Places to Visit in Varanasi – Discover Ghats, Temples & Culture

Varanasi, alternately known as Kashi or Banaras, is not merely a city but rather a spiritual encounter for all those who visit it, situated on the banks of the holy Ganga river. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi is a place of worship and pilgrimage, tradition and culture and attracts millions of pilgrims, spiritual seekers and tourists every year.

In this post, we will cover the best places to visit in Varanasi, from the famous temples and ghats, to forts, cultural landmarks and special experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a pilgrimage, a cultural trip, or simply for leisure – this blog is like a personal guide for you to provide you with the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi with travel advice, and attractions to visit while you’re in town.

Step Back into the History of Varanasi

Varanasi is a 3000 year old city in the world. They also call it the city of Lord Shiva and people who die in this city get moksha (freedom of the cycle of life and death).

Additionally, Varanasi, just 10 km off Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his initial sermon after acquiring his enlightenment is also considered by the Buddhists. Varanasi is a combination of religions, traditions, culture, and is still a holy place in both Buddhism and the Hindu religion. That is why it is described in the travel literatures of different travelers as one of the most impressive to visit in Varanasi in the context of religion and history. 

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Spiritual Heart of Varanasi

Every visit to Varanasi is incomplete without a visit to one of the Jyotirlingas (there are 12 of them in India, and you can read about them in our blog post, 12 Jyotirlingas in India – Temples of Lord Shiva). There are millions who visit every year, making it one of the more popular places to visit in Varanasi. For one, the golden dome of temple, and the spirituality surrounding the temple, make Kashi Vishwanath Temple one of the destinations for pilgrimage. 

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – Ganga Aarti (A must)

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the more famous places to visit in Varanasi, or perhaps the most. It is the main ghat where famous Varanasi Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every evening. At this ceremony, thousands of lamps are lit, and chants are said to fill the air as “Ganga Aarti” is conducted every evening. For travelers, this is something you won’t forget, and one of the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi.

3. Manikarnika Ghat – The Sacred Cremation Ground

Manikarnika Ghat is regarded as the most sacred of all cremation sites of all time since it possesses a very spiritual significance. According to the Hindu, you will be freed of rebirth, should you be cremated here. It is not only a ghat but a very meaningful symbol of life and death and must be added to the list of most important places to visit in Varanasi when seeking a spiritual connotation.

4. Assi Ghat – The Cultural Center.

Assi Ghat may be the right place to visit Varanasi, but not to burden your spirituality journey too heavily. It is a very popular tourist place because it is more popularly known as the place of yoga in the mornings, boat traveling to experience the local food and spend time near the ghat, cultural music and performances in the evenings, that is how it is also one of the most popular places to visit in Varanasi at night.

5. A Buddhist Pilgrimage to Varanasi Sarnath.

Sarnath is a small city approximately 10 km away, and one of the most useful sites to visit nearby Varanasi. It is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his initial speech thus very important to the Buddhist religion. Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Archaeological Museum are the large must-see sites near Sarnath.

When you go about sightseeing in the city of Varanasi, you might want to see the place where Buddha delivered his message the Sarnath every now and then, therefore, If you are exploring the best places to visit in Varanasi, a short detour to Sarnath completes the journey.

6. Discover the Ramnagar Fort in Varanasi

The Ramnagar Fort was built in the 1700s on the eastern bank of the Ganga. It used to be the court of the Kashi Naresh (king of Varanasi). The fort possesses a museum that holds charms and royal weapons, and manuscripts.

It is among the historical sites that cannot be left out when places to visit in Varanasi.

7. Tourist visit to Chunar Fort in Varanasi.

Chunar Fort is another beautiful place to visit, found approximately 40 kilometers away on the city. According to the dynasties that were in charge, the fort was designed during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. It possesses beautiful sceneries over the Ganges and great historical value.

It is not also one of the underrated places to visit near Varanasi. This site suits a half-day trip rather well.

8. Railway Station Junction Varanasi – The Ramp to the City.

The initial point of entry into the city by train will be Varanasi Junction railway station that is among the busiest railway stations in India that links the city to all other major Indian railways. Varanasi taxis, auto-rickshaws and Car Rental in Varanasi services are available in Varanasi railway station to go on a tour of places to visit in Varanasi.

9. Other Famous Attractions in Varanasi

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – A cultural and educational institution.
• Bharat Kala Bhavan- A museum of rare artifacts and paintings.
• Street Food in Varanasi – Have it all chaat, kachori, lassi and malaiyo.
• Shopping Varanasi – famous shopper Banarasi Silk Sarees.

These are a major plus to the city being a treasure chest of culture and among the most desirable places to visit in Varanasi by any type of traveler.

10. Varanasi Diwali & Dev Deepawali.

The festivals of Diwali really make Varanasi a dream with hundreds of lamps glowing in the city and the ghats of Varanasi being more energized than ever. However, the greatest thing is a festival known as Dev Deepawali that occurs 15 days after Diwali and million lamps are lit up in the ghats and this is a sight that cannot be imagined.

To a tourist, it is not just a ceremony, and among the most beautiful places to visit in Varanasi during the night. 

11. Ayodhya Ram Mandir – A Pilgrimage to Reach closed.

When you are bathing in Varanasi, you need to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir, circa 4-5 hours. The temple is newly constructed to make it a shrine of millions of the followers that are attracted to the temple all over the world.  

This is as fine a companion destination as you could find on a list of famous places to visit in Varanasi and the surrounding.

Best Seasofn to visit Varanasi.

The most favorable time to visit Varanasi is between the months of October to March when it is not hot. 

• Peak Month: November (best month to visit Dev Deepawali).
• Most Ideal Time of Day: In the morning when taking a boat ride and evening when performing Ganga Aarti.

Summer months (April – June) are normally excruciatingly hot and the monsoon (July – September) is normally very rainy. Visit Varanasi during other months and not during these months in case you intend to have the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi.

Travel Information in Varanasi.

• Car Rental in Varanasi or Bike Rental in Varanasi for autonomy to go wherever you desire.
• Respect traditions and people surrounding you – dress decently when visiting temples and ghats.
• Sunrises are the best time to view boat rides.
• SafarCabby assures you with reliable transportation services to not only enjoy Varanasi, but also other locations to visit around Varanasi like Sarnath and Chunar.

Closing Remarks

Not a place, Varanasi is the voyage into the soul of India. Spiritual at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or vibrant at Assi Ghat, or historical at Ramnagar Fort, or magical at Varanasi Ganga Aarti, every bit of the area reminds a tale. 

You could be looking on the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi, or perhaps a better place- Chunar Fort. It is an amazing blend of spirituality, history and culture. You either remain in Varanasi or go Jaipur or any other places but you must plan your trip with reliable sponsors such as SafarCabby. And you will be hypnotized. The places to visit in Varanasi are not just places to have a look at- they are an experience in your lifetime.