21 best places to see in Varanasi

DROWNING DEEP IN THE HOLINESS OF VARANASI TEMPLES: PLACES TO SEE IN VARANASI

Varanasi is the perfect reflection of India of your dreams.

With thousands of people visiting Varanasi temples and seeking blessing from the one above, this place is an epitome of spirituality and religious experience.

Imagine waking up to the sun rising and showering its crimson blessings while the streets are bustling with energy.

The sound of music hitting the earworm territory and the sight of people doing yoga to achieve fitness and spiritual satisfaction is what welcomes any traveler that comes to Varanasi seeking for more.

Varanasi is soulful and sacred. Therefore, we have listed some 20 destinations within this eye-opening city that you may want to check off your bucket list.

Thank us later for the experience of a lifetime.

Smacked right in the center of the holy town of Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts footfall from people all over the globe. Varanasi city tour package boasts this one in high spirits.

It is nestled by the banks of the holy river Ganga and proudly devoted itself to the service of Lord Shiva.

It’s only right to call Varanasi the city of Lord Shiva for the temples here offer prayers and devotion to him.

Interesting fact? The tourist leaflet on Varanasi is home to the 12th Jyotirlinga. If you happen to go through the holy scriptures of the Hindus, you’ll find the temple mentioned at a lot of places

Let our Uttar Pradesh itinerary help you offer prayers at places to see in Varanasi.

Dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman, this temple is situated on the river Assi.

The monkeys playing around the temple may pose as a threat to your sweets and belongings.

Beware!

Be that as it may this holy temple witnesses a huge amount of people every day who come here to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama.

Are you a sweet tooth?

Well, then the laddoos offered here are famous all over.

You really have got to visit this one.

Banaras Hindu University is known worldwide and the new Vishwanath temple here just adds up to its charm and vibes.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this white marble holy edifice is one of its kind. With the river Ganga streaming beside the temple, it blends all the elements of Hindu cosmos.

There cannot be a better place to meet the divine and embark on a journey to soul-cleansing in the laps of nature.

Also known as the monkey temple, this holy temple is situated in the Durga Kund of Varanasi.

The Multi-tiered shikhara will enchant you into an odd sense of contentment while you appreciate the North Indian style of architecture of this temple built by a Bengali queen.

Walk down the stairs to the pond and play with the holy water as you admire the kind that steals the show.

Ready to walk on the land where the great Lord Buddha taught his disciples?

The Tibetan temple showcasing the superior Tibetan architecture at Varanasi is outshined by a beautiful shrine that rests there.

Furthermore, while you’re there make sure to fall in love with the traditional Buddhist paintings in the wall and admire the statue of Shakyamuni.

Guess what? The prayer wheels here release paper strips when rotated clockwise.

These paper strips are inscribed with chants so holy that they give you a sense of peace and contentment when chanted.

Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi is one of the most significant ghats in Varanasi. This sacred Ghat is believed to help get rid of the endless cycle of birth and death.

A lot of Hindus come here to spend their last days and to get cremated.

This holy Ghat gives people hope for a better afterlife and good riddance from the shackles of death. Varanasi tourist packages.

If you happen to visit Varanasi, do not forget to visit this one. A sense of calmness will wash over you, we promise.

A Nepali temple in Varanasi. Sounds a little unusual? This temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and was established by the king of Nepal.

What makes this even more intriguing is that it is a pure reflection of the Pashupatinath Temple that resides in Nepal.

Furthermore, the architecture is visually appealing owing to the stones and wood carvings.

Care to see for yourself?

Brace yourself to witness a hundred years old educational institution that is flourished with beauty and pride.

The sprawling gardens and the info-gothic architecture makes this university special.

Scholars from all over the world come here to complete their research.

While you take a stroll in the lush green campus, try getting to know about its history.

It’s intriguing, we promise.

Ever imagined a Hindu temple without any idols of the deities?

We neither!

But this temple in Varanasi is dedicated to our incredible India.

The map of India carved on the walls of the temple making it the only temple in the world dedicated to a country. Intrigued?

It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi after it was established by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta.

Checking this off your bucket list will be something, won’t it?

It’s not just Hindu temples that flourish in Varanasi.

The Alamgir Mosque in Varanasi has history, though.

The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb built the mosque by demolishing a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Controversial? Yes.

Be that as it may, the perfect blend of Indo-Islamic styles of architecture makes this mosque beauty to the eyes of the beholder.

Go ahead, admire the minarets and domes already! Check out our Temple tours to India page for spiritual tourism information.

Time to travel back in time!

Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum will give you the luxury to witness some of the most magnificent artifacts ever in the course of time. Besides, the prominent spiritual spree it is definitely one of the most offbeat things to do in Varanasi.

Varanasi tour plan opens doors to this archaeological and art museum which is all open to exhibit opulent sculptures, painting, textiles, jewelry and a lot more.

Bedecked in artistic persona, this museum has a collection of over a whopping hundred thousand.

Art fanatics, time to roll!

With the holy river Ganga gracing its looming presence over this lofty fort, Ramnagar Fort is one perfect example of the Mughal style of architecture. Being one of the top heritage sites in Varanasi, Ramanagar fort spreads some real glitters and shines.

Built by Raja Balwant Singh, this fort dates back to 18th century.

Fun fact!?

Raja Pelu Bhiru Singh still resides in the fort. Although the fort is in a crumbling state, the perks of watching a sunset over the river from here are unparalleled.

Furthermore, for all you automobile fanatics, Varanasi tourism package has a vintage car museum just for you.

That’s just not it, there are glittering chairs and an astrological clock too.

You might want to check this one out.

This historically significant fort is situated 14 miles from Varanasi but has its own charm which makes it essential for you to visit it on your Varanasi tour. It is one of the most jarring tourist places on Varanasi map and a perfect weekend getaway from Varanasi too.

Moreover, a lot of Bollywood movies have been shot here making it all the more appealing.

Be that as it may, this fort has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of India.

From the Mauryan empire to the Mughal empire it has been used as a means of trade and much more.

Even after coming into the hands of the British it retained its glory. Check out Forts and Palaces in India theme page for more information regarding the rich Indian heritage.

Situated on the other side of Varanasi, this cute little temple is an epitome of Chinese architecture.

With Chinese lanterns and Chinese designs all over the walls, this one of the most serene tourist places near Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Buddha.

As soon as you visit this red and yellow edifice, a sense of calm and contentment will wash over you compelling you to meditate even more.

Time to align your chakras, peeps. History has it that it is built on a land where mangrove and vegetables used to grow.

Furthermore, the temple showcases a map of the route Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang took in the 7 th century.

Guess what! There is a huge board depicting the life of Buddha through scriptures and photos which make this temple all the more fascinating.

St. Mary’s Church in Varanasi is one of the oldest standing garrison church in Southern Asia.

Varanasi is not just a place for Hindus, it is secular and it is beautiful.

Home to the church built for the British and European community back in the days, this is one awe-inspiring sight to behold.

If you have time in your hands, make sure to visit this one and maybe pray to the Lord for good.

We’re sure he’ll listen.

ISKCON temple is a worldwide known temple and it is only right to visit one at a place that is holy sacred in its entirety.

Built-in Varanasi to spread Krishna Consciousness and to educate people about the life of Lord Krishna, this temple is vibrant and tranquil in its own.

Without prejudice people belonging to every religion are welcome to drown themselves at the moment and sway to the music of Kirtanas and Artis.

Go ahead, spread positivity and bask in the blessings of Lord Krishna at one of the amazing spots of Varanasi places to visit list.

Our temples in India page will make it easier for you to get to know this wonder of a temple.

Assi Ghat in Varanasi is one of the most sacred and biggest ghats in Varanasi.
You know what makes this one really special?

It is at this place that river Assi meets ye holy river, Ganga.

Devotees of Lord Shiva come here from all over to worship a Shiva lingam beneath a Peepal tree
Furthermore, you cannot miss out on. The sunrise and the sunset here.

You can witness people performing yoga on some tranquil music during sunrise while in the evening the hawkers take the streets by the storm.

Perks? Well, you get to have really insightful boat rides from this Ghat.

Go float already.
Let our Varanasi page take you deep in the streets around Assi Ghat.

Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to Lord Rama.
Devotees of the Lord come here to offer prayers to him.

The walls of the temple are engraved with verses from Ram Charit Manas making it one of the top places to see in Varanasi.

For all of you who don’t know what Ram Charit Manas is, it is the Hindi version of Ramayana, an epic Hindu mythology.

This marble, Sikhara style edifice is quintessential and makes Varanasi more Varanasi.

If you know what we mean!

Ghats are an inseparable part of Varanasi.
Shivala Ghat is one religious and historically significant Ghat.

Did you know that there is a colossal mansion of the king of Nepal by the Ghat?

For all those who enjoy a marvelous sunset or a sunrise, the crimson sky there will be etched into your memories for a lifetime.

Care to witness this magical perfection?

Brace yourself to witness a temple surging with Aghori Sadhus and Tantriks.
Batuk Bhairav Mandir is a place where tantriks worship and holds an immense religious value.

Dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Shiva Batuk Bhairav, this temple houses a holy Akhand Deep which has been burning eternally for ages.

Legend has it that the oil from this lamp has healing powers.
One more reason to visit this unusual temple?

Your Varanasi tour will be nothing short of a holy miracle while you visit Varanasi temples and get the blessings of gods and goddesses.

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