Top places to visit

Top places to visit

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is filled with sacred temples, bustling ghats, mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, and vibrant markets. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, history lover, or cultural explorer, here are the best places to visit in Varanasi.

 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Most Sacred Shiva Temple

 Why Visit?

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the holiest temple in Hinduism.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Ganges River.
• A must-visit for devotees and spiritual seekers.

 Location: Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi
 Best Time to Visit: Early morning (4 AM – 6 AM) or evening aarti
 Entry Fee: Free (VIP darshan: ₹300 – ₹500)
 Must-Do: Attend the Rudrabhishek Puja & explore the temple corridor.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Grand Ganga Aarti Spot

 Why Visit?

• The most famous ghat in Varanasi, known for the spectacular evening Ganga Aarti.
• A spiritual and cultural hotspot, where Hindu rituals take place daily.
• Mythologically, Lord Brahma performed 10 Ashwamedha Yagnas here.

 Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
 Best Time to Visit: Evening (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM) for Ganga Aarti
 Entry Fee: Free (Boat rides ₹200 – ₹500)
 Must-Do: Take a boat ride during the Ganga Aarti for a magical experience.

 3. Manikarnika Ghat – The Eternal Cremation Ground

 Why Visit?

• One of the oldest and most sacred cremation ghats in India.
• Hindus believe being cremated here leads to Moksha (liberation from rebirth).
• A place of deep spiritual significance with continuous funeral pyres burning 24/7.

 Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
 Best Time to Visit: Morning or Evening
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Observe the rituals respectfully & understand Hindu philosophy on death.

 4. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

 Why Do It?

• A tranquil experience to witness the morning prayers and rituals.
• Get a panoramic view of the ancient ghats and temples.
• Best for photography and cultural immersion.

 Location: Starts from Dashashwamedh Ghat
 Best Time: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM (Sunrise)
 Cost: ₹200 – ₹500 per person
 Must-Do: Capture the golden sunrise reflecting on the Ganges.

 5. Sarnath – The Sacred Buddhist Site

 Why Visit?

• The place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
• Home to Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Ashoka Pillar.
• One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

 Location: 10 km from Varanasi
 Best Time to Visit: Morning or Late Afternoon
 Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
 Must-Do: Visit the Sarnath Museum to see the Lion Capital of Ashoka.

 6. Ramnagar Fort – The Royal Heritage of Varanasi

 Why Visit?

• A 17th-century fort & palace, once home to the Kings of Banaras.
• Offers stunning views of the Ganges River & historic royal artifacts.
• Houses a museum with antique weapons, vintage cars, and manuscripts.

 Location: 14 km from Varanasi (across the river)
 Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
 Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹200
 Must-Do: Watch the sunset over the Ganges from the fort.

 7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) & Bharat Kala Bhavan

 Why Visit?

• One of India’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
• Houses Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum with ancient sculptures, paintings, and artifacts.
• The New Kashi Vishwanath Temple (BHU Vishwanath Temple) is a peaceful retreat.

 Location: BHU Campus, Varanasi
 Best Time to Visit: Daytime
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Explore the museum and relax in the university gardens.

 8. Godowlia Market – The Shopping Paradise

 Why Visit?

• The busiest & most famous local market in Varanasi.
• Famous for Banarasi silk sarees, brassware, wooden toys, and religious souvenirs.
• Great place to buy Rudraksha beads, Itar (perfume), and handicrafts.

 Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
 Best Time to Visit: Evening
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Buy a Banarasi silk saree and enjoy street food.

 9. Try Banarasi Street Food

 Why Visit?

• Varanasi is famous for its unique vegetarian cuisine and sweets.
• Must-try foods: Kachori-Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyo, and Banarasi Paan.

 Best Places for Street Food:
✔️ Kachori Gali – Best for Kachori-Sabzi.
✔️ Blue Lassi Shop – Best for fruit-flavored Lassi.
✔️ Deena Chaat Bhandar – Best for Tamatar Chaat.

 Must-Do: Try the winter delicacy "Malaiyo" at Chowk Market.

 10. Tulsi Manas Temple – The Temple of Ramayana

 Why Visit?

• A beautiful marble temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
• The Ramcharitmanas (Ramayana) is inscribed on its walls.
• A peaceful place away from the city's hustle.

 Location: Near Durga Temple, Varanasi
 Best Time to Visit: Morning
 Entry Fee: Free
 Must-Do: Read the engraved verses of Ramcharitmanas inside the temple.