Major Tourist Attractions 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 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 Tourism.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most visited temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath lies on the western banks of the river Ganga. Home to the 12th Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, this city finds mention in most Vedas and scriptures and once has gold spires, which is why it is also called the Golden temple. Rebuilt several times over the years, the existing edifice of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple was constructed in 1780 by Queen of Indore Ahilya Bai Holkar, Varanasi Tour Packages.
Lord Vishwanath or Vishweshwar as Lord Shiva is called means the king of the universe and it is believed that people have been venerating here for more than 3500 years. Festivals like Shivratri, Holi, Dev Diwali, Makar Sankranti are must-experiences if you visit during those months Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Open hours: 4 am -11 pm
Things to do: A dip in the Ganges, explore the temple complex
Dasaswamedh Ghat
One of the oldest and well-known Ghats on the banks of the river Ganga, it is the place to be if you want to experience Varanasi completely. Believed to be the place where Lord Brahma performed the Dasa Ashwamedh sacrifice. It is the centre for most rituals performed in Varanasi. The ghat is one of the places to visit in Varanasi for sure.
If you find yourself looking to experience a celestial display, then make sure you visit Varanasi during Dev Diwali. The Ganga aarti held every day in the evening is a must experience. Most devotees leave lit clay lamps in water to float around creating a mesmerising view of the river Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Open hours: 8 am -7 pm
Things to do: Participate in the Ganga Aarti, sit on the banks to enjoy sunrise or sunset.
Ramnagar Fort
The seat of the monarchs of Varanasi for more than 400 years, the Ramnagar Fort lies on the eastern banks of the river Ganga just opposite the Tulsi Ghat. Built by Raja Balwant Singh in 1750, the ornamental swords, the Durbar hall that is now a museum, the palanquins and elephant howdahs are worth a look. The present Maharaja, Pelu Bhiru Singh lives in this fort even today Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Open hours: 10 am-12 pm, 2 pm-4.30 pm
Things to do: Explore the fort, check out the museum, architecture and frescoes.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
Located in the famed Benares Hindu University, this museum is known for its rich and prolific collection of Indian paintings. There are close to 12000 paintings and most of these paintings are from the 11th-century to the 20th-century. There are plenty of Mughal era miniatures, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati marriage sculptures, the Gandhara sculptures and an 11th-century Lord Vishnu statue that attract plenty of tourists throughout the year. The museum has displays for jewellery, textiles, pottery, artefacts that are from the 1st-century to 15th-century. You need a couple of hours to explore the museum Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Open hours: 11 am-4 pm
Things to do: Check the ancient sculptures, archaeological displays and shop for gifts too.
Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is another sacred site. The ghat got its name from Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi as she was born over here.
In Hinduism, death is not considered as the end but regarded as a gateway to another life which is decided by the karma done by the one. With good karma comes a good human life and with bad karma comes with animal life. Manikarnika ghat is said to be the gateway of the next life. Therefore, it is believed by the people that spending the last few days of one’s life at this ghat along with proper rituals result in moksha- an end to the endless cycle of birth and recreation Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Devoted to Lord Hanuman, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was built in the early 16th century by the famous poet and Hindu preacher Goswami Tulsidas. It is believed that Goswami Tulsidas had a vision of Lord Hanuman and then the temple was built at the very same place.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a center of attraction to devotees who come here to offer their respect to Lord Hanuman. There is a big connection between monkeys and Lord Hanuman and therefore you will find monkeys all over around this temple. Though these monkeys do not harm anybody and are only after their prasad. People offer laddoo to them as respect to Lord Hanuman Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
The name Sankat Mochan means someone who relieves you from your troubles. And as the meaning suggests, people from all over the world come here seeking relief from their troubles. The temple is famous for its unique distinction as it has a big statue of Lord Hanuman facing Lord Ram to whom he worshiped with selfless devoutness.
Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Ram. It was built in the year 1964. The temple has a historical and cultural significance for Hindu devotees as Hindu scripture Ram Charit Manas was written at the very same place by Hindu preacher Goswami Tulsidas and therefore is named after him. The temple displays various engraving from Ram Charit Manas on its walls. Many episodes of Ramayan are also engraved on the upper story of the temple.
The construction of the temple was dated up to the year 1964. It was sponsored by Thakur Das Family, West Bengal. The temple is constructed with white marbles and has a beautiful garden with a landscapes view all around the temple. Every bank of the Temple has unique statues that denote unique subjects of Hindu scriptures Major Tourist Attractions in Varanasi.
Tulsi Manas Temple is also known as Tulsi Birla Manasa Mandir. The temple is home to many beautiful images of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. The Temple has located around 2 km from Banaras Hindu University and 7 km from Varanasi.
The best time to visit Tulsi Manas Temple is in the month of Saawan that falls in July to August. In Saawan the temple opens up for a display show of puppets related to Ramayana which is a beautiful experience to watch.