Varanasi also known as Banaras and Kashi, is one of the oldest cities of India. It is best known as the sacred city of India as it has so many temples, pilgrimage places, old ghats, and religious rivers. This city is sacred to Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
The beautiful temples are the center of attraction in Varanasi. The beauty of Varanasi is not only limited to the temples and ghats but also the art & crafts of the city and the production of silk are equally responsible for the city’s popularity.
To witness the alluring locus and perfect combination of temples and bank of rivers, you need to make a visit to Varanasi as no other city could provide those sights. There are numerous places in Varanasi that give us the optimum joy. It is the place of rivers where people come to have a holy bath.
The name of Varanasi is also given after the name of two rivers that compasses the city. So it would be a treat to the eyes of visitors who wants to see a holy and full of culture place in India.
Here I have listed the places to visit in Varanasi to provide you with the best guidance for a successful trip to Varanasi:
1. Kashi Vishvanath Temple
The very first in our list of Best Places to Visit in Varanasi is The Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. It is situated on the western bank of the river Ganga.
The main attraction near this holy temple is the Manikarnika Ghat. One should visit this place as without seeing this sight your trip to Varanasi would be incomplete.
2. Ganga Arti
The next on our list is Ganga Arti, the shining pharos of devotion that will make you experience the best time on ‘Ganga Ghat’ (bank of river Ganga). The Ganga Aarti is performed by the priests wearing a special kind of Indian costume. It was performed by lighting up many brass lamps by the priests and singing Aarti songs and mantras.
3. Dashashwamedh Temple
The famous Ganga Aarti of Varanasi took place here. This place is famous for the Ganga Aarti and it is also one of the most sacred oldest ghats in India.
The very famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple is also situated near this. If you want to have a bath in the river Ganga then you have to visit Dashashwamedh ghat.
4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
How could someone miss this place while their trip to Varanasi? It is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, located on the bank of the river Assi.
It is said to be the place where the Tulsidas had written the Ramcharitmanas. The fascination of this place is the idol of Lord Hanuman facing the lord Ram whom Hanuman worshiped.
5. Assi Ghat
The next on the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. Assi Ghat is the place where two rivers Ganga and Assi meet.
One can dip in the rivers to have a holy bath and to have the best experience of local culture.
6. Vishwanath Gali
While visiting Varanasi if you are planning to have a tour to the local market for the purpose of shopping then you won’t find any other option than the Vishwanath Gali.
This crowded marketplace is the hub for shopping lovers who can buy traditional and modern apparel, household items, and decorative items. One can also find the luscious street food here.
7. New Vishwanath Temple, BHW
In the holy city Varanasi, the new Vishwanath Temple is a very famous and loftiest place to visit. It is located in Banaras Hindu University. This place is also called Birla Temple.
The main attraction of this place is the full text of the Bhagawad Gita has written over the walls inside the temple.
8. Tulsi Manasa Temple
Moving forward in the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi is the Tulsi Manasa Temple that is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is a two-storied temple and inside the temple, you can find a Tulsi garden and many scenes of the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata have been created on the walls.
To witness this alluring sight you need to include the Tulsi Manasa Temple in your list.
9. Durga Temple
As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga. This is just close to the Tulsi Manasa Temple. It is of red color that is the color of goddess Durga.
It is also located on the bank of the river Ganga. This highly religious place is very prominent in the holy town Varanasi.
10. Nepali Temple
One of the most ancient temples in Varanasi is Nepali Temple. It was established by the Nepal King and is located on the Lalita ghat.
It is made of wood and the astonishing architecture of this temple is the main fascination for the visitors.
11. Kedar Ghat
The next one among the most visited places in Varanasi is the Kedar Ghat. This ghat is the second most famous ghat after the Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi. The ghat is famous for the Kedareshwar Temple.
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. Along with all these, there are so many attractions that grab the visitors’ attention.
12. Batuk Bhairav Mandir
Another famous holy place in Varanasi is this temple that is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, the embodiment of Lord Shiva. This place is mostly worshipped by the Aghoris and Tantriks.
The main specialty of this place is the sacred lamp which is called Akhand Deep, which is believed to be lighting for years.
13. Banaras Hindu University
This is the hub of education of Varanasi and is also known as the capital of knowledge. This university is not the most renowned in India but also in the world.
In this university, you can not only find the basic degree courses but also the Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Astrology, Modern science, etc.
14. Gyan Vapi Well
Another one to go ahead in most visited places in Varanasi is the Gyan Vapi well. Gyan Vapi Well is a hallowed place with a very controversial history.
To know more about this place you need to visit this one while having your Varanasi tour.
15. Bharat Mata Mandir
This is the next on our list and is situated in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus of Varanasi. The special thing about this place is that it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
This temple is dedicated to Mother India. In this temple, there is a map of undivided India made upon marble.
16. Tibetan Temple
The most astonishing place of Varanasi to visit because of its stunning walls painted with Tibetan Buddhist paintings.
It also has a prayer wheel that is the center of attraction for the visitors. This is a beautiful place with so many adorable sights and spots.
17. Alamgir Mosque
In the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi, this is the next place that will fill your trip with amazing sights and views. Located above the Panchganga Ghat this mosque is ruling the skyline of Varanasi.
It was built by the emperor Aurangzeb in Indo-Islamic style. It was built on the place of Vishnu Temple that was demolished by the Aurangzeb.
To witness the perfect combination of Mughal and Hindu-style architecture one needs to visit this place.
18. Shivala Ghat
Shivala Ghat is one of the largest ghats of Varanasi and is the main tourist attraction of this pilgrimage city.
On the side of the ghat, you can spot the Nepali king’s mansion. Tourists can enjoy boat rides here.
19. Manmandir Ghat
Manmandir Ghat is as ravishing as it is extensive. It is also known as Someswar Ghat and is located north of Dashashwamedh Ghat.
It is built by the Maharaja of Amer Man Singh and an adorable palace is located near this Ghat that is the major tourist attraction. Along with that, there are several Hindu temples that grab the attention of visitors.
20. ISKCON Varanasi
Moving ahead in the list of the best places to visit in Varanasi with the ISKCON temple. It was established by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with an aim to provide the lessons given by Lord Krishna to the people and to educate them.
If you are a religious fiend then while your trip to Varanasi you must visit this place for having some abundant holy vibes.
21. Ramnagar Fort
Built by the Kashi king, the Ramnagar Fort is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi because of its mesmerizing sandstone structure that leaves visitors surprised with its incredible beauty.
It is built on the eastern bank of the river Ganga. On its right opposite, you will find the very famous Tulsi Ghat.
22. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Bharat Kala Bhavan is a part of Banaras Hindu University and was inaugurated by Jawahar Lal Nehru. This museum has more than a hundred historical objects such as Harappa materials, jewelry, paintings, artifacts, textiles, toys, etc.
Along with that, it has a library and seminar hall. If you are a historical art lover then this is a must-visit place for you.
23. Manikarnika Ghat
It is one of the oldest ghats of Varanasi the Manikarnika ghat is best known for many superstitions related to it. This place is believed to be most pious and sacred for the cremation ceremonies.
To explore this mythological place you need to take a tour of this place.
24. Chunar Fort
Chunar is a town in Mirzapur, Uttarpradesh, and Chunar fort is located at this place. This is also among the best places to visit in Varanasi and is only a distance of 40 kilometers from Varanasi.
Its two sides are covered with banks of river Ganga and one can enjoy visiting this place by riding boats also. This place is very famous because of its natural beauty.
25. Chinese Temple
The list of the best places to visit in Varanasi is incomplete without adding this place. This beautiful shrine is dedicated to the Lord Buddha.
It is popular because of its colorful architecture. The unique Chinese artifacts give alluring sights to the visitors.
26. St. Mary’s Church
In the religious city Varanasi there are so many sacred places are for almost every religion such as Buddhism, Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs, and as well as for Christians.
St Mary Church has a special place on the list of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This church is 200 years old and has a special kind of history.
27. Varanasi Fun City
While your trip to Varanasi if you have missed this one then you are definitely going to miss an essential part of your tour as Varanasi Fun City is the most popular water park in Varanasi and that’s why it is included in our list of best places to visit in Varanasi.
28. Aqua World
Another water park on our list is the Aqua World of Varanasi. Located on the Varanasi-Allahabad highway this water park is famous for fun rides.
This is one of the best places to visit with family in Varanasi.
29. Windham Waterfalls
If you are looking for a soothing and relaxing place in Varanasi then you will not find any other place better than Vindham Waterfalls. It is situated in Mirzapur and is an extremely astonishing place due to its natural sceneries.
30. Lakhaniya Dari Waterfalls
The best place for a small trek and to chill with your friends. In Varanasi where you will find more sacred places, this place is something that will let you have an amazing and adventurous experience.
31. Rajdari Waterfalls
A very popular picnic spot for visitors in Varanasi is Rajadari Waterfalls. Watching a heavy waterfall from the top of the cliffs is such a treat to the eyes.
It literally looks like a small hill station and is an awesome place to visit.
32. Devdari Waterfalls
Just 700 meters from Rajdari Waterfalls, Devadari Waterfalls is another must-watching place of Varanasi and this place can be seen from the top of it you cannot go deep inside.
It is very popular among the Tourist who visits Varanasi and mostly visit along with Rajdari Waterfalls.
33. Mukkha Falls
Another beautiful waterfall of Varanasi is mostly visited by visitors to experience a soothing view and sight.
It is among the best 6 waterfalls of Varanasi and is quite famous for its ladder-shaped falls.
34. Tanda Falls
The next in our list of best places to visit in Varanasi is the Tanda Waterfall. This is not just a waterfall but this is a place full of greenery, water, gushy falls, and broad streets to reach.
One can easily reach there without having any obstacles and thus this is the best picnic hub for the visitors.
35. Ganga Mahotsav
Ganga Mahotsav is a 5 days festival that took place every year on the banks of the river Ganga in Varanasi. We might not be wrong if we say that it is the best time to visit Varanasi when the Ganga Mahotsav is being held.
To witness the perfect amalgamation of Indian culture, tradition, and religions you need to step into Ganga Mahotsav.
36. Ramnagar Ramlila
This 200 year’s old culture is the center of attraction for every tourist in Varanasi.
A massive program is organized in Varanasi’s Ramnagar every year on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi and continues for 31 days.
37. Sita Samahit Sthal
Sita Samahit Sthal is a pilgrimage place and temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. There is a saying related to the origin of this place is that Goddess Sita got descended into the earth and later on this place was established as her Samahit Sthal.
Another special thing about this place is the huge statue of Lord Hanuman that is the most attractive part of this popular place.
38. Dhamak Stupa
The most beautiful place of Sarnath is around 10 kilometers from Varanasi. Dhamek Stupa is a famous place because Lord Buddha had delivered his first sermon here.
There is a cylindrical monument that is surrounded by a garden. To see a monument with some historical facts and truths, you can visit this place.
39. Darbhanga Ghat
Just like other Ghats of Varanasi, this Ghat is also located on the banks of river Ganga. It was named after the royal family of Darbhanga and there is a Palace is also built by them near Ghat.
Along with religious activities, cremation activities and rituals of last rites are also performed here.
40. Godowlia Market
The last one on our list of places to visit in Varanasi is the Godowlia Market. The ultimate stop for all the shopaholic visitors out here. You can buy almost every famous item of Varanasi here such as zari work clothes, shawls, artifacts, jewelry, etc.
Varanasi is said to be a holy and religious town but the beauty of Varanasi is way more than this. In the streets of Varanasi, you will not only find sacred spots but will witness the Indian culture and tradition’s true colors.
One cannot resist himself from exploring this beautiful place. From October to March you can explore Varanasi to the fullest as most of the important festivals and programs took place in this period.
I have mentioned almost all the famous places to visit in Varanasi in this article and hope it will help you to make your trip the best one.
So go and dive into the beauty of Varanasi with this one. Will again meet with another one, till then Happy Surfing!