One of the holiest destinations for Hindus is this historic city, which has been inhabited continuously for around 2,800 years (and counting). In Varanasi, according to devotees, one might escape the cycle of rebirth and join the divine after death. The city is the most sacred in India and is awash with culture. Here, Ram Charit Manas by renowned Indian authors like Tulsidas was written. The city is well-known for its beautiful brassware, wooden toys, carpet weaving, glass bangles, fragrances, and gold and silver threadwork. Let’s go through the top places to visit in Varanasi in 2023.
Credit:Gautam Gupta
Assi Ghat
Varanasi’s southernmost primary ghat is always among the most well-liked tourist attractions in the city. The focal point of Assi Ghat is a Shiva lingam, a phallic representation of the Hindu deity that is situated beneath a sacred fig tree. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims who have just taken a bath in the Ganges River gather here to worship Lord Shiva.
Take a trip to Assi Ghat at the crack of dawn to practice downward-facing dogs with dozens of other people while listening to live music during early yoga courses. Tourists may also catch a different Ganga Aarti performance here in the evenings; this one is a little more intimate and smaller in scale than the one at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Credit: Alejandra Gargiulo
Ganga River
One of India’s most revered natural beauties and one of the world’s longest rivers, the Ganges River was named after the Hindu goddess Ganga. The river discharges into the Indian Ocean after flowing southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River serves as the primary source of drinking and bathing water for almost 600 million people. Hindus travel from all over the world to Varanasi to perform rituals along the hundreds of ghats (washing stations) that border the river and to purify themselves in the holy Ganges water.
Consider waking up early and taking a boat ride down the river in the morning. To obtain a decent deal on a boat, haggle with one of the several boatmen that hang out along the ghats. Two of the most well-liked things to do in Varanasi in the late afternoon or early evening are buying a miniature floating offering that is filled with fresh flowers and a candle and releasing it into the Ganges River. You will be able to better understand Hindu culture by having this lovely experience, which will also stay in your memory for a long time.
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Due to its lively atmosphere, the Dasaswamedh Ghat is among the most well-liked tourist attractions in Varanasi. You could come across sadhus (holy men) dressed out in brilliant face paint, flower vendors flaunting vibrant blooms, and boat captains offering trips along the Ganges River in this crowded tourist destination. You might easily lose hours just strolling and people-watching during the day.
Every night at approximately 7 o’clock, Hindu monks perform the Ganga Aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Before blowing a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual process, the priests, who are clothed in saffron robes, place trays of flower petals and other presents. Thousands of tourists congregate for about 45 minutes to see the monks chant while waving complex designs with tier-plated incense perfumed with sandalwood in front of them. It’s a luxurious site to witness and among the most well-liked activities around.
If you want to avoid the crowd and have a good viewing spot, get to the ghat at least two hours before the performance starts. Additionally, you may take in breathtaking views from boats traveling along the river or store balconies situated above the ghat.
Dhamek Stupa
Less than 12 kilometers away, in the neighboring town of Sarnath, Buddhism is strongly present. The Dhamek Stupa is a huge stone and brick structure next to the temple complex, measuring 43.6 meters in height and 28 meters in diameter. According to mythology, the stupa was built more than 1,500 years ago to replace a structure that had been there since 249 BCE. The devout think that after achieving enlightenment, the Buddha went to Dhamek Stupa to give his first sermon, in which he unveiled the Eightfold Path to the populace. Look at the detailed sculptures of animals, humans, and flowers that adorn the stupa’s walls as you go around it.
In addition, Sarnath boasts a number of extra tourist attractions, making it a fantastic choice for a day trip from Varanasi. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, a sculpture that once stood atop the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and was subsequently designated by the government as the official emblem of India in 1950, can be seen at the Sarnath Museum after visiting the Chaukhandi Stupa, a Buddhist shrine that is believed to have existed as early as the 6th century. Last but not least, before returning to Varanasi, spend some time touring the tranquil Tibetan Temple.
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University has contributed significantly to the growth of Varanasi’s identity since its foundation in 1916. The prestigious public university is one of Asia’s largest residential institutions with a total enrollment of more than 25,000 students. There are no hill stations close to Varanasi, so come to this gorgeous 1,300-acre campus instead if you’re looking for a location to escape the crowds and the bustle of the city. The serene area is cloaked in hundreds of tall trees and offers a nice escape from the busy atmosphere of the surrounding Banaras Ghats.
Visit the New Vishwanath Temple while you’re on campus. This well-known temple took ten years to build and was finally finished in 1966.
The temple, which is among the tallest in India at 77 meters, draws architectural inspiration from the nearby Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
A must-see for guests of the college is the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which is situated on the grounds of the campus. A remarkable collection of miniature paintings, together with more than 100,000 other items with archaeological and artistic value, are all on display at the cultural institution.
Credit: smohankumar 70
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Hindu pilgrims and tourists come from great distances to see the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred site close to the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. The distance between the Varanasi Junction train station and the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is around four kilometers. Because of its magnificent spire, which is covered with almost 800 kg of pure gold and is the highest building in the world, the magnificent edifice, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, has earned the nickname “The Golden Temple.” This temple’s extraordinary design served as a model for the construction of hundreds of such temples all throughout India.
Due to the tight security measures around the facility, visitors are expected to leave their cameras, phones, handbags, and other personal items in a rentable locker nearby. Take off your shoes and stand in line with hundreds of other visitors who are eager to touch the 60-centimeter Shiva lingam that is housed on a silver shrine and is purported to atone for the sins of those who approach it. It’s a difficult process, but one that finally pays off.
Manikarnika Ghat
Smoke rises in whirling columns to the sky at Manikarnika Ghat. It is derived from the frequent cremations that occur on this ghat, not from a factory. Manikarnika Ghat is considered by Hindus to be one of the most favorable locations for the souls of the departed to achieve moksha (freedom from suffering) (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). This ghat is available 24 hours a day and sees hundreds of cremations every day. The funeral pyre is burning nonstop.
Priests and tour guides frequently approach tourists and offer to show them around the fascinating ghat; however, some of them may be forceful in their demands for payment. Mounds of firewood may be positioned nearby, prepared to be used as kindling for the pyre, and some Doms (members of an untouchable caste) may be seen carrying cloth-wrapped bodies on improvised stretchers.
You could also get the chance to see a cremation firsthand, obviously at a cost. Even while it is a profound experience, it is not for the faint of heart and is not, in the conventional sense, a popular tourist destination. Respect others’ space, be polite, and avoid taking pictures of wakes, mourners, or recently departed people.
Shri Durga Temple
Varanasi is the site of several spiritual pursuits outside of the ghats. Hindus who want to honor the goddess Durga frequently travel to the Shri Durga Temple, which is situated about five minutes walk west of Assi Ghat. The 300-year-old temple is clearly visible because of its vibrant red paint job from top to bottom.
The temple is known as Monkey Temple, which gives you an idea of the type of animals you could see scurrying around in this area. A pair of beautiful swans can also be swimming on the surface of a body of water in front of the temple structure.
Credit: Ruchika Art Gallery
Ruchika Art Gallery
Do you want to bring a little bit of Varanasi home with you? Looking for a unique activity to engage in? The Ruchika Art Gallery is accessible via Ravindrapuri Road; go there. The gallery’s owner, Ruchika Mehrotra, has built a cozy, charming boutique where a colorful selection of paintings that vividly depict the vitality of Varanasi and the ghats are on show. The gallery of Ruchika Mehrotra is situated on the banks of the Ganges in the center of Varanasi.
Most of the paintings are small enough to fit in a suitcase and be used as souvenirs, however, some larger ones would need to be shipped. Also available for purchase are several extremely beautiful postcards. In addition to displaying works created locally, Ruchika Art Gallery gives guests the chance to participate in painting lessons. To find out what activities are planned while you are in Varanasi, get in touch with Ruchika.
Credit: monika upadhyay
Darbhanga Ghat
Photographers should be aware that Darbhanga Ghat offers a fantastic opportunity to take stunning pictures of Varanasi. The old fort that has been converted into a historical hotel, the ultra-luxurious BrijRama Palace, is located at the top of the steps leading down to the riverbank. The house’s Greek pillars and curved balconies give the neighborhood a regal feel (and to your images).
Credit:Tathagata Bhattacharya
Ramnagar Fort
For unobstructed views of the magnificent dawn over the Ganges River, arrive early in the morning.
One of the few Indian cities without a fort is Varanasi, and it is not the only one. About 14 kilometers from the center of the city is where you’ll find Ramnagar Fort. The 18th-century sandstone fort and palace, which was constructed as a defensive construction, is now a fascinating museum featuring old cars, intricate hookahs, ancient weapons, jewel-covered sedan chairs, and an unusual astronomical clock that has been running for more than 150 years.
Visit the fort’s temples, one of which is dedicated to Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and other significant Hindu epics, after participating in an archaeological treasure hunt at the museum.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Hundreds of people visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple every day to offer flowers and sweets to the Hindu god Hanuman, who is revered there. The temple is situated on the banks of the Assi River. This temple was allegedly constructed on the spot where Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas saw the monkey god, which gave him the idea to construct it. Keep an eye out for the cheeky animals that have been seen hopping around the temple on several occasions when it comes to monkeys.
The best times to visit this Varanasi location are in the months of April and May. The temple has its yearly “Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh” at those times. It’s a festival of classical music and dance performances that lasts for five to six days in the spring and summer. Performers from all over the world come together to take part in the festival, which has been running for over 100 years.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
The construction of Bharat Kala Bhavan began on January 1, 1920, when the Bharatiya Lalit Kala Parishad was created in a section of the Godowlia Palace in Varanasi. Between 1920 and 1962, the museum’s collection was moved throughout Varanasi several times before Jawaharlal Nehru ultimately established it in the current building in 1950. Later, in 1962, the museum was moved to its current site at the Banaras Hindu University. Mahatma Gandhi made three trips to Bharat Kala Bhavan, noting on his third that “the collection is quite excellent” on the building’s wall.
On the Banaras Hindu University campus in Varanasi, India, sits the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a university museum. It has been crucial in the dissemination of knowledge about Indian art and culture. It is accessible to the general public and one of the most well-liked tourist attractions in Varanasi, along with Banaras Hindu University.
Credit: Amisha Singh
St Mary’s Church
In Cantt, St. Mary’s Church is next to JHV Mall. The area is a 200-year-old Christian pilgrimage site. Rev. George Weatly established the church in 1810. This particular church has a lovely and distinguished history, which is why it is also known as the “Church of England.” In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II paid this cathedral a visit. Currently, prayers are no longer spoken in churches. The responsibility to restore and manage this historic site has been taken on by INTACH, or the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.
St. Mary’s Church is built differently than the other Varanasi churches. The difference in architecture is fairly obvious and could be easy to observe. The church has a tall building with a projecting entrance and low towers. Tourists will definitely be fascinated by the sacred cathedral’s canopy-like design. The church is accessible by car, taxi, or cycle rickshaw from numerous locations within the city and is located reasonably close to the Cantonment railway station. The church is open from early (7 a.m.) until late (8 p.m.). The best times to visit Christian holy places are around Christmas, Good Friday, and Sunday.