Places to Visit in Varanasi - Images Source - Pixabay
Famous Places to Visit in Varanasi – Varanasi, which is also known as Benares or Kashi. Varanasi is a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and religious importance.
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered a holy city in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is situated on the banks of the Ganges River and is known for its ghats (steps leading down to the river) that are used for various purposes, including bathing, performing rituals, and cremating the dead.
Varanasi is also home to several ancient temples and monuments, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. Other popular tourist attractions in Varanasi include the Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the local markets where tourists can shop for traditional Indian handicrafts, silk sarees, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
Overall, Varanasi offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience for tourists who are interested in exploring India’s ancient traditions and history.
Varanasi is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and religious importance. Here are some of the popular tourist attractions and activities in Varanasi.
The Ganges River, also known as the Ganga, is one of the most revered and sacred rivers in the world, especially in Hinduism. The river flows through the northern part of India and originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
The Ganges River is considered sacred by Hindus, who believe that bathing in the river can purify the soul and wash away one’s sins. The river is also associated with several Hindu myths and legends and is believed to be the abode of goddess Ganga.
The river is not just a spiritual and religious symbol but also an important lifeline for millions of people who live along its banks. The river provides water for irrigation, transportation, and fishing and is an essential source of livelihood for many people.
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India, is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. The city attracts millions of pilgrims every year who come to take a dip in the river and offer prayers at the numerous ghats located along the river.
Despite being revered and worshipped by millions of people, the Ganges River is facing several challenges such as pollution, overuse, and encroachment. Efforts are being made to clean up the river and to promote sustainable use of its resources to ensure its survival for future generations.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance, and attracts thousands of devotees every day.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, is one of the most significant and revered temples in India, located in the ancient city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of the Maratha Empire, on the site of an earlier temple that dates back to ancient times. The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines and a huge gold-plated dome.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, and the lingam in the sanctum sanctorum is considered to be one of the most sacred lingams of Lord Shiva. The temple attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims every year, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The temple is also known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes.
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Devotees are required to follow a strict dress code while visiting the temple, and non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a symbol of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India and continues to be a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
Sarnath Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located in the city of Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists as it is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
The temple complex at Sarnath is spread over a large area and includes several significant structures such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. The main temple at Sarnath is known as the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which was constructed in the 1930s and is considered an important site for Buddhist pilgrims.
The temple has beautiful architecture, and the walls are adorned with beautiful paintings and murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Buddha. The temple is also home to a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts, including statues, manuscripts, and relics.
One of the most significant attractions of Sarnath is the Dhamek Stupa, which is believed to have been constructed by Emperor Ashoka to mark the spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. The stupa is over 40 meters tall and has intricate carvings depicting various scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.
Sarnath Temple is easily accessible from Varanasi and is a popular destination among tourists and pilgrims alike. It is recommended to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and to experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple complex.
Chunar Fort is a historical fort located near the town of Chunar, which is about 40 km from Varanasi. The fort is situated on a hill overlooking the Ganges River and is believed to have been built by the Guptas in the 5th century. It has since been ruled by several dynasties, including the Mughals, the Marathas, and the British.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most significant and sacred ghats (steps leading down to the river) in Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is believed to be one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi and is associated with several ancient legends and myths.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu dug a pit at this ghat with his Chakra and filled it with his sweat while he was carrying the body of Lord Shiva’s wife, Sati. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of the pit can help one attain moksha (salvation).
Manikarnika Ghat is also known for its significance in Hindu funeral rituals. It is considered one of the holiest places for cremation in Hinduism, and it is believed that cremation at this ghat can help the soul attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Tourists visiting Manikarnika Ghat can witness the various rituals associated with cremation, which take place throughout the day and night. However, it is important to respect the privacy and sentiments of the grieving families and not take photographs or interfere with the rituals.
Assi Ghat is another important ghat located on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Assi and is believed to be one of the five ghats that are considered the holiest in Varanasi.
Assi Ghat is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with several shops, cafes, and restaurants located in the vicinity. It is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike, who come here to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the surrounding areas.
The ghat is also known for its significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Shiva, after slaying the demon Shumbha-Nishumbha, took a dip in the river at Assi Ghat to wash away his sins. It is also believed that a yagna (fire ritual) was performed at this ghat by Lord Brahma after the creation of the universe.
Tourists visiting Assi Ghat can also witness the various rituals and ceremonies that take place here, including the Ganga Aarti, which is performed every evening by a group of priests. The Ganga Aarti is a beautiful and mesmerizing ceremony in which the priests offer prayers and light lamps to the river, accompanied by chants and hymns.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous and revered ghats in Varanasi, located on the banks of the River Ganges. It is one of the oldest and busiest ghats in the city, and it is believed to have been built by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva.
The ghat is named after the Dashashwamedh Yajna, a ten-horse sacrifice that was performed by Lord Brahma to mark the creation of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma performed the sacrifice at this ghat, and it is considered one of the most auspicious spots for performing religious rituals and ceremonies.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is also known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with several shops, vendors, and street performers located in the vicinity. It is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike, who come here to relax, take a dip in the holy waters, and enjoy the beautiful views of the river.
Durga Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped as the divine mother and is considered one of the most powerful deities in Hinduism.
The temple is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ due to the large number of monkeys that reside in and around the temple premises. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani and is renowned for its intricate architecture and intricate stone carvings.
The temple is built in a north Indian Nagara style of architecture and has a unique rectangular shape with multi-tiered spires. The temple is decorated with beautiful stone carvings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and has a beautiful pond within its premises.
The temple is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike and is easily accessible by road. It is recommended to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and to experience the serene atmosphere of the temple.
One of the most significant attractions of the temple is the special puja (prayer) that is conducted during the Navratri festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during this festival, and it is a sight to behold.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most revered and sacred ghats located on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the oldest and busiest ghats in the city and is considered one of the holiest places for performing the last rites of a deceased person in Hinduism.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that if a person’s cremation is performed at Manikarnika Ghat, they will attain salvation and be freed from the cycle of birth and death. The ghat is named after the goddess Manikarnika, who is believed to reside at the ghat and is associated with the cremation rituals.
Manikarnika Ghat is a hub for various activities, including cremation rituals, religious ceremonies, and boat rides. The ghat has a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with several shops and vendors selling puja items, flower garlands, and offerings for the river.
Despite being primarily known for its association with cremation rituals, Manikarnika Ghat is also a popular tourist destination, offering a unique and surreal experience to visitors. The ghat offers a breathtaking view of the river and the city, especially during sunrise and sunset.
It is recommended to visit Manikarnika Ghat with a guide or a local to better understand the customs and traditions associated with the ghat. Visitors are advised to be respectful and mindful of the activities and rituals taking place and to dress modestly while visiting the ghat.
Tulsi Manas Temple is a famous temple located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located near the popular Durga Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple.
The temple was constructed in 1964 and is named after the great saint and poet Tulsi Das, who wrote the epic Ram Charit Manas, a retelling of the Ramayana in Hindi. The temple has beautiful marble carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, and the walls are adorned with verses from the Ram Charit Manas.
One of the most significant attractions of the temple is the beautiful courtyard with a serene atmosphere, where visitors can sit and meditate. The temple is also known for its serene surroundings and peaceful environment, which is a welcome relief from the busy and chaotic streets of Varanasi.
The temple is open to visitors of all faiths and is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. It is easily accessible by road and is located at a distance of about 5 kilometers from the Varanasi railway station. It is recommended to visit the temple during the early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and to experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple.
Overall, Varanasi offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience for tourists who are interested in exploring India’s ancient traditions and history.
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the winter season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit), making it comfortable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
The monsoon season, which runs from July to September, can be quite humid and wet, with occasional heavy rainfall. The summer season, which runs from March to June, can be hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
It is important to note that Varanasi is a city with a high population density and is known for its narrow alleys and lanes. During peak travel season (November to February), the city can get crowded, and accommodations can get expensive. It is recommended to book your accommodations and travel arrangements well in advance if you plan to visit during this time.
Varanasi is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. Here are some ways to reach Varanasi:
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination in Varanasi.
By rail: Varanasi Junction is a major railway station in the city and is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. There are several trains that operate daily between Varanasi and other major cities in India.
By road: Varanasi is well-connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and other neighboring states by road. Several state-run and private buses operate between Varanasi and other cities in the region.
Once you reach Varanasi, you can hire a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a cycle-rickshaw to reach your destination within the city. It is recommended to book your transportation arrangements in advance if you are traveling during peak travel season (November to February) to avoid any last-minute hassle.
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