Places to Visit in Varanasi, Temple, Ghat & Spiritual places

The moment you step into the city, you instantly understand why people talk so about the places to visit in Varanasi. For sure, you hear the temple bells ring, narrow lanes fill with street food, and see saffron-clad sadhus walking past narrow lanes that haven’t changed in centuries. Varanasi, or Kashi, is the city where it is believed that life, death, faith, and celebration coexist in a perfect rhythm for centuries. It's where pilgrims come to seek moksha, peace, and spiritual experience that is only here.

In the blog, we will go through the tourist places in Varanasi. From ancient temples, sacred ghats, to peaceful corners and hidden gems, each spot reveals a different layer of the city’s timeless charm and spiritual vibe.

10 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Varanasi that help you to know about this spiritual city in depth. This city itself is older than history, known for its spiritual charms, historic significance, Mahadev’s blessed spot, and its status as the oldest city in the world.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous as one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. The moment you step into the temple after waiting in an hour-long queue, you’ll find a pulsating energy of devotion, chants, and a soulful vibe that inspires you to shout “Har Har Mahadev” with pure devotion. The gold-plated spire & ancient temple’s architecture reflect the essence of Hinduism, making it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi.

Main Highlights

There are 5 Aartis daily, Mangala Aarti from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM, Bhog Aarti from 11:15 AM to 12:20 PM, Sapta Rishi Aarti from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM, Shringar Aarti from 9:00 PM to 10:15 PM, and Shayan Aarti from 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
A pass is required for Mangala, Bhog, and Saptarishi Aartis.

Tips: Leather items like wallets, belts & other items, including shoes, bags, mobiles, watches, and cameras, are strictly prohibited inside the temples.

2. Dashahwamedh Ghat

One of the best places to visit in Varanasi if you want to experience the spiritual charms on the riverside, as the sun sets, the process of Ganga Aarti begins. where all the priests wearing saffron robes gather at the Ghat with giant brass light lamps. The moment they start chanting the mantra and offering aarti to Gange Maiya, the whole atmosphere fills with spirituality and devotion, and that rhythmic chant will be felt like an energetic beat that connects all the people nearby with the same flow.

Main Highlights

The Ganga Aarti daily starts from 6:30 PM. You can take a boat ride for a great experience and an amazing view of the ghat in the evening.
Interact with the local people for historic significance and Hindu’s beliefs about this place.

Tips: Reach the site at least 30 minutes before for a good spot to experience the real view of the holy Aarti.

3. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi, offering you the quieter, more relaxed side of Varanasi. It is believed to be the place where the legendary poet Tulsidas completed his work, and where pilgrims traditionally start the circumambulation of Varanasi. Visitors can take boat rides on the Ganges, witness sunrise and sunset rituals, or experience the city's cultural vibrancy through art performances and yoga sessions.

Main Highlights

Morning Aarti and yoga session starts daily from 5:30 AM
One of the best places to see in Varanasi is for a boat ride, photography, and a bath in the Ganga Ji.
Try to communicate with the locals to know the nearby attractions and spiritual sites. There are a lot of temples on that route.

Tips: Carry some clothes to change after taking a dip in the Ganga ji, also carry some woollen clothes if you are visiting during the winter season.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is among the best places to visit in Varanasi. It is the principal cremation ground, where Hindus believe cremation grants Moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The perpetual fires symbolise the cycle of life and death, offering a glimpse into Hindu funeral rituals and spiritual beliefs. It's a place where mortality meets spirituality, providing a profound insight into the cycle of existence. Sitting at the Ghat and watching from a respectful distance gives you a humbling sense of life’s impermanence.

Main Highlight

Known as the “great place for cremation for Hindus”, it is believed that Manikar has been burning continuously for centuries.
According to Hindu mythology, cremation here leads you directly to Moksha. Open 24*7, with funeral rituals.

Tips: Try not to capture the cremation process through cameras, as shooting someone's funeral is considered a disrespectful activity.

5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Looking for a serene escape from the busy ghats, the Banaras Hindu University is one of the best places in Varanasi for peace, greenery, and cultural charm. Established in 1616 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, spread across 1300 acres, known for its academic excellence and cultural heritage. If you are looking for places in Varanasi that hold historic significance, ancient architecture, and are considered a hub of knowledge. Visit the BHU campus, India’s oldest educational institution.

Main Highlights

The famous New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum are located inside the campus, offering unique spiritual and archaeological artefacts away from ghats and city chaos.
The whole campus is lush with greenery, offering peace, knowledge, and an environment that makes it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi

Tips: Carry a water bottle, wear comfortable shoes, and hire a scooty/bike to explore the whole campus. Be respectful towards temples, and interact with students to know about the culture, environment, and historical existence.

6. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the most heartfelt and spiritually powerful places to visit in Varanasi, situated near the Assi Ghat. The temple was founded by a saint Goswami Tulsidas. The mandir is dedicated to Lord Hanuman with the belief that it brings relief from worries and strengthens you in difficult times.

Main Highlights

The continuous chanting of Hanuman Chalisa creates a deeply devotional atmosphere where everyone is following the same line with the same flow.
Tuesday and Hanuman Jayanti attract large crowds, so plan your visit accordingly.
Combine your trip to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir with Durga Kund and Tulsi Manas Temple for a complete spiritual experience.

Tips: Try to visit early in the morning or in the evening for a peaceful experience, and keep prasad and other items secure, as monkeys around the temple can be playful.

7. Ramnagar Fort

Situated on the opposite bank of the Ganges, Ramnagar is must visit places in Varanasi for history lovers. This fort was built by the Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. This red sandstone fort is inspired by the Mughal architecture and royal antiques. The museum inside displays vintage cars, royal palanquins, and old weaponry. Watching the sunset from here paints the fort in hues of gold, making it one of the best tourist places in Varanasi.

Main Highlights

One of the royal and historical sites in Varanasi, with a royal museum and ornate balconies
The beautiful view of the sunset at the river.
Annual Ramnagar Ramlila (a 200-year-old dramatic retelling of Ramayana)

Tips: The ticket price of the museum is ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners. Avoid the afternoon timing for a great experience.

8. Durga Temple (Durga Kund)

The Durga temple, painted deep red and surrounded by a peaceful pond (kund), is among the famous places in Varanasi. This temple was built by Rani Bhawani of Bengal in 1760 AD, dedicated to Maa Durga. Locals also call it ‘monkey temple’ because whenever you visit this place, you surely observe many monkeys around the temple. Locals believe that these monkeys guard the temple, and all these make it a must visit place in Varanasi

Main highlights:

Known for its striking red facade and sacred Durga Kund tank.
The temple was constructed in the Nagara architectural style, representing divine feminine energy.
The mandir is open for devotees from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Tips: Avoid offering food to monkeys, and try to keep some distance from them. Visit early in the morning or at sunset for a calm experience.

9.Tulsi Manas Temple

It is located near Durga Kund. The Tulsi Manas Temple is another famous place in Varanasi. It is believed that it was built on the same place where Saint Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi. The white marble structure, covered with verses engraved on its walls, feels tranquil and artistic. The Mandir has beautiful gardens and sculptures depicting stories from the Ramayan, making it must visit place in Varanasi with family.

Main Highlights

This historical ghat is dedicated to the saint Tulsidas.
You can watch the peaceful sunset view here

Tips: Best for those who want some relaxation from the chaotic market, the evening atmosphere is best for photo lovers.

10. Alamgir Mosque

The Alamgir is one of the famous spots among tourist places in Varanasi, situated on the bank of the Ganges. The Alamgir mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Standing on the Panchganga Ghat, the mosque offers a panoramic view of the river. The mosque is very famous among the local muslims.

Main Highlight

Locally known as the “Beni Madhav Ka Dare
One of the most 17th-century old mosques in Varanasi, built during the Mughal emperor.
The mosque is notable for its Hindu & Islamic architectural style.

Tips: Avoid peak Azan time for non-worship visits.

Conclusion

Varanasi is one of the main pilgrimage sites among the Indians. From spiritual experience at the Kashi Temple to the peaceful sunrise at Assi Ghat, it offers almost everything. You can also watch glowing lamps at the Dhahashwamedh Ghat, an experience you’ll never forget. You can also explore the narrow lanes of Banaras while tasting the famous street foods. Varanasi is just a city; it is a place where people come seeking Moksha, and all of these make it one of the best places to visit in Varanasi, attracting travellers from across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to visit first in Varanasi?

Here are lots of places to visit in Varanasi, but you can start your day by exploring ghats, like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Panchganga Ghat, and one of the most famous, Assi Ghat.

2. Is 2 days enough for Varanasi?

Yes, two days are enough to explore Varanasi. First day, you can explore the ghats and other attractions nearby, like boating, attending Aarti, and the next day, you can visit the temple.

3. Can we touch Jyotirlinga in Kashi?

Yes, you can touch and feel the Mahadev’s shrine in Kashi, but at a specific time, after the main darshan and rituals, with the proper temple rules.

4. Is Ganga Aarti done every day in Varanasi?

Yes, the Ganga Aarti is performed on a daily basis at the same ritual time on Dashashwamedh ghat, it is one most & well-known evening ceremonies in Varanasi. No morning Aarti is performed at Assi Ghat.