Searching for the best places to visit in Varanasi? Well, you are not alone, as people from different corners of the country are eager to experience this city’s mystical aura and cultural richness. Varanasi, or Kashi, has been a center of culture, learning, and spirituality for a long time. The city was ruled by the Mughals, Guptas, and Mauryas, and each of these dynasties left an indelible mark on it. Known as one of the oldest inhabited cities, Banaras, or Varanasi, attracts tourists, pilgrims, and history buffs from far and wide. This holy city has a special place in the heart of Hindu devotees.
It is believed that if a person dies here, he or she will attain salvation and get freedom from the cycle of birth. Located on the bank of the majestic Ganges River, Varanasi is a major pilgrimage site that is visited by innumerable visitors annually. Many tour operators offer several Varanasi tours to avid travelers who want to experience its iconic temples and ghats. A trip to the best places in Varanasi will let you unravel this mystical place and learn about its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Durga Temple
This is one of the best places to visit during Varanasi tours. Dedicated to the goddess of power, Durga, the Durga temple is an architectural marvel just like other religious places in the city. Once you reach the temple, you will be awestruck to see its beauty. Its striking red color represents the energy and power of Goddess Durga, which makes it visually appealing. You will find innumerable monkeys in the vicinity of the temple, which is the reason why people call it a ‘monkey temple.’ According to a legend, the idol of Durga in the temple is not established by anyone, but it is the self-manifestation of Goddess Durga.
You will also find idols of other goddesses in the temple, such as Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi, etc. The Durga Kund temple, or Durga temple, is a fine example of Nagara-style architecture. Its intricate stone carvings and spire lend it a beautiful look. Hindu devotees visit this temple to seek blessings and spiritual solace.
The temple’s beauty is at its peak during the important Hindu festivals. Navaratri, which is one of the major Hindu festivals, is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. During the festival, the temple is decorated beautifully. People celebrate it by organizing many cultural events and special rituals.
Assi Ghat
Referred to as the ‘city of ghats,’ Varanasi has many ghats that are the perfect spiritual gateways to experience its divinity. Devotees seek solace and perform important rituals here to connect with divine power. One of the famous ghats in Varanasi is Assi Ghat, which is popular for its lively atmosphere. Devotees visit it and perform many rituals here. According to the legend, Goddess Durga threw her sword at this site after defeating the monsters named Nishumbha and Shumbha.
Lying at the southern end of the city, Assi Ghat is a revered site for Hindu devotees. People believe that the ghat is blessed by Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. People visit this place to pay their respects to a ‘lingam,’ which is established under a holy peepal tree. The serene environment of the ghat will enthrall you and let you experience its divine aura. Devotees can enjoy prayers and Vedic chants in the morning, followed by meditation and yoga. Also, witness the soul-stirring evening aarti at the ghat and satiate your taste buds at the popular cafes and restaurants. Other activities that you can try here are boat rides and hot-air balloon rides.
Assi Ghat transforms into a bustling and vibrant place during the famous Magh Mela, which is organized here in January-February. During the mela, devotees in large numbers visit this ghat to take a holy dip in the river. Maha Shivratri is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. This vibrant festival is attended by a large number of Hindu devotees who come here to experience the spiritual essence of this place.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
This is one of the top attractions in Varanasi, which attracts innumerable visitors from around the world. Known for its cultural practices, the ghat shows the deep connection of the city with Hindu traditions and rituals. According to a legend, Lord Brahma performed a Yagna at Dashashwamedh Ghat to request Lord Shiva to return from exile. Since then, a Ganga aarti has been organized at this site.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is considered the main ghat in Varanasi and is highly popular for its evening Ganga aarti. People flock to the ghat to attend it every evening and experience the divine aura of this place. They also perform pind daan here, which is a ritual performed for the departed souls. According to Hindu mythology, this ritual is said to liberate the souls of our ancestors, thereby providing them peace. People across India come to this ghat to perform this ritual.
Devotees also take a dip in the Ganges at the ghat. This act purifies them by cleansing them of their sins. Bathing in the Ganges River offers spiritual renewal to the devotees. Bathing ritual is highly popular during the festivals and auspicious occasions.
Offering sacred items to the Ganges River is also an important ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat. A few of such offerings include diyas, flowers, and other things. This is a way to seek the blessings of the river goddess for well-being, health, and prosperity. Although you can visit Varanasi any time of the year, the best time to come here is between October and March. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, which lets you explore the famous temples and ghats of the city.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Dedicated to Lord Rama, Tulsi Manas Temple is also one of the top places to visit in Varanasi. It is named after Goswami Tulsidas, who was a great poet. According to a legend, he wrote the famous Ramcharitmanas at this very site in the 16th century AD. Also known as Sri Satyanarayana Tulsi Manas Mandir, the temple is among the best places to visit during Varanasi tours. As soon as you enter the temple, you will experience the sanctity of this place. The place also houses a museum that has a large collection of artifacts and manuscripts. Tulsi Manas Temple is constructed with the help of marble and is surrounded by lush greenery. The tranquility of the temple lets the visitors meditate here peacefully.
The images of Sita, Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, and Lakshman are carved on the temple. The shikhara-style architecture of the temple lends it a beautiful look. Admire the Dohas, Chhandas, Sorathas, and Chaupayees inscribed on the walls of the temple when you are here. You will find many scenes and statues here that depict Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple was built in the year 1964 by the Thakur Das Sureka family of West Bengal. The ideal time to visit it is between July and August. Puppet shows are organized during this time that depict the epic story of Ram and Sita. Devotees and tourists visit the temple during these months to pay respects to Goswami Tulsidas and learn about the story of Lord Rama.
Bharat Mata Temple
Known as the ‘Mother India Temple,’ Bharat Mata Temple is one of the unique sites of Varanasi. Based on the concept of India, this temple was constructed before the independence. Constructed by freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, this edifice was inaugurated in the year 1936. It is a perfect tribute to all the freedom fighters who participated in forming the new India. One of the striking features of the temple is that it doesn’t possess any statue of a god or goddess. The temple is inspired by a map made on the floor of Vidhwa Ashram. You will find an undivided map of India here that consists of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Baluchistan, Sri Lanka, and Burma. This temple is one of the unique and interesting places to visit in Varanasi during your Varanasi tour.
The architecture of the temple is a great example of pre-independence craftsmanship of India. With intricate carvings, the temple represents the cultural heritage of the country beautifully. These marble carvings used in the structure showcase mountains, rivers, and important historical places of the country. The design of Bharat Mata Temple is a perfect reminiscence of the shared heritage of the country.
Banaras Hindu University
Another worth-seeing place to visit in Varanasi is Banaras Hindu University. It is one of the prestigious residential universities in the country that offers education in different streams such as social sciences, fine arts, performing arts, science, humanities, etc. The university was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916. Spread over an area of approx. 1300 acres, it has been a hub of knowledge for a long time. It houses approx. 15,000 students, which makes it one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
BHU is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for scholars. Best known for its excellent academic standards, BHU has given many renowned artists, scholars, and scientists to the country. Banaras Hindu University houses a museum named Bharat Kala Bhavan, which is immensely popular among visitors. The serene ambiance of the university is perfect for the ones who want to spend their time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The BHU campus has lush greenery and good roads. The architecture of the structures inside the university is a fine example of Indo-Gothic design. The BHU complex also has a museum, hospital, and library.
Manikarnika Ghat
This is another famous ghat of Varanasi that is worth exploring. It is best known for its mysterious experiences. This is the site where dead bodies are burnt. Manikarnika Ghat is an embodiment of life and the eternal cycle of life and death. The name of the ghat is formed with two words, i.e., “Mani” and “Karnika.” While the meaning of the first word is jewel, the second word means earring. The ghat is believed to be a sacred place for the Hindus. They believe that if anyone is cremated here, their soul will be free from the cycle of death and rebirth. This is the place where the dead are cremated around the clock. Devotees and pilgrims hold a deep respect for Manikarnika Ghat. They come from different corners of the country to perform many rituals at the ghat, such as pind daan, tarpan, shraddh, etc.
Panchaganga Ghat
It is also one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi. Panchaganga Ghat is believed to have been constructed by Sage Bhrigu at the time of the Mahabharata. Pilgrims come here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River. They have the belief that bathing at Panchaganga Ghat will cleanse them of their sins and help them get salvation. The ghat is also popular for its stunning architecture. Panchaganga Ghat is surrounded by many old buildings, such as Bindu Madhav Temple, Alamgir Mosque, etc. The ghat is also known for its tranquil atmosphere, which helps people meditate here peacefully. Don’t miss the Ganga aarti here, which is performed to pay respect to the sanctity of the Ganges River. Devotees visit this ghat in large numbers during the festivals and take a dip here to wash away their sins.
Best Places to Visit in Varanasi: Conclusion
Being one of the oldest cities, Varanasi is best known for its religious significance and rich cultural heritage. There is a long list of the best places to visit in Varanasi. If you are an avid traveler, you can include these places in your bucket list and visit them during your Varanasi tour. Whether you are a history buff, a devotee, or just an ordinary tourist, Varanasi has a lot to offer to you. Right from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Tulsi Manas Temple and Banaras Hindu University, you won’t have any dearth of top tourist attractions in Varanasi that offer you a diverse range of experiences. Thus, don’t wait; pack your bags and head to Varanasi for an unforgettable experience.