Known as the Spiritual Capital of India, the city of Varanasi is home to the Ganga river. One of the oldest living cities of India, Varanasi is the destination of culture and religious significance. Tourists as well as locals flock to different parts of the city. You get to witness the magnificence of approximately 2000 temples. Tourist places in Varanasi are a great combination of historical heritage, art and sacred locations.
Thousands of people are attracted to take a holy bath in the divine river of Ganga. Along with this, you can also check out hotels in Varanasi for a rejuvenating break. As you inhale the vibrancy of cultural ceremonies and heavenly vibes at the ghats, do not miss the opportunity to visit top Varanasi tourist places.
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14 tourist places in Varanasi are –
1. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple is one of the best tourist places in Varanasi. The Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus is where the Bharat Mata Mandir is situated. You must have seen temples decorated with gods and goddesses. However, Varanasi has something surprisingly different. A map of unified India is on display in the centre of the Bharat Mata Mandir.
Pilgrims worship the carved marble that shows India united with the neighbouring countries. The temple is a homage to every individual who helped create India. It is indeed a rare example of nationalism as devotees raise their patriotism and pride at this place of worship.
Timings: Morning 7:30 AM to Evening 5:30 PM
Location: Vidyapeeth Road, Cannt Road Lalapura, Chanuwasatti Chandua Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
2. Assi Ghat
Assi Ghat, one of Varanasi’s most well-known ghats, is situated in the southern section of the holy city. It is one of the most visited tourist places near Varanasi. Numerous Hindu texts, including the Kurma Purana and the Matsya Purana, make reference to this ghat. It is a great destination for recreational activities and diving deep into the vibe of spirituality that Varanasi has to offer.
You are likely to witness a fantastic cultural spectacle because it is one of the locations in India with the greatest religious influence. Locals as well as tourists engage themselves in the sacred aarti during evenings. The Assi Ghat is an ideal place to sight the confluence of two rivers – the Ganga and Assi. As the ghat observes thousands of people during festivals, it happens to be one of the top-rated tourist places in Varanasi.
Timings: 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Location: Neighbourhood in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
3. Shivala Ghat
Varanasi invites you to seek tranquillity at a number of ghats built in the ancient times. Shivala Ghat is yet another destination to understand the significance of Indian culture. Interestingly, you can take a boat ride exploring the neighbouring locations in depth.
It is clean and well maintained for a rejuvenating time by the azure waters. It is one of the relaxing tourist places in Varanasi to experience the calming sunset.You also get an amazing opportunity to view the fortress of Nawab’s representative – Chet Singh. Other side of the ghat is a wonderful property of Nepali royal – King Sanjay Vikram Singh.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Location: Shivala Ghat, Varanasi – 221001
Where to stay: Hotels in Shivala Ghat Varanasi
4. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanath is one of the famous tourist places in Varanasi. Travellers as well as locals highly believe in the magical vibes of the temple. The temple is home to the Jyotirlinga, also known as Vishwanath. The architecture of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple is marvellous.
Additionally, devotees get an opportunity to engage in aarti as well as sangam darshan. Prasad is distributed among pilgrims as a form of Lord Shiva’s blessings. The spacious temple offers a rejuvenating time combined with spiritual atmosphere in the surroundings. You can visit the temple in different time slots for aarti and rudrabhishek.
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Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
5. Dhamek Stupa
One of the most significant tourist places in Varanasi is the Dhamek Stupa. This is primarily because of its age and importance as the location of the Buddha’s first discourse to his five followers after achieving enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. The Stupa is of a cylindrical shape composed of red bricks and stone. National and international travel enthusiasts swarm to see the Buddhist culture at this important Buddhist centre. Fine flower decorations demonstrate the Gupta Dynasty’s high standard of stone craftsmanship.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 92JF+9R6, Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
6. Man Singh Observatory
Man Singh Observatory is one of the famous tourist places in Varanasi. Located on the bank of the river Ganga, the observatory is a perfect destination to gain knowledge about astronomy. You can spot multiple geometrical devices, solar calendar and information about stars and planets. Additionally, the observatory is a classic fusion of Rajput and Mughal architectural patterns.
The observatory is home to the popular Samrat Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Digamsa Yantra, Narivalaya Dakshinay Yantra and Dakshinobhitti Yantra. Interestingly, this place is located on the rooftop thereby offering a spectacular view of the river. You also receive a significant opportunity to watch interactive art, 3D shows and the mesmerising light show. Nothing better than the Man Singh Observatory to find an amalgamation of Varanasi’s rich culture and art.
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Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25
Location: Observatory, Man मंदिर ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Observatory, Man mandir, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
7. Nehru Park
If you are trying to find recreational time, Nehru Park is one of the best Varanasi tourist places. Check hotels in Varanasi near the park as it is a beautiful landscape ideal for a series stroll. Interestingly the park has a different playground for kids, barbecue area and nicely covered shelters. It is simply the right destination to understand the local life in Varanasi, interact with people and find the hidden stories through them.
The park is a decent location to relax on stone benches and observe the absolute beauty of flora. It also has a huge fountain being the prime attraction in the park. It is well-maintained and allows you to sight different species of trees and flowers.
Timings: Morning 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM | Afternoon 3:00 PM to Evening 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Adults | INR 5 for Children
Location: 8XMG+VRH, Kennedy Rd, Varanasi cantonment, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
8. Sarnath Buddhist Temple
Sarnath temple is one of the important tourist places in Varanasi to understand Buddhism in a deeper sense. It is also believed to be the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his very first sermon. Because of kings and prosperous Varanasi-based merchants, Buddhism has been growing in Sarnath. You can also get a glimpse of archeological remains and the creation of the Ashoka Pillar.
Moreover, there are various statues depicting the practices and values of Buddhism. Tourists from all over the globe flock here to soak in the spiritual vibes of the place. The place also speaks highly about the indoor museum. Multiple shrines can be spotted at the temple.
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Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 92JG+7MC, Saranth Station Rd, Pandeypur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Entry Fee: INR 5
9. Dasaswamedh Ghat
One of Varanasi’s oldest and most significant ghats is Dashashwamedh. This ghat is well-known for Agni Puja where hundreds of locals and tourists all over the world gather in groups. Such rituals are conducted by priests. Sandhya Aarti is also one of the prime attractions as you hear ancient texts along with a ceremonial atmosphere everywhere. It is indeed one of the divine tourist places in Varanasi.
The second century Bhara Shiva Naga kings are believed to have performed the 10 horse sacrifice. Due to the varied religious significance of the ghat, there are a great deal of Hindu devotees paying homage here. What’s more? Tourists also meditate here early morning. It is a fantastic destination to seek calmness and engage yourself in a peaceful environment.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
10. Manikarnika Ghat
Let’s get to the ghat where life and death unfold their stories. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the significant tourist places in Varanasi. Surprisingly, it is a cremation ground surrounded by multiple mythological stories. It is believed that any person who is cremated at the ghat immediately attains salvation.
According to the legend, Goddess Sati immolated herself by jumping into fire. When Lord Shiva carried her to the Himalayas, her earring fell at this place. That’s how the ghat gets the name – Manikarnika. Along with a cremation ground, it is also one of the shakti peeths of India.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Location: Near Lalita Ghat, Ghats of Varanasi, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Also check Hotels near Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi
11. Shri Durga Temple
When in Varanasi, you cannot miss the Bengali Maharani Durga temple in the north Indian style. Shri Durga temple is adorned with a multi-tiered shikhara. It is one of Varanasi’s most important temples and contains an enormous idol of the goddess Durga. Interestingly, the idol of goddess in self manifested making it a prime destination for devotees.
As the colour red symbolises the colour of Mata Durga, the entire exteriors of the temple is constructed in red. During Navratri and other auspicious occasions, the temple witnesses a crazy footfall of worshippers. It is one of the best Varanasi tourist places to offer prayers to the Goddess Durga for inner healing.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
12. Ramnagar Fort
The land of culture invites you to awaken the history buff in you. Ramnagar Fort is one the classic tourist places in Varanasi. The magnificent fort is a wonderful depiction of Mughal architecture. Built with red sandstone, the fort attracts hundreds of travellers as well as locals. Adding to your delight, the fort is home to a temple and a museum.
The museum, also known as bhawan, has a plethora of vintage cars, ornaments, silver work, old guns, weapons and medieval costumes. It also has a rare astronomical clock that displays the positioning of planets and the sun. As you walk through the carved balconies and huge courtyards, you can truly sense the living style and quality of the ancients. The fort is often illuminated with lights and decorations during festivals.
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Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 (For indoor museum)
Location: Varanasi Rd, Ram Nagar, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008
13. Darbhanga Ghat
Varanasi is home to several ghats as it shares the border with the religious river of Ganga. It happens to be one of the important Varanasi tourist places. Darbhanga Ghat, named after the Darbhanga royal family, is located between Dasashwamedh Ghat and Rana Mahal Ghat. This ghat is also dedicated to cremation rituals and last rites.
Several travellers visit the ghat to sight rituals carried out by priests on the banks. Near to the Ganga River’s margin is Darbhanga Ghat’s steep, constrictive shape. At this ghat, there is also a huge temple with a big Shiva Linga. Travellers also visit the ghat to deliver ashes of the deceased into the river so that the person achieves salvation.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
Location: 8245+3VW, Near Ahilyabai Ghat, Uttar Pradesh 221010
14. Sankat Mochan Temple
If you are in Varanasi, do not forget to present your wishes to the lord. Sankat Mochan is a phrase used to describe a problem solver. The Hindu deity, Hanuman is honoured at this temple known as Sankat Mochan Hanuman. Hence, it is believed that devotees are freed from their problems as they worship at the temple. It is also a belief that Tulsidas authored the Ramcharitmanas in this well-known tourist destination in Varanasi.
Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the famous tourist places in Varanasi as it is also home to a large group of monkeys. You can spot many monkeys in the temple area. A subtle architecture invites locals as well as tourists to pay homage. Besan Laddu is generally offered to Lord Hanuman at the temple.
Timings: Morning 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM | Afternoon 3:00 PM to Evening 10:00 PM
Location: Sankat Mochan Rd, Padampuri Colony, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Even the tourist places in Varanasi are all set to give you a homely feeling in the land of culture and beauty. Walk through the lanes that are full of stories about the mysterious land of India.
