Varanasi is a city in India known for its rich cultural history and religious significance. It is a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience traditional Indian culture and spirituality. There is a lot to explore and some of the most popular tourist attractions in Varanasi are temples, ghats, and markets.

Best Sightseeing Attractions in Varanasi

The mystical city of Varanasi has been the epicenter of pivotal moments in ancient Indian history. This land of spirituality is believed to be the oldest living city in the world. The magical ghats of Kashi have been drawing the attention of many tourists from all over the world.

Whether you are interested in history, religion, or simply soaking up the unique atmosphere of this ancient city, Varanasi has something for everyone.

So, let’s dive in and discover all that Varanasi has to offer.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Thousands of people visit the temple yearly. It is believed that visiting this Golden Temple of Shiva and bathing in the Ganga River leads to Moksha I.e. liberation. The temple wall is decorated with finely carved ornaments and looks beautiful.

Dasaswamedh Ghat

Created by Brahma himself to welcome Shiva, this is the ghat where Ganga Aarti takes place daily at dusk and after dawn. Jantar Mantar, a famous observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh also lies near the ghat.

Assi Ghat

Famous for its Subah-e-Banaras initiative, the ghat is among the top tourist attractions and is visited by many people for its morning session initiative. The right way to start your day amidst spirituality. You will find many students nearby Banaras Hindu University, another famous sightseeing place studying by the ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most famous and holiest ghats in this whimsical city, located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is a popular site for Hindu cremation ceremonies, and is believed to be the place where the Hindu god Shiva lost an earring, hence the name “Manikarnika” which means “earring.” The ghat is a bustling hub of activity, with people coming from all over to pay their respects to their deceased loved ones and perform the traditional last rites. The ghat is also a popular tourist attraction, with many people coming to witness the ancient rituals and ceremonies taking place here. It is a truly unique and sacred place and a must-see for anyone visiting Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a development project in the city that aims to adjoin the auspicious Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the ghats of the river Ganga. It enhances the cultural and spiritual significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offers tourists a great chance to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The corridor is expected to boost tourism and improve the overall quality of life for local residents.

Sarnath Temple

A place of worship in Buddhism, Gautama Buddha first taught Dhamma here. The existence of Buddhist Sangha first came into existence on this holy site. The temple has a rich fascinating history and perfectly depicts the message of Buddha.

Dhamek Stupa

The stupa marks the exact location where Buddha first preached his message. Located in Sarnath, this is a must-visit place. The remains of Buddha are believed to be buried here.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

The most iconic university in India, and one of the oldest universities established in the country. Many tourists visit the University to explore the Vedic era of education in India. There are a lot of fascinating things to explore on campus. The University houses a Museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan. It is an art and archaeological museum, known for its collection of Indian paintings.

How to reach Varanasi?

There are several modes like traveling by car or bus as the city is well connected with neighboring cities and states. You can always opt for flights as it is well linked to some of the major airports. A train ride with family and friends is always a fun option as well.

The Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to the end of March as the weather is quite nice with a cool breeze. You would want to avoid going in cold weather as the temperature drops to 5°C.