10 Best Places To Visit In Varanasi Must-See Attractions

Varanasi, Banaras, or Kashi, whatever you call it, is one of the oldest living cities globally. The prominence of this area is revealed in Hindu mythology, making it an ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus since ancient times. As per belief, one graced to die in the holy land of Benaras is bound to attain salvation and shed their fetters from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Mythologically known as the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origin of this city is yet to be known. The majestic Ganges that flows like a ribbon weaved through the tapestry of a vibrant City is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mankind. 

On the banks of the holy river, which is said to have originated from the tresses of Mahadev, it has stood as a hub of learning and civilisation for over 3000 years. Knowledge, philosophy, religion, and culture have flourished through numerous places to visit in Varanasi for centuries. 

Associated with the genesis of mysticism, spiritualism, yoga, and ancient languages like Sanskrit, Varanasi is appropriately called the cultural capital of India. This is the birthland of many honoured authors like Tulsidas and Premchand and has been the playground of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. These regions are now preserved as one of the finest places for sightseeing near Varanasi, which you can explore on your next vacation. 

Discover the various spots, learn about the story of the freedom struggle, pay homage to the various deities, or spend a few moments of peace in the holy ghats of Varanasi, witnessing the overall beauty of the city. Learn why Mark Twain got installed by the sanctity of Banaras and penned, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ”

Top 10 list of tourist places in Varanasi 

Here is a comprehensive list of places to visit in Varanasi:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Standing tall on the banks of the holy Ganges, the beautiful city of Varanasi cradles the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in which the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara, or Vishwanath is enshrined. Millions of Indians gravitate towards this temple, seeking benediction and inner peace by the darshan of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Devotees say that by darshan of this Jyotirlinga, people can be liberated from the eternal bondage of Maya and attain enlightenment. 

Most people see this as the foremost place to visit in Varanasi, and some even consider it the sacredest temple in the country. The legend of the Kashi Vishwanath is over a couple of thousands of years, and it is hard not to be awed by the spirituality of the temple when you visit it. The mesmerising milky white marble architecture of the temple contrasts with the domes wrapped in gold, glistening under the sun. Many devotees believe this temple has a soul-cleansing capability, and to experience the same, take a trip to this one of the best places to visit in India with family. 

• Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timings: 3 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 08 pm, & 09 pm – 11 pm
• Famous For: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas

2. Durga Temple

The Durga Temple is one of the major attractions in Varanasi. It is also called the Monkey Temple due to the prolific monkey population in the area. Constructed in the 18th century under the guidance of a Bengali Maharani, the architecture of this temple has a multi-tiered shikhara built in the north Indian style. On the right side of this temple stands the Durga Kund, which adds to the splendour of the premises. 

Legends have it that the Durga statue was not sculpted by humans but appeared on its own. During Navratri, numerous devotees flock to this temple as it is one of the best places to visit in North India to witness the festivities. Although the temple can be visited throughout the year, it is one of the best places to visit in September in India due to the grand Dussehra celebration on the temple grounds. The area is spruced up with multicoloured stalls, creating a festive vibe. 

• Location: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
• Timings: 5 am – 11 pm
• Famous For: Dedicated to Maa Durga

3. Bharat Mata Temple

Standing proudly as a symbol of unity, diversity, and cultural heritage, the Bharat Mata temple is on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and is one of the unmissable places to visit in Varanasi. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta was the visionary behind this unconventional temple, who aimed to create an emblem of national unity. The significance of this temple lies in its distinctiveness of not being dedicated to a particular deity but to the motherland personified as Bharat Mata. 

Witnessing the testament of amalgamation and unity of various cultures is one of the top places to visit in February in India. Although it stays open all year round, we'd recommend you visit in February as the temperature is moderate, contrary to the sultry summers of Varanasi. 

• Location: Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Timings: 8?am–5:30?pm
• Famous For: the distinctiveness of not being dedicated to a particular deity but to the motherland personified as Bharat Mata

4. Dashashwamedh Ghat

One of the oldest and most sacred attractions in Varanasi is the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Famous for its age-old traditional aarti, the elaborate and lively ceremony takes place every evening. The blowing conch shells, clanging cymbals, and chanting holy mantras create a surreal atmosphere as the promises venerate the Ganga at daybreak. The several-tier brass lamps are illuminated with hundreds of small flames, which the saffron-draped priests use to pay homage to the holy river. 

Take a trip to one of the historical places in Varanasi to witness this mesmerising hour-long ritual moored at the boats around the ghats. Experience a unique activity of floating diyas on leaf platters decorated with flower petals on the holy Ganges. 

• Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of Varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Famous For: Culture, Heritage, Temples

5. Manikarnika Ghat

On the banks of the Ganges lies the Manikarnika Ghat, like a poignant window into life's eternal journey. It houses the eternal fire that has been believed to have been ablaze since ancient times, serving as an open crematorium. The ghats of the city of lights are very religious and considered a sanctum where the human misery of this world is put to an end. 

As the legend goes, if the blessings of life start at Dashashwamedh, it takes a full course and ends at the Manikarnika, completing the life cycle. Paradoxically, this is one of the unique places to visit in Varanasi, where salvation can be attained even through death. 

One can take a gondola down the Ganges to reach such places to visit from Varanasi. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus. Although the air hangs heavy with the stench of death most days, this is a must-visit place if you are looking for philosophical and spiritual upliftment. 

• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Famous For: Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is famous for its sacred cremation rituals, believed to offer liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

6. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat draws travellers from all over the globe, some of whom may be looking for liberation, some for solace, or others for research. As one of the places of interest in Varanasi, this is the exact junction where the Ganges meets the Assi River. The lingam of Shiva, established under the peepal tree, is worshipped with an elaborate holy fire ritual coupled with blowing conch sounds and clanging of bells. 

The air around this place feels heavy with spiritual fervour as devotees and priests chant mantras, making it one of the spiritual places to see in Varanasi. Besides the mind-calming rituals, you can enjoy boat rides and yoga sessions in this ghat while listening to devotional music. 

• Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Timings: Anytime
• Famous For: Recreation and festivals

7. Ramnagar Fort

As one of the major attractions in Varanasi, the Ramnagar fort lies across the Tulsi Ghat. Maharaja Balwant Singh builds this 18th-century red sandstone fort in Mughal style. As one of the nearby places to visit from Varanasi, it can be accessed by a 30-minute boat ride. Once you reach this fort, pay homage to the great saint Ved Vyasa in the inhouse temple and learn the legends surrounding it. Apart from this, a Bajrangbali temple and a museum inside the fort showcasing artefacts belonging to the royal families. 

It is one of the ideal places to visit in December in India as the month-long Ram-Leela festival is held here. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful enactment of the Ramayana epic and collect souvenirs if you are in these parts during the winter. 

• Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• Timings: Anytime
• Famous For: Recreation and festivities

8. Banaras Hindu University

Although not one of the most obvious places to see in Varanasi, this university is situated across a 5.3 square kilometre campus donated by the Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh. It is one of the biggest residential institutions in the world, and it houses more than 30,000 students. Indo-Gothic architecture starkly contrasts the Mughal architecture, making it one of the most unique Varanasi places. 

This university was jointly established by Madan Mohan Malaviya, Annie Besant, and Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and attracted researchers and scholars from all over the globe in the modern day. If you have explored all the other tourist attractions in Varanasi, you can detour down the University. 

• Location: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Famous For: Religious Purpose, Architecture

9. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Initially, this one of the top Varanasi places to go was established in the year 1920 at Godaulia as Bharat Kala Parishad; this Museum came to be known as Bharat Kala Bhavan when it was shifted to Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha in 1929. In 1962, it was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru as it became a part of the Banaras Hindu University. 

As one of the eminent historical places in India, this art and archaeological Museum houses more than 1 lakh objects. From pottery to coins to archival documents, it exhibits many articles that can be witnessed once you explore such places to visit in Varanasi. 

Observe some of the rare collections in this museum from the Gupta period or from Akbar's reign to quench your thirst for knowledge. Although this place can be explored at any time of the year, it is one of the best places to visit in November in India, as many temporary exhibitions are held in winter. 

• Location: Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
• Timings: 10:30?am–4:30?pm
• Famous For: instrumental in disseminating knowledge on Indian art and culture.

10. Sarnath

Near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers lies a top place of interest in Varanasi called Sarnath. This is where Gautam Buddha first taught about his Dhamma and the place of inception of the Buddhist Sangha through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Devotees and philosophers flock around these parts to explore some of the most important places to see in Varanasi, including the Dhamek Stupa Sarnath Museum. 

To soak in the essence of Buddhism, Sarnath is one of the best places to visit in India in January, as the temperature is cooler and there is plenty of moderate sunlight. Alternatively, you can explore these parts in February or March, when Maha Shivratri is celebrated with much vigour. Apart from this, one of the ideal times to explore Sarnath is during Buddha Purnima in May. 

• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
• Timings: Always open
• Famous For: Historical ruins, Sightseeing, Photography

Best Time To Visit Varanasi 

The ideal time to visit Varanasi depends on how you want to explore the city. Here is a comprehensive list of what you can expect:

Varanasi is one of the ideal places to visit In March In India, as the weather remains moderate during spring. The temperature ranges from 25 to 33 degrees centigrade, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is the ideal time to attend the divine Ganga Aarti moored in the boats around the various sacred ghats of Varanasi. However, hotel stays may be costly because this is the peak tourist season. 

Varanasi experiences moderate seasons around April to June as the temperature ranges from 24° centigrade to 37° centigrade. The skies are cloudy and overcast, and the air is moisture-laden with high humidity. Varanasi can be included in the list of places to visit in India Before You Turn 30 during summer as the stays are budget-friendly, but you can expect overcrowded sightseeing places. 

July to September is off-season in these parts as this is the hottest time of the year, characterised by heavy rainfall. Boating facilities are unavailable as the rivers are filled to the brim. However, as the lush greenery springs back to life during the rainy season, this can be the ideal time to explore the various gardens around Varanasi. You can expect less crowded sightseeing places and budget-friendly stays during the monsoons. 

Undoubtedly, Varanasi is one of the Best Places To Visit In Winter In India due to its pleasant climate, which ranges from 5° to 16° centigrade. This season sees an influx of foreign and domestic tourists due to the various festivals held here. From Deepavali to Kartik Purnima, the ghats echo with the cacophony of loudspeakers and colourful lights, adding to the charm of the city of lights.  

The Ganges gets wrapped up in a moderate to dense fog, especially during the morning, which is a sight to behold. This is one of the ideal places to celebrate New Year in India, where you can indulge in seasonal delicacies like Malaiyyo and take a memorable boat ride while marvelling at the migratory Siberian birds. 

Monthly Weather in Varanasi