Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, on the Ganges River. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain holy city. Varanasi is famous for its rich cultural heritage, religious significance, and traditional way of life. Winding lanes, ancient temples, Ghats, and the hypnotic Ganga Aarti are also highlights of the city. It is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors who come to enjoy the spirituality, history, and cultural diversity of the city, so for the next divine journey make a wish list of Places to see in Varanasi and acquire abundant peace and serenity by booking through Varanasi tour packages.
Exploring Through the Serene Places of Varanasi
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a well-known Ghat in Varanasi, a holy city in Uttar Pradesh, India’s northernmost state. The Ghat, which is located on the banks of the Ganges, is known for its religious significance and cultural heritage. The ten horses sacrificed by Lord Brahma during the ancient Vedic ritual of Dashashwamedh inspired the Ghat’s name. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma performed this ritual at this Ghat to welcome Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. Dashashwamedh Ghat is a well-known tourist and pilgrimage site in Varanasi. It is well-known for its energetic evening Aarti (worship) ceremony, during which priests perform rituals with fire, flowers, and incense while chanting mantras. Several ancient temples can also be found on the Ghat. Visitors can take a boat ride down the Ganges from the Ghat to see the city and the Ghats from the water.
2. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is a well-known Hindu temple in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of India’s Twelve Jyotirlingas, or holiest Shiva temples. The temple has a long history of destruction and reconstruction. The current structure was built in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, as well as its gold plating, which weighs over a thousand kilograms. The lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva and one of Hinduism’s most sacred symbols, is housed in the temple’s inner sanctum. Millions of devotees and tourists visit the temple each year, especially during the Mahashivratri Festival, which lights up the entire city of Varanasi with celebrations and worship.
3. Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort is a historic fort in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. The fort was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh (King of Varanasi) Raja Balwant Singh and served as the Maharaja of Varanasi’s royal residence. The fort is known for its ornate carvings, intricate murals, and beautiful gardens, as well as its unique blend of Mughal and Indian architectural styles. The fort also houses a museum with a collection of vintage cars, palanquins, and other artifacts related to Varanasi’s royal family. One of the fort’s main attractions is the Ramnagar Ramlila, a ten-day-long theatrical performance depicting the story of Lord Rama. Every year during the Dussehra festival, it is performed. The Ramlila performance is regarded as one of India’s oldest and most authentic renditions, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Ramnagar Fort is a must-see for anyone interested in Indian culture and heritage, as well as history buffs.
4. Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir
The Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a well-known Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan and is built on the site where the famous Indian poet Tulsidas is said to have written the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem that tells the story of Lord Rama. The temple is well-known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, as well as murals and statues depicting Ramayana scenes. The temple’s inner sanctum houses Lord Satyanarayan’s idol and the walls are adorned with Ramcharitmanas verses. The temple is also well-known for its beautiful garden, which features fountains, statues, and a wide variety of flowers and plants. Visitors can stroll through the garden and relax in the peaceful surroundings. The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists who come to seek the blessings of Lord Satyanarayan and pay homage to the great poet Tulsidas.
5. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is an ancient and sacred Ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Ghat is well-known for its religious significance and is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. The Ghat is famous for its cremation rituals, and it is believed that anyone cremated here achieves moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Ghat is also thought to be where Lord Shiva’s ear ornament, Manikarnika, fell to the ground during his cosmic dance. For those who want to witness the rituals and pay their respects to the departed souls, Manikarnika Ghat is a popular tourist and pilgrim destination. Visitors can also take a boat ride down the Ganges to see the Ghat and its surroundings from a different perspective. The Ghat is an important part of the culture and heritage of Varanasi, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in Indian spirituality and traditions.
5. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a well-known Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is regarded as a symbol of strength and devotion in Hinduism. Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, a well-known saint, and scholar, established the temple in the early 1900s, and it is well-known for its tranquil surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. The temple is also well-known for its morning and evening Aarti and Bhajan sessions. Devotees flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious days for worshipping Lord Hanuman. The temple hosts a variety of cultural and religious events throughout the year, including the well-known Hanuman Jayanti, which commemorates Lord Hanuman’s birth. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir is a must-see for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment and a better understanding of Hinduism.
6. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum is a popular attraction in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The museum is well-known for its extensive collection of Indian art, culture, and history, and it is considered one of the best museums in India. The museum, which is located on the campus of Banaras Hindu University, was founded in 1920 by the renowned art historian Rai Krishnadasa. The museum’s collection includes ancient sculptures, paintings, textiles, and pottery from all over India. One of the museum’s main attractions is the Bharat Kala Bhavan Gallery, which houses a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from various parts of India, including works by famous artists such as Raja Ravi Varma and Nandalal Bose. The museum also includes a library with a large collection of books and manuscripts on Indian art and culture, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Indian history and heritage.
7. Tibetan Temple
The Tibetan Temple, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple, is lovely in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and is an important Centre of Tibetan culture and religion in India. The temple, which was built in 1930, is well-known for its stunning architecture and serene surroundings. The temple’s interior is adorned with vibrant murals, Lord Buddha statues, and traditional Tibetan prayer flags that flutter in the breeze. There is also a beautiful garden and a library with a large collection of Tibetan Buddhist books and manuscripts at the temple. Visitors can participate in meditation and chanting sessions at the temple, as well as learn about Tibetan culture and tradition from the resident monks. The temple attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims, especially during festivals like Losar, which celebrates the Tibetan New Year.
8. Nepali Temple
The Kathwala Temple, also known as the Nepali Temple, is a lovely temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Lord Shiva temple serves as a cultural and religious Centre for Nepalese people in India. The temple was built in the nineteenth century by the King of Nepal and is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate wood carvings. The temple’s interior is adorned with vibrant murals, Lord Shiva statues, and traditional Nepalese prayer flags that flutter in the breeze. It also has a beautiful garden and a small museum that displays the temple’s history as well as artifacts from Nepalese culture and tradition. Visitors to the temple can attend Aarti and Bhajan sessions and learn about the culture. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the temple during festivals such as Shivaratri, which commemorates Lord Shiva’s marriage.
9. Alamgir Masjid
The Alamgir Masjid, also known as the Beni Madhav Ka Darera in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a well-known mosque. The mosque was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is an important center of Islamic culture and religion in India. The mosque’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, with intricate stone carvings and beautiful domes. The mosque’s courtyard is beautifully landscaped, and the main prayer hall is embellished with beautiful calligraphy and Islamic art. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Ganges River from the mosque’s terrace, which is located on the river’s banks. The mosque attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims, particularly during festivals such as Eid, which is celebrated with great zeal in the mosque. Alamgir Masjid is a must-see for anyone interested in Islamic culture and history.
10. Durga Temple
Durga Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, also known as the Monkey Temple. It is an important Hindu cultural and religious Centre in India, dedicated to Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18th century by a Bengali queen and is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate stone carvings. A lovely garden surrounds the courtyard, and the main shrine is adorned with statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. It is surrounded by a large monkey population, which visitors can see while visiting the temple. The temple draws a large number of tourists and pilgrims, especially during the Navratri Festival, which is celebrated with great zeal in the temple. Anyone interested in Hindu culture and religion should pay a visit to this temple.
11. Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat is a well-known Ganges River Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Tulsidas, the famous poet, and saint who wrote the epic Ramcharitmanas is commemorated by the Ghat’s name. The Ghat is well-known for its tranquil atmosphere and is a popular destination for those seeking peace and quiet. The Ghats steps, which are adorned with beautiful stone carvings, provide visitors with stunning views of the river. Tulsi Ghat is a significant Hindu cultural and religious Centre in Varanasi, famous for its evening Aarti, a beautiful ritual that involves the lighting of lamps and the chanting of prayers. Tourists and pilgrims flock to the Ghat during festivals such as Diwali and Holi. Tulsi Ghat is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Hindu culture and spirituality.
12. Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a prestigious educational institution located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, a well-known educationist, and nationalist. BHU is well-known for providing high-quality education and research in fields ranging from engineering to medicine, the arts, and social sciences. The university has a large campus and several prestigious institutions, such as the Institute of Medical Sciences, the Institute of Technology, and the Faculty of Arts. The university’s campus is well-known for its beautiful architecture, tranquil ambiance, and lush green surroundings. On campus, there are several temples, including the well-known Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Birla Mandir. The university also has a lovely museum devoted to Varanasi’s and India’s rich history and culture. The university’s beautiful campus, excellent academic facilities, and rich history make it a popular tourist and local destination.
13. Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat is a well-known Ganges River Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the city’s oldest and most important Ghats, and it is thought to be the location of the Assi River’s confluence with the Ganges. The Ghat is well-known for its serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking spiritual solace. The Ghats steps, which are adorned with beautiful stone carvings, provide visitors with stunning views of the river. It is a significant Hindu cultural and religious Centre in Varanasi, and it is well-known for its morning Aarti, a beautiful ritual that involves the lighting of lamps and the chanting of prayers. There are several temples on the Ghat, including the well-known Tulsi Ghat and the Dandi Ghat. For anyone interested in Hindu culture and spirituality, Assi Ghat is a must-see destination.
Namaste Traveller 