Top Places to Visit in Varanasi

The Top 13 Things to do in Varanasi for a Definitive Experience

For a middle-aged person living in India, visiting Varanasi at some point in his/her life is almost a given. The reason is the storied history and religious significance of the place as well as the architecture and art that has forever preserved the past here. Touted as one of the holiest cities in India, it has loads of temples and ghats that host endless lines of pilgrims from all over the country. Of course, it only adds to the holiness of the fact that the river Ganga passes through Varanasi! There is no shortage of places to visit in Varanasi, and this is just a short list of the top 19 that you should not miss out on if you find yourself in the land of mysticism.

Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2024

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1. Manmandir Ghat, Varanasi

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It was commissioned by Raja Man Singh in the early 1600s. He had a large stone balcony built on the northern corner of the ghat so he could sit there and enjoy the serenity. Compared to other ghats...
17-May-2024
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2. Tulsi Manasa Temple, Varanasi

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Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple is among the most popular visited places in Varanasi. Legend says that Sage Tulsidas wrote the popular Ramcharitmanas in this very place.  Location: Sankat Mo...
17-May-2024
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3. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi

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Situated near the River Assi, this beautiful temple was built by a freedom fighter named Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Shrines for both Lord Ram and...
17-May-2024
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4. Nepali Temple, Varanasi

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The Nepali temple is a unique tourist place in Varanasi. Built sometime in the 19th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and looks very similar to the popular Pashupatinath Temple in Kat...
17-May-2024
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5. Batuk Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi

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The Batuk Bhairav Mandir is the place to go to find Aghoris in their worship space. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day. The Akhand De...
17-May-2024
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6. Tibetan Temple, Varanasi

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Amidst all the Hindu temples and ashrams, the Tibetan Temple also is one of the major tourist attractions in Varanasi. This temple is built in authentic Tibetan architecture and is complete with a ...
17-May-2024
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7. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Varanasi

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The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum has over 1 lakh artefacts on display and is very popular for its collection of miniature manuscripts and paintings. If you are a history lover, then you should not mis...
17-May-2024
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8. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

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With about 30,000 students inside the campus, Banaras Hindu University falls in the list of the biggest residential institutions in the world. The beautiful buildings and sprawling lawns will make ...
17-May-2024
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9. St. Mary’s Church, Varanasi

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The St. Mary’s Church is the oldest in the city and was built more than 200 years ago. This beautiful church is all decked up during Christian festivals and is crowded during the weekends. Locat...
17-May-2024
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10. Vishwanath Gali, Varanasi

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Looking to shop in Varanasi? Head over to the iconic Vishwanath Gali (street). This narrow street is filled with shops of all kinds and you can buy antiques, brass idols, photos, and idols of gods ...
17-May-2024
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11. Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi

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This ghat is again quite significant among Hindus as it is the main cremation ghat in the city. People who have died often get cremated here, in the belief that they attain moksha. There is a myth ...
17-May-2024
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12. Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

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This particular ghat is believed to be the oldest one in the city and is hence considered special. If you have seen video footage of people bathing in Ganga and praying with diyas in their hands on...
17-May-2024
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13. Alamgir Mosque, Varanasi

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On a list filled with temples, Alamgir mosque stands proudly as a representation of Muslims who have lived here for centuries. Famed for its incredible Islamic architecture, this mosque is unique i...
17-May-2024
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14. Bharat Mata Temple, Varanasi

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Being dedicated to the country itself, it is one of the rarest temples in the country. India is famous for its millions of temples and nationalist spirit, but there are very few places that commemo...
17-May-2024
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15. Durga Temple, Varanasi

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Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is a symbol of feminine divinity. The deity present in this temple is believed to have materialised out of thin air and was not made by any man. Another badg...
17-May-2024
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16. Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi

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Located across the Ganga River from Tulsi Ghat, it was built out of sandstone in AD 1750 on the orders of Raja Balwant Singh, the king of Banaras at the time. He and his descendants have lived in t...
17-May-2024
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17. Gyan Vapi Well, Varanasi

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The name of this well means the well of wisdom, which is exactly what is believed about the water of this well. It is said to possess wisdom in its water and people who drink from it are benefited ...
17-May-2024
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18. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (2024): Timings, History

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Ancient and widely regarded as holy due to the presence of River Ganga, Varanasi is peppered with many famous temples. But none comes close to the glory of Banaras Kashi Vishwanath Temple as it hol...
16-May-2024

As far as hallowed ground goes, Varanasi is one of the most significant in India. And that’s saying a lot, with India being dotted with temples and holy places. Hindu mythology has spanned the course of several millennia, and for any place to be considered as holy as Varanasi, there has to be ample history attached to it. There is no shortage of tourist places in Varanasi map, which makes it more than worth a visit if you are interested in the culture, tradition, art, and history of India! So, the next time you book a hotel in Varanasi, you know what attractions to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Varanasi:

Q: During which time of the year can I plan a trip to Varanasi?

A: Places to visit in Varanasi experience a subtropical climate; the summers are extremely hot here and the monsoons are soaking wet. Thus, the best time to visit Varanasi is during the autumn, winter and spring seasons, i.e. between the months of October and March.

Q: How to reach Varanasi?

A: The easiest way to reach Varanasi is by taking a train to Varanasi Junction or Manduadih Junction. Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport operates direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Jaipur and many other cities in India as well as abroad. Major places to visit in Varanasi are well connected with both airport and train station.

Q: What are the must-see places in Varanasi tourism?

A: When in Varanasi, it is a must to pay a visit to its glorious ghats and grand temples including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Assi Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple, among other places to visit in Varanasi.

Q: What are some must-have experiences in Varanasi?

A: Besides exploring its ghats and temples, you must witness the Ganga aarti hosted at Dashashwamedh Ghat every evening and enjoy boating on the river. Boating is one of the most popular things to do in Varanasi.

Q: What to shop for in Varanasi and from where?

A: There are many local shopping places in Varanasi like Godowlia Market, Vishwanath Lane and Thatheri Bazaar from where you can buy Banarasi sarees, brocade, religious items, handicrafts and different knickknacks. You can find many souvenir shops near most of the places to visit in Varanasi.

Q: Suggest some good places to enjoy street food in Varanasi.

A: Kashi Chaat Bhandar and Deena Chaat Bhandar in Godaulia and Chachi Ki Kachori in Lanka are the best places to enjoy authentic street food delicacies of Varanasi like tamatar ki chaat, kachori sabzi, tikki chhole, gol gappe and chhena dahi vada, among others.

Q: Where can I go for dining in Varanasi?

A: Among the best restaurants in Varanasi are Sri Annapurna Restaurant, Canton Royale, Baati Chokha, Aum Cafe, Aadha-Aadha Café, Hotel Kalika, Tandoor Villa, Zaika, Mangi Ferra Café, Itihaas Alley Kitchen, India City, Chrystal Bowl, I:BA, Pizzeria Vaatika Café and Dolphin Restaurant. These are also some of the most amazing places to visit in Varanasi.

Q: Are there any good places near Varanasi for a one-day trip?

A: During your visit to Varanasi, do pay a visit to Sarnath (10 km) which holds immense significance for Buddhist pilgrims and is famous for its many stupas and temples. It is also renowned as one of the most intriguing places to visit in Varanasi. You can also explore Allahabad, located about 130 km away from the city.

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