15 Best Places To Visit In Varanasi For The Best Of Culture, History, Religion Experience!

Varanasi, one of the Hindus’ seven holy cities, is a sight to behold. It is an overwhelming, empowering as well as unhampered experience; all at once.

In Varanasi, the monumental temples, ghats and also other popular places to visit in Varanasi attract millions of visitors each year. It is not only a favourite destination among Indian travellers but it is also loved by foreigners.

Although the city is famous for its ghats, temples as well as for music. There are many other tourist places in Varanasi that will thrill everyone.

Perfect Time To Visi Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is October through March. Each year in November, people celebrate a five-day festival famous as Ganga Mahotsav is a major tourist attraction in Varanasi.

Hence, winter is the best season to visit Varanasi. During this time, you’ll be able to see the city’s best! 

List Of Important Information about Varanasi
Continent: Asia
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
City(District): Varanasi
Population: 12 Lakhs (2011)
Currency: India Rupee
Dialling Code: 0542
Language: Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri And English
Area: 112.1 Km
Mayor: Mridula Jaiswal (BJP)
Emergency Contact Number: 112
Railway Station: Varanasi Junction Railway Station (Banaras Junction)
Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) Its located 26 km northwest of Varanasi

15 Most Popular Places To Visit In Varanasi

Varanasi, a town situated on the banks of Ganga, is home to many ghats and temples. Here are some of the town’s most famous ghat as well as temples.

Moreover, if you attend the Arti at these ghats it will be one of the things for an enigmatic experiences to do in Varanasi. Let’s know more about these.

List Of Places To Visit In Varanasi
  • Assi Ghat-For spirituality seekers
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat-Town’s Most Lively Ghat
  • Manikarnika Ghat-The Ghat of Prime Cremation
  • Shivala Ghat-The Past Reflection
  • Ahilyabai Ghat-It’s Name Is Renowned
  • Rana Mahal Ghat- For The Real Explorers
  • Panchganga Ghat- Merger Point Five Rivers
  • Chousatti Ghat-The Shelter Of The Famous Sanskrit Scholar
  • Kedar Ghat-Holy Place of Bathing
  • Manmandir Ghat-Marvel At River Ganga Views
  • Temple of Kashi Vishwanath- Only Jyotirlinga of UP
  • Temple of Tulsi Manas-Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written
  • Durga Temple-The Story of the Fabled Old World
  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple-Well-known Since The 1900s
  • Nepali Temple-Sense Lord Shiva’s Spirit

1: Assi Ghat-For spirituality seekers

Assi Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Tanuj_handa

This is also one of the main places to visit in Varanasi! Situated far south, Assi Ghat is where visitors make devotion to Lord Shiva by praying a large lingam under a peepal tree.

This ghat is a vibrant area rippling in excitement as well as sound one that covers Kashi’s antiquity beautifully. Also, Assi Ghat is among the most religious famous tourist places in Varanasi. Here’s attractive arti sight makes Varanasi one of India’s most beautiful cities.    

Location:  Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh,   Assi Ghat,
Timings: Anytime
Popular For: Festivals and Recreation 

Also Read: 15 Places To Visit  In Haridwar That Will Perfect Religious Experience!


2: Dashashwamedh Ghat-Town’s Most Lively Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Matt Stabile

DashashwamedhGhat is a showy place also renowned for its spiritual transcendence, the largest ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River. It is common knowledge that here, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in a yajna, and therefore the name.

Dashashwamedh Ghat tops the list of best places to visit in Varanasi at night, it is also a valid space to walk in this small town. Be here, as it is popularly called, for the Agni Pooja or Ganga aarti. 

Note Each Tuesday and at religious festivals, special aartis are held.
Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular For: Culture, Heritage, Temples 3, 

Also Read: 15 Tourist Places In Jaipur To Visit For A Never Before Experience


3: Manikarnika Ghat-The Ghat of Prime Cremation

Manikarnika Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Ninara

Manikarnika Ghat is called an important religious place to be cremated as well as is one of the main places to visit in Varanasi. This ghat is in itself an exasperating and also surprising experience as literally nothing here is sacrilegious.

The rising sun as well as the flaming pyres, along with candlelit flower bowls floating down the religious Ganga River, make Manikarnika Ghat a sight to see. Try this ghat while finding the famous tourist places to visit in Varanasi

Location: ItsClose Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular For: Sacred riverfronts, Cremation grounds 


4: Shivala Ghat-The Past Reflection 

Shivala Gha Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Santoshat60

Shivala Ghat is yet another finest tourist place in Varanasi that focuses on the past of the region. A popular attraction to see here is the Shiva Temple, constructed far back by a Nepalese king in the 19th century.

Undoubtedly the magnificent architecture here is something that will take you by surprise and so will the temple’s craftsmanship. If you want to take a bath in the holy water, this is also one place to visit in Varanasi. 

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Timings: Historical
Timings: Open 24 hours
Popular For: Religious reason. 

Also Read: Top 15 Most Famous Temples In India


5: Ahilyabai Ghat-It’s Name Is Renowned

Ahilyabai Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Max K-Sta

Recognised earlier as Kevalgiri ghat, this place is popular for becoming the first of its kind to have been named after an individual, like Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

Though you can visit this ghat anytime, the best time is in the morning when you can see Hindu worshippers taking a dip believing it will purify their sin and see the ghat’s beauty at its finest. 

Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings:  open 24 hours
Famous For: Religious bathing rituals 

Also Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Goa For Magnificent Vacations!


6: Rana Mahal Ghat- For The Real Explorers

Rana Mahal Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Santoshat60

For memorable Varanasi sightseeing, these locations will certainly be part of our itinerary. However, founded by Raja Rana Jagat Singh at the time he came as a pilgrim to the area, this ghat invites many tourists day in and out.

It is located right next to a palace that is believed to be the Maharaja’s residence during its pilgrimage era.

If architecture is something that tickles your imagination, there is plenty here to see and appreciate. Also, it is among the places to visit in Varanasi with family.

Location: Varanasi ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Timings:  Open 24 hours.
Famous For: Heritage Tour 

Also Read: Top 20 Tourist Places In Bangalore


7: Panchganga Ghat- Merger Point Five Rivers 

There is no question that Varanasi is full of countless ghats but certainly, the Panchganga Ghat stands out. Believed to be the legendary merging place for five sacred rivers, this place holds photos of the five goddesses namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa as well as Kirana.

Moreover, lots of tourists come by here to receive blessings and absorb some of the place’s calm vibes. Also, one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. 

Location: 7/111, Sonarpura Rd, Varanasi Ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings:  Open 24 hours
Popular For: Spiritual Bathing, Prayers, Festivals 

Also Read: 15 Best Tourist Places In Agra: Enjoy the City Beyond the Taj Mahal


8: Chousatti Ghat-The Shelter Of The Famous Sanskrit Scholar

Chousatti Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Ninara

There are numerous reasons for finding this ghat also one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This ghat is popular for being the shelter of the popular Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati, and also for its palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran, Bihar.

This also houses a temple complex featuring pictures of Goddess Kali. And on occasions like Holi and Chaitra’s 12th Dark Half, this place also welcomes visitors in an enormous amount. 

Location: Varanasi ghats, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 24 hours.  open
Famous For: Temples 

Also Read: 20 Best Tourist Places In Kerala For A Wonderful Holiday


9: Kedar Ghat-Holy Place of Bathing

Kedar Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Juan Antonio Segal

Kedar Ghat is popular for the best for holy bathing, also it’s also one of the oldest ghats in the town of Varanasi. Numerous tourists visit the Kedareshwar Temple here, and give prayers to Lord Shiva.

This ghat’s incredibly beautiful surroundings and heartwarming sensations make it one of the best sightseeing places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days where one can spend quality time! 

Location: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 24 Hours Open
Popular For: Spiritual Bathing, Prayers, Kedareshwar Temple 

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10: Manmandir Ghat-Marvel At River Ganga Views

Manmandir Ghat Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Tanuj_handa

Established by Maharaja Mann Singh in the early 17th century, this ghat is famous for its palace as well as for an observatory. However, the palace was built by the maharaja, and also the observatory was built by Savai Jaisingh 2 in the Year 1710.

From a stone balcony on the north side of the ghat, you will wonder at the views of the Ganga River. Moreover, It’s one of the famous places to visit in Varanasi.

Location: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: NA
Famous For: Visit the Palace, Observatory, Sunset Views on the Ganga River 

Prominent Temples In Varanasi

Being one of India’s most holy cities and having religious significance, it boasts many temples, each distinctive in its architecture as well as the variety of deities housed in each temple.

A place of adoration and also spiritual retreat, check out the best temples in Varanasi to visit. 

Also Read: Places to visit in France


11: Temple of Kashi Vishwanath- Only Jyotirlinga of UP

Kashi Vishwanath Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Commons.wikimedia

For good experience include the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which will complete the list of places to visit in Varanasi. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and was also mentioned in the Sacred scriptures.

As it stands today, the temple layout consists of a number of smaller shrines in the Vishwanath Galli. Also, one of the best tourist places in and around Varanasi.

Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 3 a.m. – 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., & 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Also Read: Places To Visit In Goa


12: Temple of Tulsi Manas-Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written

Tulsi Manas Places o visit in Vanaras
Image Source – Google | Image By – Juggadery

It is also one of the many sightseeing sites in Varanasi is the Tulsi Manas Temple, the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in the Hindi language Awadhi accent.

Also, the temple was financed by the Birla family and was built in 1964 in white marble. Also, on the walls of the mandir are engraved verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas. 

Location: Close to Jalan Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, Varanasi, 221005
Timings: 5 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

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13: Durga Temple-The Story of the Fabled Old World

Durga Temple Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Commons.Wikimedia

This mandir, also called the monkey temple, is among the legendary places to visit in Varanasi. The temple was founded by a Bengali Maharani in the 18th century and also is painted red with ochre.

Moreover, it’s claimed Goddess Durga’s idol wasn’t established in the temple, it came on its own. it is one of the places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, this is one attraction that you can not skip. Also, One of the places to visit in Varanasi for couples, friends, and family.

Location: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, UP 221005
Timings: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. 

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14: Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple-Well-known Since The 1900s

Hanuman Temple Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Ninara

Built on the banks of the Assi River, this temple is also one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi. Not only is this temple famous for its religion, but it is also famous for its historicity throughout the region.

Established in the 1900s by famed freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, this temple is visited by both Hanuman worshippers and Lord Rama. 

Location: Bhogabeer Colony, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, UP 221005
Timings: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

Also Read: Famous Temples in India


15: Nepali Temple – Sense Lord Shiva’s Spirit

Nepali Temple Places to visit in Varanasi
Image Source – Google | Image By – Ninara

This temple is one of the oldest in Varanasi Holy City and is also devoted to the mighty Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 19th century’s best wonders in the region.

It was built by the King of Nepal, reflecting the Temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu City. Moreover, aside from the religious aspects, this temple’s architecture attracts visitors in large numbers, making it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.

Location: Close Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings:  Open 24 Hours
Popular For: One of Shiva’s oldest temples

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FAQ’s About Places To Visit In Varanasi

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What are the places to visit in Varanasi?” answer-0=”
1. Assi Ghat
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
3. Manikarnika Ghat
4. Shivala Ghat
5. Ahilyabai Ghat
6. Rana Mahal Ghat
7. Panchganga Ghat
8. Chousatti Ghat Sanskrit Scholar
9. Kedar Ghat 10. Manmandir Ghat
11. Temple of Kashi Vishwanath
12. Temple of Tulsi Manas
13. Durga Temple
14. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
15. Nepali Temple” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”Which are the best outdoor activities in Varanasi?” answer-1=”
1. Sachan Walking Tours
2. Varanasi Ganga Tour – Day Tours
3. Groovy Tours 4. Visit Ganga river
5. Varanasi Behind Day Tours” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”What are the best day trips from Varanasi?” answer-2=”
1. Benaras Hindu University or BHU.
2. Sarnath.
3. Ramnagar Fort
4. River Excursions
5. Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Kaushambi” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=” What is famous in Varanasi?” answer-3=”Varanasi is India’s oldest city and its streets and there’s something to explore in every place. There are different kinds of food and other specialities making this town unique. And alongside that there are some ancient ghats that still carry the history of the oldest heritage in the nation” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=” What can I buy in Varanasi?” answer-4=”Below things are very good in Varanasi
1. The Holy Water of Ganga.
2. Banarasi Silk Saris.
3. Crystal and Stone Shivalinga.
4. Gulabi Minakari.
5. Glass Beads.
6. Rudraksha Mala.
7. Wooden Toys.
8. Flutes.” image-4=”” headline-5=”h3″ question-5=” How many days visit Varanasi?” answer-5=”You need 2 full days, so when you reach in Varanasi, if you arrive on the overnight train and arrive about 6 am, it will be enough for 2 nights, the same if you leave on a train overnight.” image-5=”” count=”6″ html=”true” css_class=””]


Which location on the list of the top attractions in Varanasi is your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar of Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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