Tourist Places in Varanasi – Complete Travel & Spiritual Guide
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history of more than 3,000 years. Located on the banks of the holy River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, it is considered the spiritual capital of India.
According to Hindu belief, dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the ghats leads to moksha (liberation from rebirth). This belief makes the city extremely sacred for millions of pilgrims.
Varanasi is also an important center for learning, music, literature, silk weaving, and traditional crafts.
🌍 Historical & Religious Importance of Varanasi
- Mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures (Vedas, Puranas)
- Associated with Lord Shiva
- Major center of Buddhism and Jainism
- Important during Mughal and British periods
- Home of Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Many saints, poets, scholars, and musicians lived and taught here.
📍 Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi
1️⃣ Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Most Sacred Site)
Deity: Lord Shiva
Status: One of 12 Jyotirlingas
Location: Vishwanath Gali
This temple is the heart of Varanasi. Millions of devotees visit it every year.
Key Features:
- Gold-plated spire
- Sacred Jyotirlinga
- Vishwanath Corridor
- Daily Mangala & Shringar Aarti
Best Time:
Early morning (4–6 AM)
2️⃣ Dashashwamedh Ghat (Main Ghat)
The most vibrant and important ghat of Varanasi.
Famous For:
- Evening Ganga Aarti
- Boat rides
- Devotional atmosphere
- Religious ceremonies
Aarti Time: Around sunset (varies seasonally)
3️⃣ Assi Ghat (Tourist Hub)
Popular among foreign tourists, students, and locals.
Activities:
- Subah-e-Banaras program
- Yoga sessions
- Cultural events
- Cafes nearby
Best for peaceful mornings.
4️⃣ Manikarnika Ghat (Cremation Ghat)
One of the holiest cremation grounds in Hinduism.
Religious Belief:
Those cremated here attain salvation.
Visitors must behave respectfully and avoid photography.
5️⃣ Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Founded in 1916, BHU is one of Asia’s largest universities.
Inside BHU:
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
- New Vishwanath Temple
- Green parks
- Academic buildings
Great place for calm walks.
6️⃣ Sarnath – Buddhist Pilgrimage Center
Distance: 10 km from Varanasi
Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Attractions:
- Dhamek Stupa
- Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
- Sarnath Museum
- Ashoka Pillar remains
Important for Buddhist tourists.
7️⃣ Ramnagar Fort
Built in the 18th century on the eastern bank of Ganga.
Highlights:
- Royal museum
- Old manuscripts
- Vintage cars
- Weapons collection
8️⃣ Tulsi Manas Temple
Built at the place where Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas.
Walls have verses engraved.
9️⃣ Alamgir Mosque
Built by Aurangzeb on a Hindu temple site.
Offers beautiful river views.
🔟 Chunar Fort (Day Trip)
Distance: 40 km
A historic fort linked to Sher Shah Suri and Akbar.
🛶 Boat Ride Experience on Ganga
Boat rides are one of the best experiences in Varanasi.
Types:
- Sunrise boat ride
- Evening Aarti boat ride
- Private boat tours
Benefits:
- View ghats
- Photography
- Peaceful environment
🎭 Culture, Music & Art of Varanasi
Varanasi is a major center for:
🎵 Hindustani Classical Music
🎻 Tabla & Sitar
📚 Sanskrit Learning
🧵 Silk Weaving
Famous Artists:
- Pt. Ravi Shankar
- Bismillah Khan
🍛 Food & Street Cuisine of Varanasi
Varanasi is famous for vegetarian street food.
Must Eat:
- Kachori Sabzi
- Baati Chokha
- Malaiyo (Winter Dessert)
- Tamatar Chaat
- Thandai
- Lassi
🛍️ Shopping & Handicrafts
Famous Products:
- Banarasi Silk Sarees
- Brocade Fabric
- Wooden Crafts
- Rudraksha
- Brassware
Markets:
- Godowlia
- Vishwanath Gali
- Chowk Market
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Weather | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Mar | Pleasant | Best |
| Summer | Apr–Jun | Hot | Avoid |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Humid | Moderate |
Best Festivals:
- Dev Deepawali
- Mahashivratri
- Ganga Mahotsav
🚗 Transport & Connectivity
Air
LBS International Airport (25 km)
Train
Varanasi Junction, Manduadih
Road
Connected with major cities
Local Transport:
Auto, E-rickshaw, Boat
🏨 Accommodation Guide
Luxury
- BrijRama Palace
- Taj Ganges
Mid-Range
- Hotel Surya
- Guleria Kothi
Budget
- Zostel
- GoStops
- Guesthouses near ghats
📅 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Ghats walk
- Ganga Aarti
Day 2
- Sunrise boat ride
- BHU
- Sarnath
Day 3
- Shopping
- Ramnagar Fort
- Local food tour
⚠️ Safety & Travel Tips
✔ Keep belongings safe
✔ Respect religious customs
✔ Avoid fake priests
✔ Wear modest clothes
✔ Carry cash
❓ FAQs – Varanasi Travel Guide
Is Varanasi suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, but expect crowds and chaos.
Can foreigners attend Ganga Aarti?
Yes, everyone is welcome.
Is photography allowed?
Mostly yes, except cremation areas.
Is vegetarian food easily available?
Yes, widely available.
🌟 Why Varanasi Is Unique
✅ Oldest living city
✅ Spiritual energy
✅ Sacred river
✅ Rich culture
✅ Deep traditions
