By Welcome to Varanasi! This spiritual capital of India is situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is commonly referred to as Banaras or Kashi and is full of life, color, and spirituality. This is a destination that has attracted pilgrims from around the globe for centuries, with its enduring traditions, sacred temples, and powerful yet serene Ganges. The place is full of surreal sounds of temple bells, chanting priests, and even the fragrance of incense. It is a place where the synergy of spirituality, history, and culture seamlessly blends together.
Though Varanasi is a revered ancient city with old temples and ghats, it is increasingly opening up to its modern aspects as well. The infrastructure has improved quite a bit with new cafes and cultural centers that give Varanasi a modern vibe to draw in the younger generations as well as international travelers. Modern Varanasi is a beautiful example of how an ancient city can respect its roots while embracing a bright and promising future.
Further, Varanasi is no less than a traveler’s paradise, let’s dive into the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi that every visitor should experience!
Varanasi: The spiritual capital and one of the oldest living cities in India is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Also known as Banaras and even Kashi, Varanasi is full of life, color, and spirituality. The destination attracts pilgrims from all over globe with its enduring traditions, temples and powerful Ganga.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the holiest temples of Lord Shiva in India. Inside the temple is the Jyotirlinga, a divine form of Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times due to various wars and invasions. It was most recently rebuilt in the 19th century. It has beautiful architecture, and you can find many designs and carvings all over this temple.
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Highlights :
- The golden spire that shines over the city
- Spiritually enriching morning and evening aarti
- Bustling markets surrounding the temple
Entry fees: Free of cost
Timings: 02:30 am to 11:00 pm
Ramnagar Fort
Constructed by the king of Varanasi Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, Ramnagar Fort can be found on the opposite bank of the Ganges River, featuring Mughal-style architecture and a collection of antique objects. Although they have replaced the system of kings in the region now, the present-day Maharaja, Pelu Bhiru Singh, still lives in the Fort. A few hours spent here will give you the best exposure to the grand lifestyle of the Banaras royals, with artifacts dating as long ago as some centuries back.
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Highlights
- Museum showcasing different vintage cars, royal costumes and weapons.
- Beautiful blend of architecture and history of India.
Entry Fees:
No Entry Fees.
Museum entry fee applicable :
- For Indians : Rs 20
- For Foreigners : Rs 150
Timings :
09:30 am to 05:30 pm
Sarnath
This is a very famous spot and one of the best places to visit near Varanasi. About 10 to 12 km away from Varanasi, the place is a tranquil Buddhist site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It’s most known for its Dhamek Stupa, where it is believed that Buddhism originated, marking the exact location where he preached.
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Highlights
- Dhamek Stupa
- Lush green gardens
- Museum displaying Buddhist artifacts and sculptures
Entry fees :
- For Indians : Rs 30
- For foreigners: Rs 500
Timings :
06:00 am to 07:00 pm
Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat, is situated near the southern end of Varanasi and is one of the most peaceful and serene spots favored by locals, tourists and university students. It is renowned as is located at the confluence of the Rivers Assi and Ganga and large Shiva Lingam found at its base beneath a peepal tree. At the same time, it also possesses significant religious significance itself and has been addressed widely in the Puranas and many legendary books of Hinduism.
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Highlights
- Recently Aarti and yoga sessions to get the true feel of Varanasi.
- Cafes, small shops and bookstores nearby
- Special boat ride to experience a magical sunrise
Timings :
Open all-day
Entry fees:
Free of cost
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
This museum is situated inside the Banaras Hindu University, and displays plenty of artefacts, sculptures, and paintings representing the cultural heritage of India. Although the place is not very popular among tourists, it is definitely one of the hidden gems of Varanasi, where you can get beautiful insight into the past.
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Highlights
- Collection of rare artifacts like coins, pottery, and textiles
- Displayed Indian Art tradition and cultural heritage
Timings :
10:00 am to 05:30 pm
Entry Fees:
- For Indians: Rs 10
- For Foreigners: Rs 150
Vindham Waterfalls
One of the best places to visit near Varanasi, Vindham Waterfalls is a wonderful destination that allows one to connect with nature through waterfalls and greenery sceneries against the backdrop of high hills located a few kilometres away from Varanasi. A favourite retreat for locals and those who visit the area looking for a peaceful getaway, and beautiful views of nature around you.
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Highlights
- The majestic waterfall
- Breathtaking scenic photographic locations
- Natural shadow pool at the base of the falls.
Timings
06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Aamgir Mosque
Famously known as the Beni Madhav ka Darera, Aamgir Mosque is an architectural marvel which is located on the bank river Ganga. The unique architecture of the mosque combines both the Mughal and the Hindu architectural styles. It is believed the mosque was built on land that previously had a Shiva temple, which was demolished by Aurangzeb. You can witness some mesmerizing views of river Ganga from one of the elevated locations of this mosque.
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Highlights :
- Impressive domes and tall minarets
- Indo-Islamic architecture
- Stunning views of Ganga Ghat
Timings
07:00 am to 07:00 pm
Entry fees:
Free of charge
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is another of Varanasi’s largest and most revered riverside steps along the Ganges. It is regarded as one of the liveliest locations to see the city’s aartis and vitality. Devotees flock here to purify themselves with ritualistic dips in the Ganges. There are so many shrines on the steps of the ghat, making this ghat the most sacred place to visit.
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Highlights :
- Renowned Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, with lights, incense, and chanting.
- It is a popular place to take a Ganges boat trip at dawn or dusk.
Entry Fees :
Free of cost (Boat ride cost applicable )
Timings :
Open 24 hours
Banaras Hindu University(BHU)
BHU, one of Asia’s biggest resident universities, was established by freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and boasts beautiful architecture, temples, and lush green surroundings. This 5.3 square kilometre campus in the city was built in 1916 and has almost 30,000 students residing in this campus. The unique Indo-Gothic architecture of the University is a big attraction and a must visit place in Varanasi.
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Highlights
- New Vishwanath temple
- Lush green gardens
- Museum and other historic buildings
Best Time to visit : Day time to explore the university and attractions within
Entry fees:
Free of charge with only certain parts of campus open for visitors
Dev Deepawali
Obsessed with the lanterns of the celebration, Dev Deepawali is an enormous festival celebrated on the full moon of Kartik Purnima, where thousands of oil lamps illuminate the ghats of the Ganges, marking the triumph of Lord Shiva over the devil Tripurasura. It is a grand phenomenon that the entire city takes part in, as the banks of the Ganges are transformed into bright lights, colors, and devotion; known as the Diwali of the Gods. People from all over the world visit Varanasi to witness one of the most beautiful and divine events taking place in the ancient city.
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Highlights
- Ganga Aarti
- Enlighten ghats of Ganga
- Boat Road
- Cultural performances
Timings :
Open entire day
Entry Fees:
Free of charge
Varanasi: Spiritual Journey Through Time and faith
Varanasi blends history, spirituality, and culture in a unique way. Each ghat has a story to tell and each temple reflects deep devotion, Varanasi keeps its every nook and corner alive with the pulse of tradition. The city is not only pleasurable to stroll but its vibrant streets, holy places and tranquil riverbanks leave an unforgettable mark on your heart and soul. From the morning chants along the Ganges to lively festivals and the warmth of its people, Varanasi is a city that invites you to explore, connect, and become a part of its timeless charm.
