Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi is a famous cultural and spiritual capital of India. This is one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations located in Uttar Pradesh and is visited by a huge number of devotees and tourists as well. There are numerous ancient temples, scenic Ghats at holy River Ganga along with several Buddhist and Jain stupas in this pilgrimage spot. The sacred city is now an important industrial center popular for silk fabrics, muslin ivory works, perfumes, and sculpture. Witness the divine spectacle of age-old holy aarti offered to River Ganga as the devotees pray near the water with lanterns days and enjoy the boat ride on its tranquil waters especially during sunrise and sunset.

Shri Vishwanath Mandir, Varanasi

This is a favored destination for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is placed in the heart of the Varanasi in famous Banaras Hindu University. Holy River Ganga flows by its side. The majestic New Vishwanath Temple offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere where devotees can offer obeisance to Lord Shiva. The positive aura of the precincts of the temple and darshan of Jyotirlinga is energizing. This beautifully constructed nine temples beckon people of all religions to realize the oneness of God and understand the ideology of Hinduism. The New Vishwanath Temple integrates every element of the Hindu cosmos namely the good, and the evil.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

This renowned shrine is placed on the western bank of holy river Ganga in Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the main pilgrimage temples for Hindu devotees. It is one of 12 Jyotirlingas or temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of the Temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanath meaning "the ruler of the universe". The temple has nearly 800 kg of gold plating on its tower. Camera, or mobile phones, are not allowed inside the temple and have to be deposited in lockers outside. A Holy Well is present within the temple complex called Jnana Vapi well where only Hindus are allowed to enter.

Durga Temple, Varanasi

Popularly known as Durga Kund Mandir or Monkey temple, this is a beautiful shrine in Varanasi. Built-in the 18th century, the temple is dedicated to Maa Durga. The legend goes that the idol of Maa Durga manifested on its own and was not created by any artisan. The beautiful edifice is built in a typical North Indian style of architecture. It is painted in bright hues of red and has a multi-tiered spire. A large number of monkeys roam here, but do not disturb the devotees. A rectangular pond known as Durga Kund is made at the right side of the temple. Millions of devotees pay obeisance during Navratras. The temple remains open throughout the year for the devotees.

Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi

Bharat Mata Mandir is a distinctive shrine. The temple does not have any deity. It is dedicated to our country, Mother India. Nestled in the Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus it is a unique temple that houses a big relief map of India made to scale. It is carved out of white Makrana marble. The temple stands on five big pillars starting from the bottom, but converging at the top. The five pillars represent the five elements of nature namely water, sky, earth, wind, and fire. The temple was built in 1936 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi

Alamgir Mosque is a historical mosque amidst picturesque surroundings. The outstanding Indo-Islamic style of architecture dating back to 17th century. It has a captivating backdrop of scenic River Ganga. Aurangzeb built this mosque after demolishing Vishnu Temple. Perched atop the Panchganga Ghat, you need to climb a long narrow way to reach the mosque. The view of River Ganga from the top is amazing, especially in the evening. Also known as Beni Madhav ka Darera the rustic exteriors of the mosque with its minarets and high domes are striking. There is a small pond and fountain in the courtyard of the mosque.

Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

This is one of the most popular and vibrant ghats In Varanasi. It is a religious spot for the devotees and pilgrims and is visited by hordes of tourists as well. The colorful ghat is bustling with flower sellers, boat owners, sadhus, guides, and massage practitioners. The atmosphere is charged with gaiety and devotion. Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and Agni Pooja are performed at 7:00 PM every evening at this scenic Ghat as bells ring, prayer ceremonies are performed with big fire aarti stands by priests. This oldest Ghat is placed close to the famous Vishwanath Temple at Bangali Tola at the bank of the River Ganga. Tourist can witness the captivating beautifully lit riverfront view.

Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

This is the unique ‘Burning Ghat’ in Varanasi that symbolizes both the process of creation and destruction. It is considered to be the most auspicious place for Hindus to be cremated. big piles of Firewood including Chandan wood are stacked here. It is awe-inspiring to witness the hectic activity as preparations are done for funerals. There is a tank in the precincts of this Ghat known as Manikarnika well. CharanPaduka of Lord Vishnu set in marble is placed between the Well and the Ghat. The walls of the Kund are painted with vivid colors as folk art, depicting the presiding goddess, Manikarnika Devi, beckons the pilgrims to bathe and worship here. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

Assi Ghat, Varanasi

The scenic Assi Ghat is a very famous tourist attraction in Varanasi. It is positioned at the confluence of both River Ganga and River Asi. There is huge Shiva Lingham nestled under the peepall tree, which holds immense religious significance. Tourists gather in huge numbers to enjoy the enthralling sunset and sunrise view of River Ganga from here. Assi Ghat is the heart of this holy city and is a popular spot for witnessing the spectacular Aarti with bells ringing amidst chanting of shlokas in the morning. It is the southernmost Ghat located near Banaras Hindu University, where yoga enthusiasts also do yoga. During winters many migratory birds can be seen here.

Manmandir Ghat, Varanasi

Also known as Someshwara Ghat, this sprawling ghat exhibits immense appealing environs. Positioned towards the north of Dashashwamedh Ghat on the western banks of River Ganga, it has a splendid palace with decorative window carvings and stone balconies. The historical Ghat was built by Raja Man Singh of Amer in the 16th century. An observatory known as Jantar Mantar is placed at the roof of the palace and attracts lots of tourists. You can have a captivating view of River Ganga in the evening and early morning and its surroundings from here. The Man Mandir Ghat is dotted with many Hindu temples such as Sthuladanta Vinayak Temple, Rameshwara Temple, and Someshwara Temple.

Gyan Vapi Well, Varanasi

It is a sacred well positioned in the center of the precincts of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Gyanvapi Mosque. The water of this well is considered to be holier than the water of River Ganges. It is said that when Aurangzeb invaded the Kashi Vishwanath temple the head priest hid the Shivalinga in the well to protect it. Meaning the “well of knowledge”, the Well is visited by many Hindu devotees. It is believed that those who drink water from this Well gain higher realm of spirituality. The tourists and devotees can explore Gyan Kup here, The best day to visit the Well is on Friday.

Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi

This fortified structure is made in sandstone. The historical fort was built by Kashi Naresh, The King of Varanasi, in the 18th century in classic Mughal styled architecture with intricately carved balconies, pavilions, and open courtyards. There is a massive Durbar hall and a reception room. The majestic edifice is on the eastern banks of River Ganga, right opposite Tulsi Ghat. The fort houses ancient Veda Vyasa temple, and famous Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple, along with a museum known as Saraswati Bhawan, and a big astronomical clock. The private residential area of the king is not opened for the tourists.