Places to visit in the ancient and the holiest city of India
One of the seven holiest cities in the country, Varanasi is known for offering varied experiences at the same time. The city boasts a number of destinations which are difficult to behold and are reckoned for welcoming its tourists with uninhibited, exhausting, and liberating experiences. Varanasi is home to a plethora of ancient yet majestic temples and also the ghats which are known for their high religious values. Let me make it very clear to you that Varanasi is not only known for its religious significance but also for its historical significance. This ancient city attracts millions of tourists from all across the globe every year and this is why the city is quite popular for its tourism rate. Foreign travelers hold a great majority in Varanasi tourism who also love to explore the stupendous ghats, ancient temples, and other famous places in the city.
Here is the list of some most famous places in Varanasi which you will explore on your Varanasi tour package.
Popular Ghats in the city
- Assi Ghat
A perfect place for those who are in the urge to seek spirituality, Assi Ghat is located in the southern part of the city and is heavily visited by the tourists every day. Pilgrims flocking to this sacred ghat pay the homage at the Shiva lingam which is installed under the divine Peepal tree. Visiting this ghat during the grand evening Aarti ceremony of River Ganga is an unexplainable experience in this beautiful city.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the must visit and the sacred places in Varanasi, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most vibrant place in the city where one can attain the best spiritual experience. According to the mythologies, this is the place where Lord Vishnu sacrificed the lives of ten horses here and this is why the place has been named so. The irresistible aura of this place compels the tourists to visit this place.
- Manikarnika Ghat
Reckoned as one of the most auspicious places where cremation ceremony is performed, Manikarnika Ghat is also enlisted in the top tourist places to visit in Varanasi. Enjoy the beautiful view of sunrise and sunset at this place and also participate in the grand Ganga Aarti. The ambiance of this ghat looks completely different and beautiful as the river gets adorned with the colorful flowers and candles.
Famous temples in the city
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Your Varanasi tour is incomplete without visiting the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This huge ancient temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the most important Jyotirlingas situated in India. Its stunning architecture which is beautifully decorated and painted with the inscriptions of gods and goddesses is the major attraction of the temple. You can also pay homage to the other shrines which are located inside the temple complex.
Temple timings- 3 am to 11 am
12:30 pm – 8 pm and then 9 pm-11pm
- Tulsi Manas Temple
Known for its great religious significance, Tulsi Manas Temple is the other popular place to visit in Varanasi. It is the only place where saint Tulsidas composed Ramayana, the holy Hindu epic. His composition was done in the Awadhi dialect. The temple is believed to be constructed by a royal Birla Family in the year 1964. This huge temple is made up of white marbles and is adorned with various inscriptions on the walls.
Temple timings- 5 am to 12 pm
4 pm to 9 pm
- Durga Temple
It is one of those places which are known for their mythical values. Also called as Monkey Temple, the architecture was constructed by one of the queens of Bengal in the 18th century. According to Hindu mythology and locals believe, the idol of Goddess Durga was naturally installed here, it was not placed by anyone.
Visiting time– throughout the day
Sightseeing places in the city
- Ramnagar Fort and Museum
Constructed in the 18th century and now can be seen in its ruined form, Ramnagar Fort needs restoration. Despite found in its ruin form, Ramnagar Fort is enlisted among one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi as it offers the beautiful view of the entire city and especially the views of sunset and sunrise. This ancient place is also popular for housing the vintage museum. The museum holds a beautiful collection of old ivory works, a giant astronomical clock, medieval costumes, and the old American cars.
- Sarnath
One of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimages in India, Sarnath is located 13 km away to the northeast of Varanasi. Sarnath is a perfect place for those who seek peace and serenity and want a break from spiritual experiences. The place holds a great significance in Buddhism as it is believed that after attaining the self-enlightenment Lord Buddha came to this place to deliver his first sermon. Sarnath is home to various sightseeing destinations like Archaeological Museum, the Ashoka Pillar, Thai and Chinese Temple, and Monastery, etc.
Shopping in Varanasi
- Godowlia Market
One of the busiest and the biggest markets in the city, Godowlia market is enlisted among the top tourist destinations in Varanasi. One can buy each type of stuff ranging from household necessities to designer accessories. The moment you enter the market you will be welcomed with the sweet camphor fragrance spread everywhere in the environment.
- Banaras Silk Emporium
It is quite unfair to skip visiting this place on Varanasi trip as Varanasi is worldwide popular for its silk manufacturing. Here you get the silk items at the most reasonable prices and with guaranteed impeccable quality. The emporium is established on the Cantonment Road and is counted as one of the heavily visited places in Varanasi.
