Spot of Cremation
The ghat Manikarnika Ghat is considered so sacred that Hindus believe it is there that souls receive salvation (moksha). The ritual site is Varanasi’s most famous and watching worship here can be very moving for visitors.
You’re not allowed to take pictures, but you can view or cruise by from a respectful distance. The ghat is often surrounded by storeys of its origin which are often told by local guides.
6. Banaras Hindu University is called BHU by everyone.
Since 1916, BHU owes its origin to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a celebrated teacher, who made it one of India’s biggest and most respected universities. There is pastoral land, old monuments and the beautiful Shri Vishwanath Temple on Varanasi’s large campus.
Fans of both religion and architecture are attracted to the modern Kashi Vishwanath Temple neighbouring BHU. This museum houses rare documents, paintings and artwork on display. Frequently, the campus is the venue for cultural festivals, music concerts and academic conferences.
7. A Look at Ramnagar Fort and Its Royal Architecture
Built on the east side of the Ganges during the 18th century, the Ramnagar Fort was home to the ruler of Banaras. This site is well known among the famous historical attractions of Varanasi.
In the fort, there’s a museum filled with old cars, clothing from royal times, firearms and antique clocks. The river can be seen from every angle at the fort, but especially so at sunset. If you’re interested, come during Ram Lila in late September, when the theatre brings the Ramayana story to life on the palace grounds.
8. The site where the Tulsi Manas was composed
Because Tulsidas, the writer of the epic Ramcharitmanas, completed his work here, this white marble temple is devoted to Lord Rama and called after him. Written on the temple walls are notes from the Ramayana.
It’s an excellent place for those who respect Hinduism, classical literature and mythology. It is located near the Durga Kund Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Rama Navami marks a colourful time for the area.
9. Alamgir Mosque is what is presently known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera.
Also frequently called Aurangzeb’s Mosque, it combines Hindu and Islamic designs over the ruins of a demolished temple dedicated to Vishnu. The area offers a beautiful angle from which to see both the Ganga and the ghats below.
It is a significant site from history, despite being viewed as controversial, because it represents the city’s many layers of religious background. The complex use of earlier temple remains such as domes and pillars, gives the architecture an interesting background.
10. There is a GyanVapi Well and nearby Mosque at the site.
Because it borders the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the GyanVapi Well was thought to have hidden and protected the original Shiva Lingam during the Mughal attacks. Created by Aurangzeb, the adjacent mosque is an important part of both history and culture.
Because of its long religious history, this area catches the curiosity of students and experts alike. Many people respect the well, often hearing storeys about it on tours of the temples.
11. Looking at Street Food and Local Bazaars
You can’t leave Varanasi until you’ve tried its famous street dishes. If you can, try kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, banarasi paan and the delicious malaiyyo.
Both Godowlia Market and Thatheri Bazaar have many handicrafts, silk sarees, handmade wooden toys and Rudraksha beads. Because Banarasi silk is so popular worldwide, it’s a great idea to bring home a saree as a present. It’s also a good idea to look for handmade scrolls, traditional instruments and copper articles.
12. Boating on the Ganges: Exploring India’s History
Taking a boat ride on the Ganga River, close to the time of either a sunrise or sunset, is an excellent way to see Varanasi. Many ghats, temples and ceremonies will be seen along the river’s edges as you go by.
Choose a boat, motorised or traditional and if available, ask a guide to tell you the background of each place. You get to quietly watch the city’s routine and how it moves. Some boat voyage programmes offer music and stories during the tour.
Varanasi’s Traditions, Celebrations and Festivals
Make your trip for festivals such as Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Holi or Diwali, so you can see Varanasi at its brightest and most spiritual. Remain involved in classical music programmes, participate in the fair at temples and wander around the bazaars during mela to enter and appreciate the spirit of Varanasi.
Varanasi is recognised for its Indian classical music — famous musicians such as Ravi Shankar and Bismillah Khan are from the city. Go watch an event at your local music school or cultural centre.
Where Should You Stay in Varanasi
People can stay at Varanasi in hotels that cater for all budget types. You may prefer Taj Nadesar Palace, BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel or Suryauday Haveli.
A really memorable way to experience the ghats is to book a stay in a heritage haveli by the river, where access to the temples is simple. People looking for a cheap place to stay can look near Assi Ghat and Lanka Road.
When Should You Go to Varanasi
You will find the weather best for exploration between October and March. In November, Dev Deepawali gives people a beautiful opportunity to see thousands of lights on the ghats.
It’s best to travel outside of the hot and humid months from April to June. Though monsoon weather in July to September can be lovely, it often prevents people from using the river.
Find out About Access to Varanasi
Air travellers may take flights at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to various Indian and international spots.
Trains from Varanasi Junction and Manduadih Railway Station go direct to the major cities.
You can get from major cities such as Lucknow, Allahabad and Patna by regular buses and private taxis.
My Last Thoughts on Taking in Varanasi
Varanasi offers rewards in its spiritual ceremonies and meaningful temples. The holy site changes every visitor slowly and firmly.
If you’re hoping for a blessing from God, a history lesson in India or wild stories from the streets, the best sites in Varanasi will make you wiser and more inspired.
Think ahead, honour the place and let the rich spiritual energy of Varanasi show you the way.
