Varanasi is well known for Hindu gods which is also known as Banaras, and in ancient times, it was formerly known as Kashi in Hindu mythology. It is among the world’s oldest cities. There are many best places to visit in Varanasi where you can make lots of memories. You can encounter India’s spirituality at its most alive form in the top sites to visit in Varanasi. Varanasi is full of thrills and joys, and you may view continually blazing death pyres there at the Manikarnika Ghat, a sacred Hindu cremation ground to the greatest pan in the world.
Best tourist places in varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple, Ramnagar Fort & Museum, Alamgir Mosque, Godowlia Market, Chowk & Vishwanath Gali, Man Mandir Observatory, Darbhanga Ghat, and numerous other attractions are just a few of the well-known Varanasi tourist attractions.
In addition to these wonderful locations, several of the top cafes and restaurants in this area provide traditional Banarasi food and must visit places in Varanasi. There are some of the top water parks where you may enjoy exhilarating rides if you want to get the best amount of fun. So get ready to explore this spiritual city, which has something to offer everyone, and discover its hidden gems.
Let’s explore the Spiritual city of god in the words of a traveller
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Banaras is famous for Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of India’s oldest, wealthiest, and holiest shrines, is situated in Varanasi, a revered city. The magnificent temple honours the mighty Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is known as Kashi because Varanasi had the name Kashi in ancient times. Many thousands of followers go great distances to experience its peaceful spiritual atmosphere and ask their god for favours. The towering domes and spires made of pure gold sparkle in the sunlight.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The best places to travel in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh ghat. The liveliest artis along the sacred Ganges are performed at Dashashwamedh Ghat to envelop the tourists in heavenly joy. Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of Varanasi’s most well-known tourist destinations, gained its name from the myth that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses, or das Ashwamedh, to carry out a yajna. The light of diyas ignited to start the sacred rites illuminates the ghat every sunset.
Manikarnika Ghat
One of the earliest ghats, Manikarnika, is mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads. Its perimeter is surrounded by temples dedicated to numerous Hindu deities, and the Ganga River’s sanctified waters flow serenely next to it. Each year, thousands of pilgrims come here to perform the final rites for their deceased loved ones, providing a glimpse into Varanasi’s ancient way of life. At the top of the stairs lies a holy well that Lord Shiva is said to have dug to retrieve the Goddess Sati’s lost earring.
Assi Ghat
Varanasi is famous for the name Assi Ghat which comes from old records that state Tulsidas, a great saint and poet, retreated there before passing away there. The best places to visit in Varanasi is Assi Ghat. You can take a boat ride to see the spectacular sunsets or you can unwind in the shade of the peepal trees that line the shores of the ghat. The Assi ghat is filled with daily devotees as worshippers singing prayers on each day, every morning as the sadhus and pandits ignite the diyas and complete the traditional aarti.
Darbhanga Ghat
The Darbhanga Ghat is well-known for its photographs. The opulent BrijRama Palace, a former fort that has been transformed into a heritage hotel, crowns the staircase leading down to the riverbed. Grecian pillars and circular balconies on the property lend the area a regal atmosphere. Best make a plan to arrive here at the early dawn for magnificent views of the mesmerising sunrise over the Ganges River.
Shivala Ghat
If you want some peace and quiet by the Ganges, Shivala Ghat is a nice location to go. It is simpler to respectfully observe the faithful taking their morning ritual baths in the holy river and families assembling for prayers and tea at the ghat because there aren’t many people there. Water buffalo are known to linger in the area, so don’t be shocked if you end up sharing the space with them. A palace constructed in the 19th century by the Nepalese ruler Sanjay Vikram Shah is also on display.
Dhamek Stupa
One of the famous places to visit in varanasi is Damek Stupa. A structure that was originally created in 249 BCE was replaced with the Dhamek stupa more than 1,500 years ago. This faithful structure was constructed after attaining enlightenment. The Buddha travelled to Dhamek Stupa to deliver his first sermon, which unveiled the Eightfold Way. As you stroll around the site, have a look at the tasteful carvings of animals, humans, and flowers that adorn the stupa’s walls.
Ramnagar Fort
Ramnagar Fort, an 18th-century sandstone fort and castle, now serves as a bizarre museum filled with antique weapons, extravagant hookahs, vintage cars and sedan chairs adorned with jewels as well as a unique astronomical clock that is more than 150 years old.
Best season to visit varanasi in winters and monsoon. See the fort’s temples after participating in an archaeological treasure hunt at the museum, one of which honours Veda Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and other significant Hindu epics.
Ganga Aarti
Best time to visit varanasi is during the precious timings of sacred Ganga Aarti. Everyday from the ancient times, on the banks of the revered Ganges, an important tradition from the vedic times known as Ganga Aarti is conducted on a large scale by the people of Banaras, the earliest people from the time being. At every Ghat of Banaras, the Aarti is performed by the brahmins. A beautiful divine glow that may be felt lightens the entire Ghat by sacred and mindblowing smell of dhoop. Huge brass lamps filled with ghee and oils are ignited as part of the beautiful ancient Indian ritual, and priests chant sacred mantras that resound across the entire space of the ghats.
Vishwanath Gali
Vishwanath Gali in Varanasi is renowned for its street shopping. The bustling gali sells a variety of items for affordable prices. Household necessities, home accents, brass idols of deities, contemporary or conventional apparel, and other products are easily accessible. Also, the Area is well known for its local foods.
Nepali Temple
The Nepali Temple, a 19th-century Lord Shiva monument, is one of the city’s oldest temples. It is an exact replica of Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple and was built by the Nepalese King. The traditional architecture of the structure, which is built of stone, terracotta, and wood embellishments, attracts a lot of attention. It is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.
Ghat Kedar
Kedar Ghat, one of Varanasi’s oldest Ghats, is thought highly of as a cleansing location for bathing in the famed Ganga rivers and offering affections and devotion to Lord Mahakal at the Kedareshwar Temple. It is widely known due to its scenic views of lush green surroundings and spiritual ambiance of diyas.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Varanasi’s well-known temple Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, our country. The temple’s sole object of worship is a relief-carved marble map of the country. The temple was conceived by a freedom fighter named Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta. It has been the only one in the world particularly dedicated to a nation since its completion in 1936 and Mahatma Gandhi’s inauguration.
Vindham Waterfalls
The best time to visit Banaras is during monsoon. Mirzapur, 90 kilometres from Varanasi, is home to the lovely Vindham Waterfalls. Around the waterfalls are the Tanda fountains, campgrounds, and temples, as well as other well-known tourist attractions. The fascinating waterfall is a popular picnic spot and draws a large number of people.
Devdari Waterfalls
Banaras is famous for Devdari Waterfalls. Devdari Waterfalls, located 65 kilometres from Varanasi in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, is a lovely place with flowing silvery water and lush green locations. The waterfalls, which fall from a height of 58 metres, are a popular tourist attraction.