top sightseeing places in Varanasi - Rajasthan Tour Planner

Places To Visit Near Varanasi is an ancient city and holds much importance in the Hindu religion and mythologies. It is one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus and is famous for its temples and Ghats. Apart from them, there are many other attractions in the city. Don’t forget to have some popular street food of the city that includes Kachoris, Jalebis, Puri Sabzee and Shahi Lassi that are just delicious.

Attracting a lot of tourists all year round, there are incredibly stunning places to visit near Varanasi. Embracing various tourist destinations from wildlife sanctuaries to hill stations, Varanasi is a perfect destination for a getaway with your friends and family. Explore the places near Varanasi on a weekend trip or a vacation and create moments to cherish for years to come.

With abundant tourist places near Varanasi, experience an amalgamation of rich culture, religion and history, all combined into one vacation. Fill your heart with peace and contentment while visiting pilgrimage spots like Singhpur Sarnath and Ayodhya.

Take in the scenic surroundings at Rewa or witness the timeless beauty and architectural marvels at Agra. Observe the splendid Islamic architecture in the City of Nawabs, Lucknow or spend some time at Mirzapur soaked in the natural beauty, places to visit near Varanasi won’t disappoint you Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Sarnath

The place is full of peaceful vibes and serenity. It is one of the holiest places in the country and especially sacred for Buddhists. The city adorns the number of Buddhist stupas, museums, and excavated sites. Other than this you can also see the temple and other serene settings of the place. Sarnath is just 10 km away from Sarnath and you can go and visit this place and come back on the same day.

This is a pilgrimage place for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus and always overcrowded with tourists and devotees. The place also adorns architectural marvels where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. The famous places to visit in Sarnath are Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Thai Temple, Tibetan Temple, Archaeological Museum, Buddha Purnima festival in Sarnath Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Distance from Varanasi: 40 km
Famous Attractions: Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Thai Temple, Tibetan Temple, Archaeological Museum

Bodh Gaya

Among the most famous places to visit between Varanasi and Allahabad, Bodh Gaya is known for being the shrine for the enlightenment of Lord Buddha, Mahabodhi Tree and is the land of Nirvana for Hinduism. The place is always full of pilgrims who are here to pay their tribute to the sacred land of Bodh Gaya. Lord Buddha used to meditate under the Mahabodhi tree and attained enlightenment. Everyone who is here wants to come to see this tree and pray for its blessings.

Because of this Bodh Gaya has attained the number one rank in being the largest and most popular pilgrimage for Buddhists and has also attained a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A trip to this place is full of insight into the rich culture of India and its philosophies. This is a land of nirvana and a holy shrine. The list of top attractions in Bodh Gaya includes Mahabodhi Temple, The Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Refugee Market, Bodhi Tree, and Thai Monastery. So, if you are looking for a peaceful place to visit near Varanasi then head to Bodh Gaya Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
Distance from Varanasi: 253 km
Famous Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, The Great Buddha Statue, Tibetan Refugee Market, Bodhi Tree, Thai Monastery

Allahabad

Allahabad is another holy shrine near Varanasi. It is popularly called the Prayagraj because it is the meeting point of three rivers – the Ganga, the Yamuna, and Saraswati. It is a place of the ancient town of Hindu Gatherings on the banks of this Sangam. The most celebrated festival in Allahabad is the Maha Kumbh Mela when lakhs and lakhs of people flock to this city to take a holy dip in the Sangam.

Prayagraj is a meeting point of three main rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati and was christened as Allahabad by Emperor Shah Jahan. The main tourist attraction is the Triveni Sangam, The Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad Planetarium. It is one of the largest cities in Uttar Pradesh and very well connected by all means of transport i.e. Air, train and roads. It is best to come here during winters (Oct to March) for moderate temperatures. It’s best to avoid Allahabad during monsoons Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance from Varanasi: 121 km
Famous Attractions: Triveni Sangam, The Khusro Bagh, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Museum, Allahabad Planetarium

Khajuraho

Another best place to visit near Varanasi is Khajuraho which is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its rich culture and beautiful temples. These temples have erotic signs carved on its exterior, which explains the forward culture of India during medieval times when most of the people were turning towards becoming spiritual and have stopped getting married. The then ruler built these temples to encourage people to have a family life Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

The place is also known for the cultural festivals that are held here every year when lots of International tourists come to visit this rich shrine. When you are in Khajuraho, the top attractions that are never to be missed are the Light and sound show, the Dulhadev Temple, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple, the Lakshman Temple, the Parsvanatha Temple, and the Vishwanath Temple. The railhead is just beside the temple gates and Khajuraho has its airport as well. The best time to visit this place is during Oct and February.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance from Varanasi: 392 km
Famous Attractions: Dulhadev Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, Parsvanatha Temple

Lucknow

Lucknow is the city of Nawabs and the capital of Lucknow. The city is located on the banks of the river Gomti. The city is popular for rich Nawabi culture and its food. The people here are known for being very polite and courteous. They are so polite that you couldn’t help but smile back if you come to interact with one. The main tourist attractions of Lucknow are the Bara Imambara, the Hazratganj Market, The Lucknow Zoo, the Chowk, Chota Imambara, and Rumi Darwaja.

Visit bustling streets of Lucknow market are a must to taste authentic Mughlai food and Biryani. The Shopping for the latest Chikankari and wholesale stores is also a must. The place is famous for chat and kulfi with faluda as well. Lucknow is the capital city to have its domestic airport and a major railhead. Various state-run buses connect Lucknow to other parts of the country. Winters are the best time to visit Lucknow are summers are scorching hot Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance from Varanasi: 320 km
Famous Attractions: Bara Imambara, the Hazratganj Market, The Lucknow Zoo, the Chowk, Chota Imambara

Ayodhya

Ayodhya is located on the banks of river Saryu and is one of the most sacred cities in Hindu mythology for this is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The place also came into limelight due to the Muslim Hindu massacre during the early 90s of dispute for the land of Lord Rama worship place. The city is full of spirituality and is associated with Hinduism.

Other top attractions in Ayodhya are Ramjanma Bhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Gulan Bari, and Treta Ke Thakur. Many direct trains and buses are connecting Ayodhya to the rest of the country. The nearest airport is in Lucknow from where you could take a train to reach Ayodhya. Just to skip peak summer months. The place is adorned with pleasant weather all year around Places To Visit Near Varanasi.

Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Distance from Varanasi: 203 km
Famous Attractions: Ramjanma Bhoomi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Hanuman Garhi

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Places to See in Varanasi, a city that oozes charm and mesmerizing beauty, is amongst the holiest cities in India and arguably in the world. With a massive number of temples, shrines, and ghats, for anyone who seeks the blessings of the almighty, Varanasi, should be at the top of their priority list.

Known as Lord Shiva’s City, this majestic place has a distinct essence in its soothing surroundings, which would certainly leave any visitor spell bounded. Many people from all over India visit the shores of the pious Ganges River and take a holy bath, which is believed to banish all the sins from the body and soul Places to See in Varanasi.

If you are visiting Varanasi Tourism any time sooner, then boat riding at the holy Ganges river should be at the top of your bucket list. This would be an unforgettable experience of your life as the picturesque views from the rides have a charm of its own.

The stunning panoramic experience of temples and practices of Hindu rituals would harmonize your heart and soul. You should also attend the glorious Aarti sessions at the Ganges River. Spiritual chants and the essence of aromatic surroundings will be an ideal experience if the person wishes for a calm and serene place to cherish.

This divine ceremony is even enhanced in magnitude when witnessed at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. The use of heavy brass lamps for the ceremony makes the experience even more satisfying Day Tours.

Another important landmark of Varanasi popularly known as Sarnath is renowned as the place where Lord Buddha illustrated Dharma. It is amongst the most prominent Buddhist sites all around the world. You can also witness the humongous pillar of Dharmekh Stupa. Also, the visual brilliance of the Ashoka Pillar would be a treat to your eyes. Varanasi is truly an alluring site that captivates travelers with its holiness and tranquility Places to See in Varanasi.

History

Almost midway in its long journey from the slopes of the mighty Himalayas to the inflamed shore of Bay of Bengal, the muddy waters of the Ganges flow by a city that is five centuries older than Christ. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was already an old city when Rome was founded, and was a flourishing center of trade when Buddha came to Sarnath, some 10 km away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. It is a city of temples and for more than 2,500 years, it has attracted pilgrims from near and far.

According to Hindu belief, Benaras or Varanasi as it is known, is the cosmic center of the Universe. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together” Places to See in Varanasi.

Down the ages, Varanasi Tour Packages has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Swathed in an aura of history, religion, and tradition, Varanasi preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. From a time stretching beyond human memory, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.

Places to see in Varanasi

There are so many ghats and temples that for a first time visitor it will be hard to know where to start. Varanasi is overwhelming and there is no way you can cover all the Places to See in Varanasi in a single trip.

Varanasi is a perfect city to stay for a longer time period and many travellers do. It’s a city where you can walk around for days and still discover new things.

However, let me be honest, not all ghats and temples are equally interesting. If you are limited on time there are only a few must places to see in Varanasi that will give you a good feel for the city.

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.

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 Places to See in Varanasi.

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.

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. Places to See in 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

Assi ghat is home to many of Varanasi’s visitors that decided to stay here for a longer period of time. There is a lively community of travellers, expats, researchers and students.

For those that rise early there is a morning prayer at Assi ghat every day. It is similar to the evening prayers at the Dashaswamedh ghat, but then much more quiet and peaceful Places to See in Varanasi.

Kedar ghat

For a slice of South India in Varanasi you should visit the colourful Kedar ghat. On top of the ghat is the Kedareshwar temple that is extremely holy for South Indians. The nearby Parvati kund has a pool of water that is believed to have healing powers. It is one of the best places to see in Varanasi for the beautiful views over the river.

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 Places to See in Varanasi.

Best time to visit Varanasi

The winter season is the best time to visit Varanasi. From November to March, Varanasi experiences pleasant and soothing weather which makes the sightseeing and outdoor activities comfortable. The temperature remains low and the region enjoys the soothing breeze throughout the day. In the summer and monsoon seasons, Varanasi experiences hot and humid weather, which makes sightseeing difficult. Ganga Mahotsav, Deepavali, Maha Shivaratri, and Chhath Pooja are the popular festivals of Varanasi that are celebrated every year in the winter season, which attracts a large number of tourists. This festival is the perfect way to witness the rich cultural heritage of Places to See in Varanasi.

How To Reach Varanasi

By Air : The holy city of Varanasi has an airport which connects it well with the main cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Khajuraho etc.

By Rail : There are two railway stations in Varanasi namely Varanasi Junction and Varanasi City. They connect the city with the major cities of India such as Delhi and Kolkata.

By Road : Varanasi is easily accessible by road from the various cities of the country such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.

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