Places to Visit in Varanasi

Varanasi which is also known as Banaras and Kashi is located on the banks of the Ganges River in the southeast of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the seven sacred cities of India which is known for its spirituality. There are thousands to thousands of tourists visiting Varanasi or Kashi every year. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of the Ganges river will take off all their sins.

Varanasi is almost 2800 years old ancient city and it is still counting. Going on a trip to Varanasi gives you a unique lifetime experience with beauty and the best sightseeing places. It is known as The City of Lights. Other than temples there are also some of the best tourist places in Varanasi that you can visit like museums, amazing ghats, cafes, waterparks, and many more.

Some of the famous places in Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple, Ramnagar Fort & Museum, Alamgir Mosque, Godowlia Market, Chowk and Vishwanath Gali, and many more. You can use TravelGuru coupons while booking your tickets and get some discounts and also cashback.

Best places to visit in Varanasi

1. Kashi Vishwanath temple

• Kashi Vishwanath temple is just 4km away from the city center of Varanasi. It is the most religious and famous place to visit in Varanasi.
• There are a large number of devotees every year who visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanathan or Vishweshwarar which means The Ruler of the Universe.
• Kashi Vishwanath temple is located on the banks of the river Ganga.
• The Tower of the temple consists of an 800 kg Gold plate
• One of the oldest, richest, and most holy temples in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• You can also visit the small temples of Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, Vinayaka, and Avimukteshwara.
• Shivratri and Rangabhari Ekadashi are the two grand festivals celebrated in the temple. So this will be the best time to visit this temple.

• Timings: Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Morning)
  Bhoga Aarti: 11:15 AM to 12:20 AM (Day)
  Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM (Evening)
  Shringara Aarti: 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM (Night)
  Shayana Aarti: 10:30 PM ti 11:00 PM (Night)
• Time Required: 1 to 3 hours
• Dress Code: Men: Dhoti – Kurta
  Women – Saree

2. Assi Ghat

• Assi Ghat is situated almost 5km away from the city center on the banks of river Assi. Assi Ghat is famous for the large of Lord Shivalinga under the peepal tree.
• This is the best Varanasi tourist place to visit. There is very strong religious importance and also there are mentioned in the Puranas by many legends.
• Also, it is said that the famous poet and saint Tulsidas took his last breath here.
• Tourists and locals visit this place for the mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset. You can also take a boat ride.
• Every day in the evening devotees chants prayers during the aarthi done by the priests.

• Timings: Anytime
• Time required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fees: No Entry fees
• Arthi Timings: Summer – 7:00 PM
  Winter – 6:00 PM

Also Read: 40 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

3. Tulsi Manasa Temple

• Tulsi Manasa Temple which is located 4km away from the city center is the best place to visit in Varanasi. This was constructed during the year 1964 by the Thakur Surekha Das family
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is named after the great saint Tulsidas
• The architecture of the temple is in Shikhara style with white marble and the walls are encrypted with Ram Charit Manas.
• There are carvings that depict the story of Ramayana.
• The best religious place symbolizes the simplicity and grace of the Hindu religion.
• During the auspicious festivals, Ramcharitmanas are narrated with puppets.

• Timings: 05:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 03:30 PM to 09:00 PM
• Time Required: 1 hour
• Entry Fees: No entry fees

4. Manikarnika Ghat

• Manikarnika Ghat is located around 5km away from the city center of Varanasi. It is a major Varnaki tourist attraction and religious place to visit.
• Manikarnika Ghat is a place where Devi Sati set herself on fire and was also the birthplace of the great queen Rani Lakshmibai.
• This ghat is said to be the gateway to the next life. Performing the last rituals of cremation while offering a painless pass and also freedom between the cycle of birth and death.

• Timings: Anytime
• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fees: No entry fees

5. Ramnagar Fort

• Ramnagar fort is situated on the banks of the river Ganga, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat and 7km away from the city center of Varanasi.
• The fort was constructed in the year 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh with Mughal-style architecture.
• There are two temples in the fort dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Veda Vyasa.
• The Durbar Hall is now converted into a museum which is known as Saraswathi Bhawan. There is a collection of vintage cars, royal palanquins, and multicolored murals of Maharajas.
• The fort is surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, elaborate halls, carved balconies, and decorated courtyards with amazing Mughal-style architecture.

• Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fees: Rs. 20 per person

6. Bharat Mata Mandir

• Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple is located around 2km away from the city center of Varanasi. This is the best place to visit in Varanasi and is also a Varanasi tourist attraction.
• The main highlight of this temple is it is totally dedicated to our country – Mother India.
• This was constructed in the year 1936 and was integrated by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Our country map is sculpted with marble, the water bodies are depicted with actual water. Peaks and hill regions are lifted with spikes.
• The architecture of this temple is magnificent.

• Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fees: No entry fees

7. Dasaswamedh Ghat

• Dasaswamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi which is located 4km away from the city center. This is the most religious and best tourist place in Varanasi.
• It is believed that Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedha that is 10 horses were sacrificed in this ghat.
• The main highlight of this ghat is during the sunsets, Ganga aarthi is performed on the bank of the river Ganga and is filled with dhiyas.
• Watching Ganga aarthi is a fascinating view with those lights.

• Timings: Anytime
• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry fees: No entry fees

8. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a famous place to visit in Varanasi and is located just 4km away from the city center.
• The temple is situated on the banks of the river Assi and was constructed in the year 1900 by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.
• You need to be aware of Monkeys that are on the premises of the temple, they do not harm you.
• The Laddo which they provide as prasad is famous for this temple.

• Timings: 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 10 PM
• Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fees: No entry fees

Things to do in Varanasi:

1. Morning boat ride in the Ganges River to experience the beautiful view of sunrise
2. Must for sightseeing in Sarnath
3. Take bath in the holy river
4. Do shopping in Varanasi Local Market
5. Enjoy the taste of local cuisine in the streets and restaurants of Varanasi
6. Explore weaver’s village
7. Visit Jantar Mantar
8. Visit the ghats
9. Seek blessing in the temples of Varanasi
10. Buy the famous Banrasi sarees

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many days do you need to explore Varanasi?

• 3 days is enough to visit all the famous and popular places of Varanasi

2. What should I wear in Varanasi?

• Comfortable traditional and airy clothes, a shawl to cover your head for women, and comfortable footwear.

3. Which is the famous sweet of Varanasi?

• Malaiyyo is the famous sweet of Varanasi which is made up of milk.

4. Which month is best to visit Varanasi?

• Peak season which is November to February is the best time to visit Varanasi.