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20 Places to Visit in Varanasi

Places to Visit in Varanasi
20 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2026 | Complete Travel Guide
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About Varanasi

A City That Refuses to Be Summarized

Varanasi is one of those places that refuses to be summarized. It is ancient beyond measure, alive beyond imagination, and spiritual in a way that quietly overwhelms even the most seasoned traveller. Sitting along the curved western bank of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh, this city — also known as Kashi or Banaras — is widely considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth.

People come here for different reasons. Some arrive seeking spiritual liberation. Others come to witness the evening Ganga Aarti, to taste a bowl of steaming kachori sabzi on a street corner, or simply to sit and watch life unfold along the river at sunrise. Whatever brings you here, Varanasi rarely lets visitors leave unchanged.

🕌
1,000+
Temples in the City
🌅
Daily
Ganga Aarti Ceremony
🧵
UNESCO
Recognised Silk Craft
☸️
10 km
To Sarnath (Buddha)

Category 01

Sacred Ghats of Varanasi

The ghats are the soul of Varanasi. These broad stone steps descend from the city’s lanes to the river, and each one carries its own character, history, and purpose. There are over 80 ghats in the city — these are the eight most significant for visitors.

01
Sacred Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat

This is the ghat that most people picture when they think of Varanasi. Located at the end of Vishwanath Gali, Dashashwamedh Ghat is the site of the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony held every evening without fail, rain or shine. As dusk settles over the river, priests in saffron robes perform a choreographed ritual of fire, incense, and chanting that draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists alike.

💡 Visitor tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find a good vantage point on the steps or hire a small boat on the river for an unforgettable view.
02
Sacred Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika is Varanasi’s primary cremation ghat, operating around the clock, every day of the year. Hindus believe that dying in Kashi and being cremated here grants moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Funeral pyres burn continuously, and the entire scene is approached with quiet dignity by those who understand its profound significance.

🙏 Important: This is a place for respectful observation, not photography. Visit with sensitivity and follow the guidance of locals.
03
Sacred Ghat

Assi Ghat

Located at the southernmost end of the main ghat stretch, Assi Ghat is more relaxed and less crowded than the central ghats. It is a favourite among students, yogis, and long-term visitors to the city. Early morning here is particularly peaceful — you will find people meditating, practising yoga, bathing, and offering prayers at a small Shiva shrine near the steps.

🧘 Best for: Early morning yoga, quiet reflection, and a genuinely local Varanasi atmosphere.
04
Sacred Ghat

Panchganga Ghat

As the name suggests, Panchganga Ghat is the mythological meeting point of five rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kirana, and Dhutapapa. It is a site of deep spiritual importance and is particularly crowded during certain Hindu festivals. The Alamgir Mosque rises dramatically above this ghat, creating a striking visual contrast emblematic of Varanasi’s layered history.

📸 Photo opportunity: The mosque-over-ghat view is one of the most photogenic and historically complex scenes in the city.
05
Sacred Ghat

Kedar Ghat

Marked by its distinctive red and white striped entrance, Kedar Ghat houses a Shiva temple mirroring the iconography of Kedarnath. Frequented mainly by devotees from South India and Bengal, the atmosphere here is quieter and more contemplative than at the central ghats.

06
Sacred Ghat

Ahilyabai Ghat

Named after the great Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who restored many of Varanasi’s temples in the 18th century, this ghat is historically rich and architecturally elegant — a quieter alternative to its famous neighbour, Dashashwamedh.

07
Sacred Ghat

Shivala Ghat

Also known as Kali Ghat, Shivala Ghat is home to a large Shiva temple and a historic rest house originally built for Nepalese royalty. The colonial-era bungalow from the Peshwa period adds an extra layer of architectural interest.

08
Sacred Ghat

Rana Mahal Ghat

One of the lesser-visited ghats, Rana Mahal offers an intimate riverside experience. The old palace structures have an aged, crumbling grandeur that photographers and architecture lovers find particularly compelling — without the crowds.

Category 02

Major Temples of Varanasi

Varanasi has been called the city of temples — with thousands of shrines within the city limits. These six are the most significant for visitors of all backgrounds.

09
Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the most revered shrines in all of Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — sacred shrines where Shiva is said to be present in the form of light. The surrounding Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, which opened in 2021, dramatically improved access from the Ganges and transformed the area around the temple. The adjacent lanes are a labyrinth of devotion, commerce, and history.

ℹ️ Access: The inner sanctum is restricted to Hindus, but the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and surroundings are open to all visitors.
10
Temple

Tulsi Manas Temple

Built in 1964 on the site where saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas is believed to have composed the Ramcharitmanas, this white marble temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Its walls are inscribed with verses from one of the most beloved texts in Hindi literature, making it both a place of worship and a living monument to Indian literary heritage.

📖 Unique feature: The marble walls carry verses of the entire Ramcharitmanas — a remarkable reading experience in itself.
11
Temple

Durga Temple

Commonly known as the Monkey Temple, this striking red Nagara-style structure from the 18th century is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It sits beside a sacred tank called Durga Kund and is especially vibrant during Navaratri festivals.

12
Temple

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Founded by Tulsidas himself, this beloved temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is believed to grant relief from troubles — hence “Sankat Mochan” (liberator from suffering). The warm, community-centred atmosphere is quite unlike the grand pilgrimage temples.

13
Temple

Nepal Temple (Lalita Gauri)

Gifted by the royal family of Nepal, this temple near Lalita Ghat features traditional Nepalese pagoda-style architecture — rare in India. The wooden carvings and tiered structure make it visually distinct from surrounding temples.

14
Temple

Bharat Mata Temple

Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, this unique temple houses a large relief map of undivided India carved in marble — dedicated to Mother India as a concept. A secular pilgrimage site celebrating the country’s geography and unity.

Category 03

Historical & Cultural Landmarks

Beyond the ghats and temples, Varanasi holds a rich heritage of historical monuments, educational institutions, and architectural marvels that reveal the city’s many-layered past.

15
Heritage Site

Sarnath

Just 10 kilometres from central Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is here that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting the “wheel of dharma” in motion. The site contains ancient stupas, the towering Dhamekh Stupa from the 5th century CE, and the Sarnath Museum — home to the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka that became the national emblem of India.

🚗 Getting there: A 20-30 minute auto-rickshaw ride from central Varanasi. Easily combined as a half-day trip.
16
Heritage Site

Ramnagar Fort and Museum

Situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges, directly across from the main city, Ramnagar Fort was built in the 18th century and remains the ancestral home of the Maharajas of Banaras. The museum contains a remarkable collection including vintage cars, weapons, ivory works, palanquins, and astronomical clocks. The cream-coloured Chunar sandstone construction, in Mughal-style architecture, is worth the short boat ride across the river.

⛵ Getting there: A short boat ride across the Ganges from the main ghats is the most atmospheric way to arrive.
17
Observatory

Man Mandir Observatory

Built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, this astronomical observatory near Manikarnika Ghat houses instruments that measured stellar positions and tracked celestial movements with remarkable precision. One of five Jantar Mantars across northern India — and one of the most underrated sites in Varanasi.

18
Mosque

Alamgir Mosque

Standing above Panchganga Ghat, this 17th-century mosque built by Aurangzeb features an architectural hybrid of Mughal minarets and temple-like lower structures. Viewed from the ghats below, it is one of the most historically striking silhouettes in the city.

19
University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Founded in 1916, BHU is one of Asia’s largest residential universities. Its sprawling 1,300-acre campus houses the beautiful Vishwanath Temple (open to all) and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum with its impressive collection of miniature paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

20
Market

Godowlia Market & Vishwanath Gali

The commercial heart of the old city — a chaotic, colourful stretch selling flowers, temple offerings, Banarasi silk sarees, and silver jewellery. Vishwanath Gali branches off toward the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, lined with sweet shops and the famous Banarasi paan.

Practical Travel Tips for Varanasi

🌤 Best Time to Visit October to March offers the most comfortable weather. The Ganga Mahotsav festival in November is one of the city’s most spectacular cultural events.
🛺 Getting Around Most ghats are best explored on foot. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws cover longer distances. Cycling is a wonderful way to explore at sunrise.
🌅 Sunrise Boat Ride A boat ride between 5:30 and 6:30 AM is one of the defining Varanasi experiences. Many guesthouses arrange these — ask at check-in.
🍽 Local Food to Try Kachori sabzi for breakfast, thandai, Banarasi paan, malaiyo (winter sweet), and chaat near the Godowlia crossing are essential tastes.
🧵 Shopping Advice For authentic Banarasi silk, visit weavers’ workshops in the Peeli Kothi and Madanpura areas. Always ask for the GI-tag certification.
🙏 Temple Etiquette Remove footwear before entering temples. Dress modestly. Photography is restricted inside most temple sanctuaries — always check first.

Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the holiest city in Hinduism. It is famous for its sacred ghats along the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas), the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony, Banarasi silk weaving, and its deep associations with Indian spiritual and literary traditions. The city is also a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and Buddhists, with Sarnath located just 10 km away.
A minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended to cover the main ghats, key temples, and a visit to Sarnath. For a more relaxed and immersive experience, 4 to 5 days allows you to explore the city’s lanes, markets, and cultural offerings at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and is the best place to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. For a quieter, more meditative experience, Assi Ghat is ideal — especially at dawn. Manikarnika Ghat offers one of the most philosophically significant experiences the city has to offer, best approached respectfully and without a camera.
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, including solo travellers and foreign visitors. The city receives millions of pilgrims and international tourists each year. As with any busy city, standard precautions around keeping belongings secure and avoiding poorly lit areas late at night are advisable.
Most temples in Varanasi welcome visitors of all faiths, including the Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, and the BHU Vishwanath Temple. The inner sanctum of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is restricted to Hindus, but the surrounding Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is open to all visitors.
Banarasi silk is a handwoven textile tradition recognised by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, meaning authentic sarees can only be produced in the Varanasi region. The finest pieces feature intricate gold and silver brocade work. For genuine pieces, visit weavers’ workshops in the Peeli Kothi and Madanpura areas, or established stores in Godowlia and Chowk. Always ask for GI certification.
Yes, and it should be. Sarnath is just 10 km from central Varanasi and is easily visited as a half-day trip. Most visitors combine it with an afternoon in the city. It is one of the most important Buddhist heritage sites in India — home to the Dhamekh Stupa, ancient monasteries, and the Sarnath Museum housing the original Lion Capital of Ashoka.
Varanasi’s street food culture is exceptional. Must-try items include kachori sabzi for breakfast (especially from the older establishments in the Godowlia area), thandai (a spiced milk drink), Banarasi paan, malaiyo (a delicate seasonal winter sweet made from milk foam), and the chaat at Deena Chaat Bhandar near the Godowlia crossing.

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Related Travel Guides

📅 Best Time to Visit Varanasi → 🗺️ Varanasi 3-Day Itinerary → 🔥 Ganga Aarti: Complete Guide → ☸️ Sarnath Tourist Guide → 🏛️ Things to Do in Uttar Pradesh → 🧵 Banarasi Silk Buyer’s Guide → 🍛 Street Food Guide: Varanasi → 🏨 Where to Stay in Varanasi →