Best Places to Visit in Varanasi: A Visitor’s Guide | 2024

Varanasi is an ancient city situated in UP, India, which is commonly known as Banaras or Kashi, it is one of the oldest in the world. It is believed that Varanasi has been into existence for more than 10,000 years. In this article we are going to explore Best Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Known for its serene traditional beauty. Varanasi takes you closest to the core of India. This city is situated on the banks of Ganga river in UP. Varanasi gives a gist of India’s cultural heritage, being a spiritual capital of India, Varanasi has numerous temples, ghat and vibrant traditions that is still intact throughout the centuries. This city of India holds so much of positivity, it takes you closest to the core of Indian Values, and no other city matches its vibes.

So let’s go on a virtual journey to the cultural heritage of Varanasi, and explore Best Places to Visit in Varanasi.

The Ghats of Varanasi: Spiritual Experience to Cherish Forever

The Ghats of Varanasi show you some unique perspectives of human society and its relation with Spirituality and religion. These Ghats are not just structures made for bathing but they give you an experience that will always be there forever. These Ghats take you on a Blissful journey of religion and spirituality. Having over 80 Ghats, all of them hold Historical as well as Religious and spiritual significance. So let’s dive in and take a look at some of the most famous and important Ghats of Banaras.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

This Ghat is the most popular one in Varanasi, also the busiest one. The history of this says that this Ghat was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. Every evening this Ghat gets filled with tremendous positive energy as there is Ganga Aarti, A ceremony to offer prayers to river Ganga. This experience is something that everyone has to experience at least once in a lifetime. The vibes, the energy is so positive and beautiful here, that it will surely leave you teary eyes.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is primarily known as a cremation ghat, not many people prefer to visit this as It is not for light hearted people. This Ghat gives you a very different perspective on life. Where the cycle of life and death is very much evident. This Ghat holds significance for a lot of Hindus. When you visit Banaras, Visit this place, as it will give you a different perspective on life which will not be seen anywhere else.

Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is situated at the confluence of the Assi & Ganga River. Assi Ghat is popular among the tourists and locals too. It is usually a less crowded and more serene spot of Banaras. When you want to spend a nice day, Calm and Witness the rituals at the peaceful flow of Ganga river.

Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi’s incredible temples add up to the beauty of the city so much. There are numerous beautiful temples, and each and every one of these tells its own unique story.

These temples and their styles give us an amazing point of view of history. So let’s take a look at some of the most famous temples of Varanasi.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple; One of the Best Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Out of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of lord Shiva, Kashi Vishwanat temple is an important one. The current structure of the temple was built during the time of Ahilyabai Holkar in the year 1780. 

The temple is plated in gold, giving it a beautiful golden hue. It is so beautiful that everyone who goes there gets mesmerized. So make sure when you go to Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath temple is on your list.

Durga Temple; An Experience That Radiates Positive Energy

Durga temple of Banaras is also another significant temple dedicated to goddess Durga. One unique thing about this temple is that there are 100s of monkeys always around this temple, hence this temple is also called the monkey temple. 

It was constructed in the 18th century. The temple is constructed in beautiful nagara style. It is painted in beautiful red and yellow colors that match the idol of the goddess. This is an auspicious temple and you feel so much positive energy, maybe that’s the power of divine feminine energy.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple; One of The Most Prominent Religious Sites. 

Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman, and it is said to be built by saint Tulsidas. The temple is significant amongst the travelers as well as locals, Keeping it surrounded by the devotees everyday. 

Tulsi Manas Temple; A Peaceful Temple

Built in 1964, this is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama. This is a very serene and peaceful temple, surrounded by trees and  birds. On the walls of the temple, there are verses and scenes of Ramcharit manas engraved, It surely takes you away from the rush of daily lives and helps you reconnect with your spiritual side.

Culture of Banaras

Varanasi AKA Banaras is a city blessed with cultural heritage, which is not limited to temples and ghats. The tradition and culture are deeply rooted in the city, and it gives you glimpses through the roads of Banaras. So let’s dive into the cultural aspects of Banaras. 

Classical Music and Dance

For ages, Varanasi has been an epicentre of Indian classical music and dance. The city is also famous for its internationally acclaimed musicians and dancers like Ravi Shankar, etc. Several annual music festivals, such as Dhrupad Mela and Sankat Mochan Music Festival, attract artists performing Indian classical music to Varanasi.

Silk of Banaras

Banaras is famous for its “ladies favorite” the Banarasi Silk saree, a symbol of luxury and feminine elegance. This silk weaving tradition of Banaras dates back to centuries, and it is passed down to the craftsmen through generations. There are many craftsmen working continuously to create these artistic masterpieces, and you can locate them in every valley of Banaras. 

Street Food of Banaras

Varanasi is famous for its vibrant and unique food. Some of the popular options are Spicy Kachori-Sabzi, which is a very popular breakfast. Along with this Chena dahi vada, there is saffron-infused Malaiyo, which is only available in winter. And not to be missed, the legendary Banarasi paan is a must try. Along with all this, the gullies of Banaras are filled with amazing chatbots. All this food will make your Banaras trip a delightful culinary experience. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to Best Places to Visit in Varanasi, the list is long and Discovering the heritage of Varanasi is like entering a grand tour where every gully, every ghat, and every temple have some stories to narrate. Being one of the oldest cities to ever exist, Varanasi is the place that gives you an experience of a lifetime. It gives you a different perspective on India and takes you closest to the real India. 

So pack your bags and get ready for this spiritual and soul-nourishing trip.

Also Read:

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: A Complete Guide

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