Top 10 Must See Attractions In Varanasi and Nearby

Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh is often called the spiritual capital of India. Also known as Kashi, it is one of the seven holy cities for Hindus.

Continually inhabited since the 11^th century BCE, the city offers an overwhelming experience of sights, sounds and smells.

Pilgrims come to the ghats along the bank of River Ganga to wash away their sins in the holy water or to cremate their loved ones.

Along the colourful winding streets of Varanasi are numerous temples, historic architecture and backpacker’s hostels that contribute to its distinct and eclectic culture.

Every evening after the aarti countless oil lamps are floated in the river creating a breathtaking magical atmosphere.

From the views of sunrise or sunset from a boat to burning funeral pyres on the banks dotted with sanyasis and mystics, Varanasi offers a truly unparalleled experience.

Here are some of the sites that you must visit while you’re in this city.

The Ghats

The ghats along the bank of Ganges lend Varanasi its distinct flavour. Explore them by foot or you can take a boat ride on the river to watch all the ghats together. The most important ghats that you must visit are the following.

• DasaswamedhGhat

Situated near the Vishwanath temple, this ghat holds the grand aarti every evening.

• Manikarnika Ghat

This is the main cremation ghat and it is believed that those who are cremated here attain moksha.

• AssiGhat

The furthest south of all the ghats, Assighat is located where the river Assi meets the Ganges. Pilgrims come to worship a Shiva lingam beneath a peepul tree located here.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dedicated to Vishweshwara or Shiva as the lord of the universe, the tower of the temple is plated with 800 Kg of gold. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered to be one of the most sacred Hindu temples.

Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort Situated across the river opposite Tulsighat, the once majestic fort now lies in almost ruins. Open to visitors from 10 am to 5.30 pm, it is a great spot to view the setting sun.

Man Mandir Observatory

Close to Dasaswamedhghat, the Man Mandir observatory is located atop Man Mahal and displays different astronomical instruments from the 18^th century.

Alamgir Mosque

Located at a site above the Panchgangaghat, Alamgir mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17^th century.

Chunar Fort

Chunar Fort is located 14 miles south-west of Varanasi in the Mirzapur district. The earliest recorded history of the fort can be traced back to the 16^th century as a garrison of Babar.

The fort later came under the control of Sher Shah, Humayun, Akbar and the British East India Company.

Sarnath

The city of Sarnath is located 13 Km north-east of Varanasi, at the confluence of rivers Ganges and Varuna. It is an extremely important site of Buddhist pilgrimage because Buddha delivered his first sermon here. Important sites to visit include the Dhamek stupa, Chaukhandi stupa and Ashoka’s pillar.

Banaras Hindu University

Established in 1916, BHU was the first university established by the nationalist leaders. Mahatma Gandhi delivered his first public address on the occasion of its inauguration.

• Shri Vishwanath Mandir

The architecture of the temple is inspired by the old Vishwanath temple and it was built by the Birla family in the heart of Banaras Hindu University.

• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Built-in 1920 with Rabindranath Tagore as its honorary chairman, the museum holds an excellent collection of Indian paintings, archaeological artefacts, textiles and costumes, as well as literary and archival materials.

These are some of the places that must absolutely be on your itinerary while you’re visiting Varanasi.