The city of Varanasi is full of spirituality, culture, and history. Pay your respects at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the mighty Ganges River to get a sense of the spiritual side of the city. Here, at the ghats, where life and death coexist, you can see Ganga Aarti and the solemn rituals that take place there. Visit Sarnath, which is where Buddha gave his first sermon, and be amazed by the Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar. History and religion meet in Varanasi, which makes it a unique place to visit.
Places to Visit in Varanasi
1. Manikarnika Ghat
This is one of Varanasi’s oldest and most sacred ghats, where Hindus bury their dead. The ghat is also known as the “burning ghat” because funeral pyres burn continuously throughout the day and night. It is where you can appreciate the cycle of life and death. You and your friends can go to the ghat and witness the rituals and ceremonies there. You can also light a candle or a diya (lamp) to symbolize your love and float it down the river.
How to reach: Take a bus to Lahori Tola from Kashi Bus Depot. You can walk to Manikarnika Ghat from Lahori Tola. This should take about 5 minutes.
2. Assi Ghat
This is yet another of Varanasi’s well-known ghats, and it’s where locals and visitors gather each morning to perform and watch the Ganga Aarti and recite hymns. Scholars and saints give lectures on various subjects at the ghat. Enjoy the local fare at one of the cafes or restaurants close to the ghat.
How to reach: You can take a bus to Assi Ghat from the Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. This will take between 20 and 25 minutes. A boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Assi Ghat is also an option. The boat ride will last about 15-20 minutes, during which time you can see the other ghats and temples along the river.
3. Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of Varanasi’s most colorful ghats, it hosts the evening Ganga Aarti. The ghat hosts music, dance, and puppet shows. You can cruise the river and admire the ghats and temples via boat ride.
How to reach: Take a bus to Godowlia Chowk from Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You can walk or take a rickshaw from Godowlia Chowk to Dashashwamedh Ghat. This should take 5-10 minutes.
4. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
This is one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or manifestations of Shiva’s power. The temple’s gold-plated domes and intricate carvings are also well-known. You can go to the temple to seek blessings and see the priests perform rituals.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days
How to reach: From Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand, take a bus to Godowlia Chowk. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You can walk or take a rickshaw from Godowlia Chowk to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
5. Sarnath
After reaching enlightenment, Buddha preached his first sermon at this sacred location. The Ashoka Pillar, which displays the Indian flag, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which has frescoes depicting Buddha’s life, and the Sarnath Museum, which displays relics and artifacts related to Buddhism, are just some of the attractions at the site. The Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where Buddha preached.
How to reach: You can catch a bus to Sarnath from the Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. About twenty-five minutes will pass. From Dashashwamedh Ghat, you can also take a boat to Sarnath. It’s a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll along the river, where you can visit various temples and ghats.
6. Bharat Kala Bhavan
This museum showcases Indian art and culture, especially that of Varanasi. The museum has an extensive collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, coins, manuscripts, and instruments. The museum also features a gallery dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, where artifacts and photographs from his life can be viewed.
Visiting Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (from Monday to Saturday)
How to reach: You can take a bus to Banaras Hindu University from Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. Bharat Kala Bhavan is a short walk from Banaras Hindu University. This should take you about 10 minutes.
7. Ruchika Art Gallery
You and your partner must see this if you both like art. It shows paintings, sculptures, and other works by local artists. There are workshops and shows at the gallery. The gallery sells gifts and souvenirs as well.
Visiting Hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
How to reach: You can take a bus to Sankat Mochan Temple from the Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Ruchika Art Gallery is a short walk from Sankat Mochan Temple. This should take about 5 minutes.
8. Sarnath Deer Park
The park is lush and quiet, home to various wildlife. You and your better half can take in the peace and beauty of the park. You can also meditate under a tree, feed the deer, and watch the birds. Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, is close to the park.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
How to reach: You can take a bus to Sarnath from Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand.
You can walk to Deer Park from Sarnath. This should take you about ten minutes.
9. Ramnagar Fort
Balwant Singh, the Maharajah of Banaras, constructed this fort in the 17th century. Views of the city and the Ganges River can be seen from the fort, which is located on the other side of the river. A museum displaying the royal collection of arms, automobiles, costumes, and artwork is also located in the fort. The Durga and Chhinnamastika Temples are also located within the fort’s grounds.
Visiting Hours: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm
How to reach: Take a bus to Tengra More Bus Stop from Maruti Nagar Varanasi Bus Stand. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. A boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Ramnagar Fort is also available. The boat ride will last approximately 15-20 minutes, and you can see the other ghats and temples along the river.
Conclusion
Enjoy the vibes of Varanasi, where spirituality and heritage meet to create an unforgettable travel experience. From the magnificent Ganges River, a symbol of the city’s sacred essence, to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered temples, this ancient city has something for every traveler.
Witness the enchantment of Ganga Aarti and the solemnity of Manikarnika Ghat, where life and death coexist. Explore Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and see the magnificent Dhamek Stupa and the Ashoka Pillar. Varanasi has everything, from rich culture to stunning scenery and a vibrant atmosphere. Come and discover the mysteries of this location for yourself!
