Varanasi, one of the holiest Hindu cities in India, is a place for every traveler to see and experience. The City of Light is one of the most fascinating places on earth for visitors and pilgrims to watch the religious ceremonies taking place in the Ganges River. Besides the rituals, visitors flock to this holy land just to experience the magical and vibrant culture that the city has to offer. Discover more things to do in Varanasi below!
Located in the Benaras Hindu University campus, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of India’s most famous Hindu temples. This sacred temple is part of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, the holiest of the Shiva Temples. Also known as the Golden Temple for its gold spires, the architectural design has inspired many other Hindu temples across India to replicate the design . Strict security is implemented around the complex, thus visitors are required to stash their belongings in a rental locker nearby.
With the lively and vibrant atmosphere, the Dashashwamedh Ghat is perhaps one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Located along the banks of the Ganges River and near Vishwanath temple, this tourist attraction is a hodgepodge of flower vendors, boat operators, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. Don’t miss to see the Ganga Aatri, a ritual prayer where Hindu priests spread out flower petals and blow on a conch shell to signal the start of the holy ceremony.
Smoke rises out to the sky at the Manikarnika Ghat, and it’s not from incense but from the many cremations that happen here every day. This place is considered one of the holiest cremation grounds along the Ganges river. Tours are available but it’s not for the faint of heart as the rituals tackle the realities of death and many bodies of the departed are laid around. However, you can still experience this occurrence from afar while on a boat tour on the river.
Ramnagar Fort is an 18th-century sandstone fort built by the Maharaja of Benares. Although no longer used as a defense structure, there is an interesting and eccentric museum within the fort’s complex. The museum houses vintage American cars, elaborate hookahs, antique swords, guns and pistols, jewels, and a 150-year-old astronomical clock. Make sure to visit the nextdoor temple which honors Veda Vyasa, a perfect place to catch the sun set over the Ganges River.
When it comes to top tourist spots in Varanasi, Assi Ghat is on top of the list. This Ghat draws hundreds of visitors and pilgrims a day who come to worship a Shiva lingam beneath a beautiful peepal tree (a sacred fig tree). It’s a spiritual place for visitors to find some peace and solace. You can come here just before sunrise to practice yoga accompanied with music or perhaps at dusk to watch a more intimate Ganga Aatri performance.
While Hinduism is the main religion in Varanasi, Buddhism is also very present in some areas of the city. In the village of Sarnath you’ll find a massive brick structure that was built more than 1,500 years ago by the Mauryan King Ashoka, the Dhamekh Stupa. This ancient Buddhist cylindrical monument is 28m diameters wide and 43m in height. Wander around the building and get to see ancient carvings that are beautifully adorned on the walls of the stupa.
The Saranth Museum houses some remarkable collections of Buddhist art, sculptures, and antiques. Established in 1910 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it is the oldest archaeological museum of India. With the rare artefacts that were excavated, get to learn more about the life and history of Lord Buddha and the practices of Buddhism. There is also a section of the museum that features Emperor Ashoka and the beautiful stupas and monasteries he had built here.
Originally constructed in the 4th-6th century AD, the Chaukhandi Stupa is another beautiful Buddhist monument in Sarnath, a few kilometers outside of Varanasi. This place was said to be where Buddha was reunited with his disciples. The structure was later modified to construct an octagonal tower to commemorate the visit of the Mughal emperor Humayun. In 2019, the Chaukhandi Stupa was declared to be a protected area by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Known as the ‘monkey temple’ due to the high volume of monkeys that live here, the Shri Durga Temple is just a five-minute walk from Assi Ghat. It’s a popular tourist attraction for devotees who pray to the goddess Durga. With its very distinct bright red color, you can easily spot this 300-year-old temple from afar. There is a pond and fountain adjacent to the temple where you can rest and find a little peace and quiet.
With enchanting rhythmic sounds of the bells, tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense, vibrant flower petals being spread out, the Ganga Aarti is a beautiful and solemn ceremony should be the highlight of your visit to Varanasi. The ritual is performed daily in the evening by several priests. It’s a magical experience every visitor should see and feel, whether it’s riding on the boat along the Ganges river or up close on foot.
Varanasi is an ancient holy city that lies on the banks of the Ganges River. It’s famous for its religious history where it was believed to have been home to Lord Shiva, as well as where Buddha founded Buddhism and gave his first sermon. Apart from that, it’s also known for its muslin and silk fabrics, great architecture, and delicious Indian cuisine.
The best time to visit Varanasi is between September to March where it goes from monsoon season to winter with dry and chilly nights. November is when they celebrate Ganga Mahostav, a cultural and religious festival held on the banks of the Ganges.
The best location for tourists to find accommodations in Varanasi is near the banks of the River Ganges, which is where most of the popular and sacred attractions are located and can be accessible by foot. If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of the city, the areas in Godowlia and Sonarpura also have accommodations that fit your budget.