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.