Places to Visit Varanasi

Places to Visit in Varanasi holds an important place in Hindu mythology. This city is highly revered as one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. It is a paradise for pilgrims and fun travelers alike. This city is an abode of the Hindu God Shiva. Varanasi or ‘Kashi’ has a charm of its own. The river, the temples, the Ghats, the pilgrimage sites, the narrow alleys - everything in Varanasi is filled with a divine aura that gifts every visitor a breathtaking experience. This Varanasi guide gives you all the detailed info that you want to know.

History suggests that Varanasi is the oldest city in the world. Hence every alley, every Ghat that takes you to the Ganges has a history of its own. It is fascinating to take a walk in labyrinth of streets in Varanasi. The best way to explore the Ganges and the surroundings is by taking a boat ride during sunrise or sunset. Bask in the divinity while attending the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a religious ceremony which is held here daily at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening. No wonder, Ganga Aarti and boat ride are the major aspects of Varanasi tourism. Besides, the age-old town is dotted with so many ancient temples. Varanasi boasts of astounding architectural marvels.

Additionally, places to visit Varanasi form a huge list. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, Durga Temple, and Alamgir Mosque are the few famous places. Apart from this, you must visit the Banaras Hindu University. A day trip to Sarnath, a holy place for the Buddhists should also be in your bucket list.

You can get detailed information about each and everything with our Varanasi travel guide. This city is well connected by air, train and via roadway. You can travel by train from Delhi or any other major city in India like Mumbai and Kolkata. Or if you prefer road trips then you can do that too. In the city, you can choose auto-rickshaws to travel. They are cheap and will take you to the majority of the Varanasi attractions.

Kashi Vishwanath/Golden Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Benaras, the Holiest Place of Hindus (and center of earth in Hindu Cosmology) where at least once in life a Hindu is expected to do pilgrimage and if possible pour the remains (ashes) of cremated ancestors here on the River Ganges.
The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning the Ruler of the universe. The temple town that claims to be the oldest living city in the world, with 3500 years of documented history is also called Kashi and hence the temple is popularly called as Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Due to this 15.5m high golden spire, the temple is sometimes called as the Golden Temple, similar to the Golden temple, a Sikh Gurudwara at Amritsar.
The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines, located in a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli, near the river. The linga the main deity at the shrine is 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference housed in a silver altar. There are small temples for Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri in the complex. There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi (the wisdom well) and it is believed that the Jytorlinga was hidden in the well to protect it at the time of invasion. It is said that the main priest of the temple had jumped in the well with the Shiv Ling in order to protect the (Jyoti-r)Ling from the invaders.

Tulsi Manas Temple
Located seven kilometers from the Varanasi station, the Tulsi Manas Temple has a traditional and cultural history. It is established in that very place where the great Indian epic `Ramayana` was written. It was Goswami Tulsi Das who composed Ramayana in Hindi and named it `Ram Charit Manas`. Lord Rama is the deity worshipped at this temple. Tulsi Das actually created a god out of Rama. Beforehand, Rama was considered as a king who was unparallel. The temple is simply constructed. Verses from Ram Charit Manas spatter the walls of the temple. The complex philosophies of the Ramayana are described in sheer simplicity of words.

Monkey Temple
Also known as Durga Temple, Monkey Temple is yet another popular temple in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga but is recognized as a Monkey Temple, due to excessive population of monkeys around it. It is believed the presiding deity was not man-made but appeared on its own. The temple is built by a Bengali Maharani in a Nagara style of architecture. Non-Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the shrine but not the inner sanctum.

Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple, a fairly new temple built in 1936 and located at Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus, is a shrine dedicated to Mother India. This temple was built by a Gandhian follower Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It enshrines a marble structure of Mother India, a fine three dimensional structure of undivided India. The marble structure, rather a map of India, is constructed at the right proportions of oceans, lands and hills. This is a unique temple and a symbol of patriotism. This temple is placed itself in the settings of natural beauty overlooking the Ganges and holy Ghats. The temple is in the shape of pentagonal cone with five pillars supporting the structure.

Sarnath
Sarnath is to Buddhists what Varanasi is to Hindus. This city was once the greatest learning centre in India and had also been visited by Chinese travellers Fa-Hien and Huien Tsang. The Deer Park is a major attraction in Sarnath; it is believed it is the place where Buddha visited in 528 BC to preach Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law (his first major sermon after gaining enlightment). Deer Park is a complex now and the central monument here is Dhamekh Stupa, which is believed to be erected at place, where Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples. There is another stupa that catches the attention and it is called Dharmarajika Stupa (built by emperor Ashoka). The complex is dotted with small monasteries and temples. The Bodhi Tree is also planted here in the year 1931. In Sarnath, one can also visit the Archaeological Museum that displays a wonderful collection of Buddhist artifacts. The major attraction here is the Ashokan Lion Capital in polished sandstone.

Nalanda
Nalanda was once reckoned to be the most prestigious centre of learning in India. Situated at a distance of 355kms from Varanasi, Nalanda in Bihar definitely deserves a visit. The Buddhist University established here in Nalanda is believed to had been established around 5th century AD and had 5000 students both domestic and foreign. There were over nine million manuscripts in its library. It is also believed that Buddha visited and stayed here in Nalanda quite often. Despite its vandalization by Turkish invader Bakhtiar Khalji, this university still conveys a distinct impression of the serene and disciplined life of contemplation and learning that once prevailed here. Nalanda’s temple; Votive Stupas (they have several images of standing Boddhisattavas and seated Buddha); Monk’s cells, monasteries and Dado panel from Temple 2 are the major attractions here.