Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi is everything your imagination conjures and more. It holds the top place among the list of sacred cities in India among Hindus. Also called the City of Lights this town lies on the western banks of the river Ganga, with plenty of mysteries and mysticism surrounding it. One of the oldest cities in the world, Kashi is the place most people head to with the idea of washing away their sins in the holy Ganges and with a legacy dating back to more than 3500 years, there are plenty of Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Lore’s say, it is an auspicious place to die as you can attain moksha, i.e. no more rebirth. This beautiful city is often considered the land of Lord Shiva, because of one the 12 jyotirlingas is located here in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. An important place of pilgrimage this sacred city has more to offer than places of worship; right from fascinating architecture to royal palaces turned hotels to the learning centres. Every nook has some fascinating places to visit in Varanasi if you know where to look Varanasi Tour Packages.

Manikarna ghat (cremation ghats)

Of all the places to see in Varanasi the most confronting are the cremation ghats. Hindu’s believe that a cremation on the banks of the river Ganges will free the soul from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The bodies are placed on pillars of wood and the rituals are performed in full view for anyone to see. It’s a privilege to be burned in Varanasi, but not everybody can afford the expenses.

I was invited to visit the elderly home right behind the cremation ghats. Because of my work with elderly people in the Netherlands I was curious. Several old women lived in one room where they had nothing more than a bed and a small table.

They came from all over India, but when they felt their time was coming, they sold all their belongings and moved to Varanasi to make sure their remains would unite with the holy Ganges. The women, already widowed, seemed at peace with their coming end Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

They also didn’t seem to mind the fact that the owner was bringing in tourists in the hope for donations that according to him would be to pay for the funerals. I left with mixed feelings tough and after a bit of research it is clear that a lot of scams are going around in this area Varanasi Tourism.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is among the top places to see in Varanasi for Hindu rituals. It is the oldest and holiest ghat among the Ganges rivers. In Hindy mythology the ghat was created by Lord Brahma to welcome Lord Shiva. This is where every day the elaborate evening prayers are performed Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Dead and birth are close to each other in Varanasi. One Hindu priest may perform the prayers for a family who just lost a loved one while the priest next to him might perform prayers for a new-born baby.

Watching these elaborate rituals and the smiles and tears from the people involved, makes you wonder and reflect on life in general. Varanasi is a spiritual place that inspired my toughts. I felt small in the presence of something that was bigger than myself. A connection with the cycle of life that is so visible and concrete in this place.

Assi ghat

When it comes to famous places to visit in Varanasi, the city’s southernmost main ghat regularly tops the list. Assi Ghat’s star attraction is a Shiva lingam (phallic representation of the Hindu deity) beneath a sacred fig tree. It draws hundreds of pilgrims every day, who come to worship Lord Shiva after rinsing in the Ganges River Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Feeling a little stiff from traveling? Swing by Assi Ghat at sunrise, when you can get your downward-facing dog on with dozens of others during morning yoga accompanied by live music every day. Tourists can also see another Ganga Aarti performance here in the evening, which is slightly smaller and more intimate than the one at Dasaswamedh Ghat.

Kashi Vishwanath temple

Varanasi has hundreds of temples and it would be impossible to visit them all. The most important temple in Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is one of the 12 holy Shiva temples in the world and every day it receives thousands of visitors.

During one of Shiva’s festivals it is probably almost impossible to get in as a tourist, because of the number of pilgrims. Only 100 meters further is the small Annapurna Devi Mandir where people come to pray to the goddess of food for a well nourished life Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University has been a central part of Varanasi’s identity since its inception in 1916. The well-respected public university is home to more than 25,000 students, making it one of Asia’s largest residential universities.

There are no hill stations near Varanasi, so if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds and busy city, come to this lush 1,300-acre campus. The serene area is shaded by hundreds of tall trees and offers a breath of fresh air from the hectic atmosphere at the Banaras Ghats.

While on campus, swing by the New Vishwanath Temple, a famous temple that finally finished its decades-long construction in 1966. Standing 77 meters high, the temple is one of the tallest in India and draws architectural inspiration from the nearby Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Visitors to the university should also make a point to explore the on-campus museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan. The cultural institution features a spectacular collection of miniature paintings, along with over 100,000 other artifacts of archeological and artistic importance Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Dhamek Stupa

Hinduism has a place in Varanasi for sure, but so does Buddhism. Located about 12 km away in the Sarnath village, the Dhamek Stupa stands tall. The stupa is about 28 metres in diameter and 43.6 metres in height. It is a replacement structure that dates back to around 249 BCE. It’s believed that Buddha gave his first sermon here after achieving enlightenment. Walk around the area and notice the elegant carvings of flowers, birds, and people on the walls of the Dhamek Stupa.

Exploring the beautiful city of Varanasi would be exciting if you have your trip well planned. It’s always important to plan your trip well in advance so it would be a hassle-free experience. can give you the most memorable travel experience as it’s a convenient and easy platform for all your travel needs. You can also get several promotions, and discount offers when you book your flight and hotel stays through the Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Ramnagar Fort

Located across the Ganga River from Tulsi Ghat, it was built out of sandstone in AD 1750 on the orders of Raja Balwant Singh, the king of Banaras at the time. He and his descendants have lived in that fort for centuries now. In 1971, the position of an official king was abolished by the government, but still Pelu Bhiru Singh, is commonly referred to as the Maharaja of Varanasi. Even though it was built by Hindu kings, it is a testament to the diversity of the region that it was built in the Mughal architectural style. It houses Veda Vyasa Temple, Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi the king’s living quarters, and a museum dedicated to regional history.

Shri Durga Temple

Spiritual activities around Varanasi aren’t solely confined to the ghats. Just a five-minute walk west of Assi Ghat, the Shri Durga Temple is a popular attraction for Hindus who wish to pay tribute to the goddess Durga. You can’t miss the 300-year-old temple – it’s painted bright red from top to bottom Top 8 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

The temple’s nickname, “Monkey Temple,” gives you a clue about the creatures you might find swinging about in this area. You may also see a couple of graceful swans floating on the pool of water outside the temple.

Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi is a famous tourist spot for a good many reasons. The City of Ghats has in its store history which goes back to many centuries. Tourism in Varanasi is something very obvious, also because it is a renowned pilgrimage destination. The Holy City offers a vast range of holiday and pilgrimage destinations to the travelers.

The main attractions in Varanasi which is also known as Kashi are The Ghats of Vanarasi, St. Mary’s Church, Bharat Kala Museum, Ram Nagar Durg, Benaras Hindu University, Nandeshwar Kothi etc. Apart from these, the pilgrimage destinations in Kashi are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple and Durga Temple. The tour to the neighborhood of Varanasi includes Chunar, Sarnath, Jaunpur. Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary and Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary are the two tourist spots which are most likely to please the adventure lovers.

Accommodation in most parts of Varanasi is highly equipped with the most updated amenities. There are all kinds of lodging options for the travelers. Starting from the tourist lodge, Varanasi has loads of mid-range and Dharmshalas which offer lodging and dining in reasonable rates Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Fairs and Festivals are on the cards all round the year in Varanasi. To name some of these are Kartik Purnima, Buddh Purnima, Ganga Festival, Ramlila, Bharat Milap, Hanumat Jayanti, Nakkatyya, Panch Koshi Parikrama and Mahashivratri.

Ganges River

Named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges River is one of the most revered natural sites in India. The river extends southeast from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal. Between 400 million and 600 million people rely on the Ganges River to provide water for daily bathing and drinking Varanasi Tour Packages.

Hindus come to Varanasi from all around the world to purify themselves in the holy Ganges water and perform rituals along the dozens of ghats along the river. For tourists, the river helps provide a fixed point of orientation for navigating around the city, and you’ll no doubt spend lots of time sightseeing and watching life happen around the Ganges.

Consider waking up early and taking a sunrise cruise along the river – negotiate with one of the countless boatman hanging out along the ghats Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

In the afternoon or early evening, one of the top things to do in Varanasi is purchase a small floating offering filled with fresh flowers and a candle, and release it onto the Ganges River. The blissful experience will connect you more deeply with Hindu culture and stay in your mind for years to come.

Dasaswamedh Ghat

The lively atmosphere of the Dasaswamedh Ghat makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. This tourist attraction is a swirling hodgepodge of flower sellers touting bright blossoms, boat operators hawking rides along the Ganges River, and sadhus (holy men) with face paint. You can spend hours people watching in this area during the day.

Hindu priests put on the Ganga Aarti every night at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, starting at around 7pm. Donning saffron-hued robes, the priests spread out plates of flower petals and other offerings and blow a conch shell to signal the start of the spiritual ceremony. Thousands of tourists gather to watch the priests chant and wave tiered plates of sandalwood-scented incense in intricate patterns for about 45 minutes. It’s an extravagant sight and one of the top things to do here Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Manikarnika Ghat

Plumes of smoke swirl toward the sky at Manikarnika Ghat. No, it’s not from a factory – it’s from the perpetual cremations that happen on this ghat. Hindus believe that Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most auspicious places for the departed to reach moksha (emancipation from the cycle of spiritual rebirth). The funeral pyre at this ghat burns 24/7, and dozens of cremations take place every day.

Priests or guides frequently offer to lead tourists through the fascinating ghat, however some can be aggressive in their demands for money. You may see doms (members of an untouchable caste) carrying cloth-wrapped bodies on makeshift stretchers, along with piles of firewood stacked up, ready to feed the pyre.

You may also be offered the chance to see a cremation up close – for a fee, of course. While profound, the experience is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. Know your limits; be respectful; and avoid taking photos of the funerals, mourners, and the departed Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike travel for thousands of miles to reach the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred attraction around four kilometers from the Varanasi Junction railway station near the Manikarnika Ghat. The impressive structure, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, has earned the nickname “The Golden Temple” for its striking spire – plated in some 800 kilograms of pure gold. The distinctive design of this temple has gone on to inspire the architecture of hundreds of other temples across India.

Strict security measures around the complex require that tourists stash their cameras, phones, bags, and other belongings in a rentable locker nearby. Expect to ditch your shoes and wait in line with hundreds of other visitors, all eager to touch the 60-centimeter-tall, sin-absolving Shiva lingam in a silver alter. It’s an intense, yet rewarding experience Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi

Dhamek Stupa

Hinduism certainly has a stronghold on Varanasi, but Buddhism has a major presence less than 12 kilometers away in the village of Sarnath. Here, you’ll find the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone and brick structure that’s 43.6 meters tall and 28 meters in diameter. The stupa was built more than 1,500 years ago as a replacement for a structure that dated back to 249 BCE Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

The devout believe that the Buddha came to Dhamek Stupa to give his first sermon, which revealed the Eightfold Path, after he achieved enlightenment. Take a look at the elegant carvings of birds, people, and flowers that cover the walls of the stupa as you wander around the attraction.

Sarnath also has plenty of other tourist places that make it a worthwhile day trip destination from Varanasi. Check out the Chaukhandi Stupa (a Buddhist shrine that dates back to at least the 6th century), then make your way to the Sarnath Museum to see the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a sculpture that used to sit atop the Ashoka Pillar in 250 BCE and became the official Emblem of India in 1950. Round out the day with sightseeing at the peaceful Tibetan Temple before making your way back to Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University has been a central part of Varanasi’s identity since its inception in 1916. The well-respected public university is home to more than 25,000 students, making it one of Asia’s largest residential universities Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.

There are no hill stations near Varanasi, so if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds and busy city, come to this lush 1,300-acre campus. The serene area is shaded by hundreds of tall trees and offers a breath of fresh air from the hectic atmosphere at the Banaras Ghats.

While on campus, swing by the New Vishwanath Temple, a famous temple that finally finished its decades-long construction in 1966. Standing 77 meters high, the temple is one of the tallest in India and draws architectural inspiration from the nearby Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Visitors to the university should also make a point to explore the on-campus museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan. The cultural institution features a spectacular collection of miniature paintings, along with over 100,000 other artifacts of archeological and artistic importance Top 6 Places to Visit in Varanasi.