Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Varanasi, also known as Benares and Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Varanasi has long been a renowned hub for education. Sanskrit, yoga, the Hindi language, and authors like the renowned novelist Prem Chand and the well-known saint-poet Tulsi Das are all celebrated in Varanasi. Varanasi, therefore, is also referred to as the cultural capital of India. People travel from all over the world to Varanasi visiting places to bathe in the Ganges River, which is said to wash away sins.
Varanasi is a multifaceted city with a wealth of things to explore, from archaeology and mythology to geography and history to medical and industrial advancements over time. It boasts a thriving culture, historical accounts of struggles for freedom, fairs and festivals, and a plethora of other intriguing experiences.
By train: Almost all trains travelling through northern India stop at Varanasi station. The Mughal Sarai Junction, is located 18 kilometres from the main city and receives trains from Indian cities from across the country.
By air: Although there aren’t many direct international flights that land in Varanasi, nearly all domestic airlines offer frequent service to and from this city. The airlines with the most frequent service are Jet Airways, Air India, and SpiceJet.
By road: The road links to Varanasi are convenient and well-maintained. The main connecting highway is NH-19. Cities like Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Allahabad are close by and can be reached by car.
Best time to visit Varanasi: Winter (November–February) is the ideal time to visit Varanasi because the temperature is moderate and there is a gentle wind all day. Even the monsoons, which bring moderate to heavy rainfall, are pleasant.
15 Varanasi tourist places and things to do in Varanasi for an amazing experience
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Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a major tourist place in Varanasi. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and situated on the western bank of the river Ganga. The tower of the temple has 800 kg of gold plating, which is one of its notable features. It is also known as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwarar, which means ‘the ruler of the Universe’. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the Jnana Vapi, or wisdom well, which is located within the temple. Cameras, mobile phones and other electronic devices must be left outside in lockers because they are not permitted inside. The fact that the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is mentioned in a number of Hindu holy texts adds to its significance. Smaller temples like Kaal Bhairav, Virupaksh Gauri, Avimukteshwara, etc. are also present there.
See also: Must-see spots and must-do activities in Rishikesh
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Dashashwamedh Ghat
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Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Dashashwamedh is one of the most famous Ghats of Varanasi. It is believed that Lord Brahma offered the Dasa Ashwamedha sacrifice at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Numerous rituals are carried out at this ghat as it is a sacred site. If you visit this place at the time of Kartik Purnima, you will witness a wonderful celebration of Dev Deepawali. On the day of Kartik Purnima, Gods are believed to make their way to the Varanasi Ganga Ghats to perform aarti for the Ganga River. You must add this place to your Varanasi places to visit list to experience some ethereal moments.
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Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
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Sankat Mochan is a term used to describe a problem solver. The freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya constructed the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in the 1900s. It is located by the River Assi. One prominent feature of this temple is the Hanuman idol facing Lord Rama, whom he worshipped fervently and with great devotion. Moreover, it is believed that Tulsidas composed the epic poem Ramcharitmanas, meaning “Lake of the Deeds of Rama,” here.
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Assi Ghat
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The Assi Ghat, where the Rivers Assi and Ganga meet, is well-known for housing a big Shiva Lingam beneath a peepal tree. It is mentioned in the Puranas and has tremendous religious significance. It is located in the heart of the city, and many people from all over the country and world come here to look at the beautiful sunrise and sunset. If you want to experience the essence of Varanasi, you must see the Aarti that happens at the Ghat in the morning. Since Assi Ghat is close to Banaras Hindu University, students frequently visit it. You can take a boat ride to explore Varanasi’s unique culture. The sound of bells ringing, mantras being chanted, and water splashing is worth witnessing.
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Vishwanath Gali
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One of Varanasi’s busiest and oldest streets, Vishwanath Gali is around 300 metres long and runs from Gynavapi Chowk to Dashshwamedh Ghat. It is known for having one of Varanasi’s most well-known temples, Kashi Vishwananth, and for being a popular shopping area. The bustling gali offers a wide range of items at reasonable prices. Flowers and other offerings for the deities are sold at shops close to the temple entrance. You can easily find everyday items, home décor items, clothes, idols of gods and goddesses as well as local foods and sweets.
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New Vishwanath Temple, BHU
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The New Vishwanath Temple is located at Banaras Hindu University. It is the ideal location to experience Lord Shiva’s majesty, and the sacred Ganga river amplifies its magnificence. When you visit it, you forget about the hustle of the city due to the temple’s serenity. The extremely well-known Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara, is thought to possess enormous and limitless power.
This Jyotirlinga is believed to have the power to purify our souls and lead us along the right path of knowledge and devotion with just one glimpse. The temple has nine other temples, welcomes visitors of all faiths to take in its splendour and values the important roles that Dharma, Kama, Artha, Moksa, and Karma play in our lives.
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Tulsi Manas Temple
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The Lord Rama-dedicated Tulsi Manas Temple was built in 1964. It holds the title of Ramanandi Vaishnav Hindu saint and poet Tulsi Das, who was well-known for his fervent devotion to Lord Rama. The architecture of the temple is in the Shikhara style, and the walls of the temple are covered in numerous texts from the Ram Charit Manas. The best time to visit this tourist place in Varanasi is between July and August when it offers up a special Ramayana-themed puppet display that is a great experience for all.
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Durga Temple
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The Varanasi Durga Temple was constructed in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore. It is situated adjacent to Durga Kund. It is one of Varanasi’s most important temples and contains a beautiful idol of the goddess Durga. It maintains that nobody created the picture of Goddess Durga; instead, it is thought to have emerged on its own. It is also referred to as Monkey Temple because of the great number of monkeys that live there. Ochre has been used to colour the entire temple red. The colour red is a representation of the goddess of power and strength.
People travel from all around the country and world to this place to pray and pay respects.
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Banaras Hindu University
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Since ancient times, Varanasi has been referred to as the “Hub of Education.” People from different places come here to learn a variety of skills, including Science, Sanskrit, Mythology, Astrology, etc. This 5.3 square kilometre campus of Banaras Hindu University was built by Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916. The largest residential institution on the continent, it has approximately 30,000 students living on campus. The University boasts a long list of outstanding faculty members and alumni. The expansive lawns and Indo-Gothic buildings enhance the university’s attractiveness. The university is also known as the Capital of Knowledge.
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Ramnagar Fort
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Ramnagar Fort is a sandstone building that was constructed in the Mughal style in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Maharaja Balwant Sing. It is situated on the eastern banks of the Ganga, across from the Tulsi Ghat. It is renowned for its distinctive collections of American vintage cars, jewelled sedan chairs, ivory work, mediaeval costumes, etc.
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Alamgir Mosque
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After becoming the emperor of the Mughal empire, Aurangzeb in 1669 built the mosque and gave it the name of his honorific title “Alamgir”. It is located on the Panchganga Ghat.The mosque is an incredibly beautiful structure with beautiful minarets and towering domes constructed in the Indo-Islamic style. Its gigantic domes look magnificent.
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Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall
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Latifpur in Varanasi is home to the Lakhaniya Dari Waterfall, which is located roughly 50km away from Varanasi. The waterfalls are reached after a short trip over the hills, and they are particularly liked by hikers and adventure seekers. In contrast to the noise and commotion of the city, the waterfalls are serene and calm.
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Vindham Waterfalls
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Located approximately 80-90kms from Varanasi, Vindham Waterfalls is a sparkling waterfall located in Mirzapur. It is an excellent picnic spot and it is close to other well-known tourist destinations including the Tanda fountains, caverns, and temples. You must visit Vindham Waterfalls to enjoy and relax.
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Ramnagar Ramlila
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The Ramayana’s account of Lord Ram’s trip is depicted in a set of plays known as Ramlila. The Royal House of Benaras supported the development of the 200-year-old Ramlila. Each year, these events at Ramnagar last for over a month and draw large crowds from all over the country. Dussehra, a festival that commemorates the triumph of Good over Evil, marks the culmination of it all. Every year, almost a million tourists flock to Uttar Pradesh to take part in this celebration. You should be a part of these celebrations to experience the devotion towards Lord Rama.
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Sarnath
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10 kilometres northeast of Varanasi, close to the meeting point of the Varuna and Ganges rivers, is a place called Sarnath. The Buddhist Sangha was founded at the deer park in Sarnath, the location of Gautama Buddha’s first Dhamma teachings and Kondanna’s enlightenment. This place to visit in Varanasi, also known as Isipatana, is one of the four pilgrimage sites the Buddha suggested his devoted disciples visit.
FAQs
What is Varanasi renowned for?
Varanasi developed into a significant industrial hub known for its art, perfumes, ivory carvings, and muslin and silk fabrics. Varanasi was a part of the Kingdom of Kashi during the period of the Gautama Buddha.
How long should a vacation to Varanasi last?
A trip of two to three days is sufficient to see the main attractions of Varanasi.
What is famous for shopping in Varanasi?
Varanasi is well known for its Banarasi Silk Sari, Crystal & Stone Shivalinga, Rudraksha Mala, Wooden Toys, Sweets, etc.
