Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and full of spiritual charm. From peaceful Ganga aartis to busy lanes and ancient temples, it offers a mix of culture, history, and magic that every visitor will enjoy
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this city is India’s spiritual capital. From spiritual seekers and pilgrims to photographers and history lovers, Varanasi attracts all kinds of travelers. Whether you are spiritual or just a curious traveler, the famous places to visit in Varanasi offer an experience unlike any other. The temples, the ghats, and the Ganga aarti make this city magical. If you’re planning a trip to explore the cultural heart of India, there are plenty of places to visit in Varanasi, which we’ll explore on this page.
People come here to find peace, some to wash away sins, and others simply to feel the vibe of this divine land. From sunrise boat rides on the Ganga river to walking through lanes filled with food, music, and history, Varanasi has a unique magic. All the best places to visit in Varanasi include its famous temples and ghats, where you can witness life and death both flowing together. If you’re looking to explore Varanasi comfortably, don’t forget to check out our Viacation’s Varanasi tour packages designed for Indian travelers like you.
Kashi Vishwanath is one of the top places to visit in Varanasi. And this is also one of the most important and sacred temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees believe a visit here washes away all sins. It’s spiritually powerful and attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.
– Location: Located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open daily from 2:30 am to 11:00 pm. Entry is free, but there are charges for special darshan and pujas.
– Highlight: The Golden Dome and Jyotirlinga are the main highlights of this temple.
This ghat is one of the oldest and most vibrant spots in the city. It’s famous for the Ganga Aarti, performed every evening with lamps, chants, and music. It’s a powerful experience to feel and see.
– Location: Near Godowlia, just a short walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24/7. No entry fee. The Ganga Aarti usually starts around 6:45 pm.
– Highlight: Watching the aarti in the evening, and boating in the morning
Assi Ghat is a peaceful place where locals and tourists both gather. It is among the top 5 places to visit in Varanasi, famous for its early morning Ganga Aarti and cultural programs. Yoga sessions by the river also happen here every morning.
– Location: At the southern end of Varanasi, where the Assi River meets the Ganges.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day. Free entry. Yoga and morning aarti begin at sunrise.
– Highlight: Morning Ganga Aarti, early morning boat rides, Banaras Hindu University is also nearby.
This is the main cremation ghat and is deeply spiritual. It’s believed that those who are cremated here achieve moksha (freedom from rebirth). It may sound intense, but many visit to understand the cycle of life and death.
– Location: North of Dashashwamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24/7. No entry fee. Visitors are advised to be respectful and not take photos.
– Highlight: One of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi, it offers a different perspective on life, faith, and the final journey.
Less crowded and more local, Shivala Ghat is ideal for those who want to see daily life by the Ganges without the tourist rush. It has an old-world charm with heritage buildings around.
– Location: Located between Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day. No entry fee.
– Highlight: Its quiet atmosphere and historical backdrop make it one of the peaceful places to visit in Varanasi.
The Monkey Temple, also called Durga Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It’s called the Monkey Temple because you’ll find lots of monkeys around. Built in the 18th century, it has red-colored stone walls and traditional architecture.
– Location: Located in Durga Kund, about 2 km from Banaras Hindu University.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 4 am to 9 pm. Entry is free.
– Highlight: The main attraction is the idol of Goddess Durga that is believed to have appeared on its own (not man-made).
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is where the famous poet Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas. The walls of the temple are beautifully inscribed with verses from the Ramayana, making it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for spiritual seekers.
– Location: Close to the Durga Temple, near the Sankat Mochan area.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 5:00 am to 9 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: It’s a white marble structure with scripture carvings, which makes it unique.
Built in the 18th century by King Balwant Singh, this fort lies on the eastern bank of the Ganges. It houses a museum with royal collections like old weapons, vintage cars, and royal costumes.
– Location: Located across the Ganga River from Tulsi Ghat.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 10 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is ₹20 for Indians and ₹150 for foreigners.
– Highlight: The fort is also the site for Ramlila celebrations during Dussehra.
Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, is a combination of Islamic and Hindu architecture. Built by Emperor Aurangzeb, it stands at a scenic point along the river Ganga.
– Location: Situated at Panchganga Ghat in Varanasi.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free.
– Highlight: Great for art and architecture lovers, the mosque features impressive domes and minarets, offering a stunning view of the river and city.
If you want to do some shopping and want to take mementos home, this is among the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi. This is one of the busiest and oldest markets in Varanasi. From Banarasi sarees and handicrafts to street food and jewelry, everything is available here.
– Location: Located near Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 9 am to 9 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: Buy original Banarasi silk sarees and local handicrafts at reasonable prices.
Built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh, this place has ancient astronomical instruments used for measuring time and the movement of planets. It’s also known as the Jantar Mantar of Varanasi.
– Location: Situated on Manmandir Ghat, near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
–Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is ₹25 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners.
– Highlight: It gives a unique view of ancient science and is among the best places to visit in Varanasi.
Varanasi’s silk wear is one of the most popular in India. And if you are in Varanasi, visiting a silk emporium is a must. Banaras Silk Emporium is one of the finest shops to explore handwoven silk sarees, scarves, and fabrics of India.
– Location: Located at Sigra Road, Varanasi.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 10 am to 8 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: You can see the live weaving of Banarasi sarees, which makes it one of the places to visit in Varanasi for shoppers.
Manmandir Ghat is a peaceful ghat built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century. It has beautiful sandstone architecture and offers a calm space away from the busy ghats. So if you love peaceful places, this place should be on your list.
– Location: Close to Dashashwamedh Ghat, along the Ganga River.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24 hours. No entry fee.
– Highlight: It offers a great spot for early morning Ganga views and is one of the top 5 places to visit in Varanasi.
Named after the poet Tulsidas, Tulsi Ghat is less crowded and ideal for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere. It’s believed that Tulsidas composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas here.
– Location: Located near Assi Ghat, towards the southern end of the ghats.
–Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day. No entry fee.
– Highlight: The ghat hosts classical music concerts and spiritual plays, attracting devotees and art lovers alike.
Darbhanga Ghat stands out for its grand appearance and magnificent structure. It was built by the royal family of Darbhanga and is one of the most photogenic ghats in the city.
– Location: Located between Dashashwamedh and Rana Mahal Ghats.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24 hours. No entry fee.
– Highlight: The grand sandstone palace, best for photography lovers.
Harishchandra Ghat is one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and holds deep religious significance. It is believed that this is where King Harishchandra once worked at the cremation ground, proving his commitment to truth and charity.
– Location: Located on the western bank of the Ganga River, near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
–Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24 hours. No entry fee.
– Highlight: People visit to witness the continuous cremation rituals, which represent the cycle of life and death. It is India’s best place for those seeking spiritual understanding.
Lalita Ghat is known for its calm ambiance and the famous Nepali temple located nearby. It was built by the King of Nepal and stands out because of its pagoda-style architecture.
– Location: Close to Manikarnika Ghat, right on the banks of the Ganga.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day. No entry fee.
– Highlight: This peaceful ghat is perfect for photography, quiet reflection, and boat rides.
BHU is not just an educational institute but also a cultural landmark. Founded in 1916, it’s one of the largest residential universities in Asia. And many travelers visit this university to explore its libraries and inner structure.
– Location: Situated in the southern part of Varanasi, in the Lanka area.
– Timing & Entry Fee:Open from 10 am to 5 pm. No entry fee for visitors.
– Highlight: Don’t miss the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum inside the campus. It houses rare art, sculptures, and artifacts. Among the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi, BHU holds a special place for knowledge seekers.
Sarnath is a place located 10 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
– Location: About 10 km from Varanasi city center.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Different attractions in Sarnath have different timings and entry fees.
– Highlight: It’s one of the top places to visit in Varanasi if you’re interested in peaceful spiritual sites. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum to learn about ancient Buddhist history.
This temple is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that the oil offered here has healing powers. It is also believed that the deity protects Varanasi and grants blessings for good health and protection from evil.
– Location: Located in Kamachha, not too far from the Varanasi railway station.
– Timing & Entry Fee: opens at 5:00 am and closes at 1:30 pm, then reopens at 4:30 pm and closes at 9:30 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: The continuous burning ‘Akhand Deepak’ (eternal flame) is the main attraction. It’s counted among the best places to visit in Varanasi for spiritual healing and blessings.
This temple is unique because it is not dedicated to any deity but to Mother India. Built in 1936 by freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, the temple features a large marble relief map of undivided India, symbolizing national unity.
– Location: Inside the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, near Lahurabir.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 5 am to 9 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: A great spot to learn about India’s geography and patriotism. It is one of those places to visit in Varanasi that adds an educational flavor to your trip.
Also known as the Kathwala Temple, it resembles the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Built by the King of Nepal, it is a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The temple is made entirely of wood and features beautiful carvings, showcasing traditional Nepali architecture.
– Location: Located near Lalita Ghat, on the banks of the Ganga.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open all day. No entry fee.
– Highlight: Its unique architecture and calm surroundings make it a standout among the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi for cultural enthusiasts.
This temple is one of the most visited temples in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that visiting this temple removes all kinds of troubles (sankat). The temple is believed to be built at the exact spot where Tulsidas, the great poet-saint, had a vision of Hanuman
– Location: Located in the Durga Kund area, close to BHU.
– Timing & Entry Fee: Open from 5 am to 10 pm. No entry fee.
–Highlight: Every Tuesday, the temple sees large crowds of devotees, and it’s a must-visit for religious followers.
A new and modern ghat built recently, Namo Ghat is clean, beautifully designed, and ideal for a relaxing evening. It’s also becoming quite popular among tourists. Designed with modern aesthetics, it offers a clean, peaceful space for locals and tourists to relax by the Ganga.
– Location: Near Rajghat, a bit away from the older ghats.
–Timing & Entry Fee: Open 24 hours. No entry fee.
–Highlight: It’s perfect for family outings, walking, and clicking Instagram-worthy pictures. If you’re looking for newer places to visit in Varanasi, this is a great pick.
It’s among the places to visit in Varanasi that truly reflect its mystical side. This temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva who is considered the guardian of the city. Kaal Bhairav Temple is one of the most powerful and ancient temples in Varanasi. Dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, the temple holds great spiritual and cultural importance.
– Location: Located near Vishwanath Gali, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
–Timing & Entry Fee: opens at 5:00 am and closes at 1:30 pm, then reopens at 3:00 pm and closes at 9:00 pm. No entry fee.
– Highlight: People offer liquor to the deity, which is quite unusual in Hindu temples.
A. These are the most religious places to visit in Varanasi at night:
A. Here are the famous ghats to visit in Varanasi: –
A. October to March is the best time to visit Varanasi when the weather is good and mild, and best for sightseeing. This period also includes festivals like Diwali and Dev Deepawali, and the city’s ghats, temples, and spiritual atmosphere make this time worth visiting.
A. Yes, 2 days are enough to explore the major attractions of Varanasi. You can visit popular temples, witness the Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride, and walk through the narrow lanes. While a longer stay is better, two days are good to experience the spiritual and cultural beauty of Varanasi.
A. Varanasi is famous for its street food like kachori sabzi, chena dahi vada, tamatar chaat, and baati chokha. Don’t miss the famous Banarasi paan after your meal. These local delicacies offer a taste of the city’s rich food culture and are easily found near the ghats.
A. The most famous drink in Kashi (Varanasi) is Bhang Thandai, especially during festivals like Holi and Shivratri. Apart from that, lassi served in clay cups and the cooling drink called aam panna in summer are also popular choices among both locals and tourists.
A. Rabri is one of the most famous sweets in Banaras, made from thickened milk and garnished with dry fruits. Other local favorites include malaiyyo (available in winter), peda, and lal peda.
A. The following are the best cafes to visit in Varanasi: –
