The holy city of Varanasi is a famous destination when it comes to tourism. With its rich heritage, cultural diversity and breathtaking natural beauty, it is truly a sight to behold. Many people from all over the world come to Varanasi for spiritual experiences or just to see this beautiful place. One can witness the vibrant art all around them. The culture of Varanasi is truly unique and makes for a remarkable experience. Be it the ghats, the temples, the art or the culture, Varanasi proves to be an ideal tourist destination with an abundance of natural beauty, rich heritage and culture. If Varanasi is on your bucket list and you want to make the most of your visit, then don’t miss out on these beautiful places.
Must Visit Tourist Destinations in Varanasi
One of the most significant temples in the city of Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as the Golden Temple due to its splendid appearance and its association with Lord Shiva. The temple is considered one of the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India as it is considered to be one of the twelve jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. The temple has been referred to in ancient Hindu literature, including the Rigveda and the Skanda Purana. The pilgrims who visit the temple are said to be blessed with good fortune, health, and peace of mind. The architecture of the temple is breathtaking. The intricately carved walls and stone decorations are an exquisite sight to behold. There are four huge gate to enter the main temple complex. The temple has three domes covered with gold plating. Inside the temple complex, there are smaller temples, dedicated to various Gods and Goddess. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is truly a marvel of beauty and grandeur. Undoubtedly, to visit the temple and witness its magnificence is a once in lifetime experience for any devotee of Lord Shiva. Know More >>
The Dashashwamedh Ghat is a sacred site on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. It is within walking distance of the Vishwanath Temple. This location is most well-known for the Ganga arti, which is a ceremony that takes place every day in evening. Due to the tremendous religious significance of the Dashashwamedh Ghat, a large number of tourists make the journey to see it every year. You can discover a variety of ceremonies and other activities taking place in this ghat. There are a number of spiritual stories connected to this ghat. The majority of religious celebrations are planned and carried out in this location. This ghat offers fantastic possibilities for sight-seeing and adventure-seeking. From this holy ghat, one can witness the mesmerizing sunsets over the holy River Ganga. Devotees from far away can come to India to seek spiritual solace through the divine beauty of this ghat. Know More >>
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Located in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a city of culture, heritage and spirituality. This old city is closely linked to the Ganga River, which is an important part of its life and culture. The beauty of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is nothing short of spiritual and majestic. The Ganga Aarti is a spiritual ritual which involves singing of hymns and offering flowers, diyas (oil lamps) and prasad (food items) to the river as an act of gratitude. The Aarti is performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most famous ghats leading to the river Ganga. The Aarti is not just a religious ceremony, but also an art of performance. On the side of the river Ganga, hundreds of diyas are lit. Everyone who comes to see the aarti is touched by it, from the young people who are attracted there by the peaceful environment to the old people who come with their families. The enchanting beauty of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi makes it a one-of-a-kind experience, which remains to be one of the most beautiful sights of the city. Know More >>
Sarnath is located 10 kilometers north-east of Varanasi. It is considered to be an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It is also popular among tourists for its rich historical heritage which has a great many temples and monuments that are centuries old.The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the place makes it an attractive tourist destination. The deer park has many species of birds and animals. The green park surrounded by monuments is a great source of peace and inspiration. Alongside the deer park, the city has several attractions. The most famous monument in Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, erected to commemorate the first sermon of the Buddha. Along with the Stupa, there are many other Buddhist monuments such as the Ashoka Pillar, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulagandha Kutir Vihara. Each of these monuments has its own story to tell and they all add to the charm and beauty of the place. Apart from the ancient structures, it serves as a reminder of how the principles of Buddhism can bring us all peace of mind, humbleness, and oneness with ourselves and the universe. Know More >>
Varanasi has a lot to offer to the tourists, especially in terms of sightseeing. This is not just about the religious offerings, but about its surroundings as well. Subah-e-Banaras is truly a marvel to behold. It takes place at the Assi Ghat of Varanasi. The sights, sounds, and smells around during the Subah-e-Banaras, add to its charm and beauty. The mornings in Varanasi often start with a magical calmness, beautiful boating tours in the Ganges, and the sweet chorus of aartis as the sun begins to rise. The beautiful sunrise view from the ghats makes Subah-e-Banaras a popular tourist spot. We can hear chants and bells sound across the river. Besides aarti, there is a time for Kirtans, which are religious songs played on a variety of instruments like the harmonium and tabla. After that, yoga and meditation is done. Subah-e-Banaras, Varanasi is simply a mesmerizing experience that should not be missed by anyone who has a deep appreciation for the spiritual beauty of India. Know More >>
Birla Temple BHU (Kashi Vishwanath Temple)
Varanasi is home to Birla Temple, which is situated within the campus of BHU. It is called the Birla Temple because the Birla Group of Industries constructed it. The temple’s peace and calmness help you forget about the things that bother you in everyday life. The good energy in the air makes you want to give yourself over to the Almighty. This temple is mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva, but it also has nine other temples in its premises with one huge nandi. The building has the tallest tower in the world which is about 253 feet. The temple is open to everyone, no matter what faith, caste, or creed they belong to. Shri Vishwanath Mandir, New Vishwanath temple, and Vishwanath temple are all names for the Birla temple in Varanasi. It is one of the most well-known temples because of how beautiful and peaceful it is. If you are in Varanasi, it is always a good idea to go to Birla Temple and witness its magnificent beauty. Know More >>
The Namo Ghat in Varanasi is a beautiful place visited by millions of travelers and tourists. It is located on the holy banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. The renovated “Khidkiyaghat,” now called as “Namoghat” has three large sculptures of hands folded in “namaste”. This is why the name changed to Namo Ghat. Tourists can use state-of-the-art services at thisghat. There is a restaurant, a stage, and paintings on the walls that show the history of Kashi. This ghat is a wonderful example of the ancient and modern view of Kashi. It has a food court, toilets, drinking water, parking for cars and bikes, and many shops. There are chairs and gazebos that are built in the style of traditional Kashi architecture. There were different things for kids to do, like a trampoline, and rides on trains etc. Going to the Namo Ghat is a spiritual trip through the heart and soul of Varanasi that you will never forget. Know More >>
Assighat is one of the largest and most well-known ghats in Varanasi. It is a place where people can visit to feel spiritual, watch the sight, and learn about the culture of the city. Assi ghat is the point where the sacred rivers Ganges and Assi unite. There is a small but easily visible ‘akhara’ at this ghat. The Assi Ghat is also one of the five special ghats where pilgrims are meant to take a bath in order as part of the Panch-tirthi Yatra ritual. Devotees say that taking a dip at Assi Ghat is the same as taking dip at thousands of other holy waters. This Ghat is also famous for the morning aarti and rituals performed known as “Subah-e-Banaras”. Every day, hundreds of devotees flock here to say their prayers and follow the traditional rituals of the Hindu faith. Spending some time at the ghat will have a calming effect on both your mind and body. Know More >>
Located in the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Ramnagar Fort is a beautiful and fascinating monument. Built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, it was originally used as a center of power and control over the kingdom. Ramnagar Fort has something for every kind of traveller. The beauty of Ramnagar Fort is its majestic look which can be seen both during the day and evening. Not only is the fort beautiful to look at, it is also a historical marvel. It houses a wide variety of artifacts such as weapons, armors and costumes. Ramnagar Fort houses several attractive paintings. The fort is also known to have a large collection of vintage cars, palkis, etc which is a sight to behold. The view of Ganga River from this fort will leave you mesmerized. People from all over the world are drawn to the dazzling beauty of Ramnagar Fort. The extraordinary elegance of this structure makes it a must-see for any traveler to the ancient city of Varanasi. Know More >>
Sant Ravidas Mandir (Guru Ravidas Janam sthan Mandir)
Varanasi is notable for being the birthplace of two of the most important saints in the Bhakti Movement: Sat guru Kabir and Sat guru Ravidas. The Ravidas temple in Varanasi is considered by devotees of the Ravidasi religion to be the holiest site in the world and the center of their religious hierarchy. The Saint Ravidas Mandir in Dharma Nagri in the city of Kashi is referred to as the city’s second Golden Temple. This magnificent temple is often referred to as the Golden Temple because this temple has more than 200 kilograms of gold. T he birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is celebrated at this temple every year, and draws in millions of devotees from all across the world. At least once in their lifetime, devotees of Guru Ravidas from all over the world hope to be able to pay their respects at the Shri Guru Ravidas Janam sthan Mandir at Varanasi. Know More >>
Tibetan Temple
This ancient structure is part of a Buddhist pilgrimage destination that includes monasteries, shrines, and temples and was built to keep the Buddha’s remains. Lord Buddha taught his followers the four truths of life in the Tibetan Temple. The temple is built in the style of traditional Tibetan architecture and has some interesting features. Two intricately carved lions stand guard at the temple’s door and add beauty to it. When you walk into the temple, you’ll see a big open area with a light pink stupa. One of the most important things about the temple is that it has Buddhist paintings on the walls and ceilings. A figure of Shakyamuni Buddha or Buddha in a resting position is inside the temple. Outside the building, you can see prayer wheels which when turned in a clockwise direction, let out pieces of paper with prayers written on them. Overall, the Tibetan Temple is a must-see in Sarnath for people of all ages and backgrounds because it has a real sense of faith, which is important in today’s busy world. Know More >>
Kabir Das’s birthplace was the city of Varanasi. He was a mystic artist and saint. In his honor, a shrine called Kabir Math was built. In Varanasi, Kabir Math is a place where people can see many things that belonged to Kabir. He grew up in this place, which now has different collections about Kabir. There are many of his books in a big library. There’s a small park with a lot of statues in it. Temples such as Samadhi Mandir and Chabutara Beejak can be found inside Kabir Math. It has paintings that show what happened in the saint’s life. The place is peaceful and makes you want to learn more about Kabir’s lessons. Every year, a lot of people from all over the world come to the Kabir Math to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Kabir’s birth. It is said that all Kabirpanthis visit Kabir Math at least once in their lives. If anyone wants to know more about Sant Kabir, it is the best place to visit in Varanasi. Know More >>
Varanasi is considered incredible not only because of its temples but there are certain other things in this city that separates it from other famous places. One of this is the beautiful Bharat Mata Mandir. It is the only temple in the world that is dedicated to the honor and respect of Mother India. Inside the Bharat Mata Mandir, there is no statue. The mountains, plains, and seas are drawn to scale on the map. The temple’s whole construction is well-held up by five different pillars. These poles represent Earth, Air, Fire, Sky, and Water, which are the five things that make up nature. The temple is located on the grounds of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta built the temple before India got its independence. Mahatma Gandhi was the one who inaugurated this beautiful temple in Varanasi. This temple is one of a kind and a sign of pride. Overall, this famous temple is one of the best places to go in Varanasi if you want to explore something different and interesting in this city. Know More >>
Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country who come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of the most visited temples in the city. It was built in the 17th century by a great saint, Sant Tulsi das. Known for its sacred aura, this temple is believed to possess divine powers which help in the removal of all kinds of hurdles and adversities in life. One of the major attractions of this temple is the presence of a huge idol of Lord Hanuman facing his ideal Lord Rama and a huge Banyan tree. Numerous religious ceremonies and rituals are conducted here from time to time. The beauty of the temple is definitely worth witnessing. The area around the temple marketplace is filled with numerous vendors selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Whether you are looking for spiritual peace or simply trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you will surely find solace at the sacred Sankat Mochan Temple. Know More >>
Jantar Mantar is an observatory on top of the Man Mahal Palace near Dashashwamedh ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a well-known tourist spot in Varanasi. In 1737, Maharaja Jai Singh II commissioned the construction of Jantar Mantar in the city of Varanasi. He was very interested in science and technology, and astronomy was his favorite subject. Jantar Mantar was built to measure the local time, altitude, and the tilt of the Sun, stars, and planets, as well as to figure out when eclipses would happen. It was a replica of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, and Mathura. The spot is known for its many structures of different sizes and shapes. Many astronomers, scholars, engineers, builders, and scientists, as well as travelers, are interested in these buildings because of how well they combine geometric shapes. This amazing place shows how far science and magic have come in India. Even now, its calculations are almost the same as those made by current technology. Know More >>
The Bharat Kala Bhawan is a university museum in Varanasi, India. It is part of the Banaras Hindu University. It is one of the most popular things to see in Varanasi. Bharat Kala Bhavan was founded on January 1, 1920, along with the establishment of Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad. The current museum was established in 1950 by Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, who was Prime Minister of India at the time. The Bharat Kala Bhawan features Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, images, and many more. In the museum, you can also see pottery, metalwork, items made from ivory, jewelry, terracotta beads, and a rare collection of tiny paintings from Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Pahari. The Bharat Kala Bhawan has 104,376 items in its collection. The most interesting part of all the different things is a vault where things made of gold, platinum, and jade are put on show. If you’re in Varanasi, you must visit this incredible history center. Know More >>
The Tulsi Manas Mandir is one of the most well-known temples in the city of Varanasi. The entire construction of the temple is composed of white marble, and the temple’s architecture is absolutely stunning. On one of the walls of the temple is a stunning depiction of several different episodes from the Ramayana, which is a Hindu epic. This wall is one of the temple’s great attractions. As the ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was initially composed at this location by the Hindu poet-saint, Goswami Tulsidas, this temple carries with it a significant amount of historical and cultural significance in Hinduism. There are statues of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman, and his wife Sita inside the temple. The Ramayana is retold through a series of scenarios, some of which are animated and feature statues clothed in attractive attire. There is a beautiful Tulsi Garden that is characterized by an atmosphere that is quite serene and spotless. Visiting Varanasi will be worthless if one skips the incredible Tulsi Manas Mandir. Know More >>
Rani Bhabani of Natore built Durga Mandir in the early 1800s.In Hinduism, this shrine is very important because it is dedicated to Maa Durga. It is said that the temple’s main statue is not built by anyone. Instead, it is thought to have appeared on its own. The temple has a beautiful design that draws the attention of people. It was built in the North Indian Nagara style and has a shikhara with many levels. Ochre is used to color the whole building red. The goddess’s vehicle, a beautiful bronze lion, stands at the door to the main shrine. On the right side of the Durga Temple, there is a pond called Durga Kund. It is part of the temple complex. Pilgrims can go to the temple any time of day, from morning until evening. The atmosphere in the temple is peaceful and makes people feel spiritual. It is one of the most visited places of worship in Banaras and a must-see for tourists in Varanasi. Know More >>
Other Popular Places to visit in Varanasi
nepali temple
kedarghat
bhu
shivalaghat
iskcon
chunar fort
Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall
Rajdari Waterfall
Devdari Waterfall
manikarnikaghat
harishchnadraghar
st mary church
manmandir observatory
scindiaghat
BatukBhairavMandir
SitaSamahitSthal
