Top Tourist Attractions in Varanasi

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Varanasi, is the most visited temple in the city devoted to Lord Shiva. Located in the heart of Varanasi, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is known to have been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history, with its current structure constructed in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.

Top Attractions at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• The Jyotirlinga - The Supreme Shiva Lingam: The main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga, representing the infinite cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims offer milk, water, and Bilva (a plant considered sacred in Hinduism) leaves to the deity and seek its blessings.
• The Golden Spire - A Symbol of Devotion and Wealth: One of the temple's most striking features is its golden spire (Shikhara), which is covered in gold. It is believed approx 8 kg of gold was donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in the 19th century for constructing the spire of the temple.
Gyanvapi Well - A Sacred Landmark: Located within the temple premises, the Gyanvapi Well is believed to have a hidden Shiva Linga that was protected from destruction during historical invasions. Many devotees consider the well a secret reservoir of divine knowledge.
Vishwanath Gali - The Bustling Pilgrim Street: The narrow lane surrounding the temple, known as Vishwanath Gali, is lined with shops selling religious items, sweets, and Banarasi silk sarees. Visitors can also taste the famous Banarasi paan, a must-try in Varanasi.

One of the must visit places in Varanasi, Assi Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ganges and Assi rivers. According to legend, Lord Shiva threw his sword (Asi) here after slaying demons, which led to the creation of the Assi River. Assi Ghat has a serene and relaxed ambiance that attracts yoga enthusiasts and those who want to meditate in the quieter surroundings.

Top Attractions at Assi Ghat

• Subah-e-Banaras - The Morning Aarti and Classical Music Sessions : One of the most beautiful experiences at Assi Ghat is Subah-e-Banaras, a daily morning cultural program that begins before sunrise. The event includes a spiritual Ganga Aarti, classical Indian music performances, Vedic chanting, and yoga sessions.
• Evening Ganga Aarti - A Less Crowded Yet Mesmerizing Experience : Like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat also hosts a beautiful and relatively less crowded evening aarti. Priests dressed in saffron robes perform synchronized rituals with large oil lamps, creating a deeply spiritual ambiance. Many visitors prefer this aarti for a more personal and immersive experience.

One of the largest and most prestigious universities in India, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is also a center of spiritual literacy, artistic heritage, and architectural beauty. Established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, BHU was envisaged as a place where ultramodern education and ancient Hindu traditions could exist harmoniously. Spread over 1,300 acres, the university is also home to the iconic Shri Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which preserves artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts, reflecting India's rich history.

Must visit places in Banaras Hindu University

• Bharat Kala Bhavan - A Treasure Trove of Indian Art and History : Situated on the BHU campus, Bharat Kala Bhavan is among the top tourist places in Varanasi that has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, and archaeological pieces. The museum was set up in 1920 and houses a set of Mughal and Rajput miniatures and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. The museum also features rare photographs of Varanasi and sculptures of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu gods, belonging to the Gupta and Maurya periods.
Sayaji Rao Gaekwad Library - A Scholar's Paradise : This grand library, named after the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, is one of the biggest in Asia with more than 1.5 million books. Ranging from ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit and Persian to recent scientific research papers, the library is also an architectural masterpiece.
Amphitheater and Cultural Events : BHU is known for its rich cultural life, with the university hosting music concerts, dance performances, and theater plays throughout the year. The open-air amphitheater in the campus regularly features performances by renowned classical musicians and dancers, keeping Varanasi's artistic traditions alive.

The Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is a popular religious site in Varanasi. Contrary to the city's ancient temples, this temple was constructed in 1964 by the Birla family. The temple is made out of pure white marble and has Ramcharitmanas verses inscribed into its walls.

• The Ramayana Diorama - Bringing the Epic to Life : Within the temple, life-sized sculptures from the Ramayana, including Lord Rama's banishment, the abduction of Sita, Hanuman's encounter with Rama's wife Sita in Lanka, and the epic battle of Rama vs. Ravana can be seen. These sculptures bring the Ramayana alive for devotees, particularly children, as they can see the stories unfolding before their eyes.
• The Garden and Surroundings - A Serene Retreat : The temple is flanked by a well-manicured garden filled with flowers, greenery, and tiny water fountains. Several devotees sit here to chant, read scriptures, or just bask in the serene atmosphere. It is an ideal spot to leave behind the hustle of the city and bond with spirituality.

Among the oldest and holiest ghats in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat is known for being the primary cremation ground along the Ganges. In Hindu belief, the people who are cremated here achieve moksha (release from the cycle of rebirth). The ghat is highly revered and is named after the Manikarnika Kund, a sacred pool that is considered to have been formed by the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Goddess Parvati lost her earring (manikarnika) at this place, and Lord Shiva himself searched for it, and ever since this ghat is of religious importance. Unlike other tourist attractions in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat provides a deep and moving spiritual experience because one gets to see the funeral pyres burning, symbolizing the transitory nature of life.

Top Attractions at Manikarnika Ghat

• Eternal Flame - The Fire That Never Dies : One of the most unique things about this ghat is the 'eternal flame', which has been burning for millennia. The fire in which bodies are cremated is thought to be kindled from the original flame preserved by Lord Shiva himself.
• The Dom Raja House - The Custodians of the Sacred Fire : The traditional owners of the ghat are the Dom Raja family who live here. They have a monopoly on the upkeep of the sacred fire used in cremations. Their duty is regarded as ordained by God, and they enjoy great status in the religious order of Varanasi.