Have you ever felt like walking through a city that whispers stories from ancient times? Welcome to Varanasi, the sacred city on the banks of the River Ganga, located in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. Known as Kashi or Banaras, this city is among the oldest living cities in the world.
If you’re someone who loves spirituality, culture, heritage, and Indian traditions, then Varanasi is your calling. Let’s explore the top Varanasi tourist places, one divine step at a time.
🔱 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Soul of Varanasi
No visit to Varanasi is complete without paying homage to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This temple is the spiritual heart of Varanasi and a must-visit for every devotee.
- 🛕 Location: Vishwanath Gali
- 🌟 Highlights: Gold-plated spire, intense spiritual vibes, and traditional rituals
- 📸 Tip: Photography is restricted. Respect temple customs.
🌊 2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – For the Divine Ganga Aarti
If you want to witness devotion in its most vibrant form, head straight to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti. Hundreds gather here every evening to experience a mesmerizing performance of light, chants, and rhythm.
- 📍 Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- 🕕 Best Time: 6:30 PM–7:00 PM (Evening Aarti)
- 📷 Don’t Miss: Boat ride during Aarti
🌅 3. Assi Ghat – Serenity at Sunrise
Assi Ghat is a popular spot among students, pilgrims, and travelers who enjoy the tranquility of sunrise by the Ganga. Yoga sessions, morning prayers, and a laid-back vibe make this ghat unique.
- 🎒 Why Visit: Less crowded, peaceful mornings
- 🍵 Bonus: Street chai and live music mornings
🔥 4. Manikarnika Ghat – The Final Journey
Not your typical tourist spot, but a place of deep significance. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation ghats in India. Hindus believe dying here grants moksha (liberation from rebirth).
- ⚠️ Note: Please be respectful, no photos allowed
- 💭 Experience: A powerful spiritual perspective on life and death
🧘 5. Sarnath – The Buddhist Connection
Just a short ride from Varanasi lies Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. It’s a major pilgrimage center for Buddhists worldwide.
- 🏛️ Must-See: Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath Museum
- 🚗 Distance from Varanasi: ~10 km
🏰 6. Ramnagar Fort – Legacy of the Kashi Kings
Cross the river to visit the Ramnagar Fort, a stunning sandstone structure from the 18th century. It’s the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras and showcases vintage weapons, clocks, and royal artifacts.
- 🕰️ Don’t Miss: The quirky vintage car collection!
- 🗺️ Best Time: Visit during sunset for stunning river views
🎓 7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
BHU isn’t just an educational institute — it’s a cultural hub. With its lush green campus, sprawling roads, and the New Vishwanath Temple, it’s one of the most peaceful places to visit in Varanasi.
- 📍 Location: South Varanasi
- 🕉️ Attraction: Shri Vishwanath Mandir (on campus)
🗺️ 8. Bharat Mata Mandir – A Temple of Nationalism
Unique in every way, this temple doesn’t have an idol but a 3D relief map of India, carved in marble, representing India’s physical form.
- 🇮🇳 Significance: A symbol of unity and nationalism
- 📌 Location: Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus
📚 9. Tulsi Manas Mandir – Ramayana in Stones
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is built where Tulsidas is believed to have written the Ramcharitmanas. Walls are engraved with verses from the Ramayana.
- 🧡 Highlight: Artistic display of Ramayana scenes
- 🎨 Don’t Miss: Engravings and paintings inside
🎭 10. Cultural & Heritage Sites in Varanasi
Besides temples and ghats, Varanasi is known for its arts, music, and literature. Famous for its classical musicians, poets, and dancers, the city hosts various events and performances year-round.
- 🎶 Must Experience: Classical music at Kabir Math
- 📚 Visit: Kabir Chaura – home of poet-saint Kabir
👗 11. Banarasi Sarees – The Silk of the Gods
No trip to Varanasi is complete without exploring the Banarasi silk weaving industry. These luxurious sarees are world-renowned and often passed down generations.
- 🛍️ Best Shopping Areas: Godowlia, Thatheri Bazaar, Madanpura
- ✋ Experience: Watch local weavers in action
🕰️ 12. Best Time to Visit Varanasi
- 🌤️ October to March: Pleasant weather and major festivals like Dev Deepawali and Makar Sankranti
- 🔥 Avoid: May and June due to extreme heat
- 🎉 Festivals to Experience: Holi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri
🚉 13. How to Reach Varanasi
- ✈️ By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (~26 km from city)
- 🚆 By Train: Varanasi Junction and Manduadih Station are major hubs
- 🚌 By Road: Well-connected to Lucknow, Delhi, Patna, etc.
🍲 14. Must-Try Food in Varanasi
Get ready to spoil your taste buds with traditional and street-style Varanasi cuisine!
- 🥟 Kachori Sabzi – Perfect breakfast combo
- 🍛 Tamatar Chaat – A local twist on tangy chaat
- 🧁 Malaiyyo – Frothy winter dessert
- 🍢 Baati Chokha – A staple Bihari delicacy found locally
- 🍃 Banarasi Paan – Iconic! Try it once, remember it forever
🎒 15. Tips for First-Time Visitors
- ✅ Hire a local guide for historical and spiritual insights
- 🙏 Respect local customs and dress conservatively at temples
- 📷 Photography: Avoid taking photos at cremation ghats
- 💡 Wake up early – the city’s soul is most alive at dawn
- 💬 Learn a few Hindi words – locals appreciate the effort!
✅ Conclusion
Varanasi is not just a destination, it’s an emotion. From sacred rituals and majestic temples to timeless traditions and delicious street food, the city offers an unfiltered glimpse into the soul of India. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual awakening or cultural exploration, the memories you make here will stay for a lifetime.
So, are you ready to lose yourself in the mystic lanes of Kashi?
❓ FAQs
1. What are the best tourist places to visit in Varanasi?
Some of the top places include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sarnath, and Ramnagar Fort.
2. How many days are enough to explore Varanasi?
2 to 3 days are ideal to explore the spiritual, cultural, and historical spots in Varanasi.
3. Is it safe to travel alone in Varanasi?
Yes, Varanasi is safe for solo travelers, but it’s always wise to stay cautious, especially at night and in crowded areas.
4. Can non-Hindus enter temples in Varanasi?
Yes, non-Hindus can visit most temples except the inner sanctum of certain temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Always check local rules.
5. What is the significance of the Ganga Aarti?
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a daily ritual that honors the Ganga River, considered sacred and life-giving in Hinduism.