10 Best Places to visit in Varanasi

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India. It is located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and is considered a sacred place for Hindus. The city is famous for its ghats along the river Ganges, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural heritage. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi:

1. New Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Nestled within the premises of Banaras Hindu University, this temple draws a constant stream of tourists every day. Commissioned by the illustrious Birla family, renowned for their entrepreneurial success in India, locals affectionately refer to it as the Birla Temple. What sets this temple apart is that it isn’t merely a single structure, but rather an amalgamation of seven distinct temples, forming a grand religious complex. Taking inspiration from the revered old Vishwanath temple, its design pays homage to the ancient architectural marvel.

The temple’s allure lies in its ornate walls, adorned with the sacred utterances of Lord Krishna from the revered Bhagavad Gita. As you traverse its walls, you find yourself immersed in the divine teachings of Krishna, adding to the spiritual experience. Being one of the most iconic temples in Varanasi, it undoubtedly deserves a prominent place on every traveler’s itinerary.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Regarded by many as Varanasi’s premier temple and deemed by some as the most significant in the nation, this ancient shrine boasts a history stretching back more than 3,500 years — a truly remarkable span of time. With countless events and occurrences associated with it, visiting the temple can be an overwhelming experience. This revered site is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, representing the physical embodiment of Lord Shiva.

The shrine’s spires and domes are resplendent in gold, a testament to the Punjab tradition introduced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had previously adorned the Golden Temple in a similar fashion. Devotees firmly believe that catching a glimpse of the Shivalinga can purify one’s soul and set them on a path of enlightenment.

3. Durga Temple, Varanasi

This temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, stands as an emblem of feminine divinity. The deity enshrined within its walls is said to have manifested mysteriously, not crafted by human hands. What sets this temple apart as a symbol of feminism is its origin, which was commissioned by none other than a woman herself — the Maharani of Bengal. She envisioned the temple to be constructed in the graceful Nagara style of architecture.

Yet, the most captivating aspect of this temple is its daily visitors — several monkeys that frequent the premises. Their presence has earned it the nickname “Monkey Temple.” While it adds a playful touch, one must remain cautious of these mischievous apes when exploring the temple grounds.

4. Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi

This unique temple holds a special dedication — to the nation itself. Among the multitude of temples in India, few pay tribute to the nation’s spirit, making this one a rarity. Its distinctiveness draws countless visitors to Varanasi. Found within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, it was inaugurated by none other than Gandhi himself in 1936. Intended as a symbol of love and hope for those fighting against British rule, it stands as an inspiring beacon of patriotism.

What sets this temple apart is its unconventional statue. Instead of depicting a deity in human form, it beautifully represents mountains, plains, and oceans — the very essence of the nation’s natural landscape.

5. Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi

Amidst a plethora of temples, the Alamgir mosque proudly stands as a testament to the Muslim community’s enduring presence in this region for centuries. Renowned for its exquisite Islamic architecture, this mosque holds a distinctive feature — it graces the banks of the Ganga River, creating a unique and picturesque setting.

History attributes its construction to the Mughal Sultan Aurangzeb, the great-grandchild of Akbar, who was also known as Alamgir. The mosque derives its name from this illustrious emperor. It is worth noting that historical accounts indicate Aurangzeb’s involvement in the demolition of a temple to make way for the mosque’s construction. However, despite this event, the mosque beautifully incorporates Hindu influences in its architectural style and artistic elements.

6. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Among all the ghats in the city, this one holds the distinction of being the oldest, lending it a special significance. If you’ve ever come across videos of people immersed in the ritualistic act of bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganga, holding diyas (oil lamps) while praying on the riverbanks, there’s a high chance that the scene was captured at this very ghat. Its vibrant atmosphere is a result of the throngs of people who gather here daily to cleanse their souls and offer prayers.

Dashashwamedh Ghat attracts a diverse crowd of ascetics, devout Hindus, and curious tourists alike, who come to witness the famous Ganga aarti — a grand ceremonial worship of the river. Its status as a significant landmark and the host of such a revered event makes it an essential destination for any traveler visiting Varanasi!

7. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

Once more, this ghat holds immense significance for Hindus, serving as the primary cremation site in the city. The departed souls find their final resting place here, with the belief that they attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. According to a myth, it is said that Devi Parvati’s ear ornament fell at this very spot when Lord Shiva visited the ghat with her.

While the atmosphere may be somber on most days, the ghat remains steeped in history, making it a place of historical importance for visitors to Varanasi. Referred to as the burning ghat, it holds a crucial role in the tapestry of Varanasi, much like death does in the cycle of life.

8. Assi Ghat, Varanasi

According to belief, Assi Ghat marks the sacred site where the renowned poet Tulsidas departed from this world. Positioned as the southernmost ghat in the area, it stands as one of the most sought-after attractions for tourists. On any regular day, the ghat attracts around 300 visitors per hour, but during festive occasions, this number skyrockets to as many as 2500 people.

While at Assi Ghat, visitors can partake in a leisurely boat ride along the river or embark on an exciting hot air balloon excursion, offering unique perspectives of the surroundings. For devotees, the ghat holds great significance, as they engage in the ritualistic act of bathing in the holy waters of the river. It is believed that this sacred water purifies the soul, preparing them for their religious practices and spiritual journey.

9. Manmandir Ghat, Varanasi

Back in the early 1600s, Raja Man Singh took the initiative to commission the construction of this ghat. His desire for tranquility led to the addition of a spacious stone balcony on the ghat’s northern corner, where he could relish the serene ambiance. One of its remarkable features is the relatively lower footfall compared to other ghats, making it an ideal location for spending a peaceful day.

Positioned just north of Dashashwamedh ghat, it offers a splendid vantage point to observe the serene flow of the Ganga River. Moreover, its proximity to several prominent temples adds to its allure, allowing visitors to explore multiple sacred sites in one go. Among the closest temples are the Someshwar Temple, Rameshwar Temple, and Sthuladanta Vinayaka, making it a convenient and spiritually enriching destination.

10. Gyan Vapi Well, Varanasi

This ancient well, aptly named “the well of wisdom,” holds a fascinating belief surrounding its water — that it possesses inherent wisdom and those who drink from it are bestowed with its benefits. Regardless of one’s superstitions, the well carries an intriguing historical tale. According to legend, it is said to house the Jyotirlinga that was relocated from the old Kashi Vishwanath Temple, destroyed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The well’s origins trace back to the time when the original temple was demolished to pave the way for the construction of a mosque nearby.

Beyond its mythical significance, the well’s construction showcases exquisite architecture and artistic expression, making it a captivating destination to explore.

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